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How did the universe actually come about? Is there any other life beyond Earth? These are some of humanity’s fundamental questions that are still a mystery. Even so, this question becomes a challenge for world astronomers to reveal the answer.
Indonesia, for the first time, will also participate in the research program on extraterrestrial life and habitable planets outside the solar system, known as exoplanets. The construction of the Mount Timau National Observatory in Kupang, NTT will pave the way.
How far was the program for the construction of the National Observatory of Mount Timau and what is Indonesia’s current exoplanet research program, DW exclusively interviewed the head of the National Aeronautics Agency and space (LAPAN) Prof. Dr. Thomas Djamaluddin referred to this.
DW: Is it true that LAPAN will begin its search for “aliens” and habitable planets other than Earth in 2021, as recently circulated on social media?
Prof. Dr. Thomas Djamaluddin: Yes, this is the style of language of media friends, yes, so the side that attracts the attention of the public is taken.
Basically this is it. LAPAN is building a National Observatory on Mount Timau in Kupang. The program started in 2015, initiating discussions, then licensing and more. Then 2017 began construction. And LAPAN obtains a multi-year budget of approximately Rp. 340 billion. Indeed, seen from the numbers, it is huge. But actually for the price of an observatory, it’s minimalist because LAPAN is currently ordering a 3.8 meter telescope, the largest telescope in Southeast Asia and this is the second production of a Kyoto University project in Japan. , obviously with another company that produces it.
So, with this large telescope, it is certainly possible to observe celestial objects, dark objects around our galaxy and outside our galaxy.
Now, the trend is looking for planets outside the solar system, because in terms of technology it is very complicated, then in terms of methodology for its observations it is also complicated. So with the 3.8-meter telescope, for the first time, we will participate in the search program for planets outside the solar system.
Of course, an important part of searching for planets in the solar system is finding planets that are suitable for life like Earth. It is neither too hot nor too cold, so the planet’s water is liquid. Since it is a prerequisite for life, there must be liquid water. The language of the media is then translated that LAPAN is looking for life outside the Earth. Yes, it is done but it is only one.
Does this mean a new chapter in the world of Indonesian astronomy so that it can be on the world stage in search of exoplanets?
Yes, we know that the Bosscha Observatory in Lembang is a small observatory in the southern sky. We know that in the Southern Hemisphere the land is found only in the maritime continent of Indonesia, Australia, then Africa and South America, so it is very rare. In its day, the Bosscha Observatory made an exceptional contribution to the observation of southern celestial objects, especially double stars.
So, it is hoped that with our position being able to observe southern sky conditions, it is expected to contribute a lot to the observation of objects of stars or planets outside the solar system in the southern sky region, which are generally observers. in the Northern Hemisphere. in the northern sky. So that we play a role, we will be looking a lot for planets outside the solar system in the southern sky. This is what we hope to contribute to the development of astronomy in the international world.
What is the importance of research to find extraterrestrial life and habitable planets besides this Earth for us, prof.?
So, one of the most essential questions of mankind is related to the origin of the universe as what? So the second question is whether life only exists on Earth? This is the most essential question and they call it a challenge for astronomers to answer.
Now as far as life is concerned, we know that there are at least three conditions for the search for life outside the Earth. First, there must be a source of heat. The source of heat is obviously the star. Second, the planet’s temperature should allow the water to be liquid. Hence, the planet must not be too hot, which means it is not too close to its star and not too cold, which means it is not too far from the star. So the third must have organic elements, especially the elements C, H, O and N (carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen).
So, if you ask, what are the benefits? Yes, to answer humanity’s final question, something like that. Of course, many of its derivatives will also include challenges that usually cause or encourage us to develop technologies that we ultimately use.
One of the technologies we end up using is a digital camera. It was originally developed by astronomers to be able to photograph celestial objects, replacing photography on film. This is what we can then use in everyday life.
Can you explain us the great purpose of the construction of the National Observatory of Mount Timau, prof.?
The National Observatory’s first goal is to increase the ability of Indonesia’s science and technology to make it world-class. Secondly, this is also very important. It is the improvement or empowerment of Eastern Indonesia, in the context of equity. So, so far for the development of science and technology it seems that only the western region. There is also an observatory in Bandung, Lembang. Then there are also many universities in western Indonesia.
Well, with the National Observatory [Timau], we will participate in empowering and improving the quality of human resources in Eastern Indonesia.
It is not only the observatory that was built, but there is a science center in the Tilong area near Kupang. This is to improve public education, so that kindergarten, elementary, middle, high and high school students can attend there to learn related to science.
Is there an economic impact on the surrounding community?
It is hoped that the National Observatory will also have an economic impact on the surrounding community. On the one hand we want to save the National Observatory from light pollution so that this observatory can last up to 100 years like the Bosscha Observatory. Therefore, this environment must also be maintained. So that in the area around the National Observatory the area of Dark Sky National Park was declared. Of course, this area should become a typical tourist area for NTT, especially the Kupang region. From a natural perspective, the area around this national observatory is very beautiful.
So this can be used as a typical tourist area. At noon, you can call it exploration to enjoy its natural beauty, then at night you can observe the beautiful sky due to the minimal light pollution there.
So the Milky Way, which from large cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung can no longer see the Milky Way, from the area around the National Observatory (Empoang area) is actually very clear. Hence photography enthusiasts, especially astrophotography, are also spoiled for observation of the sky in dark conditions.
Can you explain how this observatory can be used for Prof.’s research?
The Mount Timau National Observatory or Timau National Observatory was originally slated for completion this year. Construction of the dome and installation of the telescope is planned for this year. However, it turns out that there are technical hurdles that cannot be overcome to be solved this year.
First, in terms of road conditions. It turns out that the road access needs to be repaired again. Part of the dirt road meant it had to be built because it would later carry heavy equipment to reach Mount Timau. Alhamdulillah, this then received assistance from the NTT provincial government, then also from the Ministry of the PUPR for this road access to be implemented soon, even if it is not in 2020.
Then the second is also the problem with the COVID-19 pandemic, which also delays some works.
So the road is expected to be finished next year, so the transport of the equipment for the dome and also for this telescope can be completed next year, it is expected that at the latest in the third quarter of 2021 the installation will be completed so that later it is expected that the first operation will also be carried out by the end of 2021.
The interview for DW Indonesia was conducted by Prihardani Ganda Tuah Purba and has been edited for context.
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