Visitors are observing the sun using a telescope at the UIN Walisongo Planetarium. (Inibaru.id/ Fitroh Nurikhsan)
Just by raising our heads towards the sky, we can see the stars shining at night. But, this time I wanted to see the stars and other celestial objects closer. That’s why I came to the UIN Walisongo Planetarium.
Inibaru.id – Since the beginning of 2021, the city of Semarang has had an educational tourism destination in the form of a planetarium at UIN Walisongo, Semarang. Even though it is located on campus, the place for research and observation of outer space objects is open to the public.
My friend said, the UIN Walisongo Planetarium and Observatory is full of visitors almost every day, from adults to children. They are curious to look at outer space through the sophisticated equipment that is there. Not only that, visitors will also see telescope activities and see space shows up close.
Hearing this, I became interested in visiting the planetarium which is located in Tambakaji, Ngaliyan District, Semarang City. According to information, the place is open every day except Sunday.
For Monday to Friday, children are charged IDR 25 thousand and adults IDR 35 thousand. Meanwhile, on Saturday, the entrance ticket for children is IDR 35 thousand and adults IDR 45 thousand. Oh yes, especially for the UIN Walisongo academic community, you will get a 50 percent discount.
Learn to Use a Telescope
Before touring the UIN Walisongo Planetarium, visitors are required to buy an entrance ticket first. (Inibaru.id/ Fitroh Nurikhsan)
When I visited the UIN Walisongo Planetarium recently, the theme there happened to be: the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). FYI, the theme every day may not be the same and always changes, OK?
At that time, the tour to the planetarium started at 15.00 WIB. The visitors who had gathered, including me, listened carefully to the instructions of the guide, Nailul Alvi Hidayah. One of the rules that tour participants must obey is that they cannot use camera flashes when documenting in the show room.
“Our first adventure is on the 4th floor, friends! We will directly observe the sun using a telescope,” exclaimed Nailul.
Upon arrival on the 4th floor, each participant immediately lined up to the back to have their turn to see the sun using tools. Apart from telescopes, participants are also invited to look at the sun using special glasses.
Apart from providing education about how to use a telescope, the companions also explained that the telescope at the UIN Walisongo Planetarium is often used to observe lunar eclipses, solar eclipses, rukyatul hilal and many others.
Exploring Space
In the performance space, visitors will be invited to explore the vastness of space up close. (Inibaru.id/ Fitroh Nurikhsan)
Satisfied with operating the telescope, we participants were directed to the demonstration room. It is in this space that I and other people will be invited to “fly” to explore the world of outer space up close.
The lights were turned off, then overhead a space scene complete with celestial bodies was displayed. My feelings at that time were really happy and amazed because I could see the view of outer space which turned out to be beautiful, more than I had ever imagined.
From the planetarium I saw many shining stars, ranging from dim to bright lights. But, of course the stars will be faintly visible from where we live now.
“City lights can interfere with us observing the night sky. A dense city will make the ceiling visible at night with few stars,” explained Nailul.
One of the vast views of space presented in the UIN Walisongo Planetarium show room. (Inibaru.id/ Fitroh Nurikhsan)
After briefly explaining the conditions of the night sky, Nailul began to explain about JWST. It is a telescope developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), launched to photograph the activity of the universe.
“JWST has two functions, the first is to explore the solar system and reveal exoplanets or planets outside the solar system. Second, to find out how the universe was first formed,” he explained.
After listening to an explanation about JWST, the participants were invited to see pictures of the planets that were successfully documented by JWST.
Well, the series of space exploration at the UIN Walisongo Planetarium is over. I am really satisfied to be able to see celestial bodies more clearly. You can also visit this educational tourist spot to update your knowledge about space, Millens! (Fitroh Nurikhsan/E10)
2023-10-24 08:38:00
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