how do you find out dark sky magnitudes for your area?
Look up, If you can see anything, its dark. :cheesy:
Use Ursa Minor as your viewing chart, work out what the dimmest star is you can see and take it from there.
(http://astrobob.areavoices.com/files/2010/12/UMi-mags2-1024x780.jpg)
Mac
Or...................
A simulation is here (and somewhere on this site)
http://www.need-less.org.uk/night%20sky%20simulator.html# (http://www.need-less.org.uk/night%20sky%20simulator.html#)
The stars inside the SQUARE OF PEGASUS (http://freestarcharts.com/index.php/stars/17-guides/stars/17-how-dark-are-your-night-skies) also make a good indicator.
Or..............................
Get one of these and don't trust your eyes ;)
http://www.altairastro.com/product.php?productid=16244 (http://www.altairastro.com/product.php?productid=16244)
I've always used the Bortle Scale, non technical but simple explanation.
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-resources/light-pollution-and-astronomy-the-bortle-dark-sky-scale/
Carole
Thanks for all that. what is it that Mark holds up to the sky to measure it. eg Kielder is 21.9
One of these
http://www.altairastro.com/product.php?productid=16244 (http://www.altairastro.com/product.php?productid=16244)
thats it Mick
Why do you want to know Fay?
someone was asking about my skies.