Pale Blue Dot (PBD) Celebration by Surabaya Astronomy Club
Muchammad Toyib
On Saturday, February 22, 2025, the Surabaya Astronomy Club (SAC) organized a special event, the Pale Blue Dot (PBD) Celebration, at the Wonorejo Mangrove Ecotourism site in Surabaya, Indonesia. This initiative was not only a tribute to Carl Sagan’s iconic Pale Blue Dot reflection but also an active demonstration of the club’s commitment to environmental awareness, inclusivity, and local cultural values.
Objectives and Significance
The event was designed with three key objectives:
Environmental Awareness – To emphasize the importance of preserving Earth, our only home.
Harmony and Unity – To encourage recognition of Earth’s uniqueness and the interconnectedness of life.
Perspective – To provide a cosmic viewpoint, reminding participants of Earth’s small yet significant place in the vast universe.
Event Program
The celebration unfolded through a series of well-curated activities:
Discussion on Astronomy and Environmental Preservation – A discussion connecting astronomy with the responsibility of protecting our planet.
Boat Trip to the Mangrove Planting Site – A scenic 20-minute journey covering approximately 5 km along the river.
Mangrove Planting Activity – A total of 50 mangrove saplings were planted to support coastal ecosystem restoration.
Sunspot Observation – A hands-on astronomy session for participants to engage with solar observations.
Promoting Sustainability and Inclusion
To reinforce the event’s environmental mission, SAC emphasized the use of reusable tumblers instead of disposable plastic bottles. This small yet impactful action encouraged participants to adopt sustainable habits beyond the event.
Additionally, the event featured a female guest speaker from Earth Hour Surabaya, a local environmental movement, as part of SAC’s commitment to inclusivity in astronomy. This also honored International Women and Girls in Science Day (February 11).
Cultural Identity and Local Values
In alignment with International Mother Language Day (February 21), SAC integrated Javanese linguistic identity by addressing male members as Cak and female members as Ning. This practice reinforced regional heritage and cultural pride while fostering a sense of community among participants.
Conclusion
The Pale Blue Dot Celebration successfully merged astronomy, environmental conservation, gender inclusivity, and cultural identity into one meaningful event. By engaging the community in hands-on activities and cosmic reflections, SAC demonstrated how amateur astronomy organizations can take an active role in inspiring positive change.
Through this initiative, SAC hopes to motivate other hobby-based organizations to incorporate environmental stewardship and cultural appreciation into their outreach programs, ensuring that the love for the cosmos is deeply intertwined with the responsibility to protect our home planet. Documentations
