Honestly think light pollution apps are overrated for backyard viewing

Last month I tried using a light pollution map app to find the darkest spot in my yard, but it told me my whole area was a 6 on the Bortle scale. I ignored it and set up in my usual corner anyway, and I saw the Andromeda Galaxy clear as day through my 8-inch Dobsonian - way better than the app predicted. Anyone else find those maps way too pessimistic?

3 comments

3 Comments

victor_carr251mo ago

The Bortle scale is just a rough guide, not a hard rule for your backyard.

cameronb521mo agoMost Upvoted

Oh man, I totally used to think the Bortle scale was like gospel truth for figuring out what you could see. I'd look up my zone and feel bummed out, thinking I was stuck with just the moon and planets. But then I started hearing stories from folks in class 8 or 9 zones pulling off deep sky stuff with good dark adaptation and really tight filters. It's crazy how much local light pollution patterns and the weather can change things from night to night. You're right, it's more of a rough idea than anything set in stone.

oscarb715d ago

Victory, you just debunked my entire astronomy hobby in one sentence, lol.