On the Colours of Lives Travelogue Malaysia –  Melaka edition, we got to stop by the Al-Khawarizmi Astronomy Complex located in Kampung Balik Batu… The Al-Khawarizmi Astronomy Complex is an effort of the Melaka State Government to generate public awareness of the importance of astronomy, as well as support the growth of astronomy via tourism activities…

It is also, however a religious education centre with accommodation and training facilities, runned by the Melaka Mufti Department, thus the Astronomy Complex emphasises on the role of astronomy in Islamic worship and life in general.

It is after all where Muslim Scholars learn more about how the movements of the stars and/or the cycle of the moon regulates prayer times, fasting, the Hajj, navigation etc, etc

The Astronomy Complex is named after Muḥammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi (c 780-850) an astronomer, mathematician and geographer who came from the province of Khwarizmi, now known as Khiva in modern-day Uzbekistan, and you can find information on him and other Islamic scholars such as Al Kindi, Al Sufi and so on on the walls on the side of the steps leading up to /or down from the Observatory..

There are 3 main buildings in the complex, namely the Observatory, the Planetarium and the Training Centre. We did not get to check out the Planetarium much as we were there late and were more excited and thrilled to be experiencing the Night Sky Observation, as come on, how often can you get the opportunity to gaze at the moon or stars up close…

So the Colours of Lives Travelogue Malaysia team got to head to the upper floors of the complex where the observatory was… there is a flight of steps to climb… and when you get to the top, it can be a little cramped, and reminded me of the lighthouse..

Up there is a huge Takahashi FS 128 Reflactor telescope smacked right in the middle, computers and other gadgets, a couple of step ladders all under a huge observatory dome that is rotatable…

It sure was fascinating getting the opportunity to see the moon’s surface on the telescope as well as also take a peek at the err.. Achernar star, some thousands of light years away… huhuh

We saw it twinkling and it certainly looked like a diamond there in the velvety black night sky.. and the experience is indescribable..

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we also got to see a few meteorites on the ground floor of the observatory..

The complex is managed by Muslim scholars so, a descent dress code and a code of decorum is advisable.. this place would be more ideal for locals as most of the description and all are in Bahasa Malaysia..

Night sky observation from 8:00pm to 10:00pm. Visitors must arrive half an hour before program starts and are held on.. errr… I think the 29^th day of the Islamic Calendar…

Address: Kompleks Falak Al-Khawarizmi, Kg. Back Batu, Tanjung Bidara, 78300 Masjid Tanah, Melaka

Website: http://www.khawarizmiobs.com

Colours of Lives Travelogue Malaysia is organised by Borakkita.com, and supported by Tourism Malaysia.

Special thanks to Tourism Malaysia Melaka for accompanying us, and also thanks to Perodua Malaysia, Plus, Touch n’Go, Marini Naturale Magic, FZ by Ayana, 888tea for being our sponsors and believing in us…