The International Astronomical Union’s 100 Hours of Astronomy global event will be held 2-5 October this year with the aim of making astronomy accessible to everyone. This is a great opportunity to encourage people to look up at the stars.

We can participate by supporting the “100 Hours Under One Sky” project, which helps total beginners in the UK and Ireland take their first steps in astronomy. If you have friends or family who wouldn’t know where to start then this is an easy way for them to enjoy stargazing from home alongside other people across the country. All they need is a mobile phone and a clear sky. 

The 100hours.online website will offer four simple stargazing challenges. These include observing the Moon, finding some of the brightest and best-known star patterns, and will also help people find Saturn in the night sky. 

By completing challenges, users win virtual badges and mark their achievements on their town or city on the UK map. Anyone nearby will also see our stargazing nights on an event calendar. But there’s no need to give emails or exact locations; it’s easy and anonymous. 

Please encourage your non-astro friends and families to participate by pointing them toward the website. 

The 100 Hours Under One Sky project is led by the IAU National Outreach Coordinator team for the UK, in partnership with the Irish NOC and Go Stargazing. It is funded by the IAU and FAS. You can follow the event on their Instagram at @IAU_OAO_NOC or TikTok at @100hours_stargazing.