Constellations in the night sky around Sagittarius.
Image: Museum Victoria
Source: Museum Victoria
The 2008 Great World Wide Star Count has begun. Between 20 October and 3 November, volunteers can make observations of the night sky, giving them the chance to become an astronomer for a night and to help measure how light pollution is changing our view of the stars.
The first Great World Wide Star Count was held in 2007 and 19 000 people participated around the globe. The constellation to observe from Melbourne is Sagittarius, the archer. This constellation is best known by its asterism 'the teapot'. At approximately 9pm, Sagittarius is in the western sky, with bright Jupiter sitting just to its right. To the left of Sagittarius is the curved tail of Scorpius. Venus is easily seen sitting right next to the red supergiant star Antares, which depicts the Scorpion’s heart.
By partaking, people learn some of the techniques involved in astronomical observation, and the event raises awareness about the impact of artificial lighting on local environments. The information gathered can help scientists studying light pollution, population patterns and energy usage by providing valuable data that is otherwise impossible to obtain.
Follow the five simple steps outlined at http://www.windows.ucar.edu/citizen_science/starcount/ and count your lucky stars!