The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) will open a regional observatory for the public in Chachoengsao province on Feb 2 next year to mark the 150th anniversary of the full eclipse predicted by King Rama IV.
NARIT's executive director Saran Poshyachinda said Wednesday the late monarch King Mongkut, who had a passion for science and astronomy, in 1866 correctly picked a date, time and location of the eclipse to be seen from Ban Wa Kor in Prachaup Khirikhan province on Aug 18, 1868.
The regional observatory is the second one after another opened in Nakhon Ratchasima province three years ago.
NARIT has plans to build three more observatories in Khon Kaen, Pitsanuloke and Songkhla provinces to promote astronomical activity and encourage the public especially the younger generation to learn more about space technology, according to Mr Saran.
He said NARIT plans to run a major event next year to pay tribute to the late monarch, King Rama IV, known as the Father of Astronomy of Thailand. Next year would be perfect, as there will be many unique astronomical events in the sky, he said.
NARIT has invited people to follow the events, including a phenomenon in which Mars makes its closest approach to Earth in 13 years.
This highlight for stargazers and even the public is a rare opportunity to watch Mars orbiting nearest to the Earth on July 31. That day, Mars will appear 57.6 million kilometres from the Earth, its closet proximity since 2005.
On that night, people will be able to see Mars from sunset to dawn with their bare eyes. But more detail could be observed via a telescope to see its surface and haze storms there.
"We have recommended people watch it via telescope for better detail, but it is a must see for next year in any case," said Mr Saran.
Another star gazing event will be on Jan 2 when the moon and the Earth approach their nearest point of 356,595 kilometres and create a Super Full Moon phenomena.
People can catch a full glimpse of the super full moon with their bare eyes to the east after 6 pm. On that evening, the size of the moon will appear 14 times larger than its normal size with its light 13% brighter.
For moon gazers, the opposite event known as Micro Full Moon can be viewed on July 28 from 6 pm in the east.
For total lunar eclipses, there will be two total lunar eclipses on Jan 31, July 28.
On May 9 people can see Jupiter with their bare eyes and on June 27, watch Saturn reach its closest to Earth.
Mr Saran also added that the phenomenon known as the Great Conjunction will occur in December 2020, in which Saturn and Jupiter come to their closest in 200 years.