Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does it cost me anything to participate?

    No. It's free. All you need is a couple of hours after dark, some observation skills and a little bit of curiosity.

  • How old do I have to be to be a citizen scientist?

    Anyone from 4 - 104 can be involved with this activity. We'll guide you step by step through the process and you can do as much or as little of it as you want.

  • Do I need to live in the country or away from lights?

    No, we need everyone to participate in this activity - city or country, beach or mountains. The insects in your backyard, and the lights around them, are all important to us.

  • What if it's raining or cloudy?

    The great thing about this event is that it’s over several nights, so you can wait for a clear night. If you have cloudy nights for the entire time, just do the insect observations, and leave out the stargazing. Every little bit counts.

  • I don't have a smartphone - can I still participate?

    Yes - absolutely! It is possible to participate online from a laptop or ipad. You will need access to the internet though.

  • I registered under the wrong name, can I change my certificate?

    Yes, you can log into your dashboard and change the name in the details and reprint your certificate.