PSA: Don't trust the 'dark sky' map near a new housing development

I drove out to a spot near the new Oakwood Estates in Shelbyville last weekend, based on a light pollution map I checked. The map still showed it as a dark green zone, perfect for viewing. Got there at 10 PM, set up my 8-inch Dob, and within 20 minutes, security lights from a dozen new houses just over the hill flooded the whole area. Couldn't see the Milky Way at all, which was the whole point. The maps aren't updating fast enough for new construction. Has anyone found a better way to check if a spot is actually still dark before making the drive?

3 comments

3 Comments

palmer.spencer27d ago

Unreal. Those maps are basically just guessing once the bulldozers show up. You almost need to do night-time recon now before you haul your gear out. Total waste of a trip.

wesleyc7526d ago

Yeah, that's brutal, @palmer.spencer. Sounds like you need a spy satellite, not a map app.

kimg5727d ago

My buddy had the same thing happen at the old quarry site. He drove an hour only to find a brand new car dealership with stadium lighting. We started checking the county building permit website first, but even that's a few months behind.