Bandar Seri Begawan – The Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam organized a solar observation to promote astronomy and educate members of the public on Tuesday (11 September 2018) morning.
Astronomy enthusiasts gathered at the car park of the International Convention Centre in Berakas from 10 am to 1 p.m.Ā to view the Sun through solar filters. The event was the first time in Brunei being organized for the public that employed the use of a special Hydrogen Alpha-telescope, which makes solar prominences and flares observable. Continue reading “PABD promotes astronomy, holds Solar Observation”
Above: Facing about west of Brunei, the method of determining the Kiblat using shadow of vertical column during the āistiwa adzamā in Makkah.
Bandar Seri Begawan ā On May 28 every year, at 5:16 pm local Brunei time (09:16 UT), the sun will be precisely overhead (at Zenith) in Makkah and exactly above the Kaabah. At that instance, the Sun in other areas will beĀ directly aligned to the direction ofĀ Kiblat.
This phenomenon known as āistiwa adzamā is usefulĀ as an easy Islamic astronomical method to determine the exact direction of prayers (Kiblat).Ā Only half part of the world that receives the daylight canĀ apply this method.
Light areas of the world (daylight) will be able determine the Kiblat using the sun on May 28 at 5.16 pm Brunei Time.
In a year, the sun will be directly above the Kaabah twice, on every 28th May at 5:16 pm and again on July 16th at 5:28 pm Brunei time.
Follow the following ways to check the Kiblat from your area:
1. You must use a straight objects such as a pole or side of the house. It must be vertical which must be checked with a weight tied to a thread (plumbline).
2. The object must not be in places under shade, such as under a tree or in the house. It must be placed in areas that receive direct sunlight, for example, in a spacious yard.
3. Exactly at 5:16 pm May 28, the shadow’s line produced by the sun is the Kiblat direction which is facing toward the sun.
Facing west of Brunei, the method of determining the Kiblat using shadow of column during the “istiwa adzam” in Makkah.
Above: Facing west of Brunei, the method of determining theĀ Kiblat using shadow of columnĀ during the “istiwa adzam” in Makkah.
Bandar Seri Begawan – OnĀ July 16Ā of each year,at5:28pm, thesun willĀ be at Zenith and exactly above theKaabah, Makkah.
This phenomenonknown as “istiwaadzam” can be used byMuslims from almost all over the worldĀ as an easyĀ IslamicĀ astronomical methodĀ todeterminethe exactdirection of Kiblat.
In a year,Ā the sunwill bedirectly above theĀ Kaabahtwice,on every28thMayat5:16pmand again onJuly16that5:28pmBruneitime.
1. Youmust usea straightobjectssuch asa poleorside ofthe house. It must beverticalby checkingwith weightstiedto athread(plumbline).
2. The objectmustĀ not beĀ in placesĀ under shade, for exampledo notput under thetree orin the house.However, it must beĀ be placedin areas thatreceivedirectsunlight,for example, ina spaciousyard.
3. Exactlyat5:28pm July 16, the line shadow produced by thesun is theĀ Kiblat direction which isfacing towardthe sun.
