Counting Stars

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Council to Protect Rural England

The Council to Protect Rural England (CPRE) was established on 7 December 1926. The Council comprised a number of organisations who had an interest in preserving rural England, and seeking to delay the spread of building into the countryside. Particularly in respect of the ribbon developments which were being built along the main routes. The Council became the Campaign to Protect Rural England in the 1960s, continuing to work towards protecting the rural environment.

Earlier this month, the CPRE ran their annual star count event. Sky gazers were tasked to locate Orion, and count the number of stars they could see with the naked eye within the main section of the constellation. The results contribute to the CPRE’s map of light pollution across the country.

Star gazing in Dorset

Before the event, the CPRE shared a pack with information about the star count, how to take part, and other activities. With their kind permission, I’m sharing the link to the resources. While the star count might be over for this year, it doesn’t mean we stop star gazing. The Orion view finder on page 7 is a useful tool for your own star count.

The first night of the count was clear, and Orion was visible from the front of the house shortly after 7 pm. Although I could see the constellation, I could only count six stars in total within the designated area. This included Orion’s belt, which is usually the easiest part of the pattern to spot.

The result suggests, not unexpectedly in a suburban location, that there is a high volume of light pollution in this area. When I walk at night, the paths are lit brightly (as seen below). While this engenders a certain feeling of personal safety, I often wonder about the need for such powerful lights, and how much of the energy is wasted.

Avon and Bristol CPRE have published an interesting piece on light pollution and the impact on the environment. This is well worth a read; two points in particular caught my eye. Firstly, over half the world’s species are nocturnal, meaning over half the species on the planet may be harmed by light pollution. And secondly, from where they live, around 90% of the world’s population cannot see the Milky Way. I do encourage you to read the article. It’s not only informative, but I found it profoundly moving too.

Milky Way as seen from the Lake District

Space Detectives

Aligned to the star count, a series of live ‘Our Place In Space’ events ran during lockdown half term. Presented by the knowledgeable and engaging Jo Richardson, of Space Detectives, our 2-year-old son was captivated. He loves anything to do with space, and was entranced by the Space Detectives session.

Part of the resource pack for the event included a flashcard to use with an Augmented Reality (AR) application – ‘Our Place In Space’. Available on Android and iOS, use the app to bring the solar system to life within your own home! With the Sun at the centre, you can watch the planets revolve and orbit, see the Earth and Moon travelling together, and investigate the asteroid belt separating the rocky planets from the gas giants.

It’s wonderful; our son is fascinated watching and picking out some of the planets by name as they approach. With Jo’s kind permission, I’m attaching the flashcard here. Download and open the app, then point your device at the flashcard. And watch as the solar system appears before you.

I will never lose my interest in space, and the feeling of awe inspired by gazing into the night sky. The light we see is part of our collective history. We are all space travellers together, on a journey which none of us fully understand. Isn’t life incredible?!

For information on the work of the CPRE, and details on how to support them, visit the CPRE website.

For information on Space Detectives, and booking information, visit the Space Detectives website.