YI1054: ASTRONOMY AUGMENTARIUM; NAVIGATING THE COSMOS WITH AUGMENTED REALITY

ANGELA RINA FRANCIS AKADEMI SAINS PENDANG

The constellations, a magnificent part of the Milky Way, are gradually fading from our view due to the encroaching light pollution. If this trend persists, 20 major constellations will be lost to us within the next two decades. The current generation faces the prospect of never experiencing the beauty of these celestial formations. Moreover, there is a concerning decline in interest among young individuals towards the field of astronomy. However, the advent of Augmented Reality (AR) in the 4th Industrial Revolution has captured the attention of many youngsters. By leveraging computer-generated perceptual data, AR offers an interactive experience that enhances our perception of the real world. Hence, our research aims to create an innovative solution: an AR planetarium called Astronomy Augmentarium. This immersive experience provides users with a virtual planetarium view of the constellations, enabling interactive learning about the stars according to each month. To further enrich the user's educational journey, Astronomy Augmentarium incorporates engaging and enjoyable mini-games. Feedback received has been overwhelmingly positive, with over 79% expressing that the experience is both beneficial and uniquely captivating. With Astronomy Augmentarium, we strive to reignite curiosity and foster a deep appreciation for the wonders of the cosmos among the current generation