Join CPRE’s Star Count – and count the stars in Orion

We want your help for our Citizen Science project in February!

Star Count 2023 is coming to Berkshire! Between 17 and 24 February the annual ‘citizen science’ project arrives in our county, organised by the charity that aims to promote and protect all that’s best about the English countryside.

Last year, thousands of people throughout England signed up for the Star Count and enthusiastically counted the stars in the night skies above them, and the Berkshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) wants families here in Berkshire to play an active part in the 2023 project.

CPRE believes that dark and starry skies are a special part of enjoying our countryside. Nothing beats looking upwards to see velvety blackness, with twinkling constellations as far as the eye can see. But light pollution is a huge blight on our night skies, says CPRE. It seriously disrupts wildlife, affects our sleep cycles, and excess lighting contributes to carbon emissions.

That is why the charity came up with the annual Star Count, to promote a return to natural starry skies. Greg Wilkinson, Chairman of CPRE Berkshire, explains: “We want to make sure that we can all enjoy starlit nights, and we need your help in measuring what effect light is having on our views of the galaxy. And the best way to see how many stars we can all see in the sky is to count them!

“So every year, around February, CPRE asks people from all across the country to become ‘citizen scientists’ and look heavenwards for one night. We hope lots of people in Berkshire will sign up to take part in this year’s exciting project which really is something the whole family can get involved in!”

Over the years, many thousands of people in different parts of England have submitted their counts, which CPRE’s experts then analyse and compare with previous years. CPRE then publishes its findings on the website (cpre.org.uk) and emails all those who took part to let them know the results for their area and for the whole country.

Star Count 2023 will take place between 17-24 February 2023. The results will help CPRE create an up-to-date map of where star-spotters are enjoying deep, dark skies, and also show where light pollution is most serious. “This will enable us to work with local councils and others to decide what to do about it,” says Greg. “Together, we can work towards rewilding our skies for the benefit of people and wildlife.”

To take part, all you need to do count all the stars you can see in the Orion constellation. CPRE can then use the results to map and track light pollution trends across the country. You don’t need any special equipment, like a telescope – it’s all done with the naked eye. And CPRE will provide extra guidance, news and tips so that you can get the most out of it.

“Star Count is a great activity, whether on your own, with friends or with family,” says Greg. “And you don’t need to go out of your way. You can take part at your local green space, your garden, or even just by looking out of your window – but be sure to switch all your lights off first!

To sign up for the 2023 Star Count, go to www.cpre.org.uk and click on the link for Star Count.