Proposed Miniature of Observatory in Palauig, Zambales

Abstract

Observatories, institutes, and centers that support major astronomical facilities have, for decades, played a key role in maximizing the scientific return from their facilities and telescopes. An “observatory” is more than simply a telescope or ensemble of telescopes that provide observing opportunities for astronomers. Observatories are at the heart of an institutional capability to do things beyond what is possible for astronomers themselves to do as individuals. Observatories organize and mobilize a range of multidisciplinary skills to achieve a coherent and sustainable capability that is central to modern observational astrophysics. However, many of the activities and roles carried out by the “observatory” organization in the fulfillment of their mission are not fully recognized by policymakers or senior managers and are often not fully understood even within the astronomy community. This study assessed the future opportunities for new facilities. In a challenging budget environment, it is important to be cognizant of what observatories do and the roles they play. Palauig Observatory is a facility for astronomers and students, as well as visitors, and is owned by the government of Zambales. This observatory can be one of the most popular informal education facilities in the Philippines and can be a field trip destination for the students. This observatory can help students in their research and give them knowledge about the things in the space. Civil engineers and astronomers agreed to the proposed Palauig Observatory miniature project. The difference between the assessments of the two groups of respondents in terms of the cited variables was not significant. The problems encountered by the researchers have not been a hindrance in the construction of the miniature. The respondents recommended that the researchers should be more specific in the function of the rooms, should put some specifications such as those of equipment and furniture, and must be consistent on some measurements for a presentable appearance of the miniature.