FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) FOR STAR PARTY HOSTSWhat is the World Record we are attempting to set? We are trying to set a new Guinness World Record for Most People Stargazing Across Multiple Venues. For this record, the participants will stargaze at the Moon through a telescope or binoculars for a 10-minute period simultaneously across multiple sites throughout Australia. The current World Record, set in 2015 by the Australian National University, stands at 7,960 people across 37 locations. We are aiming to set a record so large that it will be nearly impossible to break again.What is the date and timings of the event?The Star Party events will be held on Wednesday 23 May 2018. The timings will be as follows (please note: these timings are AEST so please convert based on your location):7.00pm: Event registration / Telescope collection8.00pm: Stargazing Live broadcast commences(The World Record attempt will take place during the broadcast, sometime between 8pm and 9pm)10.00pm: Event concludesHow is the event ticketed?We will create a Facebook event page and an Eventbrite page for your event and send you the links to share with your community. Attendees will have the option to book the follow ticket types:

World Record Participant – BYO Telescope / binoculars (note: this is a free ticket) Single / Group World Record Participants – Includes the purchase of a telescope/s

(note: the ticket includes the purchase of single telescope or a group lot of telescopes @ $6.50 ex GST each)

Non-World Record Participant (note: this is a free ticket)Attendees will receive a PDF of their ticket via email and will be requested to bring a printed copy of the ticket to the event or have it available on their mobile device. We will provide Star Party organisers regular updates on ticket sales and with the final Eventbrite list of attendees closer to the event.Can I charge for my event?No, the event must be free to attend. You can however have an optional Gold Coin donation with funds going towards your community group / charity, and you could also fundraise on the night by holding a raffle at your event and having food/non-alcoholic drinks available for sale onsite eg a sausage sizzle (please specify these details on your Registration form so we can include that information in your Facebook Event and Eventbrite listing).What are the specs of the telescopes available for purchase? The telescope will be 30mm in diameter, and includes an adjustable focus and even a small tripod! The telescopes are white and feature the ABC and Australian National University logo.

Please note: these telescopes are being sold on a cost recovery bases and no profit is made by the ABC on the sale of telescopes.How will telescopes be distributed? We will courier your allocation of telescopes to you (to the address and contact you supply on the Registration form). You will then need to distribute the telescopes at your event when people register on arrival. Please ensure telescopes are only distributed to people who have purchased them so you don’t run out. Can participants bring their own telescope or binoculars? Yes, participants are welcome and encouraged to bring their own. They will still need to register for a 'Single World Record Participant - BYO Telescope/Binoculars' Ticket. Please note: any personal equipment brought to the event is at their own risk. Can people share a telescope or pair of binoculars? No, to participate in the World Record each person will need their own individual telescope/binoculars. Sharing these items will result in disqualification from the attempt. What happens if it is cloudy / raining? The event will still take place if there is cloudy / rainy weather - we only require a 10-minute viewing window on the Moon for the record attempt, so we will make every effort to participate. Unfortunately if the weather does not clear for the 10-minute viewing window, the venue will be disqualified and the number of participants won't count towards the World Record. Please note: in the case of a severe weather event, you should follow advice from BOM / your local council.Is there an age limit to participate in the event? While there is no minimum / maximum age for participants, please bear in mind that World Record participants must be able to look through a telescope/binoculars for a 10-minute period while remaining in a specific area. Minors should be accompanied by a parent/guardian and be supervised at all times.What activities should I have at my event?We will include more information in the Star Party pack, but here are some suggestions:

Stargazing Live broadcast – we encourage you to screen the live broadcast of Stargazing Live with Brian Cox which will run from 8pm-9pm AEST on ABC TV. This will entertain your crowd and it will also feature live crosses to some events and run the timer for the World Record attempt

Pre-World Record attempt stargazing through professional telescopes Guest speakers

What's the refund policy? No refunds will be issued as the event is free. If people are unable to make the event or if the event is cancelled due to extreme weather, you will need to make arrangements for purchased telescopes to be collected at a later date.

More information will be provided in the Star Party pack which will be provided in the coming weeks. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact abcengagement@abc.net.au