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/

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 key highlight of the carnival was the visit by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Minister of Home Affairs Brunei Darussalam, who toured the exhibition and engaged with PABD members and local stakeholders. The Minister was briefed on ongoing efforts to promote astronomy education and dark sky awareness, including a proposed Astronomy Park for community stargazing activities in the Sungai Mau vicinity.

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Present during the event was YM Hazarry Haji Ali Ahmad, Secretary-General of PABD and PABD Excos YM Md Husaini Ali Hassan and Mr Loo KuanLook as well as members of the society. At the exhibition, PABD showcased solar observation stations, Islamic astronomy displays, and demonstrations of sky quality measurement using SQM meters. These efforts aimed to raise public awareness about light pollution and the importance of preserving Brunei’s natural night skies, especially in rural districts like Belait.

The exhibition reflected PABD’s ongoing commitment to blending scientific outreach, aligning with global dark-sky advocacy while celebrating Brunei’s unique celestial identity. The 10th Karnival was organised by Majlis Perundingan Kampong Bukit Sawat, who also extended their appreciation to all members, volunteers, and supporting agencies for their contributions to the success of Karnival Bukit Sawat 2025.

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Credit: Milkyway Photo by Ak Adi Zulhilmi / PABD

The “Kembara Angkasa Maal Hijrah” programme served both public members and participants, by offering astronomy outreach and public engagement activities to make astronomy more accessible to the rural community in the country. It also aimed to help the development of new astrotourism in the country, where people travel to stargaze.

In Melilas, the darkest nights can reach with the Sky Quality Meter (SQM) readings of up to 21.83. At this SQM scale, the Milky Way was quite distinctive, and the structure was quite a spectacular sight. Stargazers can take advantage of the dark skies and see the heart of our Milky Way galaxy from such a pristine dark sky location.

During the stargazing session, a green laser beam was used to guide participants to identify the celetial objects such as constellations Sagittarius, which roughly be like a teapot, and Scorpius, part of which seem to be a tail of scorpion with the background of the Milky Way galaxy.

For a truly special experience, local villagers and participants were given the opportunity to look at the four planets – Jupiter, Saturn, Mars and Venus – through the telescopes. Few streaks of the Delta Aquarids meteor shower were also visible which was the one of the main highlights of the stargazing event.

As stargazing was always weather dependent, there were alternative evening activities when the skies clouded over such as astronomy quizzes and astrophotography practical.

The Astro-camping activity at the Julangan Titah Rumah Panjang Kampong Melilas was organised by the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) with jointly supported of the Majlis Perundingan Kampong Melilas and the Persatuan Kereta Tahan Lasak Brunei (PKTLB), in partnership of the Tourism Development Department, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism Brunei Darussalam.

Photo Gallery 1

Photo Gallery 2 (Photos by Nahzif Hj Khalid/PABD)

Join the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) in an Astro-camping adventure to the most rural settlement in the Sultanate in Melilas on Friday, 29th until Sunday, 31st July 2022 (3 days 2 nights) at special price.

Booking & More info: www.bruneiastronomy.org/web/astrotourism

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) – Imagine you’ve stumbled into an open clearing. It’s well past sunset, and the Moon is new – what do you see when you look up at the sky? Are there city lights? Stars? Can you spot any planets? The Milky Way? What do these views mean to you?

In alignment with UNESCO’s International Day of Light on 16 May, the IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach is dedicating the entire month of May to Dark and Quiet Skies Awareness. The project raises awareness about the need to preserve dark and quiet skies, their importance for human culture, heritage, and health, as well as their use for astronomy research.

Using any medium you’d like, create a piece of art that describes what dark skies mean to you and your community. Three submissions will be randomly selected to win a BRESSER NANO AR-70/700 AZ Telescope, courtesy of Sterren Schitteren Voor Iedereen (Stars Shine For Everyone – SSVI). Winners will also have the chance to share their artwork during One Home, One Sky: A Seminar for the Protection of Dark and Quiet Skies (more details below).

The deadline to send in artwork is 24 May 2022 via this form. Winners will be randomly selected and contacted via email.

You can read more about the contest’s eligibility, terms and conditions in this document.

Source: https://www.iau.org/public/darkskiesawareness/

Many astronomical observatories are built in remote locations in an effort to escape the light of cities and towns. Even so, these observatories are threatened by light pollution such as city lights encroaching upon the mountaintop of Mauna Kea, Hawaii. Mauna Kea Observatories is one of the best astronomical sites in the world. Lighting ordinances are an important tool to protect these sites from light pollution.

How can we effectively reduce the impacts of light pollution? The most effective way is simply to turn off or reduce the amount of lighting. The change from white to yellow light also makes a major difference. We can plant more trees to reduce secondary reflections. Using fully shielded light fixtures to prevent light from shining upward is also helpful. Secondary reflections play a more important role in rural areas than in cities. Therefore, the solutions we describe above have a more significant impact in rural areas.

More details on light pollution can be found in a compilation of important findings by experts worldwide in the area of light pollution. The information was gathered under the umbrella of the Cosmic Light programme, organized by IAU during the International Year of Light 2015. You can download this brochure prepared by IAU Office for Astronomy Outreach here: