ASSA shoots for the stars in attempt to break world record

OVER two thousand Durbanites are expected to be part of an attempt to break a world record at the Durban Botanic Gardens next week. The Astronomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA) is attempting to break the record for the largest number of star gazers assembled in one place to watch the stars together.

ASSA Media Director, Logan Govender said he is confident that Durban had the potential to break that record.

“From the support that we get from the Durban public for our other events, I feel we have good reason to believe that we will break the record,” he said.

The current record holder is the Canberra Astronomical Society at the Mount Stromlo Observatory in Australia with 1869 people attended.

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Govender said the gathering will not only be aimed at breaking the record, but also at showing people how easy it is to find their way around the sky. He said as ASSA, they have a method of teaching people to identify 200 night-sky objects in just 40 minutes.

“We would like to change the belief that astronomy is the preserve of scientists and mathematicians and will have a number of telescopes, each focussed on a different object. The public is invited spread out a blanket on the lawns of the garden, bring food and drink and enjoy this spectacle in safety,” said Govender.

To be included in the count, one has to bring a pair of binoculars. Telescopes, spotting scopes, cameras with telephoto lenses, opera glasses, even toy binoculars will also be accepted.

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This historical event attempting to break a Guinness World Record will be on Friday, 18 May after sunset at the Durban Botanic Gardens.

For further information, contact Logan Govender on 083 228 6993
or www.astronomydurban.co.za

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