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

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.

SUMMARY:

Event Overview: While it was a total lunar eclipse, the view in Brunei was largely obscured by clouds. Despite the weather challenges, the event served as a significant gathering for the local astronomy community in the Sultanate.

Community Engagement: Bruneian enthusiasts and members of the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) engaged in private observations and shared the event via live feed of the phenomenon and social media to ensure others could still participate in the experience.

Future Eclipses: The next time a total lunar eclipse will coincide with Ramadan is July 7, 2047. Upcoming lunar events for Brunei include a partial lunar eclipse on July 6, 2028, and a total lunar eclipse on December 31, 2028 (extending into New Year’s Day 2029).

This eclipse was especially meaningful as it occurred in the evening of mid Ramadan, a month when many families in Brunei are having sungkai (breaking the fast) and nightly prayers. The timing of moonrise eclipse allowed more people than usual to step outside, look up, and experience the event together.

A specific alignment of the Sun, Earth and Moon must coincide with the middle of the holy month for such an event to occur. A total lunar eclipse during Ramadan is exceptionally rare, repeating only once every 22 Hijri years – or roughly every 45 eclipse seasons, equivalent to about 21 years in the Gregorian calendar.

Eclipse Largely Obscured, but Partial Phase Visible
The eclipse began with thick clouds covering most of the eastern horizon. Many skywatchers couldn’t see the early stages at all in Brunei, and even totality was mostly hidden behind the cloud layer. But the excitement didn’t fade -everyone kept watching, waiting, and hoping for gaps in the clouds.

However, clearer skies during the later part of the partial phase allowed observers to catch brief but rewarding views. The Moon’s emergence from Earth’s umbra was visible through gaps in the clouds, revealing the curved shadow line across the lunar surface.

PABD Members Gather for a Private Observation Session
Persatuan Astronomi Negara Brunei Darussalam (PABD) conducted a private observation session at the residence of one of its members in Tutong, attended by five members, while other members also carried out their own observations from home. Telescopes and imaging equipment were set up early, and although the team faced long periods of overcast skies, they remained prepared for any moment of clarity.

These observations provided scientific values and visual experience of the eclipse’s progression for first time eclipse chasers.

Live from Tutong
A live stream from Tutong ran from 6.45 pm to 9.45 pm, providing public access to the eclipse. Despite facing the same cloud challenges as on‑site observers, the broadcast successfully captured close‑up telescope views of the partial phase as it transitioned into the penumbral stage. Viewers followed along in real time, sharing comments, asking questions, and updating one another on weather conditions across the country.

The live stream via all bruneiastronomy digital platforms became a focal point for the public, allowing many to stay connected to the eclipse despite limited visibility in few areas in the Sultanate.

Community Sharing
Members of the Bruneiastronomy WhatsApp Group played an active role throughout the night. As clouds shifted across the country, participants shared their own photos, sky conditions, and observing setups. Several managed to capture partial-phase images, contributing to a collective record of the event:

Although the total lunar eclipse was largely obscured by clouds, the event highlighted the dedication and unity of Brunei’s astronomy community. Through private observations, live streaming, and active sharing among enthusiasts, the eclipse became more than a visual spectacle – it became a moment that brought people across the country together to look up at the sky.

The next time a total lunar eclipse coincides with Ramadan will be on 7 July 2047. Before that, Brunei will experience a partial lunar eclipse on 6 July 2028, followed by a total lunar eclipse on 31 December 2028, which will continue into new year 1 January 2029. Clear skies, and keep looking up!

Bandar Seri Begawan – Despite challenging weather conditions, a group of fourteen members of the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) successfully conducted naked-eye observations of the annual Geminids Meteor Shower in the early hours of Sunday, 14 December 2025 at Kampong Sungai Mau, Belait.

The event, known as the “Geminids AstroCamp”, was held from 12:30 AM to 2:30 AM, during which members gathered to witness the celestial display and capture it through photography. Based on observations documented by the team, approximately 50 Geminid meteors were sighted, including several striking fireballs, despite limited visibility.

One participant, Muhammad Hidayatullah bin Awang Ahmad shared: “It was a challenging night for viewing, with nearly 80% cloud cover and overcast skies for most of the session. Nevertheless, the meteors we managed to observe, particularly the brighter fireballs, made the effort worthwhile.”

Despite cloudy skies, PABD member Mohamad Nur Raziqqien bin Abu Bakar captured a vivid Geminid meteor streaking across the prominent Orion constellation, which lies right next to Gemini – the radiant of the meteor shower.

The Geminids are widely regarded as one of the most reliable and spectacular annual meteor showers, originating from asteroid 3200 Phaethon. This year’s observation coincided with the shower’s peak between the nights of 13 and 14 December 2025. Under ideal conditions, the Geminids can produce as many as 120 meteors per hour (ZHR), making them a highlight of the astronomical calendar.

Meteor showers take place when the Earth, in its yearly orbit around the Sun, crosses paths with streams of cosmic debris released by comets or asteroids. These tiny fragments, often no larger than grains of sand, enter the atmosphere at tremendous speeds and incandesce due to friction with air molecules, creating the luminous streaks commonly referred to as “shooting stars.”

PABD thanked the Bukit Sawat Village Consultative Council (Majlis Perundingan Kampung Bukit Sawat) for their invaluable support in facilitating the AstroCamp.

Comet SWAN R2 is making its closest approach to Earth between October 12–19, 2025, shining possibly as bright as magnitude 5.8. With an estimated orbital period of 22,554 years, this is a once-in-a-lifetime sighting!

Bandar Seri Begawan – Discovered a week ago in September 2025 by the SWAN instrument aboard the SOHO spacecraft, Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2) is now visible from Brunei Darussalam shortly after sunset, low in the western sky near the constellation Virgo and near Mars.

It is currently barely visible to the eye with an apparent magnitude around +6 to +7. It may be glimpsed with binoculars or a small telescope, especially under dark-sky conditions away from city lights.

Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) presents a rare and extraordinary opportunity for observers in Brunei and around the world. Based on recent orbital calculations by NASA/JPL, this comet completes a revolution around the Sun approximately once every 22,554 years.

If the comet endures its solar passage, it is not expected to return until the year 24,579. According to the International Astronomical Union, its closest approach to Earth is anticipated between 12 and 19 October 2025.

Preliminary brightness estimates suggest it may reach magnitude 5.8, potentially making it visible with binoculars or digital imaging equipment under favourable conditions. However, as with all comets, its behaviour remains inherently unpredictable.

Photos by the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) on Sep 19, 2025, from Tutong, Brunei Darussalam.

Present as the Guest of Honor was Yang Mulia Awang Haji Amirol Hafidzin bin Haji Muhammad, Acting Belait District Officer, Ministry of Home Affairs. Also present at the event were Yang Berhormat Mohammad bin Abdullah @ Lim Swee Ann, Member of the Legislative Council as Acting Penghulu of Mukim Sukang and Head of Kampong Bukit Sawat, and Yang Berhormat Haji Salleh bin Haji Othman, Member of the Legislative Council as Penghulu of Mukim Bukit Sawat.

More than 100 people, consisting of astronomy enthusiasts and residents of Mukim Bukit Sawat, attended the event to participate in stargazing and lunar eclipse observation with the aid of telescopes. Throughout the majority of the observation period from 11.30 p.m. until 5.00 a.m, the phenomenon was obscured by cloud cover. The lunar eclipse was first observed only during the early hours, following totality.

The event also featured two astronomy talks: “Sabit di Kala Purnama” delivered by Hazarry bin Haji Ali Ahmad, Secretary-General of PABD, and “The Phenomenon of Eclipses and Their Wisdom According to Islamic Perspective” by YM Muhammad Zulhilmi Mohd. Jefri, Chief Imam of Sungai Liang Mosque.

The Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) conducted a stargazing session for the Brunei Hockey Club camp at Pantai Lumut, Belait. The event featured guided observations of the Full Moon and Saturn, engaging participants all night.

Led by PABD members, the session included telescope setup and celestial navigation, offering campers a structured introduction to practical skywatching.

This initiative reflects PABD’s ongoing commitment to fostering astronomical awareness and community engagement under Brunei’s night skies.

Despite persistent rain and fog blanketing much of the predawn sky, observers successfully recorded 8 meteors during a focused one-hour window.

Beyond meteor counting, the activities also featured sky quality measurements and general skywatching.

With the Perseids nearing their peak, astronomy enthusiasts are encouraged to begin early observations. Meteors are now already visible under clear skies, especially with minimal interference from moonlight.

The Sun appears oval or squashed near the horizon due to atmospheric refraction – a fascinating optical effect caused by Earth’s layered atmosphere.

This visual distortion is due to sunlight travels through a thicker slice of the atmosphere at sunset compared to midday. This dense path bends (refracts) the light unevenly.

Refraction lifts the lower limb, compressing the golden disk into an ethereal ellipse.

▲ Sunset at Tanjong Batu on Jul 26, 2025 at 6:31 p.m. [Settings: Fujifilm XT3 100-400mm Lens + 1.4X extender, 840mm, ss 1/500 f10 iso160, handheld] (Photo by by Faisal Tuah)

▲ The sun appears oval at sunrise and sunset but appears circular at noon is best explained by phenomenon called refraction.

The event was designed with two key goals: To make astronomy approachable and inspiring for the general public, including casual visitors to Jerudong Park, and to foster curiosity and scientific wonder through direct telescope observation of celestial objects.

Over 300 attendees, ranging from astronomy enthusiasts to first-time stargazers, gathered at walkway outside Jerudong Park Food Court during the three evenings to peer through telescopes and connect with the cosmos.

Main activities included:
i. Stargazing: Visitors observed the Full Moon at close-up view that revealed cratered surface, glimpsed of bright deep sky objects such as star clusters and identifying the constellation Scorpio.
ii. Interactive Guidance: PABD members were on hand to explain celestial phenomena such as the moon phases.
iii. Astrophotography: Many visitors took the opportunity to snap their own images of the Moon using smartphone cameras through telescope eyepieces capturing lunar surface at high magnification.

Various telescopes, including refractors, reflectors, and smart telescope models, were stationed around the venue, enabling visitors to experience different methods of observation.

Sidewalk Astronomy, originally popularised by amateur astronomers in 1965, gradually evolved into a global initiative embraced by the astronomy community. In Brunei Darussalam, this initiative was first introduced by PABD in 2007, inspiring the public to look up and reconnect with the wonders of the night sky.

“Some of our visitors had never seen the Moon’s surface in such detail—the craters, lunar highlands and the topography. For many, it was their first real experience with astronomy. Seeing their excitement and awe has been deeply rewarding for us as organisers,” shared Mohammad Husaini bin Ali Hassan, PABD member.

Press Release:

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.