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Stargazers turn to Internet to explore the universe
Reticulum, Auriga, Camelopardalis, Monoceros and Crux
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R
eticulum, Auriga, Camelopardalis, Monoceros and Crux. These are not exotic foods or new species. They are five constellations among hundreds scattered throughout the universe.
If you are curious about them, the Langit Selatan and Jakarta Amateur Astronomers Association (HAAJ) astronomy clubs have the answers.
Supported by a passion to share their knowledge of astronomy, a group of alumni from Bandung Institute of Technology’s School of Astronomy and School of Mathematics and Sciences established the Langit Selatan astronomy group in 2005.
“When we first formed, we published a monthly magazine titled Centaurus. However, we only ran one issue,” co-founder Dewi Pramesti Kusumaningrum told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.
In 2006, they decided to revive the group through a website and changed the name to Langit Selatan.
“Because Indonesia is located in langit selatan (the southern hemisphere),” she said.
The group also conducts an annual astronomy olympiad and get invited to host star-themed parties at schools.
“The star parties usually involve camping. We teach children how to use telescopes and recognize constellations,” Dewi said. Information on the group can be found at www.langitselatan.com.
HAAJ chief Tersia Marsiano said his Jakarta-based group was established in April 1984 by a group of regular visitors to the astronomy library at the Planetarium in Cikini, Central Jakarta.
“The idea was to have an organization where astronomy fans could communicate ... Information on astronomy was limited,” he told the Post on Wednesday.
One of the association’s major activities was witnessing Halley Comet approach the sun in 1986.
Tersia said more people were interested in astronomy despite the constraints of the hobby.
“The main problems faced by stargazers are light and air pollution in Jakarta,” he said, adding that telescopes prices were also expensive, ranging from Rp 2 million (US$222) to Rp 10 million.
For more information:
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