BANDUNG ~

As many as 13 international astronomers have registered with the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (Lapan) to research and observe the total solar eclipse that will occur on March 9, 2016.

“Although there is still a long time for the eclipse, foreign astronomers have already signed up for research and observation. Till April 8, 13 astronomers had signed up to study the total solar eclipse,” Head of Lapan Thomas Djamaludin said here on Wednesday.

The astronomers are from Japan, Australia, USA, Germany, Malaysia and Vietnam.

The number will certainly continue to rise because a total solar eclipse is a rare phenomenon.

“Solar eclipses occur every year, but these are the usual solar eclipses. A total solar eclipse is a very rare event,” Djamaludin explained.

To welcome the total solar eclipse, which will take place on March 9, 2016, Lapan is organizing a workshop that aims to gather the astronomical community to discuss the phenomenon from the point of view of research, education, and tourism.

At the workshop, Lapan will offer three aspects to be considered to welcome the total solar eclipse in 2016. These will include research, public education and culture.

He also pointed out that as part of public education, Lapan will invite amateur astronomers to join them to observe the total solar eclipse.

“We hope these aspects serve to attract Indonesian youths who love astronomy and want to know more and study this field further,” Djamaludin remarked.

In addition, Lapan will also collaborate with researchers from the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics (BMKG), the Bosscha observatory, universities, and the Astronomical Association of Indonesia (HAI) to provide education on the subject to the community.

“There are people who do not understand how a solar eclipse occurs and the impact of the phenomenon. In short, we want to inform people that they must not look at an eclipse with the naked eye as its effects can damage their eyes,” he cautioned.