STARGAZERS are being asked to help uncover the scale of light pollution.

The countryside charity CPRE is asking people to take part in a star count to map the best and worst places to see a twinkling night sky.

They are asking stargazers to count the number of stars they can see in the Orion constellation from Friday to February 28. The charity said: “Light pollution, often caused by the glow and glare from street and outdoor household and sports lighting, is making beautiful starry skies a rare sight for many of us.

“Research by CPRE in 2016 showed although Sussex has some of the darkest skies in the country, particularly in protected landscapes, Crawley has some of the worst light pollution outside London.

“Just two per cent of people who took part last year reported viewing a truly dark sky.”

The chairman of CPRE Sussex, professor Dan Osborn, said: “With many local councils declaring a climate emergency, concerns about light pollution and wasted energy are being raised by more and more people. “Mapping the skies in this way means we can build up a picture of people’s views of the stars. It will help us fight back against light pollution and show where energy could be saved, helping the fight against climate change.”

Using the results from the annual Star Count, CPRE will lobby the Government and local authorities to tackle light pollution, and identify which dark sky areas need to be protected.

To take part, star counters are being asked to choose a clear night between Friday 21 and Friday 28 February. During this time the moon is less bright, making it easier to carry out a “cosmic census”.

Without using a telescope of binoculars, people can then count the stars within the rectangle shape formed by Orion, except the four stars on the outer corners, then submit their results at cpre.org.uk/starcount.