Open the worldwide light pollution map
Color Scale: 
What do the colors mean?
Update: (September 2018)
Version 3 of the light pollution map is now live
Google recently announced a massive price increase for users of their maps API. If you’ve recently seen errors while trying to use the light pollution map, that’s why. I used to like Google Maps. But because of this change I had to rebuild the map page. It is now based on OpenStreetMap, using the Leaflet library and Mapbox platform. While rebuilding I was also able to add a few new features.
← Layers/Dark Site Placemarks Button
← Geolocate Button
← Open Information Panel
- Instead of being on a separate page, the dark site placemarks are now integrated into the map as a layer (turned off by default).
- The geolocate button actually works now, which is especially useful for mobile devices. Make sure you’re on the secure (https) page for it to work.
- There’s a small information panel with some navigation links.
- The map is easier to share since the URL changes as you move around.
I’m still working out some of the bugs, but I’ll continue trying to find ways to improve the site. Thank you to everyone who continued to visit despite the errors, and thank you also to those who have submitted their favorite dark sites.
Keep in mind that the light pollution data in this map is from 2006 and may have changed slightly. Also check to see if the moon phase is favorable before heading out to darker skies.