Institut Teknologi Bandung

The collaborative event included the participation of Jaya Bintaro and Sidoarjo Development Schools, with guidance from Bosscha Observatory researchers Muhammad Yusuf and Dhimaz G. Ramadhan. The Moon, being an astronomical object intricately linked to Earth, was explored with insights into its cultural significance and historical interpretations.

Yusuf and Dhimaz elucidated on how various cultures perceived the Moon based on local beliefs. For instance, the Chinese associate the surface patterns of the Moon with a rabbit, the loyal companion of the Moon Goddess, while the Congolese identify the patterns as a crocodile.

In ancient times, civilizations perceived the Moon's surface features as oceans and land similar to Earth. Modern understanding, however, reveals that the Moon's surface is composed of rocks, craters, and distinctive markings. The lack of a dense atmosphere on the Moon allows craters caused by celestial impacts to endure over time, creating enduring lunar landscapes.

"On Earth, volcanic events continuously renew the surface. This means that if there is an impact, the marks could be covered again or eroded, rendering them invisible. Meanwhile, on the Moon, due to the absence of volcanic and tectonic activity, the surface remains unchanged," explained Yusuf.

Beyond craters, lunar observations unveil traces of lava flows resembling narrow lines on the Moon's surface. These ancient river-like formations are believed to have originated from volcanic activity during the Moon's early stages. Additionally, remnants of lava tunnels on the Moon's surface contribute to the understanding of its early volcanic history.

A notable curiosity revolves around the far side of the Moon, which remains hidden from Earth. Humans' eagerness to explore this unseen part led to various lunar research projects, eventually revealing that the Moon's surface differs on each side.
On the near side facing Earth, the "mare" areas (large, dark plains) are more extensive, with fewer craters. Conversely, the far side exhibits fewer mare regions and more craters. This asymmetry is integral to the Moon's ancient history and development billions of years ago.

Dhimaz emphasized the human tendency to speculate when faced with the unknown. The Giant-impact Hypothesis, a prominent theory, posits that the Moon formed from ejected material resulting from a colossal collision between Earth and a celestial body called Theia, smaller than Mars. This collision led to the Moon becoming gravitationally bound to Earth as its natural satellite.

The event provided a platform for participants to deepen their understanding of the Moon's mysteries, bridging cultural beliefs, historical interpretations, and modern scientific theories.

Reporter: Hanifa Juliana (Perencanaan Wilayah dan Kota, 2020)
Translator: Ayesha Lativa Mafaza (Postharvest Technology ‘21)
Editor: Vera Citra Utami