ITB Astronomy Student Association Hosts “Thaumazein” Event to Promote Critical Thinking About Astronomy
Table of Contents
The Astronomy Student Association (HIMASTRON) at the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) recently held an event called “Thaumazein,” aiming to foster curiosity and critical thinking about astronomical concepts among the public.The event, held on an unspecified date in October 2025, featured an exhibition, a talk show, and a short film screening, all designed to challenge common misconceptions and encourage verification of facts.
The meaning Behind “Thaumazein”
The name “Thaumazein” originates from a philosophical term meaning “something that makes us curious and wonder.” According to Ghazanfar Wangsa Muhammad, Chairperson of the event’s implementing committee, the choice of name reflects the event’s core goal: to inspire the public to question information rather than accepting it uncritically. https://www.itb.ac.id/en/berita/23994/hima-astronomi-itb-gelar-thaumazein-untuk-menumbuhkan-rasa-ingin-tahu-masyarakat
Event activities: Debunking Myths and Inspiring Dialog
The “Thaumazein” event was structured around three key activities:
* Exhibition: Five interactive booths were set up to address popular misconceptions about astronomy. Examples included challenging the idea that black holes absorb everything and demonstrating that astronomical images are often colorized to highlight specific features. Black holes, while possessing immense gravitational pull, do not indiscriminately absorb all matter. Their event aimed to clarify this and other common misunderstandings. https://www.space.com/black-holes-facts-information
* Talk Show: Dr. Anton Timur Jaelani, an astrophysicist and lecturer at ITB, led a talk show focused on identifying and correcting widespread astronomical misconceptions. Dr. Jaelani’s expertise provided a platform for informed discussion and clarification of complex topics. https://www.itb.ac.id/en/people/anton-timur-jaelani/
* Short Film Screening: Students presented a short film titled “Moon Among the Silence.” The film tells the story of Arkin, a man grappling with grief and guilt following the loss of his loved one, Livi, due to the conflict in gaza. The film uses the backdrop of astronomical imagery to explore themes of loss and remembrance.
Promoting Scientific Literacy and Critical Evaluation
Ghazanfar Wangsa Muhammad expressed hope that “Thaumazein” would encourage attendees to adopt a more critical approach to information consumption. The event’s organizers aimed to shift the focus from passively receiving information to actively verifying it through questioning and research. This aligns with broader efforts to promote scientific literacy and combat the spread of misinformation.
The Importance of Critical Thinking in Astronomy
Astronomy,by its nature,deals with phenomena that are often counterintuitive and difficult to grasp without a solid understanding of physics and cosmology. Misconceptions can easily arise from popularized, but inaccurate, representations of complex concepts. Events like “Thaumazein” play a vital role in bridging the gap between scientific understanding and public perception.
Looking ahead, HIMASTRON’s initiative demonstrates a commitment to public outreach and education, fostering a more informed and inquisitive public capable of engaging with scientific advancements and challenging unsubstantiated claims. Continued efforts in this direction are crucial for promoting a scientifically literate society.