This webpage may be printed out by anyone, but is intended for use by those in our Jackson (Hole) Astronomy Club, using our (2) SQMs.  To be consistent with readings posted on this website, this form provides a checklist for what we desire/require, to maintain that consistency.  Readings should be accomplished only on moonless nights.  (A Garmin GPS 38 unit is available for location ID from the club, courtesy Dan and Sharon Smitherman.)  Please use your own batteries in the unit as it only requires 4 AA types.  (Turn D ring on bottom of GPS to open.)  With SQM, a 9V is included.  Slide compartment door on back of SQM to access 9V battery, place battery in & remove when done.  (Keep in the ziploc bag.)  Remove when done, so that they don't drain away with lack of use, or eventually corrode terminals in the unit. Take a second and third reading within several minutes of the first to assure accuracy.

HOW TO OPERATE SQM & TAKE MEASUREMENTS
1. 9V battery installed
2. Point the unit vertically, sensor pointed directly up toward zenith of sky
3. Press button firmly, release, and wait.
4. A reading will appear, probably within about 15-30 seconds.
5. Notate this reading and as this is so easy, take 2 more over the next couple of minutes.
6. Take avg. reading to report for your location
7. A copy of the above info is on our website.
8. If you press the button again, you'll get consecutive readings of temperature in C & F, of the unit. If it has been inside, it will read that temperature until it adapts to outdoor temp. Temp will not affect the readings.
9. You can read other nearby light sources for info or amusement, by aiming it toward those sources & pressing the red button.

Measure with no moon, on a clear night w/very good to excellent seeing conditons.

Info needed, print this guideline or notate on separate sheet:

      5.                  Also: GPS if available, nearby ground lighting (airport, street lights, neighbor yard light, ball park, etc.)  Provide in format of Degrees, minutes, seconds, NOT Decimal degrees.

      6.                  Zenith info: tail of Big Dipper, center of Cygnus in Milky Way present, Capella, M31, Vega, etc.

      7.                  Other info: ie. Avg. of 3 readings.  You can, and are encouraged, to take the SQM on a trip & take readings to
                  be logged upon your return.  Just let the custodian know in advance.

Call Walt with info (733.2173) or give them to him when you return the SQM.  Or, call Walt to provide readings verbally & to find out whom to pass the SQM to next.  It is the reader’s responsibility to return the SQM to Walt, not for Walt to chase after the unit to retrieve it.  Walt is at 505 Ponderosa Dr., at the corner of S. Ponderosa Lp. & Spring Gulch Rd. across from the airport.  If no one else is currently on the wait list, the unit should be returned to Walt within 2 wks. or by the NEXT meeting.  Your readings will be logged onto the club website’s dedicated page for this info: www.theastrocowboy.com/Astro/SQM.htm   for access by anyone who wishes to see the readings.