The following map shows the level of light pollution - i.e., sky brightness - near Sierra Skies Observatory. SO NEAR, YET SO FAR! We are within 30 miles (50Km) of truly dark skies, just up Highway 50 into the Sierras. Unfortunately, our actual location - on the first foothill overlooking the Sacramento valley - is on the edge of the Sacramento light dome. However, if we face East, toward the skies over the Sierra Nevada mountains, we typically have skies of about 19.75-20.10 magnitudes per square arcsecond - not too horrible for an urban location. Thus, the name of our observatory "Sierra Skies".