THERE has been a great deal of interest in the Guinness World Record attempt that the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA) is hosting on Friday, 18 August at the Durban Botanic Gardens.
More than 2000 people will attempt to break a world record for the largest number of star gazers assembled in one place to watch the stars together. The current record holder is the Canberra Astronomical Society at the Mount Stromlo Observatory in Australia with 1869 people.
ASSA Media Director, Logan Govender was amazed at the public response to last week’s article in The Berea Mail.
“The phones have not stopped ringing and the social media networks have been abuzz with chatter about our attempt. ASSA members have firmly fixed their focus on the magic number of 2000 people that must attend to set a new record and have pulled out all the stops to make up that number,” said Govender.
The public is invited to spread out a blanket on the lawns of the garden, take food and drink and enjoy this spectacle in safety. It is important to take a pair of binoculars to be included in the count. Telescopes, spotting scopes, cameras with telephoto lenses, opera glasses, even toy binoculars will also be accepted.
The event will start soon after sunset and the official count, which is expected to be recorded by television, radio and the print media, will start at 7.30pm.
Ample secure parking has been arranged.
Contact Logan Govender on 083 228 6993 or www.astronomydurban.co.za.
