Look’s around

If you take a fancy for revealing the knowledge mystery of universe, or simply want to see the beauty of space objects, Bosscha Observatory is one of alternative choices to visit. The observatory is located at Lembang, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia; about 15km from Bandung City. Bosscha included in special tourism object, that is science and technological tourism object. This is where we can be absorbed in the amazing beauty of universe and at the same time experience a learning process about the outer space. Bosscha has attracted so many visitors and added the charms of Bandung City which was often called “Paris van Java”.

Historically, the name “Bosscha” was given as a homage to Karel Albert Rudolf Bosscha who is the main sponsor in the construction of this observatory. The observatory was built by Nederlandsch-Indische Sterrenkundige Vereeniging (NISV) or the Dutch-Indies Astronomy Association. Initial meeting of NISV in 1920 resulted in the agreement to build an observatory with purpose to develop astronomy in the Dutch-Indies. At the moment Mr Bosscha had the kindness to fund the erection and promised to give the aid for purchasing the astronomical telescope. He and Mr J Voute went to Germany to order Bamberg Telescope and Carl Zeiss Double Refractor. At November 26, 1928; several months after Zeiss telescope installation building finished, Mr Bosscha passed away.  At October 17, 1951 NISV gave over this observatory to the Indonesian Government. After Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) stood in 1959, Bosscha became part of ITB and functioned as the research institution managed by Astronomy Department of ITB.

Bosscha Observatory (formerly known as ‘Bosscha Sterrenwacht’) is one of some few of observatories reside in the southern hemisphere. The Indonesian and world astronomers investigate and peep at the vast expanse of outer-space world through this observatory. The observatory is facilitated by various kinds and sizes of telescopes. There’re 5 active telescopes for astronomical research. Zeiss Double Refractor Telescope is the biggest and resides in a giant dome. The roof of this KCWP Schemaker-designed dome can open by 1500 watt electric power. The floor can move upward and downward to facilitate the observation. The dome can rotate up to the necessity to follow star movement. Zeiss was used to measure occultation photometry and to observe the visual double star; lunar crater image; detail image of bright comet, planets (Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter); etc. This telescope is used for research only. Four other telescopes are The Schimdt Telescope, The Bamberg Refractor, The Cassegrain GOTO, and The Unitron Refractor as the smallest. Each has the different observation functions.

Bosscha is also facilitated by the astronomical library, lecture hall, measuring room, and workshop. As a research institution, the main purpose of Bosscha is for astronomical research. But Bosscha also receive the tourists and general society who interested in outer space subtlety, of course with the strict visiting role. At the dry months every year (April-November), a night agenda for public is usually held, where the visitors have an opportunity to peep at space objects using Unitron and Bamberg. There’s also a special packet called AstroCamp, where the participants stay near the observatory to get the astronomical base training and education during 2 nights. They can discuss and use telescope to observe and photograph the space objects with the professional astronomers.

Bosscha has important roles in some aspects. First, scientifically, it’s one of the observatories collecting data about space objects in the southern hemisphere. Second, its position at Lembang was properly constructed due to the supported landscape. This 6ha-wide area resides in the southern hemisphere and only 6° from equator, with the height 1.310m above sea level. Third, Bosscha has a valuable historical meaning for Indonesia and was determined as a national cultural preserve. Bosscha is important not only for Indonesia, but also for world. It’s really thoughtfulness that currently Bosscha is facing a number of problems, especially the light pollution threat.