A look into Astronomy through the days of Rizal

A book review on The Integration of Astronomy in the Rizal Course, by Jose A. Fadul, PhD


Professor Jose A. Fadul of Della Salle University, in line with the observance of the International Year of Astronomy 2009, presents to us the astronomical foundation in which Rizal experienced. He brings us back to the time of Rizal by integrating the subject astronomy into the timeline covered under the Rizal course.

Despite Rizal’s not being an astronomer, Prof. Fadul presents to us the background of Rizal in astronomy; such as the naming of planets and their mythological association with gods from Ateneo, Dr. A. B. Meyer, & T. Pardo de Tavera; his reading of the Historia Universal; and even the mention of items in his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo which may pertain to the context of astronomy, such as the burning of Copernicus’ work in the Noli. Also, Prof. Fadul describes the account of Rizal with the Great September Comet of 1882 (C/1882 R1). He also mentions the naming of tektites in honor of Rizal - rizalites. In Rizal’s letter to his sister from Madrid, he mentions the sighting of the comet on their way home from Don Pablo’s. It was then believed, by superstitious Filipinos, to have caused cholera. Likewise, Rizal’s visits to some observatories are also mentioned.

The book, The Integration of Astronomy in the Rizal Course, is a creative astronomy text in which Filipino history (specifically Rizal’s history) provides the flow of discussion. It is amazing how Professor Jose Fadul brings up discussions in astronomy from the context of Rizal’s history and works – such as Bluementritt’s inference of Rizal to a comet. The book is very informative, providing basic facts in astronomy while relating it to the Philippine context. Works such as this like Dr. Ambrosio’s Mamahi (ethnoastronomy), are quite interesting since we get to experience astronomy through our heritage and unique experiences as Filipinos. His explanations are supported with clear images, presenting facts from the timeframe of Rizal and supporting it with the current context.

Personally, I would have loved to have had this book incorporated to my history 41 (Rizal) class last semester. A lot of my classmates and some friends who took the Rizal subject are interested in astronomy. As a matter of fact, some of us sat down the beach of Dakak, during our field trip to Dipolog, and observed the unobstructed view of the night sky. Relating the lessons of the course to astronomy would have been very interesting.

This book will certainly come recommended to Filipinos interested in having a background in astronomy.



Reuel Norman A. Marigza, Jr.
BS Physics, Silliman University