Star Count 2023

Every year, CPRE runs an annual citizen science project called the Star Count. Thousands of people take part to count the stars in the night sky and help celebrate our dark skies.

What is Star Count?

We think that dark and starry skies are a special part of enjoying our countryside. Nothing beats looking upwards to see velvety blackness, with twinkling constellations as far as the eye can see.

Our buildings and roads emit light, though, and this can affect our view of truly dark skies, and cause problems for wildlife. We want to make sure that we can all enjoy starlit nights, and we need your help in measuring what effect light is having on our views of the galaxy.

The best way to see how many stars we can all see in the sky is … to count them! Every year, around February, we ask people from all across the country to become ‘citizen scientists’ and look heavenwards for one night.

Over the years, many thousands of you have submitted your count, which our experts then analyse and compare with previous years. We then publish our findings on the website, and email those who took part.

Star Count 2023

Star Count 2023 has now finished. We thank everyone for taking part in what was one of our biggest Star Counts to date! Check back soon for the results.

Our work on dark skies

Starry skies are one of the most magical sights the countryside can offer. Light pollution not only limits our views of these skies, but also disrupts wildlife’s natural patterns. Learn more about our work to rewild our skies. Find out about CPRE’s work on dark skies.