University of Sussex scientist encourages locals to look to the stars (From The Argus)

University of Sussex scientist encourages locals to look to the stars

7:46pm Friday 4th February 2011 in News By Dave Comeau

A Sussex university scientist is inviting Falmer residents to join in with Orion Star Count Week to help restore natural darkness to the night sky.

Dr. Darren Baskill, the Physics and Astronomy outreach officer for the University of Sussex wants people to rediscover the beautiful view of the night sky.

He said: "Over the last 50 years, we have lost the once awe-inspiring view of a night sky full of stars simply due to excessive and inefficient lighting.”

The Star Count is a joint initiative of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, and the Campaign for Dark Skies, run by the British Astronomical Association. The aim is to encourage more efficient outdoor lighting.

Astronomers also encounter problems as a result of light pollution. Last year Dr Baskill had to travel to Hawaii to use the UK’s infrared telescope. He said: "One reason that we have to place our telescopes in such remote areas is to get away from intrusive light pollution in the UK.”

Star Count Week is running from Monday 31st January to Sunday 6th February. Residents can get involved by counting the number of stars in the Orion constellation and completing an online survey. Details of how to locate Orion and what to do once you've counted the stars can be found here.