The night features guided stargazing, planetary viewing, milky way hunting and the “First Light” Astrophotography Challenge, where the first attendee to capture a meteor alongside the Milky Way wins a Dobsonian telescope. To preserve the viewing environment, a strict “Red Light Only” policy will be enforced after 10:00 PM to protect everyone’s night vision.

Spaces are limited and registration is required. Pack your camping gear and head to Kampong Batu Apoi for an unforgettable night of “Dark Skies and Falling Stars.” For more details or to book your slot, visit https://bruneiastronomy.org/web/meteorcamp2026/

Summary: From Papar’s new observatory to Kota Belud’s rivers and Kudat’s legendary dark skies, our Ramadan Milkyway Hunt 2026 became an adventure of shared stories, coastal cooking, stargazing marathons, and breathtaking landscapes – a journey where Sabah’s beauty, its people, and the cosmos came together in one unforgettable experience. Most of all, we travelled with incredible people, AstroFalak expert, Dark Sky Rangers, and friends who turned every moment into a memory. A celestial travelogue.

From 20 to 24 February 2026, our journey unfolded across the sweeping landscapes of Kota Kinabalu, Papar, Kota Belud, and Kudat – five days on the road in two cars, tracing the northern curve of Borneo in search of its darkest skies. Sabah has long been whispered about among stargazers as one of Southeast Asia’s most promising frontiers: vast stretches of countryside untouched by heavy light pollution, horizons that open wide in every direction, and coastal plains where the night sky rises unobstructed from the sea. Under these conditions, the Milky Way reveals its full glory, meteor trails carve bright arcs overhead, and deep‑sky objects emerge with a clarity rarely seen in more urban settings. Drawn by this promise, seven members of the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) set out to experience Sabah’s celestial wilderness firsthand – an overland expedition shaped by curiosity, camaraderie, and the timeless pull of the stars.

Our first stop was the Kompleks Balai Cerap Saizwagger 2 in Papar, an observatory operated by Dr. Hj. Sairin, an astrofalak expert. The building itself reflected a strong astronomy theme, with planetary designs throughout the interior. Even the small details, such as bedsheets and floor tiles designed with compass directions, created a space that felt intentionally connected to celestial observation. From the sixth floor, the landscape stretched across distant mountains and hazy horizons, illustrating how observatories are often located in elevated areas to minimise atmospheric obstruction and artificial light.

The night sky at Papar was one of the most memorable moments of the trip. In the early hours before dawn, the Milky Way appeared clearly across the sky, stretching horizontally along the horizon. Because the surrounding area has relatively low light pollution, the structure of the galaxy was visible to the naked eye. The densest and brightest part of the band was the Galactic Center, the region where billions of stars are concentrated around the core of our galaxy. Seeing this glowing band of light above us gave a powerful sense of scale, reminding us that our solar system exists within a much larger cosmic structure. Also, during the observation session, we spotted meteors streaking across the sky and identified several constellations such as Scorpius, Norma, Ara, Sagittarius, and more.

The following morning, we travelled to Kota Belud and stayed at Tagudon Tourist Village, located near the foothills of Mount Kinabalu. The campsite offered clear views of both the river and the surrounding mountains, demonstrating another key factor in astronomical observation: open landscapes with minimal visual obstructions. That evening, we met Emma Zulaiha Zulkifli, founder of Dark Sky Malaysia, who shared insights about public astronomy outreach and efforts to promote dark-sky awareness. Although rain prevented stargazing that night, discussions around the campfire highlighted the important role that astronomy communities play in fostering environmental awareness and scientific curiosity.

Our journey continued to Kudat, located at the northern edge of Borneo. Along the drive, we observed rural infrastructure, such as solar panels used to generate electricity in remote communities. These systems are particularly important in areas where reducing artificial light also helps preserve darker skies. After arriving in Kudat, we stopped by a small seashell stall near the beach. The stall sold real seashells collected from the coastline, ranging from RM5 to RM35 – Each of us bought one or two shells as souvenirs.

At night, we travelled to the Tip of Borneo, the northernmost point of the island. The coastal location offers unobstructed horizons facing the open sea, making it an ideal site for night-sky observation. During our observation session, we also learned how to use the Starsense Explorer, along with the Sky Map on the phone, to navigate the night sky. By using the digital sky map, we were able to identify constellations and immediately locate specific celestial objects such as stars, planets, and nebulae through the telescope. Using the digital smart telescope, ZWO Seestar S50, we captured images of the Orion Nebula and the star cluster Messier 67. Even with limited time and travel fatigue, the sky revealed countless stars, constellations, and distant galaxies.

The monument at the Tip of Borneo also reflects the place’s cultural history. Known locally as Tanjung Simpang Mangayau, it is connected to the history of the Rungus people, whose folklore describes the area as a place where their ancestors defended their territory. Learning about these stories added another layer of meaning to the landscape. It reminded us that places like this are not only beautiful for astronomy but also rich in culture and history.

Overall, the journey demonstrated why Sabah is increasingly recognised as a valuable stargazing destination. Its combination of rural landscapes, coastal horizons, and growing astronomy communities creates an environment where both science and cultural appreciation of the night sky can thrive.

Beyond the astronomical experiences and breathtaking landscapes, the journey was also meaningful because of the people who shared the experience together. My sincere appreciation goes to Uncle Azaharry, Ka Jannah, Ka Ema, Mumtazah, Nazhif, and Adi Zulhilmi for helping capture great photographs throughout the trip and for making the journey both smooth and memorable. Travelling together, sharing meals, preparing for iftar and sahur, and standing under the vast night sky made the experience even more meaningful. It is a journey that truly filled my heart with gratitude. Salam Ramadan.

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.

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh dan salam sejahtera kepada semua yang hadir.

Terlebih dahulu, saya ucapkan selamat datang kepada bakal ahli-ahli baharu.

Alhamdulillah, pada hari yang penuh berkat ini, kita berhimpun dalam majlis orientasi yang bukan sahaja memperkenalkan persatuan, tetapi juga menyemai semangat kekitaan dan inspirasi dalam kalangan ahli baharu dan lama.

Persatuan Astronomi Negara Brunei Darussalam (PABD) ini lahir daripada impian kecil yang besar maknanya. 23 tahun yang lalu, sekitar tahun 2002, hanya berbelasan orang peminat astronomi yang berkumpul secara sukarela, berkongsi ilmu dengan minat terhadap langit malam. Dari pertemuan santai di tempat letak kereta dan memasang teleskop di kawasan-kawasan lapang untuk melihat anak bulan dan planet, lahirlah satu gerakan yang kini telah berkembang menjadi sebuah persatuan rasmi yang berdiri megah dengan perlembagaan, diiktiraf dan disegani di mata masyarakat.

Kini, keahlian kitani telah berkembang melebihi seratus orang dari pelbagai latar belakang -ada pelajar, guru, jurutera, doktor, ibu bapa – semua peminat ilmu falak astronomi. PABD bukan sekadar pertubuhan – ia adalah menjadi lambang bukti hasil kerja semangat perpaduan tinggi dengan minat yang tulus, dipupuk dengan komitmen yang teguh, mampu melahirkan sesuatu yang luar biasa dan bermakna.

Sepanjang perjalanan ini, ahli-ahli PABD sentiasa mendekatkan astronomi kepada masyarakat melalui pelbagai inisiatif. Antaranya termasuk cerapan umum fenomena langit, bengkel falak, ceramah astronomi, serta kolaborasi bersama institusi tempatan dan antarabangsa. Kita bukan sahaja menyebarkan ilmu astronomi, tetapi juga mengangkat warisan falak Melayu Brunei-Islam yang kaya dengan hikmah dan sejarah.

Majlis orientasi ini bertujuan untuk memperkenalkan struktur persatuan, etika berorganisasi, dan peluang-peluang yang tersedia kepada ahli baharu. Ia juga menjadi medan untuk membina jaringan (networking), berkongsi aspirasi, dan memahami peranan kita sebagai ahli yang sentiasa proaktif dan bertanggungjawab, serta sentiasa menjaga nama baik PABD.

Dalam berpersatuan, kita pegang teguh pada prinsip keikhlasan dan komitmen. Kita bukan berjuang untuk nama, tetapi untuk manfaat bersama. Setiap sumbangan – besar mahupun kecil, pengorbanan masa mahupun wang ringgit – kita niatkan sebagai sedekah ilmu lillahi ta‘ala, tanpa mengharap balasan. Saya mengharapkan ahli-ahli lama bersedia menjadi mentor kepada ahli-ahli baru, dengan memberikan sokongan yang berterusan, bimbingan ilmu secara praktikal, dan perkongsian pengalaman yang bermakna.

Harapan kami adalah agar setiap ahli, khususnya yang baru menyertai, dapat merasai semangat kekeluargaan dalam berpersatuan dengan mengutamankan sikap saling hormat-menghormati antara satu sama lain, serta bersedia untuk menimba ilmu secara aktif. Semoga kita terus berkembang sebagai komuniti yang bukan sahaja mencintai ilmu bintang, tetapi juga menyumbang kepada pembangunan negara melalui pendidikan, penyelidikan, dan pemerkasaan generasi muda.

Saya percaya bahawa ahli-ahli baru yang berada di sini adalah generasi yang bukan sahaja mencintai ilmu astronomi, tetapi juga bersedia untuk berbakti, menyumbang dan memimpin PABD dengan nilai murni.

Akhir kata, terimalah dua rangkap pantun dari saya:

Bintang bersinar di langit tinggi,
Menjadi petunjuk pelayar zaman,
Ilmu falak bukan sekadar hobi,
Tapi jambatan ilmu menuju keimanan.

Bintang tinggi tak tercapai,
Namun sinarnya jadi pedoman,
Teruskan usaha, jangan lalai,
Demi ilmu dan masa hadapan.

Sekian, wabillahi taufiq walhidayah, wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

New members are encouraged to check their email for further details and access instructions (reminders to review their spam folders). For updates and orientation access, joining the official PABD 2026 group on Microsoft Teams. Inquiries can be directed to pabd@bruneiastronomy.org or executive@bruneiastronomy.org.

To accommodate different preferences, the event will be held in two formats: in-person gathering on Friday, 28 November 2025 at D’Venue Co, Batu Bersurat; and a virtual session via Google Meet on Saturday, 29 November 2025. Kindly RSVP before Wednesday, November 26, 2025, by login on PABD2026 Community via MS Teams.

Participants will be introduced to the Society’s outreach initiatives, collaborative programs, and the role of amateur astronomers in fostering scientific curiosity and public engagement. The orientation also serves as a platform to build connections among members and to cultivate a shared commitment to astronomical education and cultural enrichment.

About 40 individuals have newly registered for PABD membership in 2026, reflecting a growing interest in astronomy and science outreach within Brunei Darussalam. This encouraging response underscores the PABD’s expanding reach and its appeal to youth, families, and lifelong learners. The upcoming orientation will serve as a meaningful first step in integrating new members into the Society’s vibrant community of stargazers.

Current active PABD members who wish to attend the orientation are cordially invited to participate. Interested individuals are requested to email the Secretary-General (pabd@bruneiastronomy.org) at their earliest convenience and to join the official PABD 2026 group on Microsoft Teams and WhatsApp to receive updates and access details.

This is the second and final reminder regarding your expired PABD membership.

The annual membership fee remains unchanged:
BND 15.00 per year for Ordinary Membership;
BND 5.00 per year for Student Membership.

Please renew your membership immediately by settling all outstanding fees before 31 December 2025 with the PABD Treasurer and Deputy Secretary I. (Receipt & Inquiry: +6737346888 or executive(at)bruneiastronomy.org)

Accordingly, through this notice, any member who fails to settle their dues without a valid written justification shall be deemed to have ceased membership with PABD, effective 01 January 2026.

SECRETARY-GENERAL
pabd@bruneiastronomy.org
08 Jamadilawal 1447 /30 October 2025

The trip is considered a significant step in strengthening ties between the amateur astronomy enthusiasts of the two regions, focusing on sharing knowledge about observation techniques, outreach programs, and running a private observatory. Both parties expressed enthusiasm for future joint astronomy outreaches and educational initiatives.

Prof Dr Mahomarawi, an active member of Persatuan Astronomi Negeri Kelantan, was personally welcomed by the Secretary-General of the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD). His trip on October 03, 2025, fostered great astronomical exchange and collaboration between the Kelantan and Brunei astronomy communities.

This is the first reminder you will receive regarding your expired PABD membership.

Rates of annual fee have remained unchanged:

• BND 15.00 per year for Ordinary membership;
• BND 5.00 per year for Student membership.

Please renew your membership by settling all outstanding fees before 31 December 2025 with the PABD Treasurer to avoid termination of membership.

SECRETARY-GENERAL
pabd@bruneiastronomy.org
18 Rabiulawal 1447 /10 September 2025

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.