How bright is the brightest star in the sky

 

The Orion constellation, seen above the road at the Flaggy Shore (the light on the road is from car lights). Bigger image here

The Globe program stands for Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment. One of their projects is to figure out the level of light pollution across the world. Their method for doing so is a bit of fun. They are asking people to go outside on a clear night, locate Orion [one of the most distinctive  constellations in the sky] and determine its brightness [they have supplied a handy magnitude guide here].

The programme lasts until the end of this week so you’ve only another 5 days to get out and make an observation [on the other hand, mankind has had about 1.5 million years to make any observation of Orion].

Buy prints of the Flaggy Shore here.