Light Pollution Apps
Measure light pollution and track sky brightness with scientific accuracy. Help researchers understand the impact of artificial light on our environment and astronomy.
Our light pollution apps transform any smartphone into a powerful tool for environmental monitoring. These apps enable users to contribute to real scientific research while helping protect our night skies.
Dark Sky Meter
The proven choice for citizen science. Dark Sky Meter makes light pollution measurement accessible to everyone. Point your phone at the sky, tap measure, and contribute to global research in seconds.
Dark Sky Meter provides calibrated measurements suitable for scientific research and environmental monitoring.
- Simple & Fast: Get accurate readings in seconds
- Citizen Science Ready: Automatic data contribution to global databases
- Proven Track Record: Trusted by researchers worldwide since 2013
Dark Sky Meter Pro
Observatory-grade accuracy for serious astronomers and researchers. Built from the ground up with RAW sensor access, advanced calibration, and professional features for site surveys and scientific documentation.
- RAW Sensor Access: Bypass JPEG compression for maximum accuracy
- Personalization: Calibrate to your specific device and observing conditions
- Improved Layout: Redesigned interface for field use
Dark Sky Meter for Android
Experimental Android port now available. Bringing sky brightness measurement to Android users. Currently free during the beta period.
How It Works
Both apps use your smartphone's camera sensor to measure the brightness of the night sky, providing calibrated readings in standard astronomical units. Pro takes this further with RAW data processing for measurements that rival dedicated sky quality meters.
Why this matters: Light pollution affects wildlife migration, plant growth cycles, human sleep patterns, and our ability to see stars. Systematic monitoring helps inform lighting policies and conservation efforts.
Loss of the Night
Track the visibility of stars and measure light pollution by observing how many stars you can see with the naked eye. This citizen science app helps researchers understand global light pollution trends.
- Star Visibility Mapping: Record which stars are visible from your location
- Light Pollution Tracking: Contribute to global databases
- Educational Content: Learn about constellations and star identification
- Global Community: Join thousands of citizen scientists worldwide
Research Impact
Our light pollution apps are used by researchers and organizations worldwide:
- Dark Sky Organizations - Light pollution monitoring and advocacy
- Environmental Research Groups - Studying impacts of artificial lighting
- University Astronomy Departments - Educational and research projects
- Citizen Science Projects - Global monitoring campaigns
- Amateur Astronomy Clubs - Site evaluation and sky quality assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these apps free to use?
Loss of the Night is completely free. Dark Sky Meter is available as a paid app with additional features for professional use.
Do I need special equipment?
No special equipment is required. All apps work with standard smartphones.
Which smartphones are compatible?
Most modern Android and iOS devices from the past 5-7 years are supported.
How does my data contribute to research?
Your measurements contribute to global databases used by researchers studying environmental impacts of artificial lighting, informing policies and conservation efforts.