Dark Skies, Falling Stars
📅 04 Zulkaedah 1447 / 22 April 2026 (Wednesday)
⌛ 5 p.m. onwards (overnight)
📍 Peliunan Park, Temburong
Fees Apply, Booking and Reservation Required via WhatsApp +673 872 9177 (Peliunan Park)
The Lyrids Peak Approaching
Updates
Welcome to AstroCamp: Lyrids Meteor Shower 2026!
Assalamualaikum/Good Morning
Dear AstroCampers,
Thank you for registering for AstroCamp 2026. We are excited to have you join us for a night under the stars at Peliunan Park.
In the spirit of AstroCamp, we invite you to relax and immerse yourself in the calm of the night sky.
Our goal is to foster a welcoming space for everyone to connect with the cosmos. While we enjoy the cosmic view, please remember that safety is always our priority – look out for one another as we navigate the dark.
Tonight’s event is proudly registered under the International Dark Sky Week (April 13–20, 2026) with hundreds global events taking place around the world, and your participation shows support for dark sky conservation by pledging to protect the night.
Our PABD volunteers will be on hand throughout the night to assist and guide your stargazing experience. If you are bringing your own telescope or camera gear, we encourage you to share your passion and knowledge with your fellow campers.
A group photo session will be held at 9 pm at the main hall. Don’t forget to capture your favorite moments! Please share your photos and experiences with us by tagging @bruneiastronomy.
Clear skies,
Secretary-General
PABD
- Relax and enjoy the night – stay aligned with the astrocamp concept of calm and informal, welcoming engagement with the sky
- Safety is always a priority
- PABD members will be there to volunteer you during the stargazing
- Bring your telescope/camera gears and share your passion for astronomy with everyone
- Take plenty of photos and moments, and share them on @bruneiastronomy
Dark Skies. Falling Stars
If you are a recreational adventurer with a passion for the night sky, this is the escape you’ve been waiting for. Join us for an unforgettable night of stargazing set against the peri-urban dark skies of Temburong. Perfectly located where the convenience of the town meets the darkness of the forest, Peliunan Park offers a window into the Milky Way – provided the weather is clear.
Whether you are a seasoned astronomer with a high-powered telescope or a curious beginner seeking a peaceful getaway, we invite you to pitch your tent, set up your gear, and unwind under a vast blanket of stars. With clear skies overhead, the crown jewel of our retreat will be the peak of the Lyrids Meteor Shower – a breathtaking celestial display.
Event Aims
a. Promote Local Stargazing Activities: To provide a rare opportunity for Bruneian skywatchers to observe the Lyrids Meteor Shower from one of the district’s stargazing locations, away from urban light pollution.
b. Environmental Awareness: To foster public appreciation for environmental conservation and the importance of preserving dark skies for future generations.
Catch the Falling Stars
In 2026, the Lyrids will peak on the night between 22–23 Apr. The Lyrid Meteor Shower is usually active between April 16 and 25 every year. At its peak, observers may see up to 18 bright meteors per hour, often leaving fast, glowing trails.
Named after constellation Lyra (where the meteors radiated from), the Lyrids are one of the oldest recorded meteor showers – according to some historical Chinese texts, the shower was seen over 2,500 years ago. The fireballs in the meteor shower are created by debris from comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher), which takes about 415 years to orbit around the Sun.
Get ready for a night of “Dark Skies and Falling Stars.” Let’s all hope for clear skies in April as we celebrate the beauty of the night sky together.
Look Up! Explore the Night Sky
The Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) will set up telescopes at the observation area. During the event, if you feel lost among the stars, just look for us – our team will be there to guide you, help you identify constellations, and show you where to look. Feel free to participate and observe through the telescopes at visible planets, craters of the Moon, and beautiful star clusters & nebula. Let’s hope for a clear April sky.
These are the celestial highlights:
As night falls, the western sky is illuminated by the Moon and the bright gas planet Jupiter, accompanied by familiar constellations such as Gemini, Cancer, Leo, and Virgo. These early‑evening markers help orient observers before the deeper night sky emerges. This is the best time for beginners to learn constellation shapes and enjoy bright, easy‑to-spot objects.
By the early hours of the morning, the sky transforms dramatically without any interference of moonlight – creating the best conditions for viewing the meteor shower. The constellation Lyra rises high, marking the radiant point of the Lyrid Meteor Shower. Overhead, the Milky Way stretches across the darkness, revealing dense star fields and the glowing Galactic Core toward Sagittarius.
Free star chart: https://bruneiastronomy.org/skymap/
Programme* (Tentative)
Escape to Peliunan Park, Temburong, for a relaxing evening of celestial wonder and join this special event featuring a dazzling night‑sky show with amateur astronomers from the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD). Book and reserve your slot via WhatsApp with Peliunan Park, as fees apply for participation.
Discover constellations, observe planets, lunar craters, star clusters and bright nebulae, and witness the breathtaking Milky Way and the spectacular Lyrid meteors. Don’t miss the chance to join our astrophotography competition for an opportunity to win a Dobsonian telescope.
Location Map
Direction to Peliunan Park, Kampong Batu Apoi on Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7B5tkXRxgiRi5afT7
Price List
All fees and payments must be settled with Peliunan Park.
For activities and facilites at Peliunan Park, please refer to IG @peliunanpark
Join Now
Book and reserve your slot via WhatsApp (+673 872 9177) with Peliunan Park, as fees apply and participation is limited.
Proudly Co-organised by
Peliunan Park
IG: @peliunanpark
Booking & Reservation:
+673 872 9177 (Haji Asrul)
The Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD)
www.bruneiastronomy.org
+673 716 6265 (Hidayat)
pabd@bruneiastronomy.org
More Information
Stargazing/Meteor Observation Checklists:
◾Friends and family
◾Eyepieces and telescope accessories (if you have a telescope)
◾Binoculars
◾Red flashlight / headlamp (to provide visibility while your eyes are dark-adapted)
◾Star maps/smartphone app
◾Camera (or Smartphone) with tripod
◾Portable chair (preferably a reclining chair or camp bed to avoid neck strain while watching for meteors)
Camping Checklists:
◾Tent
◾Sleeping Bag, Blanket
◾Tarp / Beach towel (to lay down on the ground)
◾Mosquito / Insect repellent
◾Weather-appropriate clothing & rain gear
◾Prayer mat (for Muslims)
◾Food and drink
1. Light Pollution & Night Vision Policy
To ensure the best viewing experience for all participants and to protect astrophotography sessions:
- White Light Ban: The use of white light flashlights, headlamps, or “bright” phone screens is strictly prohibited after 10:00 PM.
- Red Light Only: Only red-filtered flashlights or red LED headlamps are permitted.
- Vehicle Protocol: Using headlights in the main observation area is forbidden.
2. Equipment & Safety
- Personal Responsibility: Participants are responsible for their own gear (telescopes, cameras, tents). The organizers are not liable for any damage or loss of equipment.
- Trip Hazards: Cables for powered telescope mounts must be taped down or marked with red glow-tape to prevent tripping in the dark.
3. Weather & Cancellation
The “Clear Sky” Disclaimer: Astronomy is weather-dependent. The event will proceed with “Rain or Shine” for the camping aspect unless extreme weather (e.g., flash flood warnings) occurs. No refunds will be issued for cloudy skies.
4. Site Conduct & Ethics
- Leave No Trace: Participants must pack out all trash. The campsite must be left in its original condition.
- Noise Control: As a “Quiet Zone” event, loud music and boisterous behavior are prohibited after 10 pm to respect both fellow observers and local wildlife.
5. Liability Waiver
- Physical Risk: By registering, participants acknowledge the risks associated with outdoor camping (uneven terrain, insects, nocturnal wildlife).
- Health: Participants must be in stable health and carry their own basic first-aid and personal medications.
The “First Light” Lyrids AstroPhotography Challenge
Theme: Dark Skies, Falling Stars
1. Competition Format
- Duration: 10:00 PM (22 April) – 5:00 AM (23 April).
- Objective: To be the first person to successfully capture a single photograph that clearly features both a Lyrid meteor and the Milky Way core.
- Eligibility: Open to all registered participants (Volunteers and Public).
- Equipment: Any device is allowed – Smartphone or Dedicated Camera (DSLR/Mirrorless/Smart Telescopes).
2. Rules & Regulations
- Real-time Submission: Once a participant believes they have captured the winning shot, they must immediately show the “Preview” on their device to a designated PABD committee member to timestamp the entry.
- Originality: The photo must be taken at Peliunan Park during the specified competition hours.
- Single Frame: Single-exposure shots are preferred (Stacking/Composites are not allowed)
- AI Generation: Use of generative AI to add meteors or enhance the Milky Way is strictly prohibited and will lead to immediate disqualification.
- EXIF Data: Winners must provide the original file with EXIF data (metadata) intact to verify the time and equipment used.
3. Terms & Conditions
- Winner Selection: There will be only one (1) Grand Winner. The winner is the first person to verify a successful “Meteor + Milky Way” capture with the judges.
- Judging Criteria: (i) Visibility: The meteor must be clearly distinguishable from a satellite or airplane streak (judges will look for the characteristic “tapered” ends and green/yellow hues of a Lyrid); (ii) Composition: The Milky Way core must be identifiable and in focus.
- Safety First: Participants must not interfere with others’ equipment or use bright white lights (flashlights/headlamps) in the observation area, as this ruins long exposures for everyone. Red lights only.
- Image Rights: By entering, the winner grants PABD and Peliunan Park the right to use the image for promotional purposes (with full credit to the photographer).
4. Technical Tips for Participants
- For Smartphone Users: Use “Pro” or “Night” mode with a tripod. Set ISO between 1600–3200 and shutter speed to 20–30 seconds.
- For Camera Users: Use a wide-angle lens (14mm to 24mm). Set aperture to the lowest f-stop (e.g., f/2.8). Use an intervalometer to shoot continuously; this increases your chances of “catching” a meteor while the Milky Way is in frame.
5. Winner’s Prize
The Lyrids Astrophotography Champion 2026 will win a Dobsonion astronomical telescope sponsored from the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam.