Save Energy - Save Bosscha Observatoryby | 08-07-2013 09:47 |
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    This is not the first time I visited Bosscha. Not only because I am a chairperson of FOSCA (Forum of Scientist Teenagers ) but for me, Bosscha is one of the most interesting place in my country. Located in Lembang, 15 kilometers north of Bandung, situated on a 6 hectares land, 1,310 meters above sea level and 630 meters above the Bandung plateau, it is Indonesia's oldest observatory. The site was chosen owing to its strategic position. Such a height enables free viewing to the east, west and south. Unfortunately, the residential area around the observatory has been expanding since the 1980s. More and more people are interested in living in Lembang where they can enjoy the city lights of Bandung at night. The population density in Lembang == and in Bandung == means artificial light is beamed into the sky, which obstructs monitoring. Vehicle smoke and dust also disturbs stargazing activities. The condition worsens during weekends and holidays, coupled by the construction of a 24-kilometer road leading to the integrated tourist resort from Bandung city. Bosscha was reportedly disturbed by electronic waves and light pollution affecting the city. Street lights and air pollution, the presenter said, have limited the range of the telescopes.. What should we do to save the Boscha? The easier to do I thought by turning off lights when we're not in use. It sounds almost too simple but if every house in Lembang and Bandung can reduce their light by providing a canopy for the lights placed outside and use bulbs rather than neon lamps, light pollution can be easily reduced. In this way, energy will also be saved. Bosscha Observatory, which is a laboratory for astronomical education, has no authority to regulate the community. Only time will tell whether policymakers are progressive enough in their thinking to side with Bosscha, the observatory that has for decades revealed the mysteries of the southern skies. http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2008/08/25/radio-and-light-pollution-threatens-bosscha-observatory.html http://bandoenglover.wordpress.com/2011/02/16/romance-beneath-stars-planets-boscha-planetarium/ http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2006/09/15/bosscha-affected-adversely-light-pollution.html |
