Which is Better for Stargazing: Sea Level or High Elevation?

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Higher elevation generally offers better stargazing conditions due to reduced atmospheric absorption, but light pollution significantly impacts visibility. Observers at sea level in isolated areas may benefit from lower light pollution despite the elevation disadvantage. The discussion highlights that atmospheric effects become more pronounced at elevations above 50,000 feet, making lower elevations with minimal light pollution potentially preferable. Ultimately, the choice between a sea level site with low light pollution and a higher elevation site with nearby towns depends on the balance between atmospheric clarity and light interference. For optimal stargazing, minimizing light pollution is crucial.
sderamus
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Does anyone have a table or formula one can use to calculate the effect of one's elevation above sea level on observing stars? I recall seeing something once upon a time showing how much of an increase in magnitude one gets the higher one goes. But then I recently read that the atmospheric effect is minimal until one gets up above like 50,000 feet or something.

The reason I ask is that I have a choice of observing sites - one is at sea level, but fairly isolated from light pollution. The other is on top of a mountain approximately 3,400 feet above sea level, but there are towns in the valley that add to light pollution (it is green on the North American Light Pollution Map for those of you familiar with that). Which would be a better observing site?

Thanks!

Sterling
 
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The loss due to atmospheric absorption is less of an issue than light pollution.
 

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