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View all search resultsTurn off your lights and enjoy the Milky Way: LAPAN
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Foreign tourists enjoy the Milky Way constellation on a clear night in Rote Ndao Island of East Nusa Tenggara Province on Aug. 16, 2015. (Antara/M. Agung Rajasa)
T
he National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) has asked people to save the night sky from light pollution by turning off all outdoor lights for one hour on Saturday to enjoy the beauty of the Milky Way.
LAPAN launched the Dark Sky Night campaign in Jakarta on Friday asking people to turn outdoor lights off between 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. on August 6, LAPAN head Thomas Djamaluddin said. The campaign was launched in August as the clearer skies during the dry season make it easier to see the stars, as well as to commemorate Outer Space Day, he added.
"The Dark Sky Night campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of saving the night skies from light pollution as well as saving energy," Thomas said on Friday as reported by Antara news agency.
The light pollution in large cities around the world means that their residents rarely get a clear sight of the Milky Way and the billions of star constellations. By turning off their lights on Saturday, people could see the clusters of stars clearly such as the Cygnus, Summer Triangle, Crux and Scorpio, he added.
LAPAN also suggested that the government create a Dark Sky Park: a dedicated light pollution free area, which could also host a National Observatorium, Thomas said, adding that Kupang in East Nusa Tenggara is the most suitable location due to its dry climate. (rin)
