HAMPSHIRE astronomy groups are calling for residents to turn off their lights and help make better conditions for stargazers.

Astronomers and The New Forest National Park Authority have joined forces to launch a campaign that aims to end light pollution in and around the district.

It comes as more people are expected to take up stargazing after last weeks solar eclipse.

They are urging people to switch off outside lights when theyre not in use, check security lights are set correctly so they are not triggered unnecessarily, use the lowest wattage possible for exterior lights and ensure theyre not pointing directly upwards.

Jake Cannon, from New Forest Stargazers, said: Astronomy is the oldest of the physical sciences and it helps us understand where we have come from and where we are headed, as well as being a good excuse to get outside and meet new people.

The New Forest is a good place for stargazing as light pollution on the whole is low, although it is becoming an increasingly difficult thing to get away from, so I hope people will become more aware of the effect their lighting can have on the sky.

Sarah Kelly, New Forest National Park Authority landscape officer, said: There are several locations in the National Park that astronomers like to visit to see the stars. However, light pollution has become more of a problem in recent years, making it harder to see the stars, and affecting the visual tranquility of the New Forest.

Residents can help to protect these dark night skies by thinking about how they might reduce the amount of outside lighting around their property, especially lights that point upwards into the sky.

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Astronomy groups call for big switch-off