Preface

Abstract

PROCEEDINGS International Symposium From the Universe Back to Earth: Developing Astronomy to Meet Today’s Natural Challenges The year 2023 is a very special one for Indonesian astronomy for two reasons: (1) the centennial of Bosscha Observatory, an establishment that marked the birth of modern astronomy (and an example of a scientific institution) in Southeast Asia, and (2) the passing of Total Solar Eclipse over Indonesia. This has been a unique time to draw attention to astronomy as a science that offers huge potential to contribute beyond astronomy itself, but closer to us all, that is to the achievement of sustainable development goals. This is also timely in keeping the COP28 resolution momentum high. This symposium aimed at clarifying the motivation to identify knowledges and skills in astronomy and astrophysics that push our contribution to saving Earth and strengthening collaborative networks that will expedite the achievement of the motivation. The symposium subtopics covered details of science and facilities developed in astronomy and astrophysics that could be useful in investigating and understanding the physical property and history of Earth as part of the solar system, but also as a unique planet. Better understanding of Earth would lead us to better caring for it. This idea has inspired a number of astronomical projects around the world to invest significant portions of their activities to study Earth, which are now developing into interesting projects in their own rights. With the challenges in understanding various natural phenomena on Earth we currently face, it is imperative that we lend our knowledge in astronomy and astrophysics, facilities, technologies, tools, to expedite our learning of the Earth system and work together with a wider field of expertise relevant to the effort of saving our Earth. Meanwhile, we realize the crucial role of education and capacity building in all parts of work. In the education sector, astronomy is popular to all age groups, making it relatively easier for astronomers to engage the public. The reasons that make astronomy appealing to all are precisely the ones that make astronomy a good entrance to STEAM education. Astronomy is universal and inspirational, relates to all sciences, pushes technology forward, and invites people to reflect. Those reasons are woven to construct the goals of learning STEAM via astronomy, which are: (1) To raise awareness and comprehension of the physical world and natural causal relation; (2) To promote rational perception and respect towards abiotic and biotic environments, including human being; (3) To promote curiosity, knowledge, skill, creativity in STEAM; and (4) To promote positive participation and mindfulness. Those four goals resemble and emphasize the key spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals. The SOC members, representing various STEAM elements and world regions, bring in their respective expertise, experiences, and networks, reflecting the coverage of the subtopics that embed the goals. The SOC members, and invited speakers, reflect the covered subtopics, represent world regions (thus experiences), and the symposium inclusive spirit. This symposium also accommodated learning experience from works at the interface with relevant public and education sectors. It was held in the first week of October 2023, in a university setting to allow the message to reverberate across academia. Participation were in form of oral and poster presentations, group discussions, and exhibition contribution. The symposium was conducted on hybrid platform to allow wider audience, consisted of plenary of invited and contributed talks with fair allotted time for each. An adjacent room was used for posters and exhibitions of astronomical instruments and hands-on educational materials. We gratefully acknowledge support from the Rector of Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of ITB, Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengabdian pada Masyarakat of ITB, Common Room, Imahnoong, and all who have dedicated their time and resources to ensure the success of this symposium, indeed this new endeavour of astronomy for Earth and humanity. List of Editors, Pages, Symposium details, Organizers, Key Topics, Invited Speakers and Titles and Abstracts are available in this pdf.