THE setting sun casts a pink hue over the large rural property.

A row of telescopes, varying in shape and size, is spread out over the grass like some kind

of giant outdoor science experiment.

There is little sound, but for the low, excited buzz of voices.

A slight breeze rustles the trees, but a brilliantly cloudless sky guarantees one thing - it's going to be the perfect night for stargazing.

It is here, at Sanctuary Hills Road, Takura, that the Hervey Bay Astronomical Society meets every month to observe the stars.

It is an informal gathering featuring a barbecue dinner and drinks, and everyone moves from telescope to telescope to gain a different perspective of the galaxy.

The observation nights are held at Rob "Jocko" Jocumsen's property because, he says, he's got "plenty of area and a reasonably dark sky".

I'm told you wouldn't see half as much in a well-lit, suburban district.

For Jocko, astronomy is a hobby he chose almost a decade ago, when he got his first telescope, and it has since grown into an obsession.

"I had my first telescope about 8-10 years ago down at (my home at) Dundowran Beach," he said.

"There were lights all around so you wouldn't have any luck taking a camera down there."

Mr Jocumsen first began appreciating the night sky while serving in the Navy in the 1960s, when he was forced to use the stars for navigation.

His property now features a specially built domed observatory with a revolving roof that resembles an oversized replica of R2-D2 from Star Wars.

Even when there are no visitors, Jocko spends his evenings in the Sirius Observatory where he not only views the night sky, but photographs it with beauty and precision.

"If we had a fortnight of clear nights I'd be out here for a fortnight," he said.

Hervey Bay Astronomical Society president Joe Mather spent years testing equipment for NASA at the Cooby Creek tracking station north of Toowoomba back in the 1960s.

Ironically, it wasn't until much later in life, while living in Sydney, that his passion for astronomy developed.

"It never crossed my mind to step outside and look at the stars," he said.

"(Then) I saw these gorgeous skies that were out here from an entirely different perspective."

Alternatively, fellow member Steve Massey has been a recreational astronomer since he was a boy.

By his own admission, he has owned and used more telescopes than he can count and now runs an optical supply business selling telescopes and binoculars.

Steve has published several astronomy books and with his wealth of knowledge is known as the resident expert.

But not all the HBAS members are science buffs.

Brendon Falk, who recently joined with his seven-year-old son Charlie, is the first to admit he doesn't take astronomy quite as seriously as the group's other members.

He came across the society by typing in a Google search, and was pleasantly surprised to find its existence.

Charlie brings a youthful innocence to the group, asking curious questions like "Have you ever seen a UFO?" which make the older gents chuckle.

Charlie runs from telescope to telescope, eager to observe anything and everything, and is clearly adored by everyone.

He says he enjoys looking at the satellites and the space station the best.

"He keeps us on our toes," explains Joe.

Joe has an ambitious plan to create public observatory on the Fraser Coast.

He envisions a two-storey building between Hervey Bay and Maryborough with a domed roof and interactive, educational displays throughout.

He says, like the observatories in Bundaberg and Rockhampton, it would be a tourist attraction drawing visitors from everywhere.

He is about to launch a letter writing campaign to schools and universities in the area outlining the proposal, which he will also take to council and Fraser Coast Tourism.

The HBAS is always seeking new members, including young people, and has invited interested parties to join them at their next observation night on November 21.