I'm really not certain what it means when folks say viewing conditionswere
"magnitude 6.0 sky"

When you hear 'a mag. 6 sky', it's referring to the LVM (limiting visual
magnitude), usually measured at the zenith or at least the darkest
section of the sky at the observing site. This tells you the dimmest
magnitude stars that could be detected naked-eye.
The Great Square is often used, as is the Little Dipper.
The two are featured with alot more info he

http://www.phys-astro.sonoma.edu/obs...magnitude.html

SSX

Thank you for your answer and for the link -- very helpful, exactly what I
needed.

Very welcome. Let us know if you find any of those mag.6 or better skies and
your observations. Always interested in new dark sites to visit or recommend.

SSX