Rare Super Blue Moon is Coming; Jakarta Planetarium Provides Telescopes

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A rare super blue moon will grace Indonesian skies on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, when it will be at its closest point to Earth, making it appear larger than usual. The planet Saturn will also shine alongside the full moon.

In the event of the lunar phenomenon, the Jakarta Planetarium and Observatory in Cikini invited the public to catch a look at the rare sight that will not actually look blue through telescopes and join in the discussion.

M. Rayhan, the event’s coordinator, said that many people are still unaware of the appearance of celestial bodies and their various phenomena. Many also do not understand how to observe them.

“Through a discussion session, instead of seminars, and an observation session, these activities are expected to be a place for the public to get access to good, accurate, and reliable information,” Rayhan said on Tuesday, August 28.

The lunar gazing and discussion will be held on Wednesday, August 30, from 19:00 to 22:00  Jakarta time at Plaza Theater Jakarta, Taman Ismail Marzuki. The organizers prepared 10 telescopes for the public to take turns viewing the second full moon of August for free.

Jakarta Planetarium also prepared a mini planetarium due to the great interest of the public. Earlier in the 2023 Jakarta Astronomy Week, tickets for the mini planetarium were sold out within 5 minutes. The upcoming mini planetarium will then be opened for six sessions with 18 people per session. Rayhan said the 108 free tickets were fully booked within one minute of opening.

MARIA FRANSISCA LAHUR

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