by Wan Azfarozza Wan Athmar
Photos by Farez Irfan Mohamad Fathli, Atikah Nur Zulaikha
I wasn’t sure what to expect as I drove down a narrow, greenery-lined road towards Padang Semarak Wetlands in Putrajaya.
For a moment, I thought I was lost—until a rainbow appeared in the cloudy sky, like a celestial welcome sign assuring me I was on the right path.
Soon, I spotted cars parked along the roadside. It turned out I wasn’t lost after all.
The buzz was everywhere—social media, news outlets, and excited conversations—about a rare celestial event: the planetary parade, where Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Saturn, Venus, Neptune, and Mercury align over Earth.
A sight this spectacular wouldn’t happen again until 2040, making it an unmissable moment for any space enthusiast.
Thanks to Gosky and the National Planetarium, the Putrajaya Wetland Astronomy Picnic on 22nd February 2025 became the perfect opportunity to witness this cosmic marvel.
From 3 PM to 3 AM, the event was packed with activities—cosplay competitions, food gazebos, astrophotography exhibitions, and even engaging talks by notable speakers like Ahmad Faezal and SpaceDollah.
As I arrived, Padang Semarak was already alive with energy. Groups of families and friends lounged on picnic mats, chatting, laughing, and soaking in the excitement of the night ahead.
An estimated 1,000 participants turned up, proving just how much Malaysians are embracing the wonders of astro-tourism.
Finding my spot among the sea of mats was a mini-adventure, but thankfully, the organisers had numbered each plot, making it easy to locate mine.
The only challenge? The occasional rain that clouded our view of the planetary alignment, even through the telescopes provided. But that didn’t dampen the spirit of the night.
Because astro-tourism isn’t just about seeing planets—it’s about experiencing something new, making memories, and spending quality time with loved ones.
As we gazed up at the overcast sky, I couldn’t help but think: maybe, just maybe, the planets were looking down at us, enjoying our joy and wonder through the thick clouds.
And hey, if luck is on our side, we’ll get another chance to witness this breathtaking alignment in 15 years. Until then, the stars will always be there, waiting for us to look up.
