The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) is inviting the public to view sky phenomena this year with the first attraction being Jupiter's orbit close to Earth in April.
NARIT deputy director Saran Poshyachinda said Thursday that 2017 is another important one for astrophysicists, as well as all people interested in gaining astronomical knowledge.
He said there will be several events including planets moving close to Earth in their orbit paths.
They include:
- Jupiter's orbit during April 7-8;
- Saturn on June 15;
- A lunar eclipse seen from Thailand on Feb 11 and Aug 22;
- A solar eclipse on Feb 26 and Aug 21;
- A meteor shower during Aug 12-13 and Dec 13-14;
- Super moon on Dec 3; and
- Mini moon on June 9.
Mr Saran said these phenomena can be seen with the naked eye, or preferably using a telescope.
He said Jupiter's orbit close to the Earth during April 7-8 will be the highlight of the celestial events.
He said it will be easy to view. The public will be able to see the huge planet during sunrise and sunset. It is 667 million kilometres away from the Earth.
With a telescope, you will be able to see the planet's four moons, he said. NARIT has provided telescopes to 160 schools in 61 provinces and plans to hand out 100 more.
On June 15, he said Saturn's orbit will veer close to Earth.
During this event, people will be able to see its rings clearly in the position of the constellation of Ophiuchus. The phenomenon can be viewed all night long.
It will be located in between the Earth and the Sun.
It will be summer in the northern hemisphere of Saturn, which provides a good opportunity to learn more about the top half of the planet, he said.
"The highlight of the year elsewhere is a full solar eclipse in the United States, which is known as the Great American Eclipse on Aug 21.
It will be the first time in 38 years that the American people will see a full solar eclipse.
At least 20 million visitors are expected to travel to the US to see it, he said.
Mr Saran said people in Thailand will not have the chance to see that one.
However, this country's turn to see a full solar eclipse will next come on April 11, 2070 in Prachaup Khiri Khan's tambon Waghor, where King Rama IV once made the correct prediction that a solar eclipse would take place there.
As a result of his correct prediction, he was later recognised as the Father of Thai science.
As well as people in Prachuap Khiri Khan, people in Chumphon, Ranong, Trat and Chantaburi will have the chance to see a full solar eclipse in 2070, he said.
NARIT director Boonrucksar Soonthornthum said the study of astronomy is an important basis for science and technology development.
He said NARIT has tried its best to inspire the young generation to learn more about space and the planets.
Mr Boonrucksar said the agency has invested more than 900 million baht with the Radio Astronomy Network and Geodesy for Development project, which involves construction of a 40-metre-wide radio telescope.
The telescope will be set up in Chiang Mai province to "listen to a whisper from outer space", he said.
He said the project will use radio waves to learn more about space with close cooperation from its partners from China, Japan, South Korea, the UK and Germany.
It will be extended to a study of earthquakes for early warning system development.