If you took part in the CPRE's Star Count Week - 20th to 27th January 2012 - organised with the British Astronomical Society, you were helping them to find out which part of the country has the darkest skies and where the most stars can be seen. The results will help them highlight the problem of light pollution which is spoiling the natural beauty of the night sky. Brede is far from immune - indeed the problem of security lamps left on all night is increasing, particularly at business premises.
Why does light pollution spoil our view of the stars?
Astronomer Darren Baskill, from the University of Sussex, explains why it is a problem and what can be done in this slideshow.
Watch BBC slideshow: Dark sky stargazers
What you can do to help reduce light pollution
If you are concerned about the amount of light wasted into the night sky and want to preserve the sky for your children, please consider doing one (or all!) of the following:
- Ensure all your lights are pointing downwards and that they are not spilling into the night sky.
- Contact your local councillor via WriteToThem.com and ask them what they are doing about the energy and money wasted by inefficient street-lighting in your area. Hastings has the greatest effect on Brede and Udimore
- Contact your local MP via WriteToThem.com to see what they are doing to reduce light pollution in our area.
- Contact any local businesses that have bad lighting and recommend that they use efficient lighting instead. The cost of replacement can be saved in electricity bills in just a few years.
- Contact the local press to encourage more people to use efficient lighting in Brede and surrounding villages.
Be inspired by dramatic night sky images: Star Count 2012 slideshow
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