Reconstruction of the Astronomical Phenomenon Behind the Tale of Lintang Kemukus in the Late Majapahit Era
Aidila Fitria Syafa (a*), Mochamad Ikbal Arifyanto (a)

a) Astronomy Research Division, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia
*dilasyafa02[at]gmail.com

Abstract

Since ancient times, the Javanese people have regarded lintang kemukus as a sign of significant events related to royal affairs. The story of lintang kemukus and the battle of sacred keris during the final era of Majapahit has long been popular among the Javanese, passed down both orally and in written form through traditional chronicles (babad), such as the Babad Segaluh-Mataram used in this study. The chronicle recounts a battle between the Keris Condongcampur, Keris Sengkelat, and Keris Sabuk Inten. This battle results in the defeated keris, Condongcampur, transforming into lintang kemukus. In modern astronomy, lintang kemukus is interpreted as a comet.

This study aims to reconstruct the lintang kemukus event by identifying comets that appeared during the final phase of the Majapahit kingdom (1402-1471). The author utilizes comet data sourced from Cometography Volume 1 by Gary W. Kronk. To determine the relevant time span, a literature review was conducted on the reigns of Majapahit kings, particularly those mentioned in the Babad Segaluh-Mataram. This study selected 6 comet candidates within that time range and analyzed their visibility from Java (specifically Mojokerto) using Halley-Electronic Ephemerides of Comet and Stellarium software.

Of the 6 comet candidates, Comet C/1471 Y1 was selected as the primary candidate. This decision was based on the year the comet appeared, which falls within the reign of Kertabhumi (the king featured in the lintang kemukus narrative), as well as the fact that it has the most complete and extensive historical records compared to other candidates. The reconstruction results indicate that Comet C/1471 Y1 was visible from Mojokerto between December 1, 1471, and January 21, 1472, in the early hours of the morning, with the highest magnitude among all the candidates.

Keywords: Lintang kemukus- Comet- Majapahit- Orbital element

Topic: Astronomical History and Heritage