The CPRE’s (Countryside Charity) Star Count will take place between 17-24 February 2023 – Join them in counting the stars in Orion

Dark and starry skies are a special part of enjoying our countryside. Nothing beats looking upwards to see twinkling constellations as far as the eye can see. Our buildings and roads emit light though and this can affect our view of truly dark skies, and cause problems for wildlife. The CPRE want to make sure that we can all enjoy starlit nights, and they need your help in measuring what effect light is having on our views of the galaxy.

By showing on a map where light pollution is most serious, they can work with local councils and others to decide what to do about it.

Every year they ask people from all across the country to become ‘citizen scientists’ and look heavenwards for one night. You don’t need any special equipment – it’s all done with the naked eye. It’s great for kids too, in fact they’ve even created a Star Count activity pack for kids aged five and up, which you can download here.

 Sign up for Star Count 2023 

CPRE Satellite imagery of light  blight around Whitchurch