Measuring Sky Brightness

Sky Brightness Measurement Program

Our Chapter has partnered with Truman State University in Kirksville, MO, to offer two exciting programs that provide public institutions such as parks, recreational areas, educational institutions and municipalities with "Sky Quality Meters" ("SQM") to measure sky brightness at their location. Data collected by these SQMs will be used in scientific analysis and to develop programs to reduce light pollution.  Funding for the purchase of the SQM's is provided by the NASA-Missouri Space Grant Consortium. 

Take Action:

If you already have an SQM and would like to contribute your measurements to our study, please Register Your Site.

If you are interested in applying for a one-year loaner under our program, please Apply.

Sky Quality Meter Locations

Note: The publishing of graphs related to this project has been temporarily delayed due to COVID-19.

ACTIVE - IDA Missouri program

1. ASKC Kansas City, MO (Z5) - View details
2. ASKC, Lawson, MO (Z5) - View details
3. Broemmelsiek Park, Defiance, MO (Z2) - View details
4. City of Ozark, MO (Z4) -View details
5. City of Perryville, MO (Z3) - View details
6. Jefferson College, Hillsboro, MO (Z2) - View details
7. Laws Observatory, Columbia, MO (Z6) - View details
8. Litzsinger Road Ecology Center, Ladue, MO (Z2) - View details
9. Magruder Hall, Kirksville, MO (Z1) - View details
10. Mineral Area College, Park Hills, MO (Z3) - View details
11. Missouri State Parks at Echo Bluff (Z3) - View details
12. Missouri State Parks at Grand Gulf (Z3) - View details
13. Missouri State Parks at Thousand Hills (Z1) - View details
14. S&T Astronomical Society, Rolla, MO (Z3) - View details
15. Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO (Z3) - View details
16. Stacy Park, Olivette, MO (Z2) - View details
17. Truman State Observatory, Kirksville, MO (Z1) - View details

ACTIVE - Owned by individuals or organizations:

1. Buford Mountain (Z3) - View details
2. James S. McDonnell Planetarium (Z2) - View details

NOT ACTIVE - Previous installations under IDA Missouri program

1. Gateway Arch National Park (Z2) - View details