KUCHING: The Sarawak Astronomical Society (SAS) celebrated its 20th anniversary yesterday, which coincides with the partial solar eclipse.
MOON IN OUR WAY: Curious public looking at the sun through filters provided by the planetarium yesterday.
SAS co-founder Jacob Sebastian told Borneo Post reporters after a briefing on the partial solar eclipse at Sultan Iskandar Planetarium that he is satisfied with the society’s effort in getting the people of Sarawak interested in astronomy.
“We registered our society in 1989 and have more than 400 members across Sarawak,” said Jacob who founded the society together with Kuching City North Commission (DBKU) Datuk Bandar Abang Mohamad Atei Abang Medaan in 1987.
“Among the interesting activities lined up for our members were Astro camps, celebration of Astronomy and Space Week, seminars and talks,” Jacob said.
Most young members in the early days of the society now lead it, and he is happy it is run by a capable committee.
“I invite the public to register as members of SAS as a lot of information and knowledge can be gained by being members,” he said, hoping that the event yesterday would spark interest among students.
Jacob said the state of the art planetarium was built in response to young people’s interest in astronomy.
Meanwhile students from schools and universities attended the screening of a presentation of the solar system yesterday and briefing of the partial solar eclipse by an exco member of SAS, Ramli Ahmad.
Those interested to become a member of SAS can visit www.sarawak-astronomy.org/main or contact the planetarium at 082-251275.