Boscha Observatory places experts in six locations

Bandung, NU Online
The Boscha Observatory will set up six astronomical teams to be deployed in six locations to monitor and observe the crescent (hilal) in determining the beginning of Ramadhan this year.

"The teams will observe the hilal on coming 30-31 August 2008 in six points. The result would be reported as data to determine the beginning of Ramadhan that will be discussed in a (itsbat) meeting," the Lembang's Boscha Observatory chief Dr Taufik Hidayat said here on Wednesday.<>

Each team consisting of two experts on astronomy and an expert on information technology will be deployed in six locations namely Makassar (South Sulawesi), Kupang (East Nusa Tenggara), Lamongan (East Java), Semarang (Central Java), Bandung (West Java), and Banda Aceh (Nangroe Aceh Darussalam).

It is the second time of the Boscha Observatory in helping determine the first day of Ramadhan and Idul Fitri holiday. The result of the teams' observation is aimed at completing data that will be used in the itsbat meeting.

"The result of the recorded hilal observation of our teams will directly be recorded by using camera and be taken as a proof of the existence of hilal. In turn both the fact and data are valid," Taufik said.

The purposeful observation, Taufik said, was the collaboration between the Boscha Observatory, the Department of Communication and Information and the Department of Religious Affairs.

Taufik said on account of the sophisticated technology, hilal could easily be seen. The result of the observation will be broadcast online through information technological equipments from the six points.

"The settlement of the six points for hilal observation is to optimize observation. The more time we do observation the more possibility we will see hilal and handle weather barriers," Taufik said. (din)