Deputy Director of BRIN visits the largest National Observatory in South East Asia in NTT

KUPANG – Deputy Head of the National Research and Innovation Agency (Waka BRIN) Dr. Amarulla Octavian inspects the construction of the National Observatory on Mount Timau, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The trip was made for two days starting 22 and 23 August 2024.

During the trip, Waka BRAIN with Principal Investigator Christianus, Vice President for Research and Innovation Agus Haryono, Head of Aviation and Space Research Group Robertus Heru, Head of Sungging Space Research Center, Head of Ecology and Ethnobiology Research Center Asep Hidayat, Deputy -Secretary, Director and Researchers.

The Deputy Director of BRIN said that the National Observatory has an optical telescope with advanced technology to conduct Astrophysical and Astrochemical Research. The telescope technology uses optics with 18 compound mirrors with a diameter of 3.8 meters as well as second and third auxiliary mirrors.

“With this technology, BRIN will have the ability to observe solar system objects from planets, stars, to galaxies as far as 20-30 light years,” he said, Friday (23/8/2024).

According to the Deputy Head of BRIN, this astronomical research is to monitor and evaluate the influence of the constellations of the solar system on the behavior of weather on earth. The research results can be used directly to postpone the planting season to increase food production on earth, to anticipate electromagnetic wave disturbances in the atmosphere, extreme climate changes, potential disasters , and so on.

“Research results can also be used to correct the position of satellites in orbit, and even monitor the state of health of the satellite at any time,” he said.

As the main Telescope Control Station, Timau National Observatory is equipped with additional Telescope Control Station facilities in Kupang.

This Additional Control Station will also work as an optical satellite data receiver as the Kupang area has the benefit of clear skies with an average cloud cover rate of 10% throughout the year.

The Deputy Head of BRIN urged the researchers to prepare technical schemes and mechanisms so that the Timau Telescope Main Control Station and the Kupang Telescope Additional Control Station can be integrated into the Satellite Earth Station network already established in Bukit Tinggi, Bogor, Pare. -pare and Biak.