LOVE the STARS in February 2023!

Globe at Night is an international citizen science campaign to raise awareness and gather data about light pollution, while engaging people with the night sky using a hands-on activity. Constellations are assigned to each month and observed during the period surrounding the new moon when the sky is darkest. Everyone is welcome to participate, all you need is access to a computer or smartphone in order to report your observations.

In an effort to get more people involved, the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) has adopted February 12–21, 2023 and launched a Valentine-themed event called “Love the Stars.” The constellation is Orion, one of the easiest to identify, and IDA hopes your participation will inspire you to submit observations each month, and join the February event again next year.

You are encouraged to observe Orion from wherever you are, there is no need to find a dark location. The data collected allows researchers to see the increase in artificial light at night, so observations from cities and towns are essential. However, do avoid observing from directly under streetlights.

Every submitted observation helps, but the goal for each region is 500 observations per year repeated over a 10-year period! This will provide enough data to plot the trend for an area. Fortunately, the activity is fun and easy, so once you’ve tried it this month, you’ll want to mark your calendar for next month, and definitely for next February!

How do you participate? On any clear night between February 12–21, go out at least one hour after sunset and find Orion. Avoid observing when clouds or snow cover are present, since they reflect light and don’t allow accurate observation of the darkness at your location.

A little preparation is helpful:

• Get acquainted with the Reporting web app.
• You will report your observations using these Magnitude Charts, so it’s helpful to review them in advance and in this larger format. They can also be printed for use outdoors, just be sure to cover your light with red fabric or film, since red light will not obstruct your night vision.

Once outside:

1. Dim your phone or computer screen.
2. Go to www.globeatnight.org and click Report at the top right.
3. Allow Globe at Night to know your location.
4. The date and time will populate.
5. Below them, click Nighttime Version, which changes the app to a red display, allowing your eyes to view it, without affecting their ability to see the stars.
6. Your location should appear on the map. If it doesn’t, enter your address and click Map It. Check the “Location correct” box below the map. Location comments aren’t required.
7. Allow 10 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark while you locate Orion. Then search for the faintest stars you can see in the constellation.

Report your observations:

1. Compare what you see in the sky with the magnitude charts in the app, and select the chart that is the best match. Remember, you’re looking for the faintest stars you can see in Orion.
2. Select the sky conditions. Remember the best data comes from observations made on clear nights! Sky condition comments aren’t required.
3. Scroll to the bottom and click SUBMIT DATA.

Have fun and enjoy your time outdoors with the stars! Then share your experience with others and encourage them to participate.

In the Globe at Night project, citizen scientists observing during February 12–21, 2023 select the magnitude chart that shows the faintest stars they can see in the constellation Orion at their location.