TheJakartaPost
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Amateur astronomer community seeks to unravel mysteries of space
The Jakarta Amateur Astronomer Community (HAAJ), established in 1984, is Indonesia's oldest astronomer community.
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In addition to discussions, the community also holds a regular Star Party, an overnight event to observe the night sky, usually held in rural areas outside Jakarta for better visibility.
(JP/Ganug Nugroho Adi)
F
or centuries, people have searched for answers to the question “what lies beyond our atmosphere?” Finding answers to the mysteries of space could be as easy as attending one of the Jakarta Amateur Astronomer Community's (HAAJ) bi-weekly meetings at the Jakarta Planetarium and Observatory at Taman Ismail Marzuki in Cikini, Central Jakarta.
At 4:30 p.m. Saturday, about 50 people were immersed in a discussion about gravitational waves. They were seated in an auditorium while a speaker explained the topic.
Some participants were regulars, such as Rakean Wisesa, 15, who has been a part of the community since he was 9 years old.
"Astronomy always leaves me wanting to know more," he said.
When he was younger, Rakean said the discussions were often too complicated for him. He said he would stay at Astro Kids — a corner for children to make crafts and play with space-related toys.
After attending a few meetings, he said his interest grew and now he enjoys HAAJ’s astrophotography classes, which will be run again in August.
Some newcomers also attended the discussion. One was Kaia Samira Pasha, 15, who came with her friends from the Antares astronomy club at SMA 94 state senior high school in Kalideres, West Jakarta.
