Event Recap: Supermoon – Interconnection of Astronomy and Astrology

The Story Behind Our Event

People often come to our events hoping for astrology insights, only to find telescopes and scientific discussions instead. And that’s okay! We know there’s often confusion between the two, and we wanted this night to create a middle ground, a way to appreciate both perspectives.

It turns out astronomy and astrology weren’t always so separate. Way back in ancient Babylonian, Egyptian, and Greek civilizations, they were considered the same field. Imagine being an early sky-watcher, seeing patterns in the stars that hinted at everything from the timing of seasons to the destiny of kings. Even famous thinkers like Ptolemy wrote books that combined the science of the stars with the art of interpreting their influence on human lives.

But things began to change during the Renaissance. That’s when scientists like Copernicus and Galileo transformed our understanding of the universe. With the heliocentric model and telescopes that could look deeper into space, the scientific method took hold, and astronomy moved in a different direction. By then, astrology was left behind as more of a mystical or symbolic practice.

Throughout the evening, we talked about why astronomy and astrology are often confused and why scientists are so careful to keep them separate. Here’s a simple way to think about it: astronomy is the science of the universe, grounded in evidence and research, while astrology interprets cosmic patterns to find meaning in our personal lives. Even though they’re different, both bring people closer to the stars—one through facts and data, the other through stories and symbolism.

Photograph captured by Nomad Eng at the Supermoon 2024 Astronomy Bali event.

A Night to Remember

After sharing a few quick insights and fun games blending astronomy and astrology, we eased into the evening with the Supermoon casting its luminous glow across the beach. With the Supermoon lighting up the beach, we started our event with a quiet meditation.

The Moon, even beyond its scientific significance, has always inspired something deeply spiritual. It pulls the tides, lights up the darkest nights, and has been part of human rituals for thousands of years. Sitting there, we could almost feel that history. Then it was time to take a closer look. As we set up the telescope, everyone gathered around, excited to see the Moon’s craters and glowing surface in detail. For some, it was their first time observing the Moon so closely, and the gasps of wonder and whispered “wows” made the moment unforgettable. We even offered a chance for participants to try some simple astrophotography, capturing the magic of the night sky with just their phones.

Lessons and Reflections

What we hope everyone took away from the night is that both astronomy and astrology offer different ways to experience the universe. One helps us understand the cosmos through the lens of science—astrophysics, cosmology, and space engineering—while the other gives us personal insights into life’s mysteries. And sometimes, it’s okay to appreciate the beauty of both.