Letters of Intent received in 2021
LoI 2023-2151
From The Universe Back To Earth: Developing Astronomy To Meet Today’s Natural Challenges
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Date:
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3 July 2023 to 8 July 2023 |
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Category:
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Non-GA Symposium
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Location:
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Campus of Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
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Contact:
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Premana Premadi (premadi@as.itb.ac.id) |
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Coordinating division:
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Division C Education, Outreach and Heritage |
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Other divisions:
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Division B Facilities, Technologies and Data Science
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Co-Chairs of SOC:
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Premana W. Premadi (Bosscha Observatory, Institut Teknologi Bandung) |
| George Miley (Leiden Observatory, Leiden University) |
| Anna Scaife (Jodrell Bank, Manchester University) |
| Taufiq Hidayat (Dept. of Astronomy, Institut Teknologi Bandung) |
| Boonrucksar Soonthurnthum (NARIT) |
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Co-Chairs of LOC:
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Anton T. Jaelani (Dept. of Astronomy, Institut Teknologi Bandung) |
| Yatny Yulianty (Bosscha Observatory, Institut Teknologi Bandung) |
| Kiki Vierdayanti (Dept. of Astronomy, Institut Teknologi Bandung) |
| Rhorom Priyatikanto (BRIN-LAPAN) |
| Teti A. Argo (Dept. of Urban Planning, Institut Teknologi Bandung) |
Topics
Topics
1. Using the science of astronomy and astrophysics to understand the Earth system
2. Using facilities, technologies, and data science in astronomy to study Earth system
3. Capacity building and network strategies: using astronomy to meet today’s natural challenges
4. Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Education of the Earth system: material, delivery strategy for young generation
5. Citizen science programmes
Rationale
The year 2023 will be special for astronomy in Indonesia: (1) the centennial birthday of its Bosscha Observatory, one of the first few large (then) observatories in the southern hemisphere. It is still a functioning observatory now and should be ready to embark on its new mission; (2) Indonesia will be fortunate to have a Total Solar Eclipse passes over its eastern part. We plan for a year of astronomy activities with various aims, including for public at large. It will be a unique time for astronomy to get attention as well as to show how it can contribute to development of civilization.
The various topics in this proposed symposium cover details of science developed in astronomy and astrophysics that could be useful in investigating and understanding the Earth as part of the solar system, but also as a unique planet. This idea has inspired a number of astronomical projects around the world to dedicate significant portions of their projects to study Earth, which are now developing into interesting projects of their own rights.
With the challenges in understanding various natural phenomena on Earth we currently face, it is imperative that we lend our knowledge in astronomy and astrophysics, and invest in facilities, technologies, tools, to expedite our learning of the Earth system and work together with a wider field of expertise relevant to the effort of saving our Earth.
The reasons that make astronomy appealing to all are precisely the ones that make astronomy a good entrance to STEAM education. Astronomy is universal and inspirational, relates to all sciences, pushes technology forward, and invites people to reflect. Those reasons are woven to construct the goals of learning STEAM via astronomy, which are: To raise awareness and comprehension of the physical world and natural causal relation; To promote rational perception and respect towards abiotic and biotic environments, including human being; To promote curiosity, knowledge, skill, creativity in STEAM; and To promote positive participation and mindfulness. Those four goals resemble and emphasize the key spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The urgency for us to handle the issues, and Indonesia being one example of regions very susceptible to climate change, plus the year 2023 being special for Indonesia astronomy makes this symposium a must.