Based on the preliminary analysis provided by the International Meteor Organization (IMO) database for Event 4347-2026, a detailed breakdown of the fireball’s trajectory and the associated eyewitness reports:

Event Overview: A fireball was sighted over Brunei and Sabah on Sunday, June 14, 2026, around 20:14 local time.

Eyewitness Reports: Four witnesses from Bandar Seri Begawan, Jerudong, Rasau, and Kudat reported the event, observing it for 3.5 to 7.5 seconds with intense brightness (magnitudes ranging from -5 to -13).

Trajectory & Path: The meteor traveled entirely offshore over the South China Sea, moving away from the Borneo coast in a North-Northwest (NNW) direction. It appears to have originated a few dozen kilometers off the coast of Brunei-Muara before heading deeper into the ocean. The starting point appears to begin off the northern coast of Borneo, near the maritime border of Brunei and Sabah, over the South China Sea. The meteor traveled in a North-Northwest (NNW) direction. The visible trajectory ends further out in the South China Sea, moving away from the coastline. It did not cross directly over land based on this calculated path.

By Hazarry bin Haji Ali Ahmad
The Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam
June 14, 2026

Bandar Seri Begawan – Bruneians were fortunate on Sunday evening to witness a rare and striking celestial show. At approximately 8:30 p.m. local time on June 14, 2026, a brilliantly bright green meteor tore through the atmosphere, leaving a vivid, glowing trail in its wake.

The Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) received a surge of reports, dashboard camera footage, and incidental videos capturing the event, confirming the meteor’s trajectory and striking coloration.

Based on the initial reports submitted to PABD, the meteor appeared unusually large -consistent with a fireball – travelling at high velocity and illuminating the sky for approximately two to three seconds before fading. None of the witnesses reported any signs of fragmentation as it passed through the atmosphere. Instead, they described a sudden, vivid emerald flash that briefly lit up the night sky.

Among the locals who captured the breathtaking moment was Umair Akmal, who caught the event at 8:33 p.m. on his dashcam while driving through Lambak. He described the meteor as a solid green streak with a distinct trail that lasted for about two seconds. Struck by the rarity of the event, Umair noted that the bright green hue made it one of the most unusual celestial sights he had ever personally witnessed.

Around the same time, 27-year-old Khadijah Azami also recorded the fireball on her car camcorder while driving through Sungai Akar, heading toward the ISB-One City traffic light. She observed the meteor traveling in a southwest direction, describing the object as big, fast, and vividly green. Khadijah noted that the vibrant color was accompanied by a distinct, bright white flash as it flared up over a three-second span.

In astronomical terms, not every “shooting star” qualifies as a fireball. According to the International Astronomical Union (IAU), a fireball is defined as a meteor that reaches an apparent magnitude of –4 or brighter, exceeding the brilliance of Venus. All of eyewitnesses’ footages captured clearly demonstrates why Sunday’s event meets this criterion.

In another fortunate turn, Shahrazen Said shared a video captured by one of his team members, who recorded the fireball entirely by chance. In his Instagram Story caption, he explained that while filming footage for the football event Project WASP: The Next Level Training, the bright green object descended above the treeline and passed through the background of the shot. He later submitted the remarkable footage to PABD’s Instagram page, noting his surprise at having unintentionally recorded what he initially thought might be a comet falling from the sky.

While sightings of ordinary “shooting stars” are relatively common, the appearance of a bright green fireball is a far more exceptional phenomenon. Its distinctive colour is closely linked to the meteoroid’s chemical composition. As the object enters Earth’s atmosphere at extremely high velocity, the resulting friction generates intense heat, causing the meteoroid to vaporize. The vivid green emission is typically associated with the presence of magnesium or nickel within the material. When these metallic elements vaporize under extreme temperatures, they emit light predominantly in the green portion of the spectrum. This process produces the striking emerald trail reported across Brunei tonight.

The PABD is still actively collecting data to triangulate the exact size and trajectory of Sunday night’s fireball. Anyone who witnessed the green meteor or has dashcam or CCTV footage from around 8:30 p.m. is strongly encouraged to submit an official fireball report to the International Meteor Organization (IMO) – this event is officially catalogued and numbered as 4347-2026. By contributing to the IMO’s global citizen-science database, local observers can directly aid astronomers worldwide in tracking these incredible celestial events.

Bandar Seri Begawan – A bright moving light was observed across the sky over Brunei Darussalam at around 8:00 PM on Thursday, June 04, 2026.

Several members of the public, including observers from the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD), reported the sighting, among them a 1‑minute video recorded by a witness in Kampong Bebatik at 7:51 PM, who described seeing a bright white luminous object with a visible trail moving steadily across the night sky.

The witness, @cloud_stride, noted that the object did not resemble an aircraft or a comet. The video was later shared on the witness’s social media account one week after the event, drawing renewed public attention and discussion.

Based on the timing, direction, and visual characteristics captured in the video and eyewitness accounts, the phenomenon is highly consistent with the exhaust plume of the Long March 6A (Chang Zheng 6A) [1] rocket launched from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, China, at approximately 7:39 PM (UTC+8) [2]. This aligns closely with the observed motion and appearance of the object as it passed over the region.

This type of display is known as a “space jellyfish.” It occurs when a rocket’s upper‑stage exhaust expands in the thin upper atmosphere and is illuminated by sunlight that still reaches the rocket, even though observers on the ground are already in darkness. The illuminated plume spreads outward, creating a glowing, jellyfish‑like shape that can be visible across wide areas during twilight. Such events are well‑documented worldwide and are commonly associated with twilight rocket launches.

The same plume was also sighted across the Philippines [3], Sabah [4], and Sarawak, matching the expected downrange trajectory of the rocket. This confirms that the event was a non-hazardous optical phenomenon resulting from a scheduled space launch and is not related to astronomical objects.

The programme began on the afternoon of May 16, with participants assembling at the Jerudong Park car park before departing in a 25 4x4WD vehicle line up. The convoy involved members of Brunei Overland and Expedition Group, BNSTYLE, and Jimny Brunei, who collaborated to support the journey into the rural interior.

Upon arrival shortly before sunset, the group was welcomed by Yang Mulia Haji Yassin bin Abdul Rahim Sap, the head representative of Rumah Panjang Julangan Titah Melilas. A safety briefing and programme overview were delivered, after which participants proceeded to set up their tents for the overnight stay.

During the evening stargazing session, participants learned to identify constellations and observed the planet Jupiter along with its largest moons before cloud cover temporarily obscured the sky. As conditions improved in the early hours of the morning, around 3 am, the clouds parted to reveal a striking view of the Milky Way arching across the horizon. Present during the observation were Yang Mulia Shahronizam bin Haji Md Noh, Penghulu Mukim Sukang, together with local villagers who joined the session.

With the Moon nearing its old phase, the rural landscape of Melilas – one of Brunei’s rare sanctuaries with a Bortle Class 2 Typical Truly Dark Sky rating – offered exceptional conditions for stargazing. Under these pristine skies, participants clearly observed the bright core of the Milky Way with the naked eye and captured astrophotography images with the guidance of 15 PABD members. The natural darkness of Melilas revealed the Milky Way in intricate, marbled detail, visible unaided in a way seldom experienced elsewhere in the country.

Muhammad Arif bin Ismail, Programme Coordinator for Dark Sky Melilas Adventure 2026, expressed PABD’s aspirations for the initiative, noting that the association aims “to increase public interest and knowledge, especially among the younger generation in rural areas, in the field of astronomy; to create greater awareness about preserving the natural environment from light pollution; and to make this expedition a catalyst for efforts to preserve dark sky areas in the country.” He also underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration with government agencies and local communities to expand access to astronomy and falak syarie educational activities, particularly in rural regions.

Beyond astronomy activities, the programme also featured a community outreach component led by the participants. Donations of food supplies and essential items were distributed to 14 families residing at the Rumah Panjang, while colouring books were presented to children in the village. PABD additionally contributed a dark sky awareness poster to the head representative of the long house as part of ongoing efforts to promote the protection of natural night skies.

The programme concluded with a closing speech by Hazarry bin Haji Ali Ahmad, PABD Secretary‑General, followed by the recital of Doa Selamat. Participants then commenced their journey back to the Jerudong checkpoint, marking the successful and memorable conclusion of Dark Sky Melilas Adventure 2026.

Press Release

The event was co-organized by the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) and the Peliunan Park Management.

Under a clear sky, participants recorded 99 bright meteors with few fireballs between 10 pm and 5 am – an average of 14 meteors per hour (ZHR) – streaking from the constellation Lyra.

With the Moon setting early, the suburban dark skies of Batu Apoi offered ideal conditions for viewing the annual meteor shower, produced as debris from Comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher) entered Earth’s atmosphere at extreme velocity, leaving glowing ionized trails.

The event commenced in the afternoon on April 22 with tent setups and registration, transitioning into an “All-night Stargazing” session in the evening. Participants were treated to views of the Moon, planet Jupiter and bright deep-sky objects through the optical telescopes and smart telescopes.

The event comprised a specialized astronomy talk by the PABD Secretary General, Hazarry bin Haji Ali Ahmad. The presentation covered the science of the Lyrids meteor shower and raised critical dark sky awareness, emphasizing the importance of protecting the night from light pollution.

Held in conjunction with International Dark Sky Week, the session served as a call to action for the local community to join the global movement for dark sky preservation. By committing to responsible lighting, participants joined a worldwide effort to curb light pollution and protect the visibility of our universe and astronomical phenomena for the next generation

“Witnessing so many people connect with the night sky to watch the celestial wonder is truly inspiring,” expressed Hidayatullah bin Ahmad, PABD Programme Coordinator. “AstroCamp is more than just a meteor shower; it’s about building awareness, igniting a sense of wonder, and reminding us that we must all work together to preserve the natural darkness of our universe.”

Under the theme “Dark Skies, Falling Stars,” the program featured a dedicated Milky Way hunt and the “First Light” Lyrids Astrophotography Challenge. After observations concluded at astronomical twilight, participants gathered for the prize presentation. Muhammad Arif bin Ismail was named the astrophotography champion, taking home a Dobsonian telescope.

Photos by: Ak Muhd Adi Zulhilmi Bin Pg Yakub / PABD

PRESS RELEASED

This post will be updated from time to time as new information and comet development becomes available

Summary

• First identified by the Pan‑STARRS survey in September 2025 with its 1.8‑meter telescope atop Haleakalā in Maui, the comet later drew visual confirmation from veteran discoverer Alan Hale, who spotted it on 20 March 2026 using 10×50 binoculars at roughly magnitude 9.
• Its orbit is sharply tilted about 125° and its eccentricity slightly exceeds 1.0, suggesting it may be a first‑time visitor to the inner Solar System that will not return.
• A strong forward‑scattering geometry in late April, when the comet passes between Earth and the Sun, could significantly boost its apparent brightness.
• Forecasts remain unusually uncertain, with estimates ranging from magnitude 7–8 all the way to a dazzling –2.5, making this one of the most unpredictable comet brightness outlooks in recent decades.
• Live Comet Tracking is available: Comet Ephemeris

Updated: May 05, 2026

Rare Comet Sighting In Brunei Darussalam

The evening sky featured a stunning appearance of Comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) last night on May 05, 2026. Two weeks post-perihelion, it’s a naked-eye object at magnitude 5.3.

In the wide-field photo, the comet sits in Eridanus near Sirius and Rigel, with Venus reflecting over the sea in the west. Close-up photos show a striking tail and brilliant coma as it begins a 170,000-year journey back to the outer solar system.

Update: April 11, 2026

A Celestial Visitor

Comet C/2025 R3 (PANSTARRS) represents a significant subject for astronomical observation in mid-2026. Discovered by the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (PANSTARRS), this comet follows a trajectory that brings it into the inner solar system, offering a window of visibility for both morning and evening observers

The cosmic wanderer was discovered on September 8, 2025, by the Pan-STARRS 2 telescope located at the Haleakalā Observatory in Hawaii. At the time of its discovery, the comet was extremely faint, with an apparent magnitude of approximately 19.8 – roughly 100,000 times fainter than what the naked eye can see.

It was found when it was still about 3.6 AU (approximately 540 million km) away from the Sun, well beyond the orbit of Mars. It is a long-period comet travelling on a steeply inclined retrograde orbit tilted about 125° to the ecliptic. This strongly suggesting an origin in the distant Oort Cloud. Its eccentricity exceeds 1.0, indicating that this may be a first-time visitor to the inner solar system that will never return,

Orbital Dynamics and Characteristics

Following its discovery, the comet has brightened significantly as it approaches its perihelion. The comet’s path is characterized by a close approach to both the Sun and Earth in April 2026. During this period, its distance from the Sun (perihelion) reaches a minimum of approximately 0.498 astronomical units (AU) or 75 million km around April 20, 2026.

Its proximity to Earth also peaks during late April, with its closest approach occurring at roughly 0.489 AU or 73 million km to Earth on April 26, 2026. As it nears these points (perihelion and perigee), its celestial brightness (magnitude) increases to 3.4, making it a more accessible target for telescopic and binocular even naked eye observation.

Although early estimates suggest the comet may brighten significantly, comet brightness is inherently unpredictable because these icy bodies can behave differently as they approach the Sun. Comets are made of dust, rock, and volatile ices. As they heat up, their activity can surge, stall, or even fade unexpectedly. Outbursts, fragmentation, or low volatile content can all cause a comet to appear brighter or dimmer than predicted. This is why astronomers treat brightness forecasts with caution, especially for newly discovered comets

Visibility Outlook from Brunei

Based on local ephemerides, the visibility of C/2025 R3 (PANSTARRS) from Brunei Darussalam follows a distinct transition from a morning object to an evening object during April and May 2026.

Above: A bright comet with a distinct sweeping tail rises against a star‑filled cloudy sky, captured from Brunei Darussalam in the early hours of 10 April 2026. The comet’s nucleus glows prominently at the center of the frame, while its tail fans upward. (Photo by Hazarry bin Haji Ali Ahmad / PABD)

Morning Observations (at 5:00 AM):
During early April – The comet is a pre-dawn object visible in the eastern sky. On April 10, the comet is located in the constellation Pegasus. According to Comet Observation Database (COBS), the observed magnitude of comet C/2025 R3 (PANSTARRS) is currently 5.1. It is expected to reach a naked-eye visibility of around +3 around its perihelion passage on April 20, 2026. Peak Morning Visibility – Its brightness improves through mid-April, reaching by April 20 at magnitude 3.4. After April 21, the comet’s altitude at 5:00 AM becomes negative as it begins its transition toward evening visibility, disappearing from the pre-dawn sky into the daylight. R3 comet and the Sun are in conjunction about 3.6° on April 25 at 8.20 pm (Brunei Time).

Evening Observations (at 6:45 PM):
As the comet moves past its closest approach, it becomes a prominent evening object in the western sky. Starting April 27, the comet appears at magnitude 3.7 above the horizon at 6:45 PM. Throughout May, the comet climbs higher in the sky at 6:45 PM but gradually fades. It moves through Eridanus (early May), Orion (mid-May), and eventually Monoceros. On May 10, it sits at an altitude of 27.4° in Orion with a magnitude of 6.6.

For observers in Brunei, the best views will come by facing the east‑north‑east before dawn in mid‑April, then shifting to the western sky after sunset from late April through May. While the comet is expected to remain brighter than magnitude 6, it may be visible to the naked eye in darker areas, though local light pollution will play a major role. By mid‑May onward, binoculars or a small telescope will become increasingly important for a clear view of the comet.

Bandar Seri Begawan – People in Brunei Darussalam will be able to witness a Total Lunar Eclipse, or Blood Moon, on the evening of Tuesday, 3 March 2026, when the Moon turns a deep red colour as it passes into Earth’s shadow.

What Causes a Total Lunar Eclipse
A total lunar eclipse happens when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, causing Earth’s shadow to cover the entire lunar surface. Even though the Moon is fully shaded, it does not disappear from view. Instead, it turns a reddish colour. This red hue is produced when sunlight bends through Earth’s atmosphere, allowing only red light to reach the lunar surface.

Where the Eclipse Will Be Visible Around the World
The astronomical phenomenon will be seen in the evening across Australia and eastern Asia including Brunei Darussalam, overnight throughout the Pacific, and at dawn in North and Central America as well as the far western parts of South America. A partial eclipse will be visible in central Asia and much of South America, while Africa and Europe will not see any part of the eclipse.

Above: 2026 March 03 Total Lunar Eclipse worldwide visibility map by F. Espanak (NASA)

Visibility from Brunei Darussalam
The early stages of the eclipse occur while the Moon is still below the horizon in Brunei. The initial penumbral and partial phases will therefore not be visible locally. The eclipse becomes observable once the Moon rises already in partial eclipse, leading into the full phase of totality.

Key Eclipse Timings for Brunei
The Total Eclipse begins at 7:04 p.m., when the entire Moon enters Earth’s umbra and takes on a noticeably darker tone. This is followed by the Maximum Eclipse at 7:33 p.m., the moment when the Moon is deepest in the Earth’s umbra and appears most vivid red. Totality ends at 8:03 p.m., after which the Moon slowly brightens as it moves out of Earth’s shadow. The partial phase ends at 9:17 p.m., when the Moon is fully within Earth’s penumbra and only a subtle dimming remains.

Key timings in Brunei Darussalam Time (GMT+8) are as follows:

Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 4:44 p.m. (03 Mar 2026) [Not Visible from Brunei]
Partial Eclipse Begins: 5:50 p.m. [Not Visible from Brunei]
Totality Begins: 7:04 p.m.
Maximum Eclipse: 7:33 p.m.
Totality Ends: 8:03 p.m.
Partial Eclipse Ends: 9:17 p.m.
Penumbral Eclipse Ends: 10:23 p.m.

Click Here for LIVE Countdown of the Lunar Eclipse Phases

End of the Eclipse
The eclipse officially concludes when the penumbral phase ends at 10:23 p.m., marking the final stage of this celestial event. At this point, the brightness of the full Moon will return to its normal appearance.

A Deep Total Eclipse with Striking Visuals
This eclipse is classified as a deep total lunar eclipse, with a magnitude of 1.151, indicating that Earth’s umbra covers more than the entire diameter of the Moon. Totality lasts for 58 minutes, while the combined partial‑eclipse phases span more than 2 hours.

Viewing Conditions and What to Expect
The eclipse is safe to view with the naked eye and requires no special equipment. However, an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon is essential, as the Moon will be very low above the horizon when it first becomes visible.

Live Stream
View the live stream from @bruneiastronomy platforms on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

A Dramatic Moonrise for Brunei
With a clear eastern horizon and favourable weather after sungkai, Brunei’s observers will see the Moon rising around 6:30 p.m., already more than half eclipsed, creating a striking and dramatic sight as it climbs above the landscape. As the eclipse enters totality, the Moon will gradually shift into a coppery‑red glow, with its colour shaped by natural atmospheric conditions such as humidity and fine airborne particles.

A Rare Ramadan Eclipse Before the Next in 2028–2029
This rare celestial event is especially significant as it falls in Ramadan. It is the last total lunar eclipse before the next one occurring on 31 December 2028 – 1 January 2029, which is visible from Brunei. For a total lunar eclipse that again coincides with Ramadan, the wait will be much longer: the next one that falls in Ramadan will occur on 7 July 2047 – 21 years from now.

Press Release:

English and Malay:

Bandar Seri Begawan – On the late night of Sunday, 7 September 2025, into the early hours of Monday, 8 September, the skies over Brunei Darussalam will host a rare total lunar eclipse.

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth aligns perfectly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its umbra (central shadow) across the lunar surface. As the Moon passes through this shadow, it gradually darkens and transforms into a deep reddish hue, often referred to as a Blood Moon. This coloration is caused by Rayleigh scattering – the same phenomenon that paints sunsets red – as Earth’s atmosphere filters and bends sunlight, allowing only longer wavelengths to reach the Moon.

Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to observe with the naked eye, and they can be seen from anywhere on Earth where the Moon is above the horizon during the event.

This eclipse will be visible across Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe, and parts of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is expected to be the longest total lunar eclipse since 2022, with totality lasting approximately 1 hour and 22 minutes, and the entire eclipse spanning over 5 hours. According to Timeanddate, an estimated 85.86% of the world’s population will witness at least part of the total phase, with 76.59% experiencing the full spectacle from start to finish.

Above: 2025 Sep 07-08 Total Lunar Eclipse worldwide visibility map by F. Espanak (NASA)

In Brunei Darussalam, the 1.3619-umbral magnitude eclipse will be fully visible from start to end. Key timings in Brunei Darussalam Time (GMT+8) are as follows:

Penumbral Eclipse Begins: 11:28 p.m. (7 Sep)
Partial Eclipse Begins: 12:27 a.m. (8 Sep)
Totality Begins: 1:30 a.m. (8 Sep)
Maximum Eclipse: 2:11 a.m.
Totality Ends: 2:52 a.m.
Partial Eclipse Ends: 3:56 a.m.
Penumbral Eclipse Ends: 4:55 a.m.

Click Here for LIVE Countdown of the Lunar Eclipse Phases

Above: 2025 Sep 07-08 Total Lunar Eclipse information and official time of contact by F. Espanak (NASA)

Weather permitting, this will be a prime opportunity for photography and public observation. With 100% obscuration and 82-minutes totality, observers in Brunei will enjoy an uninterrupted view of the Moon’s transformation. Such long-duration total eclipses are relatively rare, making this event a highlight of the decade for skywatchers.

Above: A ranked list of total lunar eclipses in the 21st century, arranged by duration of totality from longest to shortest. The September 2025 eclipse holds the 28th position out of 85, making it one of the longest of the century.

This eclipse is part of Saros cycle 128, and is the 41st of 71 eclipses in the series. Occurring just 2.6 days before lunar perigee, the Moon will appear slightly larger than usual, enhancing the visual impact. The September eclipse also coincides with the Full Moon of Rabiulawal.

In Islamic tradition, eclipses are regarded as signs of Allah’s majesty, not omens tied to human events. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized that: “The sun and the moon are two signs among the signs of Allah. They do not eclipse because of someone’s death or life. So, when you see them, invoke Allah and pray till the eclipse is clear.” – Hadith, Sahih Bukhari.

A Guide to a Total Lunar Eclipse

Public Lunar Eclipse Observation in Brunei Darussalam

Join us for an unforgettable evening under the stars as we witness a breathtaking celestial event! The Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) invites the public to a special observation session for the upcoming lunar eclipse.

This is a unique opportunity to learn about the cosmos, witness the moon turn a stunning shade of red, and connect with fellow astronomy enthusiasts. Our astronomy volunteers will be on hand to explain the science behind the eclipse and answer all your questions. We will provide telescopes for a closer look, but feel free to bring your own binoculars/telescope or camera to capture this magnificent moment.

Weather Subject to Change: Please note that this event is subject to weather conditions. Clear skies are essential for the best viewing experience. We will provide updates on our social media channels regarding the weather forecast and any potential changes to the event schedule.

Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just curious about the night sky, this event is perfect for all ages. A celestial wonder awaits—experience the moon’s transformation under Brunei’s night sky.

Find us here:

(a) Dewan Serbaguna Kampong Sungai Mau (More Info https://bruneiastronomy.org/astrocamp/)

(b) BKISHHB

Press Release

 Stargazing at Jerudong Park! 

Join us for Sidewalk Astronomy from July 10–12, 2025 from 5.30 p.m. until 10.30 p.m. at Jerudong Park Food Court.

Peer through 8-inch reflectors and smart telescopes as we explore the Full Moon, dazzling star clusters, and more.

Meet passionate PABD amateur astronomers ready to guide you through celestial sights and answer your cosmic questions.

 Event is subject to weather conditions.

Follow us @bruneiastronomy for real-time updates and night-by-night alerts!

Bandar Seri Begawan – Keep an eye out for Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, it may brighten to naked eye visibility as it arrives perihelion in April.

Comet Pons Brooks will be at its closest distance of 116.8 million km to the Sun on Sunday, April 21 2024. It thus reached its maximum brightness of magnitude 4.2, expected visible to the unaided eye.
Comets are so unpredictable for sudden flare-ups in brightness, so you might get a chance to catch sight for this spectacular show.

From Brunei Darussalam, the comet will set in the west-northwest, hovering about 10 degrees above the horizon in the evening twilight all through April.

Like other comets, 12P/Pons-Brooks is made of a mixture of ice and rocky materials. As it approaches the Sun, these volatile matters transform to gas and dust which cause an expansive cloud (coma) and a distinctive tail.

By the end of April, it then fades very rapidly and moves back out into space. Comet Pons-Brooks will take another 71 years for it to complete another full journey around the sun – a once in a lifetime experience to see the cosmic wanderer!

Is the comet up in the sky now? Use the ephemeris data below and the online live chart to track comet Pons-Brooks in Brunei via https://www.bruneiastronomy.org/starchart

Updated on 09 April 2024

A once-in-a-lifetime Green Comet spotted from Brunei for the first time in 70 years today, 09 April 2024.

A cosmic wanderer about triple the size of Mount Everest officially cataloged as 12P/Pons-Brooks is now visible in Brunei Darussalam for the first time in more than seven decades – and it won’t be returning again until 2095.

The comet was clearly captured even on a small digital (smartphone) camera, and should be an easy target using binoculars or a telescope. Comet 12P displays a bright fuzzy green colour coma and a fascinating tail.

It is currently visible very low on the western horizon in the evening twilight. It is expected to become even brighter in the coming weeks as the comet approaches the sun on April 21, 2024.

Updated on 12 April 2024

Last Chance to see Comet Pons-Brooks at its best before vanishes until 2095

The periodic Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks is currently passing near the Sun, and it will come as close as 116.8 million km to the sun on April 21, 2024.

It is now viewable over in the west horizon in the evening twilight from Brunei Darussalam and will reach as bright as a stellar magnitude 4.0 which is within naked eye limit.

The extraterrestrial object should appear as a fuzzy green blob with a hazy tail as viewed from a small telescope or binoculars.

Wait for darkness (after 7.15 pm), it is a simple cosmic target to be photographed – Get out your tripod, attach a medium lens and point the camera towards the west horizon.

From the northern hemisphere, comet 12P will remain viewable for the next 1 or 2 weeks before disappearing into the bright sun’s glare and proceeding into the southern sky.

By May, the giant comet will fade rapidly as it moves towards the outer solar system and won’t approach the Earth again in the next 71 years.

Updated on 14 April 2024

Horned Comet in Bruneian skies

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks is nicknamed as “devil comet” for its unusual pointy shape. Just a week before its closest approach to the Sun (perihelion), The comet was photographed last night, April 14, 2024, from Tutong, which evidently displayed two distinct “horns” of gas and ice.

Comet 12P is a Halley-type periodic comet with an orbital period of about 71.3 years. In 2024, the icy wanderer is speeding through the inner solar system and expected to reach its maximum brightness, potentially becoming visible to the naked eye during the perihelion.

However, bright twilight and moonlight may wash out the comet’s brilliance, so skywatchers may need binoculars or telescopes to catch a glimpse.

Bandar Seri Begawan – People in Brunei Darussalam is set to witness a rare astronomical event when the Moon passes in front of the Venus causing the bright planet to temporarily disappear from the night sky on March 24, 2023.

During the lunar occultation, the Moon is perfectly aligned to pass in front of the brightest planet which is visible only from a limited part of the world.

The astronomical phenomenon will be visible from regions in South Africa, Indonesia, and South Asia including Brunei.

Observing Venus

Currently, the evening planet Venus shines brightly at magnitude -4.0, which makes it easily visible to the unaided eyes in sky after sunset. In fact, it is the third brightest celestial body in the sky after the Sun and the Moon.

An hour after sunset, Venus will appear like a bright “star” just a few degrees away from the Moon, which offers an eye-catching view of the two celestial bodies in the evening skies.

Timings of Occultation

If weather permitting, stargazers in Brunei should be able to see the brilliant “evening star” (which is in fact Venus) approaching close the Moon just before the occultation.

According to the International Occultation Timing Association (IOTA), Venus disappears behind the Moon at 8.05 p.m. from Brunei Darussalam. As this occultation involves the 3 day-old waxing lunar crescent, Venus will hide behind the unilluminated side of the moon.

The planet will then re-emerge from behind the moon’s sunlit edge approximately 28 minutes later, at 8.33 p.m. From Brunei, the reappearance will occur at a low altitude of about 2 degrees, and a clear unobstructed view of West horizon is needed to sight the unique event.

In the past, occultations was used for scientific purposes such as refining the Moon’s profile (e.g. shape of the lunar limb) and its orbit properties.

Rare Event

The last disappearance act of Venus behind the moon happened during the daylight of May 27, 2022. The Moon-Venus occultation from Brunei will not happen again until 16 years, on May 27, 2039.

Press Release