Proceedings of The 9th Asian-Pacic Regional IAU Meeting 2005, 334335 (2005)

Mobile Observatory for Moon Observation and Public Science Education

J. A. Utama1 and H. Setyanto1,2
1 Falak 2 Department

Studies Forum, Zenith, Indonesia of Astronomy and Bosscha Observatory, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia

ABSTRACT

Mobile observatory is a solution chosen to the problem in moon observation especially observation after the conjunction. The rst visible crescent moon (hilal) determines the beginning of the month in Hijri Calendar. When crescent moon observation needs to be done in unsuitable weather (as the characteristic, the crescent moon position is near the horizon), the mobility, pointing, and tracking ability of the telescope will be very helpful for the hilal observer. Also with mobile observatory the public will see the prole of the crescent directly as well as the presence of extra objects such as Venus crescent. This science education method will update research on visibility criterion of hilal, in hope to converge its various interpretations. Its real time observations that can be accessed via internet and with interactive software support will also gain its benets. For students, it will help their unerstanding about astronomy content in the curriculum and topics of observational astronomy as well as physics related to the phenomenon. Key words: education: mobile observatory

INTRODUCTION

Cultural and religious activities in many countries have time element pursuant to observe the moon, especially young age moon after conjunction. Often the interpretations of observed variation of illumination of the moon due to dierence in observation time in confuse the time to conduct certain religious activity. On the other hand, moon image database have never been done systematically in Indonesia. Other fact which also seen increasing is the public appreciation on science, with outer space science as one example. Bosscha observatory as relevant governmental institution have given extra service in response to the animo, especially during school vacations. However, the main duty of an observatory as a scientic institution is to conduct research. The observatory does take visitors, in order to transfer knowledge to public, but must be done so as not to bother its principal duty. Related to the newest national education curriculum which give emphasis on basic competence, there is a need of learning revolution to achieve such target. The existence of mobile observatory as an alternative learning media can serve as learning-by-doing model to push the participants entire potency in understanding natural reality they see. This is particularly important considering astronomy is not seriously taught in formal secondary level education. While the fact is that our daily life always related to astronomical phenomena. Every day we feel the solar radiation, we see

the rising and setting of the moon, stars, meteor or even comet. Hence, it can be understood if the old way of teaching, which tends to be abstract, cannot gratify the curiosity of the students. It is of great concern that if such teaching pattern continues it would extinguish the spirit to study science because it appears graceless and dicult to digest.

PURPOSES

Observatory in this paper represent a set of astronomical research instrument consisting of telescope, detector, and computer as measuring instrument reside on a transportation vehicle. The main function is as mobile observatory which plays a part in astronomical research, e.g. moon observation, and as alternative media to accomplish public curiosity to the exotic of space. Related to the newest national education curriculum, mobile observatory can promote itself as learning media which facilitates many research project which is designed by the curriculum. Astronomy is interesting. Human curiosity gets a place here. By exploring its natural laboratory, astronomy truthfully can be understood as basic science through simple activities. Activities such as constellations and planets recognition, meteor shower, eclipse, and other astronomical phenomena, are some examples that can done for this purpose. Astronomy as the science of universe becomes the main gate for society enthusiasm to witness the existence of space
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4 SUMMARY

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Understanding the how and why of natural celestial phenomena is the target of mobile observatory idea. This matters because although astronomy is popular in Indonesia, society has not fully grasped its scientic perception, including its close connection with physics and mathematics. This is in line with governmental committment to arrange for larger budget to support intellectual improvement by using as many as possible resources.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The authors would like to thank Dr. Dhani Herdiwijaya, Chair of the Department of ITB, for discussion and his encouragement to realize the idea, and to the LOC of APRIM 2005 for nancial support to attend this meeting.

REFERENCES
Figure 1. Design of mobile observatory Herdiwijaya, D., private communication Ilyas, M. 1994, Lunar Crescent Visibility criterion and Islamic Calendar, The Quarterly Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society vol.35, 425-461

and explore it for the prosperity of mankind. This activity can be used to awaken public about the importance of developing the understanding of space as well as of land and ocean. This mobile observatory can be used to collect data for research purpose, such as the data of young crescent moon needed for completing the visibility criterion. Its mobility will be very helpful when local weather condition disturbs observation. Its potency of real-time observation and accessibility via internet network with interactive software support, will give high added value as the worldwide community can actively interact in observation of the moon particularly, or other astronomical objects in general.

DESIGN AND PROGRAM

Special components are telescope system, astronomical detector, and computer for controlling and data processing. Figure 1 shows the design. This mobile observatory workplan is arranged in one year terms . The monthly program includes observation of the crescent moon systematically to obtain its age and height, and moon image documentation from night to night during the year. Observation activity of the sky with public in the form of star camp is also planned. This activity can be conducted in conjunction with special astronomical phenomenon observable from a location at a certain time. To enrich the activity, talkshows and lectures by professional or amateur astronomers can be arranged. As space science laboratory, mobile observatory will cooperate with the provincial oces of the school system to include amateur astronomical activity as one of extracurricular activity which supports the study of earth & space science in schools. This program will also include students from Astronomy Department of ITB and Education of Physics Department of UPI Bandung, who have been formally trained in astronomical science and pedagogy.
c APRIM 2005, 334335