More than 44,000 people across Australia – including 171 in Tamworth – have helped to eclipse the previous Guinness World Record for simultaneous stargazing.
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And while it has been one small step for world records, it’s been one giant leap for interest in astronomy.
Tamworth Regional Astronomy Club spokesman Grant Quinn said the exposure gained by the Australian National University record attempt and ABC-TV Stargazing Live program had been “just amazing”.
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“I just hope people can see that astronomy is something that’s accessible to everyone, and that it’s a hobby that is rewarding and can lead to a profession,” Mr Quinn said.
“If we can inspire young children in Tamworth today to become professional astronomers … that’d be fantastic – I’d consider our job has been done.”
The previous world record, set in 2015 by 7960 stargazers across 37 locations, has been smashed as counting continued yesterday.
“It’s just exciting that Tamworth played our small part in that record,” Mr Quinn said.
Registered participants in the record attempt will receive a Guinness World Records certificate proving they are “officially amazing”.
“I think one will go up in the new astronomy centre when it’s built here, in pride of place where it can become a nice little talking point for visitors,” Mr Quinn said.