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Students at Plympton Academy have been supporting the Campaign for Rural England’s (CPRE) light pollution survey.

Stephen Heighway, 12, Lewis White and Ben Bacon, both 13 years, recorded the number of stars they could see in Orion and the results were submitted to the British Astronomical Association in London.

Stephen said: “It is really shocking how much light pollution there is around Plymouth and how few stars we can see.”

His fellow star gazer, Ben, said: “It took me a while to find the constellation due to light pollution but when I did I was surprised how many stars I could see.”

Lewis added: “It was a very clear night when I took part but I could only see the three belt stars and three others.”

Light pollution means many people can’t see the stars and the campaign by the CPRE is aiming to reconnect people with the wonder of the night skies.

Teacher Martin Edmonds said: “Orion’s belt is very easy to spot on a clear night and people were asked to record the three belt stars; Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka, plus any other stars that were visible in that constellation. There are around 40 stars within that boundary.

“If you can see that many stars then you would be in one of the darkest places in the country. Most of us would be able to count far fewer stars than that and people in very bright urban areas may only see the three belt stars.”