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

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: