Light Pollution Source Identification Study

 

Overview

The Light Pollution Source Identification Study (LPSID Study) is being performed to develop methods to identify exact sources of light pollution, measure the effect of the source, and measure the effect current mitigation methods have on specific sources. 

Methodology

Comparisons of measures Sky Quality via a Sky Quality Meter (SQM) and drone photography will be used to determine the gross location of light pollution.

Desired Basic Results

Upon completion of the study we are hoping to achive the following items.

1. Identify specific ground light sources that are effecting the sky quality of an area.
2. Determine a relationship between zenith measured SQM reading at highly lit locations to an angular mesured SQM reading at the sky observation point.
3. Determine and quantify non light pollution factor in SQM readings.
4. Use the relationship of SQM readings and non light pollution factors to estimate the improvment and degridation of the current sky quality if lighting is added, removed, or modified.