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

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

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:

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon is perfectly aligned between the sun and the earth. During the partial eclipse, the moon never completely covers the sun.

The phenomenon of a partial solar eclipse will last for 2 hours 37 minutes, where throughout this celestial event, the Moon will obscure a small fraction of the sun. During the greatest eclipses, i.e. at 12.24 p.m., nearly 34 percent of the sun will be covered by the Moon.

People who wish to observe this phenomenon are advised not to look at the sun directly. Some of the safe methods of watching the sun eclipse are employed by using Shade 14 Welding Glasses, solar filters or by telescope projection.

Solar eclipse of the Sun is an uncommon phenomenon. The previous solar eclipse in Brunei happened on 21 Jun 2020. The next phenomenon of solar eclipse will occur again in Brunei on Thursday, 22 July 2028.

Press Release

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

The celestial geometry of an occultation – the Earth, Moon and Venus are in a straight line. During the event, the Moon is perfectly aligned to pass in front of the brightest planet which is visible only from small segments of the world.

For the most region in Southeast Asia including Brunei Darussalam, this lunar occultation of Venus takes place in a daytime sky.

Observing Venus

Venus is the third brightest celestial body in the sky after the Sun and the Moon. Currently, the morning planet shines brightly at magnitude -4.1, which is easily visible in broad daylight sky for many experienced observers.

Less-casual observers may need an optical aid such as a telescope or binoculars and aim to the Moon crescent during the daytime to witness this occultation. Venus will be a few degrees away from the Moon hours before the occultation.

Timing of Occultation

If the sky is clear and blue, sky watcher in Brunei should be able to see a very bright “star” (which is in fact Venus) approaching close the Moon prior to the occultation.

Venus disappears behind the Moon at 10.58 a.m. for Brunei Darussalam. As this occultation involves the waning lunar crescent, at the beginning of the occultation, Venus will glide behind the bright side of the moon.

It will then re-emerge from behind the moon’s dark side approximately 1 hour 42 minutes later, at 12.40 p.m.

Other Locations

Live Streaming

The Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam is collaboratively partnering with six other astronomical institutions and observatories for providing live views of the Moon-Venus occultation from around the regions.

The co-organizers of the online observation are from Malaysia – Apadilangit; Dark Sky Malaysia; Negeri Selangor Falak Association (PAFNS) and Negeri Kelantan Amateur Astronomy-Falak Association, and Indonesia – Sunan Ampel Surabaya Astronomical Observatory (OASA) and Jakarta Planetarium.

The webcast will begin at 8.30 a.m. until 12.45 p.m. (Brunei time) which can be accessed via www.bruneiastronomy.org or respective co-organiser’s social media platform below:

Rare Event

People in Brunei will be able to see the next occultations of Venus on March 24, 2023, and followed by 16 years later, on May 27, 2039.

Press Release

English & Malay

A total of 95 participants comprised of members of the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam  (PABD), officers from Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (BKISHHB), invited guests from local government agencies and higher education institutions, and also from regional countries from Malaysia and Indonesia, attended the workshop.

The closing ceremony was officiated by Haji Mahadi bin Haji Mohd Tahir, President of Brunei Astronomical Society. Also present at the ceremony was Dr Haji Mohammed Hussain bin Pehin Penyurat Haji Ahmad, Acting Director of Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Prime Minister’s Office.

In his closing remarks, Haji Mahadi addressed the significance of astronomical observation during the Golden Age of Islam in the 9th and 10th centuries as a source of learning and major achievements. 

“Medieval observatories became places for scientists and astronomers like Al-Biruni and Ibn Sina to gather for scientific discussions and perform astronomical observations. Observatories played an important role in enhancing the development of Islamic astronomy, where celestial objects were studied and led to astronomical innovations,” said Hj Mahadi.

“Since the establishment of the society in 2003, PABD has continually pioneered and developed multidisciplinary knowledge in the field of astronomy and Falak in Brunei Darussalam for the past 19 years.”

He further shared the Society’s aspiration in planning to construct an astronomical observatory for public use and scientific research purposes. “It is PABD’s ultimate vision to build an observatory in Brunei as a platform to expand astronomical knowledge including Falak Syarie in Brunei Darussalam.”

The PABD president also welcomed collaborations and partnerships from all agencies in realisation to set up an observatory, ”to build an observatory will require huge financial costs, and PABD as a non-profit organisation that operates for collective and public or social benefits, sponsorship contributions from companies and other agencies is one of the ways deemed appropriate to realise this big dream into reality.”

Workshop participants had the opportunity to learn and master the applications of a traditional Falak instrument, Rubu’ Mujayyab (Sine Quadrant), in effort to preserve the excellence of Islamic knowledge. The online session was facilitated by Ustaz Anuar bin Ariffin from Butterworth Religious Affairs Department, Pulau Pinang. 

Several key applications on the use of Rubu’ Mujayyab were demonstrated during the workshop such as obtaining local time from the Sun’s altitude, solving trigonometric calculations, measuring when the sun is directly overhead, determining the longitude and latitude of a location, calculate prayer times and also to calculate the Qibla direction.

The three day online workshop was jointly organised by the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam  (PABD) in collaboration with Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (BKISHHB), Prime Minister’s Office. 

More info: www.bruneiastronomy.org/rubumujayyab

Press Release:

The workshop’s objective is to provide an opportunity to the public to learn the use of a traditional astronomical instrument, specifically the Rubu’ Mujayyab (Sine Quadrant) in effort to preserve the excellence of Islamic Astronomy (Falak Syarie) knowledge. It is also in line with the society’s main objective, which is to develop and strengthen the field of astronomy, especially Falak Syarie in Brunei Darussalam.

A Rubu’ Mujayyab activist, Ustaz Anuar bin Ariffin, was the invited facilitator of the workshop. He used to serve the Falak section at Pulau Pinang’s Mufti Department and he is currently working at the Religious Affairs Department Butterworth District in Pulau Pinang. He is also actively involved in teaching astronomy courses and has received numerous invitations from educational institutions and mosques throughout Malaysia.

The workshop will provide basic theory and practical training on the use of the Rubu’ Mujayyab. There will also be practical sessions during the day to further strengthen the participants’ understanding. Seven key topics were covered during the workshop highlighting on the applications of Rubu’ Mujayyab: Introduction to traditional Falak instrument; Method of obtaining time with the use of Rubu’ Mujayyab, Solutions to trigonometric calculations, Measurement when the Sun is overhead, Determining longitude and latitude; Calculation of prayer times and; Calculation of the direction of the Kiblat.

Prior to the workshop, participants were also instructed to create their own (DIY) printed Rubu’ Mujayyab based on the given template and instructional video provided by the organising committees.

Present during the online workshop last night was Dr Haji Mohammed Hussain bin Pehin Penyurat Haji Ahmad, Acting Director of Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, who officiated the opening ceremony.

In his speech, Dr Haji Mohammed Hussain stated that one of the nine galleries at BKISHHB – Gallery 8 is an Astronomy Gallery exhibiting various traditional astronomical instruments such as Astrolabe, Rubu’ Mujayyab and Rubu’ Mujannah. Therefore, this workshop is in line with the role and function of BKISHHB and is amongst the efforts to support and realise the BKISHHB’s strategic goal which is to become a heritage centre for Islamic Knowledge that is
capable of cultivating knowledge by conducting educational activities. This will also open opportunities for BKISHHB to conduct research with strategic partners that has the knowledge and expertise in specific fields.

He also mentioned that despite the current pandemic, this should not deter us from conducting any educational activities. The response from the public to participate in this workshop was encouraging as in a very short period of time registration had to be closed early due to reaching the maximum limit. There were 95 individuals who had registered for the online workshop and 7 of these were participants from neighbouring countries: Malaysia
and Indonesia representing several educational institutions and astronomical societies in the region.

Among the attendees of the workshop was Haji Mahadi bin Haji Mohd Tahir, the President of PABD, Executive Committees of PABD, Officers of BKISHHB as well as invited guests from government agencies and higher education institutions who are also participants of the workshop.

Rubu’ Mujayyab is believed to have been popularised before the 8th century. Al-Khawarizmi (770-840) was one of the scholars that benefitted through the use of this instrument to calculate prayer times. Linguistically, Rubu’ means a quarter, and Jayb means a shirt’s pocket. Al-Biruni defined jayb as Sine. In English, it is known as the Quadrant. In terms of terminology, the Rubu’ Mujayyab is defined as a traditional astronomical instrument created specifically to measure angles and time to calculate prayer times, direction of the Kiblat and the beginning of the Islamic month.

More Info: www.bruneiastronomy.org/rubumujayyab