TANAY ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY EDUCATIONAL CENTER A Building Research Laboratory Space Program Tanay , Rizal
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study
Throughout the History humans have looked to the sky to navigate the vast oceans, to decide when to plant their crops and to answer questions of where we came from and how we got her. It is the discipline that opens our eyes, gives context to our place in the Universe and that can reshape how we see the world. When Copernicus claimed that Earth was not the Universe, it triggered a revolution. A revolution through which religion, science, and society had to adapt to this new world view. Now as our understanding of the world progress, we find ourselves and our view of the world even more entwined with the stars. The discovery that the basic elements that we find in stars, and the gas and dust around them, are the same elements that make up our bodies has further deepened the connection between us and the cosmos. This connection touches our lives, and the awe it inspires is perhaps the reason that the beautiful images of astronomy provides us with are so popular in today’s culture. There are still many unanswered questions in astronomy. Current research is struggling to understand questions like: “How Old are we?”, “what is the fate of the Universe?” and possibly the most interesting: “How unique is the Universe, and could a slightly different Universe ever supported life?” but astronomy is also breaking new records every day, establishing the furthest distance, most massive objects, highest temperatures and most violent explosions. Pursuing these questions is a fundamental part of being a human, yet in today’s world it has become increasingly important to be able to justify the pursuit of the answers. “Preserving knowledge is easy. Transferring knowledge is also easy. But making new knowledge is neither easy nor profitable in the short term. Fundamental research proves profitable in the long run, and, as importantly, it is a force that enriches the culture of any society with reason and basic truth.” -Ahmed Zewaii, winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1999)The astronomy in the Philippines started in 1897. It was one of the functions of the "Observatorio Meteologico de Manila" (OMM), which became a government agency on 28 April 1884. Prior to
1
TANAY ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY EDUCATIONAL CENTER A Building Research Laboratory Space Program Tanay , Rizal this, it was a private undertaking that began on January 1, 1865. The astronomical dome that housed the telescope of the Observatorio is its most prominent edifice. The observatory performed not only meteorological
and astronomical services but also seismological and terrestrial magnetism services. Its astronomical activities were mostly limited to time keeping and observation of solar and stellar phenomena. The OMM became the Weather Bureau in 1901 with its observatory in Manila as its central office. During the last world war, the astronomical observatory was destroyed. It was only in 1954 that a new observatory was constructed within the University of the Philippines campus in Quezon City. It has remained there up to the present time (2003), now under the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), as the only government astronomical observatory.
1.2. Problem Setting
1.2.1 Statement of the Problem
At present, there are three institutions which undertake activities in astronomy in the Philippines. These are the PAGASA, the Manila Observatory and the National Museum (NM). The former evolved from the OMM while the second is a private institution under the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City. The NM is also a government agency, which is under the supervision of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports and is located at the Rizal Park in Luneta. Since there are only three institutions that are involved in astronomy knowledge are also limited, here are the problems that astronomy in the Philippines are facing.
1.2.1 .1. Major Problem The current situation of Astronomical Observatory.
2
TANAY ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY EDUCATIONAL CENTER A Building Research Laboratory Space Program Tanay , Rizal 1.2.1.2. Minor Problems
Location - The location of the current Astronomical Observatory is within the city. Pollution Because of the vehicles, dust and the smoke affects the clear view of the
sky. Building Lights - The same as the dust and smoke, lights also affects the view of the telescope at night. Building itself - Since the Observatory started in 1897 although it is rebuilt in 1954 the facility is only intended for research and advancements are needed. 1.2.2. Objectives Of the Study
The proposed PAGASA Astronomical Observatory in Tanay, Rizal aims to:
1.2.2.1. Major Problem To be able to provide a state of the art and standardize Astronomical Observatory incorporated with Science Center in the Municipality of Tanay, Rizal.
1.2.2.2. Minor Problems To help the people of Tanay and also the people of the Philippines to know the importance and significance of Astronomy. To provide a facility, promote education and encourage the Filipinos to study and practice Astronomy. To provide a museum and planetarium that will show case the history of astronomy not only in the Philippines but also international 3
TANAY ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY EDUCATIONAL CENTER A Building Research Laboratory Space Program Tanay , Rizal
1.3. Assumption The problems that discussed are based on the current situation of Astronomy in the Philippines, by specific research and data gathering and also by the help of the three government institution that undertaking the astronomy in the Philippines.
1. The proposed project will abide with all the current Municipal Rules and Regulations on planning and construction in the Municipality of Tanay. 2. The proposed project can enhance the current situation of astronomy of the country.
3. The proposed project can provide a facility that will help for the better improvement of Astronomy in the Philippines. 4. The proposed project can provide more discoveries and information about Stars, Planets and etc. 5. The proposed project can provide people that are knowledgeable in the field of astronomy. 1.4. Significance Of the Study The main purposed of Astronomical Observatory and Science Center is for discovering new things, new ideas, new knowledge, and new information about the universe itself. Questions that we don’t understand can be answered but not in a short period of time. Astronomy rarely contributes directly with tangible outcomes on a short time scale, the pursuit of research requires cutting-edge technology and methods that can on a longer time scale, through their broader application make a difference.Pursuing questions is a fundamental part of being a human, yet today’s world it has become increasingly important to be able to justify the pursuit of the answers. The study of this project proposal has its purpose of establish a support facility for Astronomical Observatory and Science Center. This must be beneficial to the following:
4
TANAY ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY EDUCATIONAL CENTER A Building Research Laboratory Space Program Tanay , Rizal a.) Users The one that will benefit this project proposal are the personnel and staff of PAGASA they will enjoy working in a modern and advance facility as a result new discoveries can achieve. b.) Community For the community the people will be aware of what is happening outside of our world, and learn the significance of the Astronomy in our lives. People will be welcome to see and learn through the museum, library and planetarium. c.) Field of Architecture Since this study aims to develop Astronomical Observatory and Science Center in Tanay Rizal, this project will be very significant because providing a facility that is planned and well-studied for the purposed of using it as an Astronomical Observatory and Science Center is big achievement in the field of Architecture in the Philippines 1.5. Scope and Limitation 1.51. Scope Of the Study The study is focused on creating a facility that will developed the Astronomy in the Philippines that is located at Tanay, Rizal and to enhance the knowledge and awareness of people in terms of astronomy. 1.5.2 . Limitation of the Study This project will be focused on Astronomical Observation development in the Philippines which will be located in Tanay Rizal. The proposed will serve not only for the people of Tanay but also for the development of our Astronomy. Since this project is for the Philippines, but only located at Tanay Rizal all information about the current situation of our astronomy in the Philippines is needed.
5
TANAY ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY EDUCATIONAL CENTER A Building Research Laboratory Space Program Tanay , Rizal 1.6. Acronym CCD Camera – Charge Couple Devices are sensors used in digital cameras and video cameras to record still and moving images. COSMOS – A complex and orderly system, refers as the Universe. NM – National Museum. OMM – Observatorio Meteologico de Manila. PAGASA - Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
Definition of Terms Astronomy – A natural science which is the study of celestial objects. Infrared Camera – Is a non-contact device that detects infrared energy (heat) and converts it into an electronic signal, which is then processed to produce a thermal image on a video monitor and perform temperature calculations. Observatory – Is a location used for observing terrestrial or celestial events. Planetarium – Is a theater built primarily for presenting educational and entertaining shows about astronomy and the night sky, or for training in celestial navigation. Photometer – Is an instrument that measures light intensity or optical properties of solutions or surfaces. Reflector Telescope – Is an optical telescope which uses a single or combination of curve mirrors that reflect light and form an image. Solar Telescope – Is a telescope used to observe the sun. Spectograph – Is an instrument that separates an incoming wave into a frequency spectrum.
6
TANAY ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY EDUCATIONAL CENTER A Building Research Laboratory Space Program Tanay , Rizal
7
