People in Gedling borough are being asked to take part in an annual Star Count from this weekend to record our view of the night sky.
CPRE, the countryside charity, has teamed up with the British Astronomical Association’s Commission for Dark Skies to find indications of light pollution levels across the country.
From February 6 to 14, the public are asked to look heavenwards during a clear night and count how many stars within Orion they can spot.
The counting of the number of stars people see in the Orion constellation will help scientists map the best and worst places in England to enjoy a star-filled night sky.
The results will be compared with 2020’s findings, gathered before coronavirus restrictions took hold, which revealed that 61% of participants live with severe light pollution.
Many studies found changes in other types of pollution during lockdown compared to before, but until now, few have focused on the often overlooked, but hugely important, problem of light pollution.
Light pollution means many people only experience a limited view of the night sky, and it also disrupts wildlife’s natural patterns.
By showing where views are most affected by light pollution, CPRE can use this evidence in crucial lobbying efforts to protect and enhance the nation’s dark skies, improving our health, wellbeing, wildlife and the environment.
Crispin Truman, chief executive of CPRE, the countryside charity, said: ‘A starry night sky is one of the most magical sights the countryside can offer, connecting us to the nature we all love and the wonders of the wider universe.
“Dark skies are also crucial for our health and for that of wildlife. Lockdown and the coronavirus have reminded us about how good for us the countryside can be.
“But many places suffer from light pollution, bleaching out the night sky. We want to change this. By taking part in Star Count, people will be helping us to lobby the government for more protection of this too often overlooked, but vital, part of our countryside.”
How to spot Orion
Those taking part can spot Orion by looking due south and finding a diagonal line of three bright stars. These stars are know as Orion’s Belt. Looking for Orion’s Belt in the night sky is the easiest way to locate Orion in the sky.
The trio of stars will be surrounded by a larger rectangle of four stars.
Participants should count the number of stars they can see within the rectangle. That includes three stars in the middle – the belt – but not the corner stars.
You can find more details about this year’s StarCount here: https://www.cpre.org.uk/what-we-care-about/nature-and-landscapes/dark-skies/star-count-2021/
