Citizen Science
Help us collect information regarding light pollution and energy consumption.
Help Preserve the Wilderness of the Night Sky
The Rothney Astrophysical Observatory is calling on citizen scientists to make brightness observations of the night sky over their homes. We would like to collect enough data about the skies over Calgary, and surrounding municipalities to learn about increased light pollution and energy consumption.
After the data is gathered and analyzed, we can share the information with the City of Calgary and the Province of Alberta. This is particularly important due to ongoing building and development.
How to Participate
As a Citizen Scientist, you can help to protect and conserve the wilderness of the dark sky! Use our How to be an Astronomer guide to take star magnitude measurements. Then follow the steps below to submit your findings online.
If the sky is clear, it’s time to get started!
Download the guide
Download our How to be an Astronomer guide for step by step instructions on how, where, and when to take star magnitude measurements.
How many stars can you see?
On a clear night, go outside to the darkest spot in your yard or neighbourhood. Compare your star charts to the constellations you see in the sky. Pick the chart that best matches what you see. Make a note of the constellation you examined, magnitude chart number, date, and time.
What's the moon's phase?
The phase of the moon is important. Make note of the moon's current phase (see link below for phase reference image), date and time. Be careful not to confuse the waxing and waning phases. Also, take note of sky conditions and how much cloud cover you observed.
Submit your findings
Make note of the location where you made your observations and fill out the form linked below.