Star Count is now open for submissions!
Just look up to the Sky on a clear night from now until 14 February and tell us how many stars you can see within the constellation of Orion.
Sadly light pollution means most people in England can’t see many stars at all, Less than 3% of people that took part last year enjoyed ‘truly dark skies’.
Star Count helps us find out where is best and worst for seeing the stars, and by showing on a map where light pollution is most serious, we can work with local councils and others to tackle it.
So, your count could help others to enjoy the stars in the future!
Here are 5 simple steps you can follow to take part in Star Count
1. Try to pick a clear night for your count, and wait until after 7pm so the sky is really dark. Please do your Star Count from home only. This could be your garden, balcony, doorstep or bedroom window.
2. Turn off all the lights in your home and let your eyes adjust (the longer you wait, the better).
3. Look south and find the Orion constellation, with its four corners and three-star ‘belt’.
4. Count the number of stars you can see within the rectangle made by the four corner stars. Don’t count the corner stars, but you can count the three stars in the middle – the belt.
5. Make a note of the number of stars seen with the naked eye (not with telescopes or binoculars) and then submit your count on our website.
Here’s an image to help you find Orion.
Find out more
