TANAY ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY EDUCATIONAL CENTER

A Building Research Laboratory Space Program

Tanay , Rizal

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Throughout the History humans have looked to the sky to navigate the vast oceans, to decide when
to plant their crops and to answer questions of where we came from and how we got her. It is the discipline
that opens our eyes, gives context to our place in the Universe and that can reshape how we see the world.
When Copernicus claimed that Earth was not the Universe, it triggered a revolution. A revolution through
which religion, science, and society had to adapt to this new world view.

Now as our understanding of the world progress, we find ourselves and our view of the world even
more entwined with the stars. The discovery that the basic elements that we find in stars, and the gas and
dust around them, are the same elements that make up our bodies has further deepened the connection
between us and the cosmos. This connection touches our lives, and the awe it inspires is perhaps the reason
that the beautiful images of astronomy provides us with are so popular in todays culture. There are still many
unanswered questions in astronomy. Current research is struggling to understand questions like: How Old
are we?, what is the fate of the Universe? and possibly the most interesting: How unique is the Universe,
and could a slightly different Universe ever supported life? but astronomy is also breaking new records every
day, establishing the furthest distance, most massive objects, highest temperatures and most violent
explosions. Pursuing these questions is a fundamental part of being a human, yet in todays world it has
become increasingly important to be able to justify the pursuit of the answers.

Preserving knowledge is easy. Transferring knowledge is also easy. But making new knowledge is neither
easy nor profitable in the short term. Fundamental research proves profitable in the long run, and, as importantly,
it is a force that enriches the culture of any society with reason and basic truth. -Ahmed Zewaii, winner of the
Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1999)The astronomy in the Philippines started in 1897. It was one of the functions of
the "Observatorio Meteologico de Manila" (OMM), which became a government agency on 28 April 1884. Prior to

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 TANAY ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY EDUCATIONAL CENTER
A Building Research Laboratory Space Program
Tanay , Rizal

this, it was a private undertaking that began on January 1, 1865. The astronomical dome that housed the telescope
of the Observatorio is its most prominent edifice. The observatory performed not only meteorological

and astronomical services but also seismological and terrestrial magnetism services. Its astronomical
activities were mostly limited to time keeping and observation of solar and stellar phenomena. The OMM
became the Weather Bureau in 1901 with its observatory in Manila as its central office. During the last world
war, the astronomical observatory was destroyed. It was only in 1954 that a new observatory was constructed
within the University of the Philippines campus in Quezon City. It has remained there up to the present time
(2003), now under the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
(PAGASA), as the only government astronomical observatory.

1.2. Problem Setting

1.2.1 Statement of the Problem

At present, there are three institutions which undertake activities in astronomy in the Philippines.
These are the PAGASA, the Manila Observatory and the National Museum (NM). The former evolved from
the OMM while the second is a private institution under the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City. The
NM is also a government agency, which is under the supervision of the Department of Education, Culture
and Sports and is located at the Rizal Park in Luneta. Since there are only three institutions that are involved
in astronomy knowledge are also limited, here are the problems that astronomy in the Philippines are facing.

1.2.1 .1. Major Problem

The current situation of Astronomical Observatory.

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 TANAY ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY EDUCATIONAL CENTER
A Building Research Laboratory Space Program
Tanay , Rizal

1.2.1.2. Minor Problems

Location - The location of the current Astronomical Observatory is within the city. Pollution -
Because of the vehicles, dust and the smoke affects the clear view of the

sky.

Building Lights - The same as the dust and smoke, lights also affects the view of the
telescope at night.

Building itself - Since the Observatory started in 1897 although it is rebuilt in 1954 the facility
is only intended for research and advancements are needed.

1.2.2. Objectives Of the Study

The proposed PAGASA Astronomical Observatory in Tanay, Rizal aims to:

1.2.2.1. Major Problem

To be able to provide a state of the art and standardize Astronomical Observatory incorporated
with Science Center in the Municipality of Tanay, Rizal.

1.2.2.2. Minor Problems

To help the people of Tanay and also the people of the Philippines to know the importance
and significance of Astronomy.

To provide a facility, promote education and encourage the Filipinos to study and practice
Astronomy.

To provide a museum and planetarium that will show case the history of astronomy not
only in the Philippines but also international

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 TANAY ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY EDUCATIONAL CENTER
A Building Research Laboratory Space Program
Tanay , Rizal

1.3. Assumption

The problems that discussed are based on the current situation of Astronomy in the Philippines, by
specific research and data gathering and also by the help of the three government institution that undertaking
the astronomy in the Philippines.

1. The proposed project will abide with all the current Municipal Rules and Regulations on
planning and construction in the Municipality of Tanay.

2. The proposed project can enhance the current situation of astronomy of the country.

3. The proposed project can provide a facility that will help for the better improvement of
Astronomy in the Philippines.

4. The proposed project can provide more discoveries and information about Stars, Planets
and etc.

5. The proposed project can provide people that are knowledgeable in the field of astronomy.

1.4. Significance Of the Study

The main purposed of Astronomical Observatory and Science Center is for discovering new things,
new ideas, new knowledge, and new information about the universe itself. Questions that we dont
understand can be answered but not in a short period of time. Astronomy rarely contributes directly with
tangible outcomes on a short time scale, the pursuit of research requires cutting-edge technology and
methods that can on a longer time scale, through their broader application make a difference.Pursuing
questions is a fundamental part of being a human, yet todays world it has become increasingly important to
be able to justify the pursuit of the answers.

The study of this project proposal has its purpose of establish a support facility for Astronomical
Observatory and Science Center. This must be beneficial to the following:

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 TANAY ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY EDUCATIONAL CENTER
A Building Research Laboratory Space Program
Tanay , Rizal

a.) Users

The one that will benefit this project proposal are the personnel and staff of PAGASA they will
enjoy working in a modern and advance facility as a result new discoveries can achieve.

b.) Community

For the community the people will be aware of what is happening outside of our world, and
learn the significance of the Astronomy in our lives. People will be welcome to see and learn through
the museum, library and planetarium.

c.) Field of Architecture

Since this study aims to develop Astronomical Observatory and Science Center in Tanay
Rizal, this project will be very significant because providing a facility that is planned and well-studied for
the purposed of using it as an Astronomical Observatory and Science Center is big achievement in the
field of Architecture in the Philippines

1.5. Scope and Limitation

1.51. Scope Of the Study

The study is focused on creating a facility that will developed the Astronomy in the Philippines that
is located at Tanay, Rizal and to enhance the knowledge and awareness of people in terms of astronomy.

1.5.2 . Limitation of the Study

This project will be focused on Astronomical Observation development in the Philippines which will
be located in Tanay Rizal. The proposed will serve not only for the people of Tanay but also for the
development of our Astronomy. Since this project is for the Philippines, but only located at Tanay Rizal all
information about the current situation of our astronomy in the Philippines is needed.

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 TANAY ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY EDUCATIONAL CENTER
A Building Research Laboratory Space Program
Tanay , Rizal

1.6. Acronym

CCD Camera Charge Couple Devices are sensors used in digital cameras and video cameras to
record still and moving images.

COSMOS A complex and orderly system, refers as the Universe. NM

National Museum.

OMM Observatorio Meteologico de Manila.

PAGASA - Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

Definition of Terms

Astronomy A natural science which is the study of celestial objects.

Infrared Camera Is a non-contact device that detects infrared energy (heat) and converts it into
an electronic signal, which is then processed to produce a thermal image on a video monitor and
perform temperature calculations.

Observatory Is a location used for observing terrestrial or celestial events.

Planetarium Is a theater built primarily for presenting educational and entertaining shows about
astronomy and the night sky, or for training in celestial navigation.

Photometer Is an instrument that measures light intensity or optical properties of solutions or

surfaces.

Reflector Telescope Is an optical telescope which uses a single or combination of curve mirrors
that reflect light and form an image.

Solar Telescope Is a telescope used to observe the sun.

Spectograph Is an instrument that separates an incoming wave into a frequency spectrum.

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TANAY ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY EDUCATIONAL CENTER
A Building Research Laboratory Space Program
Tanay , Rizal