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:

The Geminids are unique among major meteor showers because their source is not a comet, but rather an asteroid 3200 Phaethon. As Earth passes through the trail of dusty debris left behind by this object, the particles burn up in our atmosphere, creating the brilliant streaks we call meteors. Under ideal conditions, the shower boasts a Zenithal Hourly Rate (ZHR) of up to 120 or even 150 meteors per hour. While light pollution and other atmospheric factors will reduce this count in practice, the 2025 viewing conditions are considered highly favorable for Brunei. This is because the waning crescent Moon will be only 27-30% illuminated and will not rise until a few hours after midnight, ensuring the early peak hours are free from significant lunar glare.

According to the International Meteor Organization (IMO), the more reliably reported Geminid maxima during the past two decades all having occurred within solar longitude λ⊙ = 261.5◦5 to 262.4◦, that is 2025 December 13, 15h to December 14, 12h UT. Thus, the best time to look up will be after the constellation Gemini (the radiant point from which the meteors appear to originate) has risen high enough in the sky, typically from the mid-evening 11 p.m. of Dec 13 (local Brunei time) onwards, and peaking around 2:00 AM local time on December 14th. However, unlike many other showers, the Geminids offer good activity even before midnight. The most crucial tip is to find a safe location far away from the bright city lights of Bandar Seri Begawan and other major towns. Lay down comfortably on a blanket or deck chair, allow your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust to the dark, and scan the entire sky, looking about away from the Gemini constellation for the longest and most impressive meteor trails.

This annual celestial show is a fantastic opportunity for both seasoned astronomers and casual observers in Brunei to witness nature’s spectacle. The meteors are often described as bright and can be multicolored making them a truly memorable sight. The key to successful meteor observation is a clear sky, so remember to check the local forecast. However, even if the skies are partly cloudy, don’t give up! The Geminids are so numerous that even brief cloud breaks can provide a chance to spot a bright streak. With its favorable timing and minimal moonlight interference, the 2025 Geminid meteor shower should be marked on calendar as a must-see astronomical event, offering one of the year’s best chances to enjoy shooting stars.

Here are some tips:

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 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

Based on the data, the 23-hour old moon is thin and the first light Rabiulawal hilal will be a visible to the naked eyes from Brunei Darussalam.

Look up for a great sky-watching challenge from your home backyard. Here are some tips for you:

• Use binoculars or a telescope and a compass to assist your observation;
• Be sure to find an unobstructed flat horizon in the direction of sunset;
• Start looking shortly after the sun disappears (20 minutes after sunset), then you’ll only have no more than about 30 minutes before moonset;
• Use your hands to measure the approximate distance (in degrees) the sky using your hands and fingers – see below;
• Crystal clear skies is essential.

A bright light in the sky or a fireball meteor as seen in the video footage taken from Mabohai, which was shared to the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD).

The dashcam was looking South at a traffic light stop in Jalan Kebangsaan when unexpectedly a bright flashing light moving westward emerged.

Mr Ng who reported the sighting to PABD said “I was driving towards Jalan Kumbang Pasang. As I was stopping at the traffic, my son and I saw a fast green meteor falling from the sky, and burning up until it disappeared.”

“My dashcam, which was continuously recording, caught the meteor event and I feel so luck!”

According to International Meteor Oganisation (IMO), fireballs are meteors that appear brighter than normal. Rapid falling meteor fragments larger than a grain of sand (about 1 millimeter) have the capability to produce a bright flash when encountering the atmosphere above. In fact, fireballs occur every day all over the Earth.

Thanks to Mr Christopher Ng for the report and video!

Did you see the fireball event? Do you have a photo or a video of this event? Please share us #bruneiastronomy. Contribute to the general database of knowledge about meteors by reporting to the International Meteor Organisation (IMO) here Report a Fireball

Bandar Seri Begawan – The Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) is still investigating after sightings of a mysterious fireball accompanied with a loud bang was reported falling to earth in broad daylight last week, January 31, 2021.

On Sunday (February 7, 2021), a team of members of the PABD conducted further examination at the locations based on firsthand sighting video and photograph of the meteor event.

PABD is also working closely with the Sabah Stargazers with the support by a group of 4×4 off-road enthusiasts known as Jimmy Sierra Brunei Community by exchanging information on the coordinates in the sky of the reported meteor.

Currently, there are two key sources of evidence based on two dashcam-footage that accidentally caught the meteor at the same time – from Kampong Kulapis, Brunei Darussalam and Penampang, Sabah. These useful information were solid proof to determine the approximate physical characteristics of the meteor and its location, which were later triangulated by statistics from another eyewitness.

The fireball brightness is difficult to estimate due to bright sunlight, but usually ranges from magnitude -5 (equivalent to the planet Venus) to magnitude -10 (light produced by a half-illuminated moon). Based on the video recording by Abd Wafiy bin Hj Rudzi, the light from a fireball was estimated to be at magnitude -13 which is equivalent to the light produced by a full moon. This makes the event exceedingly rare and special.

Most ordinary meteors with diameter 1 millimeter or about the size of a grain of sand have the capability to produce a rapid flash as they streak the sky. But bright fireball that was seen easily in the daytime last week are many times that size – anywhere from a baseball-sized object to something as big as a small car.

Preliminary analysis by PABD has pinpointed the estimated location of the meteor explosion which occurred in the airspace of South China Sea, about 30 kilometers away from Bandar Seri Begawan, near the Brunei Bay and Southwest of Labuan Island.

Based on the elevation angles, the position of the fireball when the intense explosion occurred was computed about 35 km high above the ground.

When a meteor traveling at tremendous velocities penetrates to the Earth’s stratosphere, at an altitude of below 60 kilometers and explodes as a bolide, there is a high chance that the meteor triggers sonic boom which can be heard on the ground below.

NASA’s Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) instruments on GOES weather satellites has detected the fireball travelling at velocity of 14 km/s, about 40 times the speed of sound with radiated energy impact in the atmosphere of equivalent to 720 tons of TNT above Brunei Darussalam. This information was reported by the Centre of Near-Earth Object Studies, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology.

The International Meteor Organization (IMO) has also verified and catalogued last week’s incident as Event 632-2021 on their website. In addition to the sonic boom heard by hundreds of netizens over social media, there were 11 confirmed reports about a fireball was seen over Belait District, Brunei-Muara District and Sabah on Sunday, January 31, 2021 around 03:02 UT or 11:02 am local time. However, the meteor trajectory and impact status has not yet been established due to missing reliable and accurate data.

The IMO’s International Fireball Program analyses meteor information provided by public eyewitness online which can be combined with other eye-witnesses to give a good estimate of the trajectory of the fireball, to help determine if a ground fall occurred and perhaps if the meteorite can be recovered.

Since 2005, the IMO had received about 224,000 fireballs reports from around the world, or an average of 15,000 reports every year.  Only a very few fireballs relate to meteorite falls.

PABD is keen to share the data and findings to the international and regional scientific community to further conduct a research on the meteor.

Bandar Seri Begawan – A huge fireball boomed over the Brunei skies and was bright enough to be seen in the daylight today, January 31, 2021.

The Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) had received numerous reports by the public who had heard a mysterious loud bang in the sky and put up a notice seeking for first-hand eyewitness accounts.

Dozens of people sighting the spectacular phenomenon of a roaring sound from a disintegrated meteor based on eyewitness testimonies. The large boom that was heard and felt from across all districts in Brunei.

Haziq, 22 years old, reported to PABD of first seeing an unexpected bright blueish-green light falling from the sky over Mulaut, and tried to take the photo of the moment. Haziq mentioned “The brightness increased really quick then reduced to an orange reddish colour for a fraction of a second.”

The frightful sound or sonic boom apparently accompanied this planetary rock from space. Another eyewitness, Zaty, 35, also encountered a similar shocking moment from Jerudong. She said, “I saw a bright ball of fire coming from the sky and there was a loud explosion a minute later.”

Some eyewitnesses had reported of seeing the similar meteor streaked through the sky over Lumut. An anonymous observer, 33, said “I believe I saw a meteor occurred this morning on our approach to land at Anduki Heliport in Seria around 11 a.m. local time, but I didn’t hear if there is any explosion due to noise from helicopter”.

Hakem from Tutong said “We were at Penanjong beach and my daughter saw a light orange ball in the sky with a tail of light for a couple of seconds before it disappeared “.

An e-mail from Lau Shien Chung to PABD reported that the fireball was also spotted from Temburong. She mentioned, “One of my colleagues, Ginda, saw a fire trail in the sky at Temburong National Park. He saw the blazing fire at first and the sound of explosion came after.”

Meteors are an irregular and not normal events. Most of the time, meteors are the result of the complete burnt up of a small meteoroid in the atmosphere. Few meteoroids did survive to Earth which are called meteorites.

Brunei Darussalam joined it’s first global InOMN moon observation which was organised by the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam and Warisan Puk Balaban management on September 26, 2020. More than 100 lunar observers participated in the public outreach event at Warisan Puk Balaban in Tutong. Here are some of the scenes in action at InOMN.

The Islamic Hijri calendar is tied to the lunar phase cycle, with each month alternatively having either 29 or 30 days. Based on a year of 12 months, each month beginning approximately at the time of the New Moon (Ijtimak).

Salam Maal Hijrah 1442H.