Southeast Asians have long integrated ancient astronomical knowledge into their daily lives, for example, to time farming and harvesting and to navigate the seas. In fact, astronomy has been linked to destiny and religion, especially in Buddhism. For example, the Borobudur temple in Central Java serves as an accurate sundial and is now attracting astrotourism in Southeast Asia.
Not surprisingly, astronomy activities are now evolving into tourism that combines travel with astronomy, astrotourism. Although not as popular as Europe and Australia with the Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis, Southeast Asia has its own attractions as other astronomical phenomena such as the Super Blue Blood Moon, lunar eclipses and total solar eclipses attract visitors to the region.
With its vast geographical area, Indonesia often hosts total lunar and solar eclipses, making it a major astrotourism destination in the future, one of which is the Super Blood Moon that occurred on January 31, 2018. This phenomenon occurs only once in a lifetime, with the interval between each event being about 2,380 full moons, or about 265 years. In addition, places like Koh Kood in Thailand and Bagan in Myanmar also offer quiet environments for stargazing in the region. With this potential, Southeast Asia is poised to take center stage in the world of astrotourism.
However, high levels of light pollution in some Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam have disrupted stargazing and other terrestrial tourism activities. However, by investing in astronomy facilities such as observatories and scientific telescopes, locals and tourists can still enjoy astronomical experiences.
Terrestrial tourism is considered more sustainable in the long term because it helps keep the skies darker by reducing light pollution and dependence on coal-based energy sources. In addition, the growth of this type of tourism provides economic benefits to the country and livelihoods to locals, many of whom offer their homes as Airbnbs for tourists.
In contrast, the space race between companies like SpaceX and Virgin Galactic is leading to increased emissions from fuel-powered spacecraft and space construction. This has led to the depletion of the ozone layer and accelerated climate change and global warming. In addition, the exorbitant cost of space travel, which can reach hundreds of millions of dollars per seat, is accessible only to the wealthy elite and ignores budding astronomers.
The good news is that the scientific community has raised concerns about the environmental impact of space tourism, giving terrestrial astrotourism a chance to become more dominant.
On the other hand, Southeast Asian countries have named exoplanets and stars that reflect their culture and heritage that can be showcased to the world. Seven countries in the region have made their mark by naming exoplanets and stars in a competition organized by the International Astronomical Union.
As an example, The exoplanet Haik and its star Amansinaya are taken from Tagalog mythology and symbolize the protection of fishermen at sea. Similarly, the exoplanet Viculus and its star Parumleo are Latin for "little village" and "little lion," respectively, reflecting the humility and culture of Southeast Asian countries.
As latecomers to space activities, Southeast Asian countries have relied on international cooperation with experienced countries such as the United States, China, Japan, and India for funding, technology, and talent in the field. Satellite use is one of their focuses, especially in monitoring natural disasters and climate change through cloud computing.
For example, Thailand helps Vietnam and Myanmar monitor disaster areas, while Laos and Thailand use satellites to track tourist arrivals. ASEAN has also established the Sub-Committee on Space Technology and Applications as a platform for regional cooperation in this field.
But investments in space technology, including astrotourism, have come under criticism because of their high cost. Some countries may neglect social and economic development to support space activities. On the other hand, astrotourism as terrestrial tourism can also bring great benefits and allow beginners and experts to learn about astronomy.
Despite the pros and cons, Southeast Asia has a rich culture and unique traditions, and its night skies offer beauty and rare astronomical phenomena unique to the region.
Source:
Leong, Charmaine. (2023). Astrotourism in Southeast Asia. Asean Studies Centre
