Got a few minutes and clear skies? You can help contribute to an annual citizen science project, the Great World Wide Star Count! As a part of the "Windows to the Universe" program of the International Year of Astronomy, the Great World Wide Star Count runs from October 9-23, 2009. The purpose of the star count is to determine world wide light pollution levels. Each year, the study is repeated, so that we can see the effects of light pollution across the world!
Getting Involved
Being part of the World Wide Star Count is actually very easy. To submit your observations, simply follow the instructions on their website. Basically, you will download a series of magnitude charts, that show an easily identifiable constellation. Then you simply match which magnitude chart best fits the view you have from your location. Then, just submit this observation, along with your location and time, and you will have contributed to a great citizen science project!
The image above shows last year's results, which are then compared to the previous years results to gain a better understanding of changing light pollution levels. One aim of this project is to bring awareness of light pollution levels to the public, hopefully resulting in better lighting practices and regulations.
Clear skies!
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