The Darkest Skies
in Nebraska

"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Carnegie Hill in Agate Fossil Beds NM on 7/16/2006. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.91 SQM."

"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Merritt Reservoir in Nebraska Star Party on 8/10/2010. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.8 SQM."

"Low extinction night, super bright zodical light, Gegenshein visible. Airglow visible beween 4-5. Earlier sets had bright zodiacal and gegenshein. 21.67 SQM. Bortle 2 possible without the direct glare."

"Aurora Borealis dominated the northern horizon. Milky Way was bright and detaield, visible almost horizon to horizon. Only one light dome visible from Valentine, NE but it was very small and extremely faint. Otherwise a pristine site with natural night sky conditions."

"Sky quality measurements were recorded at Heritage Center in Homestead NM on 9/27/2005. The site demonstrated a scientific darkness reading of 21.37 SQM."

"20.5 SQM at zenith. M33 naked eye. Brightest lights from the north. Some humidity building up later in the evening."

"Clear sky in general; only 1% of cloud coverage (near the horizon). Visibility during daytime is roughly 150 miles. Milky Way is overhead during the observation with dark lanes visible but not the fine features."