Jakarta - The National Observatory Timau in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, is set to strengthen international cooperation in space research, according to Emanuel Sungging Mumpuni, head of the Space Research Center at Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).
Mumpuni emphasized that Indonesia's equatorial position allows for the observation of astronomical phenomena that cannot be seen from northern or southern hemispheres. This geographical advantage enables collaboration with international astronomers, such as those from Japan, facilitating observations of transient cosmic events.
Equipped with advanced technology, the Timau Observatory is expected to monitor various distant astronomical phenomena. BRIN has outlined several research themes to be conducted at the observatory and is in communication with both domestic and international astronomers for potential collaborations.
One notable collaboration involves discussions with Thai researchers regarding binary asteroids, which are gravitationally bound to each other. Additionally, the observatory will contribute to international projects, including the Vera Rubin Observatory, focusing on time domain astronomy.
Mumpuni also mentioned the observatory's role in global efforts to detect potentially hazardous asteroids, highlighting a collaborative initiative aimed at planetary defense. The year 2029 has been designated as the International Year of Planetary Defense, underscoring the importance of these efforts.