Join an evening of fun and excitement as ANU and ABC try to break a Guinness World Record. This is a free community event and will include a live screening of Stargazing Live with Brian Cox and mini lectures with ANU astronomers moderated by ABC's Lish Fejer and Adam Shirley.

Official counters needed

In order for this attempt to take place, ANU will also need two groups of volunteers (event volunteers and official counters) to assist with the running of the event at the University's Acton campus.Sign up to be an official counter on the night.

Current Record

ANU Mount Stromlo Observatory 7,960 people stargazing across 37 locations 21 August 2015

Event Timings

5pm: Registration/telescope collection available from 5pm 6pm: Pre-stargazing entertainment including mini-lectures with ANU astronomers and ABC's Lish Fejer and Adam Shirley 8pm: Stargazing Live broadcast commences  (World Record attempt will take place between 8.00pm and 9.00pm) 10pm: Event concludes

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the World Record we are attempting to set? We are trying to set a new Guinness World Record for Most People Stargazing Across Multiple Venues. For this record, the participants will stargaze at the Moon through a telescope or binoculars for a 10-minute period simultaneously across multiple sites throughout Australia. The current World Record, set in 2015 by the Australian National University, stands at 7,960 people across 37 locations. We are aiming to set a record so large that it will be nearly impossible to break again.

What are the specs of the Telescopes available for purchase? The telescope will be 30mm in diameter, and includes an adjustable focus and even a small tripod! Telescopes will be handed out on the night and of course they are yours to keep. Please note: these telescopes are being sold on a cost recovery bases and no profit is made by the ABC on the sale of telescopes.

Can I collect my purchased telescope in advance? No, purchased telescopes will only be available to collect on the night of the event at the venue when you register.

Can I bring my own telescope or binoculars? Yes, you are welcome and encouraged to bring your own - please ensure you register for a 'Single World Record Participant - BYO Telescope/Binoculars' Ticket. If your telescope is very large please contact us on abcengagement@abc.net.au to discuss logistics. Please note: any personal equipment brought to the event is at your own risk.

Can we share a telescope or pair of binculars? No, to participate in the World Record each person will need their own individual telescope/binoculars. Sharing these items will result in disqualifiation from the attempt.

What happens if it is cloudy / raining? The event will still take place if there is cloudy / rainy weather - we only require a 10 minute viewing window on the Moon for the record attempt, so we will make every effort to participate. Unfortunately if the weather does not clear for the 10 minute viewing window, the venue will be disqualified and the number of participants won't count towards the World Record. Please note: in the case of a severe weather event, please check the @WorldRecordStargazing Facebook page and your email for event updates.

Is there an age limit to participate in the event? While there is no minimum / maximum age for participants, please bear in mind that World Record participants must be able to look through a telescope/binoculars for a 10 minute period while remaining in a specific area. Minors should be accompanied by a parent/guardian and be supervised at all times.

What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event? Public transport is the best way to get to Fellows Oval at the ANU Acton Campus. For those that are driving parking is available in Civic and is short stroll through the campus to the oval. For more information, visit: https://www.transport.act.gov.au/home

What can I bring into the event? Please bring your own telescope/binoculars, if you have purchased a BYO Telescope/Binoculars ticket. We encourage attendees to bring a picnic blanket and pack a picnic (there will also be the option to purchase food and non-alcoholic drinks from a range of onsite Food Trucks). You may like to bring a jacket/warmer clothes as it may be cold, and an umbrella/poncho in the event of wet weather. Please note: this is an alcohol and drug-free event.

What's the refund policy? No refunds will be issued as the event is free. If you are unable to make the event or if the event is cancelled due to extreme weather, your purchased telescopes will be made available for collection at a later date.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? Please bring your printed ticket or have the ticket available on your mobile device - this will speed up our registration process on the night.

Is my ticket transferrable? Yes, you can give your ticket to someone else if you can no longer attend, however we encourage you to keep your ticket secure as it will be used to collect your telescope (if purchased).

How can I contact the organiser with any questions? Please contact us on abcengagement@abc.net.au if you have any questions.

Find more infromation about the Guinness World Record Attempt.