Measuring Sky quality with an exposure meter - ?

[Fraunhoffer]

Having browsed the various 'sky quality' maps I wondered if it was possible to get a more accurate estimate of local conditions using a photo exposure meter.
I live very near some huge light domes, on a corner with 3 street lights and in a slight dip below a hill that seems to attract mist when the temperature drops.

I wondered if this sort of measurement was possible (I have an old exposure meter to hand).

Thanks

 

[Albir phil]

2 hours ago, Fraunhoffer said:

Having browsed the various 'sky quality' maps I wondered if it was possible to get a more accurate estimate of local conditions using a photo exposure meter.
I live very near some huge light domes, on a corner with 3 street lights and in a slight dip below a hill that seems to attract mist when the temperature drops.

I wondered if this sort of measurement was possible (I have an old exposure meter to hand).

Thanks

 

I suppose it would give you a measurement of sorts, but in the end sky quality is something we have to accept, are you thinking more like build up your own sky quality maps using the exposure meter. I think it would give you a idea on the night which you could then compare with other nights in the same location.,it is something I thought about at one time but never tried it Good luck 🤞👍

[Fraunhoffer]

20 minutes ago, Albir phil said:

I suppose it would give you a measurement of sorts, but in the end sky quality is something we have to accept, are you thinking more like build up your own sky quality maps using the exposure meter. I think it would give you a idea on the night which you could then compare with other nights in the same location.,it is something I thought about at one time but never tried it Good luck 🤞👍

I agree. Not much I can do about it. It would be useful to have something a bit more objective as I search for 'better' places to observe from.
Something more than stepping out of the car and going mmmm 🙂 

 

[josefk]

There is the “Dark Sky Meter” app for a phone/phone camera. I’m not sure how absolutely correct it is but for your own relative record over time it could be useful. I’ve found it quite educational using it over an extended period of time TBH. 

[josefk]

Uses your phone camera to do this:

[Deadlake]

On 10/11/2023 at 15:43, Albir phil said:

I suppose it would give you a measurement of sorts, but in the end sky quality is something we have to accept, are you thinking more like build up your own sky quality maps using the exposure meter. I think it would give you a idea on the night which you could then compare with other nights in the same location.,it is something I thought about at one time but never tried it Good luck 🤞👍

We do however it can vary over the night. maybe there is a better time for doing observations.

The phone app is not as good as dedicated unit.

[ollypenrice]

Very much respected is the Unihedron Sky Quality Metre and its results are a common scale used worldwide. I was given one by a guest and SGL member and it has performed flawlessly for years. One of my robotic observatory clients has one sampling the sky all the time, as well. A very, very good product.

http://www.unihedron.com/projects/darksky/

Olly

[scarp15]

As above by Olly, Unihedron SQM-L, will dependably provide a reading at the 40 degree point of sky you are observing in; measuring the level of sky background illumination. Provides an ambient temperature reading to. Used correctly (pointed at zenith with outstretched arm), a frequency of readings, will accurately determine an average observational magnitude over a particular time period.