Sky Quality Meters

What is a Sky Quality Meter (SQM)? A sky quality meter (SQM) is an instrument used to measure the luminance of the night sky. Amateur astronomers typically use it to quantify the skyglow aspect of light pollution and use units of "magnitudes per square arcsecond" favored by astronomers.

FAQ’s

How do I set up and install a Sky Quality Meter (SQM?)

What is the best location to install an SQM?

Rural, city, and in-between locations—all provide useful data! If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer and managing a Sky Quality Meter, please get in touch with us.

How many SQMs are currently installed around Oregon?

There are currently 52 Sky Quality Meters installed around Oregon, and another 15 locations are under discussion. The latest map can be seen on our Measuring the Night Sky’s Brightness page.

What will you do with the SQM data I share with you?

The data provided will be used to analyze the overall night brightness in Oregon and published semi-annually as part of our Oregon Skyglow Measurement Network—Technical Report. The last report was published in March 2023.

Where can I learn more about SQMs?

DarkSky International: How to Conduct a Night Sky Quality Survey

Manufacturers Page: Unihedron Project Darksky