This event emphasizes the critical importance of monitoring space debris reentry. The brief four-day window between launch and reentry underscores the need for frequent tracking updates, accurate prediction models, and clear communication of uncertainties. Although the object fragmented upon reentry, surviving debris can strike the Earth without warning, posing a significant and growing risk of casualties.

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Multiple visual reports, video footage, and firsthand eyewitness accounts captured between 6:30 PM and 6:33 PM on Sunday, October 18, 2026, confirm the sighting of a prominent high-altitude luminous object traversing the skies across Belait, Tutong and Brunei-Muara districts. Following the event, the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) received dozens of eyewitness reports from across the country documenting the unusual occurrence.

Eyewitnesses across several locations provided detailed descriptions of the phenomenon (see Table 1). Fathin Khairunnisa, who observed the event while exiting the Jerudong Park Foodcourt heading towards the Tutong-Muara highway, reported seeing a fast-flying object moving upward to the left before disappearing behind thick cloud cover. She noted that the object possessed a vibrant red core transitioning into a blue and green tail, moving noticeably slower than a typical meteor but significantly faster than standard commercial aircraft. “I thought it was a military craft or UFO or space debris”, she added.

Additional reports came in from across the Sultanate, including Zaidah Mardani, who spotted the object outside Hua Ho Department Store, Gadong, around 6:30 PM after finishing groceries, describing a shooting star-like appearance with a distinct fume tail moving left and disappearing into cloud cover; Zulhilmi Zulkifli (24) in Jalan Lambak Kanan, Kampung Lambak ‘B’, who recorded the object while facing south at 6:33 PM; Shahreena who also saw the bright fireball-like object in the south-west direction in Kampong Kilanas at 6:32 PM; Muiz (19), who photographed the object from Sungai Tampoi, Sengkurong, after initially mistaking the glowing craft for an aircraft at 6:32 PM before recognizing its meteor-like streak with a small trailing piece behind it; and Iz’aan (27) in Rasau, Belait, who video recorded the intact object at 6:30 PM prior to visible fragmentation. Other witnesses who captured the event on video include Amal Lemari BN along the Jerudong Highway, Red_R in Kampong Tungku, Nadzirul Asyraf at Tutong Skateboard Park, Saddam Bakir at Tutong Civic Centre and a student Raziq Adaniy in Kampung Mata-mata, who all further documented the object’s prolonged path across the evening twilight sky.

Video recordings provided by eyewitnesses confirm several distinct flight characteristics (see Table 2) indicative of artificial orbital space debris re-entering the atmosphere. Unlike natural meteors that burn out within 1 to 2 seconds, this object maintained continuous visual emission for 20 to 30 seconds across a wide angular path. Its low angular velocity, steady shallow-angle trajectory, intense red-orange thermal glow, few glowing fragments trailing sparks and persistent smoke trail all strongly point to the upper-atmosphere break-up and re-entry of man-made satellite or rocket hardware.

Preliminary orbital tracking data strongly identifies the object as ZQ-2E R/B (NORAD 101070), a spent Zhuque-2E rocket body launched on October 14, 2026. Tracked by The Aerospace Corporation’s Center for Orbital and Reentry Debris Studies (CORDS), the high-altitude rocket stage passed directly over the region during its predicted uncontrolled atmospheric re-entry window on October 18, 2026, above more than 170 km based on the calculated satellite tracking and orbital mechanics Two-Line Element Set (TLE). Video recordings indicate that the object underwent extensive thermal fragmentation and vaporization high in the upper atmosphere.

Following local observations, PABD relayed eyewitness reports and submitted video footage to the International Astronomical Center (IAC), a scientific official center based in Abu Dhabi, for review and further analysis through its Satellite Reentry Monitoring Program. After examining the data, the IAC confirmed that the luminous object observed over Brunei was the atmospheric re-entry of a nearly five-ton Chinese rocket stage. The rocket body, operated by private aerospace company LandSpace, had been launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center to deploy satellites into orbit. Weighing approximately 5,000 kg, the spent rocket stage remained in orbit for only four days before atmospheric drag caused its gradual orbital decay and eventual re-entry over the Sultanate of Brunei on 18 October.

The IAC noted that while the intense thermal energy caused the stage to glow brightly and break apart into multiple luminous fragments along the same trajectory, it is not possible to confirm the complete burnout of all components without additional information, as heat-resistant parts can occasionally survive atmospheric transit.

[Update Oct 19, 2026 at 9.00 p.m.]

Ground Impact and Debris Recovery in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

According to Professor Thomas Djamaluddin of the Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), residents in Sampit, Central Kalimantan, reported hearing a loud roar or rumbling from the sky at approximately 17:30 WIB (18:30 Brunei time). Orbital reconstruction showed the ZQ-2E rocket body passing nearly directly over Sampit on a north-to-south trajectory, at around 120 km altitude. Subsequent analysis suggested this was the object’s final orbit, ending in atmospheric reentry and ground impact at 17:36 WIB (18:36 Brunei time).

On Monday morning, October 19, 2026, palm oil plantation workers discovered large torn metallic fragments at Sampit, Central Kalimantan. Investigation linked the debris to the ZQ-2E rocket body. As reported by AFP news, according to the local civil aviation spokesman, Zachrudien, the incident did not cause loss of life or property damage.

Table 1: Eyewitness Reports

Note: Eyewitness reports received through Facebook / Instagram messaging and comments are excluded from this summary. We greatly appreciate everyone who contributed their observations and helped document this event.

Table 2: What Is That Light in the Sky?

Statement by IAC on Space Debris Re-entry above Brunei Darussalam Oct 18, 2026

Space Debris ZQ-2E R/B Re-entry Event Timeline

As the evening progressed, the apparent separation between the two objects continued to decrease. Positioned very low along the western horizon, Venus appeared to drift downward and slightly to the right relative to the Moon, further tightening the visual conjunction. Shortly after 8:20 pm, the Moon and Venus set below the horizon. Beyond Brunei’s view, a Venus occultation—where the Moon passes directly in front of Venus—occurred and was observable from parts of Asia, Africa, Europe, and western Russia. Brunei was outside the visibility path for this occultation.

Brunei skywatchers observed a striking star‑and‑crescent symbol in the twilight sky. This lunar conjunction offered a vivid expression of cultural and spiritual heritage, with the brilliant Venus resting beside the fine silver crescent Moon and mirroring the timeless crescent‑and‑star motif. For centuries, this emblem has symbolised faith, guidance, and divine light, adorning Islamic architecture, minarets, flags and royal seals throughout the Muslim world. The phenomenon was also notably symmetrical, with the “evening star” Venus positioned near the centre between the crescent’s horns – making it an especially rare and visually remarkable occurrence.

A close‑up view of 4.5-magnitude bright Venus revealed a waning crescent phase, with approximately 32% of the planet illuminated (see photos). This phase occurs as Venus moves toward inferior conjunction, the point in its orbit where it passes between Earth and the Sun. Venus’s phase cycle spans roughly 584 days, progressing through new, crescent, first quarter, gibbous, full, and waning phases. The current waning‑crescent appearance indicates that Venus is decreasing in apparent size while its illuminated portion continues to shrink as it approaches inferior conjunction on October 24, 2026.

Planetary-lunar conjunctions can occur every month, though the degree of separation varies widely from one event to another. Between 2001 and 2100, only eight Moon–Venus conjunctions visible from Brunei during twilight achieve an angular separation of less than 0.5°, underscoring the rarity of such exceptionally close pairings. The tightest alignment will occur on 06 October 2051, when the two bodies approach an extraordinarily close separation of 0.0167°, coinciding with the appearance of the 1474H Safar hilal. A similar occurrence is expected on 30 November 2027 at 21:36, though with a larger angular separation of 0.5°.

Skywatchers from PABD and the BruneiAstronomy WhatsApp Group successfully captured the spectacular phenomenon:

A dedicated team of seven PABD volunteer members, headed by Norlida binti Haji Mohd. Yusof, led the outreach activities throughout the programme. The team set up multiple telescopes, guided participants through key solar features, and introduced basic astronomy concepts to visitors of all ages. Families had the opportunity to observe the Sun’s surface, explore safe solar‑viewing equipment, and discover how astronomy connects scientific understanding with daily life.

PABD extends its sincere appreciation to Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) SM PDSM Mentiri for the invitation, collaboration, and the opportunity to inspire young learners and the wider community. The society remains committed to supporting educational institutions in promoting science literacy and fostering interest in astronomy across Brunei Darussalam.

Bandar Seri Begawan – Asteroid 1997 NC1 made a safe but scientifically significant close flyby of Earth on 28 June 2026, drawing attention from astronomers worldwide – including in Brunei Darussalam. The asteroid, measuring about 1 kilometre in diameter, is classified as an Aten‑type Earth‑crossing object and is estimated to be 50–60 times larger than the 2013 Chelyabinsk meteor. Despite travelling at an extraordinary 32,000 km/h, the asteroid appeared only as a faint magnitude‑10 point of light through small telescopes, drifting slowly across the night sky.

In Brunei Darussalam, members of the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) successfully documented the event from local observation sites. Using a telescope and camera system, the team recorded a 22‑frame time‑lapse sequence between 01:09 and 01:31 local time on June 28, 2026, capturing the asteroid’s subtle but steady movement. Each frame was taken at one‑minute intervals, allowing asteroid hunters to clearly track the object’s path as it passed through the constellation Ophiuchus.

The flyby also highlights the importance of monitoring Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) – a category that includes objects like 1997 NC1 due to their size and Earth‑crossing orbits. Although this particular encounter was completely safe, PHAs are scientifically significant because they help researchers understand long‑term impact risks and refine planetary‑defence strategies.

PABD continues to play an active role in raising public awareness in Brunei Darussalam about near‑Earth objects by sharing observations, educating communities, and encouraging interest in how these celestial bodies are tracked and understood.

Bandar Seri Begawan – As Brunei Darussalam prepares for Visit Brunei Year 2027 – a campaign coinciding with His Majesty the Sultan’s Diamond Jubilee – the nation is opening its pristine natural rainforests and dark sky to a rapidly growing frontier in newly eco-tourism: Astrotourism.

Last night, June 20, 2026, the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) highlighted the sultanate’s stellar potential during a astrotourism showcase held under the “Nature Exploration” theme at the premier pre-launching ceremony of the Visit Brunei Year 2027 at Jerudong Park Garden.

The event reached a high point with a special royal visit. The PABD expressed its deepest gratitude and Menjunjung Kasih to His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen ibni Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Anisha Rosnah binti Adam, who graced the showcase to support the nation’s expanding nature and astronomy tourism sector.

Supported by the Tourism Development Department, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the exhibition emphasized how Brunei’s pristine, unpolluted night skies offer a serene and captivating space for exploration, seamlessly blending eco-tourism with the wonders of the cosmos.

During the visit, Their Highnesses spent time engaging with the local astronomy community. In a highly meaningful moment for astronomy outreach in Brunei, Their Highnesses graciously signed one of the PABD’s telescopes, cementing their support for the society’s educational and tourism initiatives.

The PABD and Tourism Development Department have been working closely to identify and protect pristine viewing sites for Milkyway observation and stargazing spots. With over 80% of its land covered in lush, undisturbed rainforest and a population density that keeps light pollution remarkably low, Brunei offers some of the most spectacular dark skies in Southeast Asia. Combined with its equatorial location at 4.9° N, visitors can experience year-round visibility of southern celestial phenomena that are invisible from the Northern Hemisphere.

With Visit Brunei Year 2027 on the horizon, the showcase served as a powerful reminder of the unique, untouched beauty Brunei has to offer. The PABD and Brunei Tourism are extending an open invitation to both locals and international travelers and amateur astronomers, especially strategic partners, to join in experiencing this celestial charm, and discover the universe from the heart of Borneo’s lush rainforests.

For more information, browse the official Visit Brunei Year 2027 website: https://www.bruneitourism.com/vby2027/

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.

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

This curated astrotourism event combines scientific exploration with local culture. Participants will engage in guided stargazing sessions, alongside a cultural visit to the Julangan Titah Rumah Panjang, hosted by the Majlis Perundingan Kampong (MPK) Melilas, Ulu Belait.

Adventurers will travel via 4×4 vehicles to the heart of the wilderness for an overnight camping expedition. Please note that transportation, meals, and additional activities can be arranged subject to availability and may incur charges.

Registration is now open for those ready to witness the universe in its most natural state: https://bruneiastronomy.org/darkskymelilas/

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

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!