It's easy to do and lots of fun. To join the 2014 Star Count, simply go out after dark any time between Wednesday 26 February and Saturday 8 March, and count the number of stars you can see within the four corner points of the Orion constellation - not including these four corner stars. Afterwards, enter the information with CPRE.
The results will be used by CPRE to put together a Star Count Map, highlighting areas of light pollution. Seeing more than thirty stars within Orion means you're lucky enough to have truly dark skies; fewer than ten indicates severe light pollution.
It's becoming harder to see the stars at night, as light from our streets and buildings breaks into the darkness. By taking part in our Star Count you will be helping CPRE find out which part of the country has the darkest skies where the most stars can be seen. The results will help us highlight the problem of light pollution, which is spoiling the natural beauty of the night sky. Although it raises a serious issue, star gazing with friends and family can be lots of fun too!
The easiest way to find Orion is to look in the southwest sky. You are looking for three bright stars close together in an almost-straight line. These three stars represent Orion's belt. The two bright stars to the north are his shoulders and the two to the south are his feet, you don't need to count the corner points, just the stars you can see within them.
Peter Hudson, Chairman of the Bedford Astronomical Society is also encouraging people to take part and suggests some tips to get the most out of your sky during your Star Count:
"When doing your Star Count allow your eyes to get adjusted to the dark for 5 -10 minutes, this will make a difference to how many stars you notice. Shield yourself from artificial lights as they will prevent your eyes becoming dark adapted, and wait until after the waxing crescent Moon has set if counting during early March."
Bedford Astronomical Society's website has more hints about getting the most from your Star Count.
Find out more about the Dark Skies project on CPRE's website.
