RURAL campaigners and astronomers are calling on Islanders to take part in Star Count 2013 — a cosmic census which will help map light pollution across the country.
Stargazers on the Island are being asked to count the number of stars they can see with the naked eye within the constellation of Orion.
People can then report their count on the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) website — www.cpre.org.uk/starcount — and enter a prize draw to win a telescope or one of ten copies of the Stargazers’ Almanac.
The survey, supported by the British Astronomical Association, runs until next Saturday, February 16.
Emma Marrington, CPRE dark skies campaigner, said: "The star count survey will help us measure the extent of light pollution.
"We want to use this evidence to convince ministers and local councils of the need to take action to tackle it, for example by ensuring the correct lighting is used only where it is needed and when it is needed."
Reporter: martinn@iwcpmail.co.uk