GEORGE TOWN – A father and son with a unique hobby – stargazing and telescopic moon exploration – are convinced they have made some interesting discoveries.
And, what they need now is support from local authorities.
Arrav has garnered awards and commendations from international organisations, including the United States’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa).
But his father, Annamalai Muthu, said local authorities have been mute on the topic of space exploration.
It could be due to the stigma attached to the subject of mankind’s final frontier, especially when the centre of the universe now seems to be about the fight against Covid-19.
However, said Annamalai, the country can tap into the interests of youth by pursuing the galaxies, with science being a tool through which this can be done.
Besides limited encouragement from federal ministries, he pointed out that various authorities in Penang, from the National Astronomy Club to Deputy Chief Minister II P. Ramasamy’s office, have hardly spurred space exploration.
Nonetheless, Annamalai soldiers on, hoping that the Education Ministry will soon introduce space exploration in the national curriculum, or at least make it a basic subject.
Along with his son, he has been pursuing stargazing for the past few years, a hobby undertaken from their condominium in Tg Bungah.
While most families are getting ready for bed, the creative designer specialist and 7-year-old Arrav scour the galaxies, focusing on the moon using a high-powered telescope they designed themselves.
“Many evenings, we make it a point to study the skies, particularly the moon. We are overjoyed when the skies are clear,” said the Perak-born Annamalai.
This passion is an almost-daily affair for the family, for which an oft-mentioned subject at the dinner table is possible soil movements on the moon and its weather patterns.
And, the duo’s space discoveries adorn the walls of their home in the form of photos and art.
Some shots illustrate the shadows and unique formations on the moon, said Annamalai.
Arrav, who studies at Tenby International School here, has received commendations, awards and encouragement from Nasa and organisations under the United Nations.
In one of the letters the father-son pair shared with The Vibes, Nasa said Arrav should not give up his dreams to study space science or engineering.
Annamalai, who describes himself as a budding astronomer and space enthusiast, expressed hope that one day, his son will be a space scientist for Malaysia.
Together, they have discovered a way to combine the use of an iPad and ultraviolet/infrared space observation telescope to make discoveries, with the assistance of a telecommunications network and iCloud.
“My dad and I devised this lens innovation. We are fascinated by the surface of the moon and Mars,” said Arrav.
Annamalai said they won gold at the 2020 Science Innovation Exhibition Malaysia, hosted by Universiti Teknologi Mara and the Negri Sembilan Education Department, around the time the pandemic broke out.
They have also won awards for their specially designed telescope, namely the International Special Award presented by the World Invention Intellectual Property Association, and Gold Award and Special Award presented by the Toronto International Society of Innovation and Advanced Skills.
They have since filed a patent for the device, and Annamalai continues to seek out various platforms to highlight their work, besides posting regularly on social media.
Despite the achievements, Annamalai regretfully noted that the authorities, including the state government, have not been responsive to his suggestions for moral support and collaboration to make space science a subject in the national curriculum.
“We see overseas organisations supporting Arrav and me. Some federal ministries have shown interest and a warm response.
“But here in Penang, there has been no concrete efforts to showcase our space exploration, such as our photographs and insights.
“One day, we hope to be among the first Malaysians to popularise space exploration.” – The Vibes, February 13, 2021
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