Bosscha Observatory
In the mountains near Lembang, on a slope, 15 km North of Bandung, the Bosscha Observatory has been located for almost 100 years.
Ru Bosscha who graduated from the university in Delft, was the son of a German-Dutch scientist. He had a great interest in science. When he left for the Dutch East Indies in 1887 at the age of 22, the last thing his father said to him before leaving was: “If you are having a hard time over there, find strength in your love for the stars”. When Ru Bosscha died at the age of 63, the newspaper wrote that he had certainly followed this advice and that his gaze had always been directed upwards.
In 1920, Ru Bosscha was the leading force behind the establishment of the “Dutch East Indies Astronomical Association”. This association met for the first time in the famous Homann Hotel in Bandung and it was soon decided to build an observatory. The decision was put into practice and with the financial support of Bosscha the observatory was built between 1923 and 1928. Unfortunately, Ru Bosscha never got to enjoy the results of his efforts. Shortly after the construction was completed, but before the large telescope was installed, Ru Bosscha passed away.
The high hills near Lembang were chosen for the construction, because it was still really dark here at night so the observations would not be polluted by light from the city.
The large telescope was built in Germany (Jena) and shipped to the Dutch East Indies in separate parts. In Lembang, the telescope was reassembled. This took more than 3 months. At that time, it was the largest telescope in the southern hemisphere.
The telescope is still in use today. Students from the university in Bandung use the telescope during their studies and to take photos of the universe.
Guided tours are held every Saturday. Enthusiastic students talk about the sun, the moon, the stars and of course the observatory. The observatory is well maintained and is popular with visitors; the guided tours are fully booked every Saturday. There is still a memorial for Ru Bosscha. If he could see how his legacy lives on after 100 years, he would certainly be proud. His love for the stars and the universe is still felt, and passed on every day.
The Zeiss telescope
“FOR THE DR. K.A.R. BOSSCHA OBSERVATORY. – At the Zeiss optical factory in Jena, the gigantic astronomical telescope has been completed, intended for the Bosscha observatory in Lembang on Java. The mighty instrument, which weighs over 14,000 kg, has two main objectives, one for visual observations and one for astrophotographic recordings. An electric motor allows the telescope, together with the entire dome, to make the daily rotation. – On the left, the instrument in the Zeiss factory and on the right, the attachment of one of the large lenses, each weighing 300 kg.”
Sumatra Post, 31 December 1928 (source: delpher.nl)
Guided tour
During the guided tour, the Zeiss telescope plays an important role. The telescope is meticulously maintained and the roof of the observatory, that can be opened and rotated, so that every piece of the universe can be viewed, is still running smoothly.
It is very inspiring to see how skilled and enthousiastic the young people who provide the tour, share their knowledge. If you are in the area and are interested in astronomy or history, a visit to the observatory is definitely recommended.
The tours are only on Saturday mornings and you have to register online >>>
Be on time, because the tours are very popular.
A drawing of the placement of the telescope in 1928 (source: delpher.nl)
The “floating market” of Lembang is located near the observatory. You can eat well here>>>
You can try delicious Indonesian snacks and buy nice souvenirs from the various boats. The boats are not authentic and are not made to actually sail, but they sell great food.