ANU is attempting to set a world record tonight for the most people gathered in one place stargazing.

The weather, however, is not looking ideal.

They’ve announced some changes to the program:

Regardless of the weather we will be proceeding. Our friends at the Bureau of Meteorology anticipate rain-free skies until about 10pm. As such, we have decided to push the World Record attempt for Most People Stargazing at a Single Site forward to 7.10pm to take advantage of the clear weather. The ANU site will still participate in the nationwide record attempt at 8.30pm. Please download a copy of the updated program and map here.

If you haven’t already, please make sure you register ASAP. In the next few hours you will receive an email advising you which stargazing group you will be in for the official World Record attempts. Please keep an eye out and make note of your group number.

They’re shooting for a world record here in Canberra as well as being a part of a world record for the most people stargazing in one nation.

While the vast numbers of telescopes ordered for the event have sold out you can still join in if you bring binoculars or even a camera with an adequate zoom:

We have sold out of the small telescopes! This might be a nice excuse to buy a pair of binoculars (which count towards the record) or new telescope. Even a small, cheap pair of kids binoculars, which are $10 at Toys r Us count. If you bring your own equipment, please still register so you count towards the World Record (it is free to do). Make sure you download a copy of the event map here.

Update 19/8 – We just got confirmation that a camera with a telephoto zoom lens can be used as long as it has a greater focal length than a normal lens for the given sensor/film size. If you choose to bring this, select the bring your own telescope option when you register here.