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Borobudur Temple Astronomy Alignment Guide

The document discusses the Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist temple built in the 9th century, and its architectural features, including its nine stacked platforms and astronomical significance. It outlines a competition problem where observers must determine the constellation that aligns with the main stupa at 18:00 (UTC+7) and draw the expected constellations at 18:00 and 19:00. Observers are provided with tools such as a planisphere and compass to assist in their measurements and observations.

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7 views2 pages

Borobudur Temple Astronomy Alignment Guide

The document discusses the Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist temple built in the 9th century, and its architectural features, including its nine stacked platforms and astronomical significance. It outlines a competition problem where observers must determine the constellation that aligns with the main stupa at 18:00 (UTC+7) and draw the expected constellations at 18:00 and 19:00. Observers are provided with tools such as a planisphere and compass to assist in their measurements and observations.

Uploaded by

ahmetkahramann0642
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

TEAM COMPETITION PROBLEM

The Borobudur Temple, built in the 9th century, is the biggest Buddhist temple in the world built
of stone. It is considered to be one of the wonders of the ancient world. It has nine stacked
platforms. The first six platforms have a square form and beautifully decorated with numerous
reliefs. The upper three platforms are circular, with 72 small bell-shaped stupas, surrounding
one large central stupa (main stupa). The altitude of the ground close to the entrance is 265 m
above mean sea level. Note that the height of the temple is 35 m (measured from the top of
the main stupa to the ground).

main stupa

We believe that the constructors of this temple had quite a good knowledge of astronomy. In
search of the possible existence of the astronomical alignment between Borobudur and any
celestial bodies, we will make some measurements. Observers are distributed around the
temple, mainly on the eastern and western sides. The observing station number card (placed on
the table) specifies the exact latitude and longitude for that station. Example coordinates for
some stations are given in the table below.
Table 1: Example Coordinates of observer’s positions
Position longitude latitude Altitude (m)
1 110° 12´ 16.52″ -7° 36´ 30.10″ 264
2 110° 12´ 16.69″ -7° 36´ 29.80″ 264
3 110° 12´ 16.82″ -7° 36´ 29.62″ 264
4 110° 12´ 16.65″ -7° 36´ 28.85″ 265
5 110° 12´ 16.54″ -7° 36´ 28.26″ 264

From your position, if you observe the sky in the direction of the top of the main stupa (not of
the top of the lightning rod), determine:
a. If you observed at 18:00 (UTC+7), what constellation would align with the main stupa?
b. Draw the constellations you expect to see from your position in the direction of the
stupa at 18:00 and 19:00 (UTC+7).

Note: assume compass points to the true north


You are provided with:
- Planisphere
- Magnetic compass
- Protractor, string, and a weight
Describe your answer thoroughly.

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