Telok Kemang Observatory
The Telok Kemang Observatory in Malaysia sits just 8 miles (13 km) south of the seaside town of Port Dickson, not far from Kuala Lumpur. The observatory lies on a headland with a wide and expansive view of the Straits of Melaka, and its priviledged location at a latitude of 2 degrees north provides coverage of the entire celestial sphere. The observatory complex of Baitul Hilal—meaning House of Crescent, of which Telok Kemang is a part—represents the main venue for astronomical observation in the country, hosting a yearly assembly of “Ahli Falak” (national astronomers) who monitor the heavens to determine special dates in the Muslim calendar such as the beginning of the fasting month and the Eid celebratory holiday. With its 24-inch (61 cm) telescope—the largest in Malaysia—the Telok Kemang observatory is open to the public on regular business days for afternoon solar observation, and also for night-sky viewing until midnight.