FAQs
The Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) is an exclusively non-profit organization dedicated to expand public awareness of astronomy and falak syarie in Brunei Darussalam. Founded in 2003, PABD is a great source of learning for general astronomy, Islamic astronomy, astrophotography and other topics.
Membership
PABD Membership is applied only to residents of Negara Brunei Darussalam. Membership of PABD is divided into four categories:
1. Ordinary Member (18 years old and above)
2. Student Member (Below 18 years old)
3. Corporate Member (Business or Organisation members)
4. Honorary Member (Astronomy professionals)
Registration Fees and Other Fees
Registration Fees and Annual Fees are as follows and payable to General Treasurer of PABD:
| Membership | Registration Fees (One Time) | Annual Fees (Every year) | |
| (a) | Ordinary | B$15.00 | B$15.00 |
| (b) | Student (below 18 years old) | B$5.00 | B$5.00 |
| (c) | Corporate | To be determined by the PABD Executive Committee Members | To be determined by the PABD Executive Committee Members |
| (d) | Honorary | B$50.00 | Exempted |
If you apply for the first time an Ordinary member, hence a sum of $30 payment for the first year & registration fees are required, and $15 annually on the subsequent years to keep your membership active. For more information regarding PABD financial matters, please contact PABD Treasurer-General
I am new in astronomy
If you are still a newbie in this realm, PABD will offer you a guiding hand to help you understand what the essential gear and knowledge is needed to practice this hobby. You can find a lot of valuable information by joining PABD and hear from others in our community who share your interest and passion for astronomy.
What are PABD activities?
PABD builds up your interest in astronomy through our various programmes. Upon your request, beginners can join our personal telescope training and basic stargazing including visual observation of Milkyway or even visiting our members’ observatories. More exciting activities especially for advanced members including new moon hunting, research, astrophotography, and comet spotting, total eclipse expeditions etc. You can see our past activities on our social media (@bruneiastronomy) pages.
Our strong teamwork and members’ dedication, PABD has continuously accomplished several milestones and main achievements over the past years (https://bruneiastronomy.org/web/about-pabd/pabd-achievement/). PABD welcomes your contributions and services in supporting our programs that enhance science literacy and broaden educational opportunities for all in Brunei Darussalam especially in Science Astronomy.
Upcoming activities for astronomy public outreach are updated on our website (www.bruneiastronomy.org) or social media (@bruneiastronomy). Special astronomical observation, projects and activities exclusively for PABD members will be regularly updated on our PABD Forum Group and exclusive communication channels (WhatsApp) or via official e-mail.
Benefits
Active PABD Members can represent the society in the national and international activities such as meetings, courses, conferences, astronomy trips, excursions as well as media interviews. In addition, active members will have special benefits during societyโs activities such as free entrance fees or at discounted prices.
PABD has a strong network and partnerships with local government agencies and other professional astronomical agencies such as the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and The International Astronomical Center (IAC) as well as regional astronomy centers and astronomy clubs in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Our partnerships will bring you as PABD members the opportunities to participate in astronomy-related events at international level.
PABD also provides telescope loan scheme and telescope ownership assistance plan (AstroTOP) to help you to own the astronomical instrument especially for active members.
Every member will receive an official PABD membership card for identification during our activities:
Prerequisites
PABD membership comprises people of all ages and in many types of professions. One need not own a telescope to join. Our knowledge sharing via regular new moon hunting, stargazing, small group discussion, space talks and other activities by local amateur astronomers.
Some members offer all-night observation of the planets, comets nebula & deep sky objects at their personal observatories. These will help you to response your curiosities and guide you to own the best telescope and other basic needs based on your interests.
You can join the Persatuan Astronomi Negara Brunei Darussalam. The annual fees payment for Active Member are BND15 per year for ordinary, and BND5 per year for students. The membership application is considered complete once the registration and annual fees are paid in full to the Treasurer-General.
Further information about membership PABD and regulations of the association may be referred to the Constitution of Brunei Darussalam Astronomical Society.
Membership Duration
New members can join at any moment during the year. The membership term is from 1st of January until 31st of December. Membership is required to be renewed annually and payable as annual fee in order to maintain your active membership to enjoy PABD benefits and privileges. There is no administration charge for annual renewal of your membership.
Code of Ethics
The PABD includes members of different professions, abilities, backgrounds, and perspectives who share a common interest in promoting and advancing the astronomical sciences and falak syarie. The advancement of the astronomical sciences requires a commitment to ethical behavior when conducting activities and engaging community professionally. The PABD constitution presents general ethical guidelines for all member and affiliates to adhere such as the association’s rules, policy and meeting etiquette. Further information about regulations of the PABD (membership, finance, meeting, project proposal, termination) may be referred to the Constitution of the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam.
Further information
For more info contact Secretary-General PABD (pabd@bruneiastronomy.org)
or visit our official channel:
โฝ Website www.bruneiastronomy.org
โฝ Forum www.bruneiastronomy.org/forum
โฝ Facebook www.facebook.com/bruneiastronomy
โฝ Instagram www.instagram.com/bruneiastronomy
โฝ WhatsApp Groups for Public www.bruneiastronomy.org/wa
โฝ Telegram t.me/bruneiastronomy
How many members are there?
PABD has more than 100 active members and in fact PABD community is growing annually, see here for the full list.
How do I join PABD?
You have to apply and register as a member via our online form. Once submitted, you will receive an official letter within a few days via WhatsApp or e-mail to proceed on the payment matters. You may need to contact the General-Treasurer to request for payment details. The membership application is considered complete once the registration and annual fees are paid fully. You will receive your official membership information and orientation details via e-mail and WhatsApp.
Ready to join PABD?
Register now via our online form: www.bruneiastronomy.org/daftar