An astronomer's view
Shahrin Ahmad's interest in space, the solar system and even aliens has taken him on a long and fascinating journey through the years.
Photographs by Djohan Shahrin
Shahrin Ahmad has been studying astronomy for nearly four decades, ever since he watched a TV programme in the 80s and began wondering about space, other planets, and whether aliens really do exist.
He even renovated his house to build an observatory on the top floor, which he calls the ShahGazer.
There, he keeps his collection of telescopes.
The roof of the small observatory, which can only fit three people at a time, folds back to reveal the sky above.
From his observatory, Shahrin can even observe what are known as sunspots or dark patches on the sun.
He uses his telescope to record pictures and videos to ascertain the latest data on the sun.
After that, he uploads the data to his computer for processing.
At night, he uses another telescope which can be controlled through the use of gadgets.
He directs the telescope towards a cluster of stars known as the Seven Sisters.
Shahrin zooms in on the cluster, also known as the Pleiades.
Shahrin also observes the moon in all of its different phases.
A compilation of planet images recorded by Shahrin from 2019 to 2022.
An aerial view of the Baitul Hilal complex in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan. Also known as the Teluk Kemang Observatory, it functions as an observation point as well as a research and education hub.
Shahrin gives a talk about Saturn and Venus to members of the astronomy association in Negeri Sembilan.
He carries his equipment with him, safely packed in boxes and cases.
He unpacks one of his telescopes and sets it up on the lawn.
A visitor holds his daughter's hand at Menara Kuala Lumpur where an official observation session to determine the new moon for Ramadan is held each year.
Shahrin is part of the committee which observes the moon to determine the start of the fasting month.
He waits with the other committee members for the sun to set and night to fall.
Shahrin peers at the horizon through his telescope.
The session begins once the last rays of the sun have disappeared beyond the horizon.
Once they confirm the sighting of the moon, the fasting date can be announced.
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