Our Solar System is located in a barred spiral galaxy. If you look to the centre of the galaxy (top left of the above picture), you will find a higher density of stars and gas clouds, which is called the galactic core. You can see this galactic core and milky way even with the naked eye if you are in a dark enough place. It looks like a starry faint, milky band in the sky.

From Brunei Darussalam, the Milky Way’s core is visible from March till September, with prime viewing times from May till August i.e. the Milky Way season when the galactic centre is observable all-night long.

When planning to observe the Milky Way, consider the following:

1) Good dark location: Essentially, a clear dark sky is necessary to shoot the Milky Way or Galactic Core and that means driving to rural areas further from the cities or town in Brunei Darussalam. Presence of the moon light could also interfere the visibility of the MilkyWay, hence avoid during and near full moon phase.

2) Right time: Have any plan for November to capture the Milky Way? You will be disappointed. From Brunei, the Milky Way is below the horizon at night from November and January. Use this timetable to select and plan the proper time:

3) Suitable equipment: A dslr or phone camera (with bigger/sensitive sensor); a fast lens (f2.8 or better); a trigger or timer remote (so less vibration) and a sturdy tripod

Online Skymap

Use our online star chart and click “Milky Way” to display if the milky way band is in the sky at the mentioned time: