Western Morning News (Saturday)
Thank your lucky stars West boasts such clear skies
PARTS of the Westcountry are expected to shine tonight and during the week ahead as the nation engages in a star count to measure the impact of light pollution on the night sky.
By counting stars within the constellation of Orion, ‘citizen scientists’ will help map the best and worst places in England to enjoy a star-filled night sky, organisers said.
And Exmoor, which already has already been designated a Dark Sky Reserve because of minimal light pollution, is likely to be among the parts of the country where the star count is highest, along with Dartmoor and lightly populated areas of Cornwall.
The information on light pollution will be used in efforts to secure darker skies which improve health and wellbeing, protect wildlife, and allow people to enjoy starry nights, CPRE, the countryside charity, and the British Astronomical Association’s Commission for Dark Skies said.
And data from this year’s annual survey will be compared with 2020 findings to see what, if any, impact lockdown has had.
Last year’s star count, which took place before coronavirus restrictions took hold, revealed 61% of people taking part lived with severe light pollution. To take part, people just need to look up from their garden, balcony, doorstep or even bedroom during February 6-14 on a clear night and count how many stars within the constellation of Orion they can spot. The forecast indicates some clear spells in parts of the Westcountry tonight, on the first night of the count, though there is also plenty of cloudy and wet weather persisting this week.
CPRE chief executive Crispin Truman said: “A starry night sky is one of the most magical sights the countryside can offer, connecting us to the nature we all love and the wonders of the wider universe. Dark skies are also crucial for our health and for that of wildlife. Lockdown and the coronavirus have reminded us about how good for us the countryside can be.”
He said many places suffered from light pollution “bleaching out the night sky”, but the campaign group aimed to change that: “By taking part in star count, people will be helping us to lobby the Government for more protection of this too often overlooked, but vital, part of our countryside.”