IN SIGHT
As chairwoman of the Thai Astronomical Society, Prapee Viraporn strongly urges the general public to take a look out upon the universe
TUNYA SUKPANICH
The famous Haley's comet, spectacular meteor showers and other special showings in the heavens all help to raise the consciousness and number of star gazers in Thailand. The Thai Astronomical Society (TAS) is an organisation that works hard to help people understand all celestial phenomena.
TAS chairwoman Prapee Viraporn says that she, like many others, first became fascinated by the night sky as a child. She chose Saturn as her favourite planet for its beautiful rings. Now her observations aren't limited to the shining shapes and colours on starry nights. Although she doesn't have a degree in astronomy, she has devoted quite a lot of time to studying the science behind the beauty.
"Something is always happening, small or big. We have astronomical calendars that tell what will happen in the next 10 to 15 years, and when these phenomena can be seen at different locations around the world.
"We at the Astronomical Society would like people to learn and to understand them in a scientific way," she added.
Apparently she never grows tired of explaining anything from sunspots to occultations (when one celestial body passes in front of another).
The TAS is not a professional forum of astronomers. "It is a forum for people who have keen interest in astronomy. There are people from all walks of life, joining and helping in our work," said Prapee. Only one person is a salaried full time employee at the society's office on Sukhumvit Road.
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| Prapee: "Thai Astronomical Society members work with willingness and devotion for what we love and understand." |
Prapee graduated with a degree in chemistry, and now works as a teacher at Satit Kasetsart school. She has written books and pamphlets to explain astronomy to her students. She became a member of the society and began working as a volunteer many years ago.
The TAS was officially established in 1980. It does not get any annual financial support from any government agencies, but does get support for certain projects proposed to the government agencies as the National Research Council, or the National Electronics and Computers Technology Centre (NECTEC).
Prapee says that one good thing about the volunteer system is that "we all work with willingness and devotion for what we love and understand. Moreover, since we come from many professions with different areas of expertise, our work is remarkably done," she said cheerfully.
As an example, she proposed the TAS website, which provides information such as the sky map for those who want to observe the stars and constellations. It has updated information on astronomy news and the schedule of celestial events such as solar and lunar eclipses. This, she said, is a contribution from members who have IT expertise. With present technology they can work on the website from their homes or anywhere.
The society has gained many advantages from having such a diverse membership. Telescopes which were obtained in 1995 remain in good conditions because some members are able to repair and take care of them.
"Other agencies ask our members to repair telescopes for them from time to time," Prapee remarked.
The TAS office, located close to the Bangkok Planetarium, is small and simple. Members and other people who are interested in astronomy gather there for discussions from time to time.
When the society organises any activities for the public, such as eclipse or comet viewing events, members help arrange for the necessary equipment, transportation and miscellaneous items.
Through such activities the public is becoming better acquainted with the society. "We always receive telephone calls from people seeking explantations for what they observe in the sky. For some things, if we do not know for certain what they are, such as powerful or flashing lights, we have to try to check out for them."
Because of her devotion and willingness to educate the public, early this year Prapee was appointed chairwoman of the TAS for the third time. Each term lasts two years. Her first term was from 2000 to 2001, and the second from 2002 to 2003. This third term ends in 2009. She explained that there is a rule that no one can remain as chairperson for more than two consecutive terms.
Taking superstition
out of the stars
Prapee explained that in Roman and Greek methodology the gods each had their own star or planet, representing love, beauty, war, violence, etc. She commented that not long ago, comets were seen as a sign of bad things to come, and anyone seeing a comet was assured of bad luck. People linked them to terrible events like wars or plagues, or the death of an important persons. Other simple phenomena such as solar or lunar eclipses were also looked at with trepidation.
The mission of the TAS is to wash away myths from the study of the stars, with the help of the mass media whenever possible.
But many people cling stubbornly to negative perceptions of the grand events unfolding in the heavens.
"Many people continue to believe that such phenomena will adversely affect their lives. We understand that it takes time to change such beliefs," she said, adding that they do not confront or go against such personal beliefs.
"We give people scientific facts, and they can decide for themselves," she explained.
She strongly believes that in order to do away with superstition the public must be urged to take part in observing the phenomena with their own eyes. She recalled with pleasure the events organised by the society around the full solar eclipse in 1995, and the Leonid meteor showers in 1998 and 2001.
"The society and other agencies and organisation promoted these events for a long time in advance. People were very much looking forward to them."
Many people still remember taking part in the events, and remember important bits of information like how specially prepared glasses must be worn to look at the sun safely during an eclipse.
She noted how major astronomical events can draw tourists to a country. For example, the full solar eclipse visible in China in July 2009, which will last six minutes. It has been widely promoted and a large number of tourists are expected.
Prapee said that an important project of the society is to build a time capsule to keep items describing the history of astronomy. In the capsule, the historical records, photographs and microfilm of astronomical observations and celestial events will be preserved. All the contents will be duplicated and kept at various research centres.
The project was originally aimed to commemorate the 4th cycle anniversary of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, in 2003.
"There has been some delay, but we hope to get it done soon," said Prapee.
Under the project, the one-cubic-metre aluminum-encased capsule will be buried at the Military Cadet Academy in Nakhon Nayok province. Originally the plan was to bury it in front of the Science Ministry on Rama VI Road. However, there is a possibility the ministry will be moved in the near future, so it was decided to put the capsule at the Military Cadet Academy.
The capsule will be opened during the next full solar eclipse in 2070, she said.
Always anticipating future celestial extravaganzas, Prapee noted that the eclipse will be visible in the southern and eastern regions of Thailand on April 11, 2070.
BIO DATA
Prapee Viraporn was born on November 12, 1949 into a merchant family in Bangkok. She completed her Bachelor's degree in Chemistry at Chiangmai University. She later received a Master's degree of Arts from Kasetsart University. She teaches at Satit Kasetsart School, officially known as Kasetsart University Laboratory School. She received the Outstanding Woman in Science and Technology Award from the Foundation of the Thai Society in 2000.
Prapee is single.
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