A Milestone for a Century of Modern Astronomy in the Country

The Bosscha Observatory is a modern astronomy milestone, which was established in the country on Jan. 1, 1923. After a century, Bosscha is expected to continue to be a bridge for civilization in knowing the universe.

KOMPAS/MACHRADIN WAHYUDI RITONGA

Bosscha Observatory, District, Lembang, West Bandung Regency, West Java, Thursday (29/12/2022). The first modern sky observation facility in Southeast Asia has existed since January 1, 1923.

The cloudy weather on Thursday (29/12/2022) morning accompanied workers in renovating the buildings in the Bosscha Observatory complex in Lembang, West Bandung regency, West Java.

The aroma of white paint smelled. The biggest sky observer there, the Zeiss double refractor telescope, was wrapped with a protector as the building was being renovated. This building is the icon of the Bosscha Observatory, so it was a priority in the renovation process.

The giant telescope is the biggest star observation tool. The system is equipped with two main telescopes with a 60-centimeter diameter lens and one search telescope or guide with a 40-centimeter diameter.

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This 11-meter long telescope was brought in from Germany and has been operational since 1928. "Overall, the Bosscha Observatory is a symbol of modern astronomy in the country," said head of the Bosscha Observatory Premana W Premadi.

Bosscha has contributed to the development of astronomy, such as the theory of star evolution. This theory requires observations of the dual star system and the double refractor telescope observes a number of stars.

"At present, we are still observing dozens of dual star systems needed in developing the theory of star evolution. This is a contribution by the Bosscha Observatory because a number of scientists made observations and took data here. There are many double stars in the southern sky," he said.

KOMPAS/MACHRADIN WAHYUDI RITONGA

An astronomer uses a telescope operated by the Bosscha Robotic Telescope system at the Bosscha Observatory, District, Lembang, West Bandung Regency, West Java, Thursday (29/12/2022).

Premana explained that in the early 20th century, a qualified observatory to observe celestial objects only existed in the northern hemisphere. In the southern hemisphere there was only the Royal Observatory, Cape of Good Hope in South Africa and the Sydney Observatory in Australia.

In fact, at that time, astronomy became one of the fields of science that stirred the thirst of scientists. A number of modern physics theories, such as relativity and quantum mechanics, applied the universe as a vehicle to prove various formulations and formulas created by the geniuses at the time.

Karel Albert Rudolf Bosscha, owner of a tea farm in Malabar, southern Bandung, understood the need. From there, the idea of the construction of an observatory in Bandung was raised by the Dutch philanthropist.

In 1923, the Bosscha Observatory was built and became one of the three largest observatories in the southern hemisphere.

History shows that this observatory was inaugurated on Jan.1, 1923. The first modern observatory in Southeast Asia was about 15 kilometers from the center of Bandung.

In addition to being a medium for scientists to observe the sky, this observatory was also a learning medium for students from the Technische Hoogeschool Te Bandoeng, the engineering school that is now the Bandung Institute of Technology.

"In 1923, the Bosscha Observatory was built and became one of the three largest observatories in the southern hemisphere. Its presence was highly appreciated at that time, because the southern sky was considered a blind point," Premana said.

ARSIP BOSSCHA

Bosscha solar telescope.

In demand by the public

Premana did not deny that technological advances helped astronomers observe stars more rapidly. A number of modern telescopes are able to detect thousands of celestial objects in one second with a high resolution, one of which is the Hubble Telescope, which observes the sky from space.

Bosscha felt moved to develop technology for the observation of the stars. At present, one of the telescopes uses the Bosscha Robotic Telescope (BRT) system. This technology allows astronomers to move one of the telescopes remotely by simply entering the data and coordinates. One of the data processing that can be done by Bosscha, Premana further said, was observing the space weather and solar activities.

"The modern world is very dependent on magnetic waves closely related to solar activity. The observation of space weather, which is affected by the sun, is important so that it can be anticipated. We must understand, the universe is something that cannot be regulated. Humans adjust and look for mitigation," he said.

This planetarium is also a place of prayer, so it is called a Mushollatorium.

Not only is it a vehicle to examine outer space, the Bosscha Observatory is also a means of education and attracting people's interests in the world of astronomy.

One of the learning tools that is often used is the Bamberg refractor telescope. One of the oldest telescopes in the Bosscha Observatory, it is a 37-centimeter diameter lens with a focal length of 7 meters. The telescope, which was available from 1929, is a tool for learners to observe a number of celestial objects.

The existence of Bosscha became an inspiration to advance the country and its people. Hendro Setyanto, 49, the owner of Imah Noong in Wangunsari village, Lembang district, West Bandung regency, has served at the Bosscha Observatory from 1997 to 2010. He is now independently bringing the dream of introducing astronomy to the public.

Hendro built Imah Noong, Sundanese for "peeping house," in 2013. A number of facilities have been built up to the present. "This planetarium is also a place of prayer, so it is called a Mushollatorium. The domes of Noong and Saung Noong have one telescope respectively. Both were inspired by the Bosscha Observatory," he said.

According to Hendro, knowledge was needed to enable human life to be better in the future and needed to be brought closer to the community. Astronomy can inspire children to enter the various fields of science and through the Bosscha Observatory that goal can be achieved. Happy 100th birthday, Bosscha!

This article was translated by Hyginus Hardoyo.