SEVERAL groups of stargazers across the Mallee and Riverina have had varying levels of success in their attempt to set a new world record.
Stargazers in Lake Boga, Lake Tyrrell and Balranald took part in a bid to break the most people stargazing (multiple venues) record on May 23.
All participants were simultaneously required to look at the moon through a telescope or binoculars for a set 10-minute period.
Due to heavy cloud coverage making it impossible to see the moon, some groups had to abandon their attempts.
Advance Sea Lake Inc’s Jane Stacey said they had 68 participants at the Lake Tyrrell Viewing Platform ready to go, but the moon was hidden behind clouds.
“People came in from Geelong and Bendigo and the surrounding areas,” she said.
“It was disappointing (to drop out of the attempt), but it was a really good night.”
Half of the telescopes the group ordered didn’t arrive, so some participants were left to use their own binoculars.
Ms Stacey said the night wasn’t all disappointment with the opportunity to explore the area, Sea Lake Tyrrell Tours conducting tours, and champagne and nibbles on hand at an exhibition opening.
“A huge thanks to the Advance Sea Lake Inc committee for organising to be part of the most people stargazing (multiple venues) attempt,” Ms Stacey said.
The scouts chose to go ahead at the Lake Boga Observatory.
A group of 90 scouts, leaders and parents from the Northern Rivers Scout Group (1st Barham, Kerang, Lake Boga and Swan Hill) joined in the attempt, but they were unsuccessful.
Catalina Venturer Unit Venturer Scout Leader Meg Irvin said the attempt was “thwarted” by cloud coverage.
“But it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the 90 people involved,” Ms Irvin said.
“The evening commenced with a talk from John Fowler from the Lake Boga Observatory. The Scouts then headed out into the night setting up their telescopes prior to the World record attempt.”
There was more success over the New South Wales border.
In Balranald, St Joseph’s Primary School were much more successful in getting their attempt across the line, with 56 participants including students and parents taking part.
“It was really exciting and I think it’s inspired the children that science is something that you do and not just read about,” Ms McNab said.
“The kids loved it. They were so excited. There was a lot of giggles and they thought it took an eternity.”
She said as a group it helped the children to keep their attention, as well as learn to work as a team.
They are now waiting to see if their attempt will be accepted by Guinness World Records.
The record was last broken by 7960 people across 37 locations in Australia on August 21, 2015.
It was organised by the Mount Stromlo Observatory at Australian National University in Canberra.
