Sol Luna Terra

An instructor explaining about constellations in the Starlab planetarium

The Astronomy Fiesta 2018 was organised by the Sungai Long Campus’ Astronomy Club on 6 and 7 June 2018. Themed “Sol. Luna. Terra.” which means Moon, Earth and Sun, the fiesta aimed to expose the extraterrestrial activities that occur in our solar system.

“This is the first time we hold this kind of event. Through this fiesta, we hope to develop the interest of UTAR students in the field of astronomy. Other than that, we are also seeking an opportunity to recruit new members in our Astronomy Club”, said Astronomy Fiesta 2018 Chairperson Wong Yoke Kim.

The open-for-public event lined up a variety of activities for the visitors including talks, exhibition, games and workshops.

The Sun model (left) lighting up the exhibition area

Upon entering the hall, the visitors had the opportunity to witness a handmade Sun model which was used to light up the exhibition area. The exhibition was also filled with information regarding astronomy and trivia.

Besides setting up an exhibition, the Starlab provided a chance for the visitors to experience travelling to the outer space. The Starlab is a mini planetarium that enabled the visitors to gaze at the surroundings of the outer space and planets in the Galaxy, through the projection of the image on the ceiling. It was prepared by Petrosains Sdn Bhd.

Visitors enjoying the dome ceiling projection in Starlab

Other than that, hands-on activities were also available in the form of games and workshops. The workshop saw participants making do-it-yourself moon phase chart and nebula jar. The games organised were in accordance with the theme.

Visitors creating their own nebula jar (left) and the moon phase chart (right)

A talk titled Solar and Lunar Eclipse by William Chin was conducted on the first day of the fiesta. Revolving around the sun and moon eclipses, the talk included videos and illustrations that gave participants a holistic understanding of the fascinating natural phenomena.

William giving his talk

On the second day, National Planetarium Malaysia Science Officer Mohd Zamri Shah Mastor gave a talk about the 12^th planet in the Galaxy. Dubbed as Planet X and Nibiru, the planet has its own reputation in drawing theories and claims to the mystery that shrouded it. This includes the ancient Sumerian myth that believes technologically advanced human-like being called Anunnaki lives on the planet and Homo sapiens is a cross gene between Anunnaki and Homo erectus (extinct species of archaic human).

            Zamri sharing his knowledge