Astronomy fans sign up for stargazing world record attempt

THERE are hopes that more than 30,000 people will participate in in a Guinness World Record attempt for the most people stargazing at the same time. Here’s everything you need to know.

BRISBANE astronomy fans on Wednesday will focus on setting a Guinness World Record for the most people stargazing at the same time.

Australian National University, in collaboration with ABC-TV, hopes more than 30,000 people across the continent can simultaneously observe an astral object through a telescope in the same 10-minute period.

Three years ago, ANU encouraged 7960 volunteers to spot a twinkling star from 37 locations.

ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics sleuth, Dr Brad Tucker, who was behind the record-breaking effort in 2015, reckons the sky’s the limit in 2018.

“Astronomy is a way to get everyone interested in science and with the future Australian space agency on the way, there’s never been a better time to look skywards,” Dr Tucker said.

Juliet Lightbody and Edith Jennings, both 8, from the West Centenary Scout Group, will be taking part in Wednesday’s stargazing world record attempt. Picture: AAP/ Ric Frearson

Some 30 cub scouts and an equal number of parents will gather at the Jamboree Heights Scout Den in the western suburbs on Wednesday evening.

West Centenary Scout Group spokesman, Ian Lightbody, says the cubs were working towards their Space Achievement Badge.

“The Cub Scouts and I have a keen interest in astronomy.” he said.

“Last week we tracked the International Space Station as it passed overhead and observed Jupiter and its moons, and learned how to find south using the Southern Cross.”

For a list of stargazing sites go to abc.net.au/stargazing