The Great World Wide Star Count, 2008

Editor's Choice Join Stargazers Assessing Light Pollution October 20 to November 3

Oct 16, 2008 Kelly Whitt

Everyone is invited to head outside to start observing stars in order to create maps of the distribution of light pollution on Earth.

How much is light pollution affecting the sky where you live? How do the dark skies in your area compare to other places around the globe? To answer this question, scientists are asking people around the world to participate in a "star count" in order to assess dark-sky quality.

How to Help Map Light Pollution

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) in Boulder, Colorado, is holding its second annual Great World Wide Star Count running from October 20 through November 3. The project welcomes people from all backgrounds and all walks of life to head outdoors and report what they see. There are four basic steps to completing the project.

  1. Locate your target constellation. For participants in the Northern Hemisphere, that constellation is Cygnus the Swan. For those in the Southern Hemisphere, find Sagittarius the Archer.
  2. About an hour after sunset, when the sky is dark so that stars are no longer competing with remnant sunglow, begin your observation.
  3. You don't even have to count all the stars! Simply compare your sky with one of the magnitude charts online. Simply determine which chart best represents the view of your sky and the amount of stars you can see.
  4. Once you have determined the best match, report your observations.

It's as easy as that! In fact, it's so simple that observers are encouraged to make multiple observations. These observations can be made from your own backyard or any location you choose. For an easy, educational experience, try observing once in a city, once in the suburbs, and once in the countryside. You will be able to input data on your location for each report.

UCAR's Goals with the Star Count Project

This project is a way for more people to get involved in simple observing. "The star count brings families together to enjoy the night sky and become involved in science," says Dennis Ward of UCAR's Office of Education and Outreach. "It also raises awareness about the impact of artificial lighting on our ability to see the stars."

The 2007 star count amassed 6,624 observations taken on all seven continents. "Last year's results showed a strong correlation between dense development, where there is a lot of light, and a lack of star visibility," Ward says. "Without even being aware of it, many of us have lost the ability to see many stars at night. Part of our goal is getting people to look up and regain an appreciation of the night sky."

Next year's star count will coincide with the 2009 International Year of Astronomy.

Source: UCAR's Great World Wide Star Count 2008.

The copyright of the article The Great World Wide Star Count, 2008 in Astronomy & Space is owned by Kelly Whitt. Permission to republish The Great World Wide Star Count, 2008 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Help Keep Track of Dark Skies, Paolo Gadler Help Keep Track of Dark Skies
   
What do you think about this article?
NOTE: Because you are not a Suite101 member, your comment will be moderated before it is viewable.
post your comment
What is 5+10?

Comments

Oct 20, 2008 9:20 PM
Dan Powers :
Fantastic global project! I work in Boulder and hadn't heard of this, thanks for the article.
1 Comment: