Yes it’s here again, a chance to get outside and enjoy the night sky by getting involved in a spot of star gazing, but we have to make sure we are ready for the elements with the right outdoor clothing jackets and all. But what is on offer I hear you say? Well let’s find out.

Why not get involved with the latest Star Count project, which runs from 26th February to 8th March. This is a joint project involving the Campaign to Protect Rural England and the British Astronomical Association’s Campaign for Dark Skies to monitor the extent of light pollution.

All you have to do is to count the number of stars visible to the naked eye in the constellation of Orion the Hunter on any night during the period the Star Count takes place.

How to take part

  • Try to do your count on a night when the sky is clear
  • Make your observations after 7pm when the sky will be sufficiently dark
  • Locate Orion in the southern night sky
  • Look for three bright stars close together in a straight line – the Hunter’s Belt.  Two bright stars to the north are his shoulders and the two to the south are his feet
  • Do not include the four corner stars – only those you can see within them
  • Do include the three stars in the middle (Orion’s Belt)
  • Make a count of the number of stars seen with the naked eye (not with telescopes or binoculars)
  • Enter your survey online at www.cpre.org.uk/starcount

All of the information receive will be used to create an updated map to show how light pollution affects our view of the night sky.

Why not see what other events are taking place and get involved, but make sure you are wearing your outdoor clothing jackets so that you stay snug and warm. The weather is slowly getting better but it is still rather chilly in the evenings, so if you haven’t already why not check out the latest quality bargains on offer on the website.