Annual satellite layer
2025
Latest completed annual layer, based on annual NOAA VIIRS night-light inputs.
Transparency & maintenance
About Light Pollution Map and its data
LightPollutionMap.app is developed and maintained by the Stargazing Hub Team. The map separates completed annual satellite layers from provisional estimates so users can see what each year label means.
Current data status
Provisional estimate
2026
Model estimate, revised as additional monthly inputs become available. It is not a completed annual satellite layer.
Coverage note: Monthly inputs are added as they become available.
How the map is produced
- 01 · Satellite input
Annual night-light composites from NOAA VIIRS provide the principal artificial-light input for the annual layers.
- 02 · Sky-brightness model
Our production pipeline converts night-light inputs into modeled sky-brightness values. Map values are not raw satellite pixels or on-site SQM measurements.
- 03 · Public interpretation
SQM is the more precise comparison value. Bortle class is presented as a simplified reference derived from modeled brightness, not as a direct field observation.
Update policy
- Annual layers are published after a completed annual source release is processed and checked.
- 2026 estimates may change as new monthly inputs are incorporated.
- The site’s “Last Updated” timestamp is the website build time. Data coverage is stated separately by layer and estimate year.
- Material corrections are reflected in the map, this page, and machine-readable site descriptions.
Sources and references
- NOAA VIIRS annual nighttime-light products — primary annual night-light input.
- David Lorenz light-pollution atlas references — public reference for light-pollution and SQM presentation.
Responsibility and contact
The Stargazing Hub Team is responsible for developing and maintaining the website, data presentation, model updates, and corrections.
How to cite this map
Include the selected layer or estimate label and your access date. Suggested citation:
Stargazing Hub Team. “Light Pollution Map.” LightPollutionMap.app, 2026, https://lightpollutionmap.app. Data view: [selected layer or estimate]; accessed [date].