Student Research Reports

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During the winter of 2023, a group of researchers from Crestwood High School in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, collected data in two specific locations to measure the amount of light pollution in suburban regions. Using the Unihedron Sky Quality Meter (SQM), Vernier Go Direct Weather Device, and observational skills, the group recorded the night sky brightness (NSB), various atmospheric parameters, and ground/weather conditions, respectively. The Unihedron SQM measured NSB in magnitudes per arcsecond2. The collected data from the Vernier Weather Device was then compared with atmospheric data from a research-grade Weather Network HD CCD Video Camera (Weather Station) located on the roof of the school building. Atmospheric protocols collected and compared between the Vernier Weather Device and the Weather Station included barometric pressure, relative humidity, and air temperature. Lastly, the researchers recorded weather conditions, including precipitation, such as snowfall. The data mentioned above was collected each day at approximately two hours after sunset from 20 November 2023 to 19 December 2023. Comparing trends in NSB with those in atmospheric data allowed the group to correlate the relationship between light pollution and weather conditions. Furthermore, the usage of both the Vernier Weather Device and the Weather Station allowed for the testing of the accuracy of the Vernier Weather Device. Moving forward, the researchers intend to share and analyze the collected data with local environmentalists and community members. Additionally, the group recommends the usage of the Vernier Weather Device by citizen scientists around the world for atmospheric data collection.