While the LCROSS impact on the moon was somewhat anticlimactic, we have another opportunity to get involved in citizen science through the third annual Great World Wide Star Count.

Coordinated by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research with funding from the National Science Foundation, the Great World Wide Star Count provides an opportunity for people from all walks of life to get out and see how light pollution affects their view of the night sky.

What's the big deal about a few wayward photons? Well, first of all, it's not just a few — it's a whole bunch. If you were traveling inbound from the outer reaches of the solar system approaching Earth and settled into orbit above the daytime side of the globe, little evidence of mankind's presence would be visible. Coming around to the night side of Earth would reveal the lights of cities and towns throughout the developed regions of the world. A dazzling sight at first glance perhaps, but additional reflection leads to the conclusion that we are wasting billions of dollars in energy resources by sending light into space.

Light pollution has been characterized as a "soft issue," but let's take a closer look at some of the real problems behind it.

u Decreasing loads on the electric grid would help coal-fired power plants reduce production of harmful byproducts, including mercury and greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. That reason alone is just cause for anyone concerned about the potential link of human activity to global climate change to make the switch over to compact fluorescent bulbs.

u Too much light is not always better. Wasteful light and glare are hazards to safety and welfare. Hazardous glare prevents us from seeing clearly — think oncoming high beams. Our eyes become overwhelmed by a bright light source and we lose sensitivity to middle and lower values of brightness. Lack of darkness causes fatigue, depression and other heath concerns associated with too much light.

u The night sky and its influence throughout human history is an essential part of our shared cultural heritage. Years ago, those who lived under the starry sky used celestial patterns and the cycle of the seasons to manage farming, plan ritual ceremony and spiritual practice and navigate across land and sea. Our ancestors' knowledge of the night sky helped ensure their survival.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the New Mexico Night Sky Protection Act — a state law with the stated purpose to regulate outdoor lighting fixtures to preserve and enhance the state's dark sky while promoting safety, conserving energy and preserving the environment for astronomy. Since the passage of the state law in 1999, more than a dozen town and county governments in New Mexico have passed local ordinances that recognize the need for sensible and energy efficient lighting practices.

Anyone can be part of the Great World Wide Star Count. This year's campaign runs through Oct. 23. You don't need fancy equipment to be involved; just your own eyes. Get out and look at the constellation Cygnus and check for the dimmest star you can see, then use the charts you find online to submit and compare your results with thousands of other citizen scientists worldwide.

Check out www.starcount.org to create your profile and learn more about the Great World Wide Star Count.

Peter Lipscomb shares the wonder of the night sky as lead guide for Astronomy Adventures. Join him for an educational and entertaining night under the stars. Find out more at www.astronomyadventures.com.