Knightware's SQM Reader Pro 3 software has been updated recently, gaining an important new feature for users that want to contribute sky brightness readings from Unihedron's Sky Quality Meters to researchers.
The latest update provides the ability to upload readings directly to the Globe at Night Sky Brightness Monitoring Network (GaN-MN). The data are collected and curated for accuracy and stored in a database so that it can be shared with researchers worldwide. The data are used by researcher in various disciplines such as astronomy, human biology and animal migration, for example. Unihedron's Sky Quality Meters and Knightware's SQM Reader Pro 3 provide off-the-shelf tools that make collecting and submitting data a snap.
SQM Reader Pro 3 Upload to GaN-MN |
As the body of sky brightness data grows, we can also track the progress of light pollution mitigation efforts. As municipalities consider their lighting ordinances, the sky brightness data can provide an objective reason to update or reduce lighting.
If you want to participate in the Globe at Night Sky Brightness Monitoring Network, you can get more information by contacting globeatnight.network@gmail.com (or gan-mn@qq.com for users in China).
Knightware would like to thank both Dr.
Chu-Wing So (The University of Hong Kong) and Ms. Amy Jackson, M.S.T. (Director
of Starry Sky Austin- Astronomy and Dark Sky Education and Conservation, IDA
Texas- Central Texas Regional Manager) for their assistance in developing and testing
the GaN-MN data submission feature.