‘Astara Ganesha’, An Interactive Way To Learn Astronomy

October 31, 2023 - ( update : 06-12-2023 )

By Anggun Nindita

Editor Anggun Nindita

BANDUNG, itb.ac.id — “Astara Ganesha”, an exhibition by Astronomy students of ITB (Himastron ITB), was held successfully on Thursday (28/9/2023) and Saturday (30/9/2023). This event was part of a collaboration project between several astronomical organizations that aims to give interactive experience using astronomy laboratory equipment and share related information to the audience that ranges from ITB students to the general public.

Assembled in CRCS Multipurpose Hall ITB and Labtek V parking space, this event exhibited a collection of materials relating to general astronomy, popular studies, and known research displayed on boards that can be learned by the public. Visitor assistance by astronomy students is also provided in the exhibition. On top of that, stands from astronomy organizations like Bosscha Observatory, Astrada, to Himpunan Astronomi Amatir Jakarta (HAAJ) can be found within the venue.

One of the ITB students that visited Astara Ganesha, Tri Zakia, admitted that she was impressed by a particular stand that displays multiple lab equipment used by astronomy students. She also said that the students on assistance duty are very informative in explaining the different lab equipment. “At first, I didn’t know that there are equipments that can show something like that (astronomy topics)”.

Furthermore, Ryandra, a student from SMA Negeri Unggulan M.H. Thamrin Jakarta, said that his interests in astronomy led him to visit the event. Some students of SMA Peacesantren Welas Asih, Garut Region, also came to explore astronomy undergraduate programs as well as campus life around ITB. A family was also present during the event due to their children’s (now in elementary school) interest in science and sensory learning.

The Head of Astara Ganesha, Novan Saputra (Astronomy 2020), was delighted by the amount of visitors that came and showed enthusiasm to the fair, especially those coming from afar. “Most of the visitors that came here had made plans to come beforehand, not just a passerby.

”Seeing the success of the event, Novan hopes that the community can be more aware and interested in topics relating to astronomy. This vision lines up with the purpose of Astara Ganesha itself, to celebrate World Space Week.

Astara Ganesha is an event that is organized by ITB Astronomy Student Association (Himastron ITB) to commemorate World Space Week from 4-10 October and is held every two years. Besides an exhibition, this event held a seminar, olympiad, and science competitions to uplift the event.

Reporter: Reza Pahlawan (Actuarial Science, 2020)

Translator: Kezia Hosana S.

Editor: Anggi Nurdiani (Management, 2021)