Stargazers invited to commemorate King Narai’s witness of solar eclipse

BANGKOK, April 24 (TNA) – The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) invites stargazers to join activities in commemoration of the viewings of solar eclipses by two Thai kings. NARIT and the Somdet Phra Narai Museum will hold the event to mark 330 years of King Narai, watching the partial solar eclipse and 150 years that King Rama IV, also known as King Mongkut, witnessed the solar eclipse in Wa Ko, Prachuap Khiri Khan that he forecast in 1868. Public members are urged to wear Thai clothing to observe the sky on April 30 from 3 pm to 9 pm. at King Narai Palace in Lopburi. A seminar on astronomy during the reign of King Narai and an exhibition will be held in the retro atmosphere. Visitors will learn how the solar eclipse is important and why the two kings paid attention to celestial events. Astronomer, Assoc Prof Boonraksa Suntorntham, historian, Assoc Prof Preedee Phisphumvidhi, and the author of the novel Bupphaesannivas Janyavee Sompreeda (also known by her pen name, Rompaeng) will share their knowledge to participants. Moreover, various kinds of ten telescopes, including a replica of an ancient one old will be installed at the site to imitate the atmosphere of observing the solar eclipse in 1688 at the King Narai’s palace. Advance registration can be submitted at Facebook page of NARIT. (TNA)