Astronomical Society of Penang

Our Story

The Astronomical Society of Penang which was formed in April 2016 aims to promote awareness in astronomy and space science to the people of Penang and Malaysia through first-hand experience. In fact, our motto is “Seeing Is Believing and Doing Is Fun”.

The Astronomical Society of Penang had its beginnings in the Astronomy Club of Universiti Sains Malaysia. This astronomy club was formed in 1986 and under the guidance of the club’s advisor, Dr. Chong Hon Yew. This club had created tremendous awareness in astronomy and space science among people of Penang and Malaysia. A great number of astronomy and space science activities were conducted in schools and in organizations both private and public all over Malaysia including Sabah and Sarawak. Many of these activities attracted thousands of students, teachers and members of the public from Malaysia and neighboring countries.

Over the years, Penang has developed a very active amateur astronomy scene with telescopes in several schools and a matriculation college. The Astronomical Society of Penang will regularly conduct activities such as talks by local and international astronomers, regular stargazing sessions at night to explore the wonders of the Malaysian night sky, solar observation sessions to observe and photograph sunspots and solar flares, special events to observe astronomical events e.g. meteor showers, lunar and solar eclipses, comets, conjunctions, planetary transits, etc., astronomy courses for students, teachers and members of the public, amateur telescope making classes, astrophotography workshops where the participants will be shown how to capture beautiful and amazing celestial objects, and many more.

The Astronomical Society of Penang looks forward to bring astronomy in Penang and Malaysia to the next level.

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