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

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 21 JUN – Pemerhati dan peminat tegar astronomi di seluruh dunia termasuk di negara ini hari ini bukan sahaja berpeluang menyaksikan fenomena alam, gerhana matahari anulus (cincin), malahan terpukau dan teruja dengan keunikannya.

Fenomena yang berlaku ketika bulan melintasi antara bumi dan matahari – tidak terlalu hampir dengan bumi dan tidak terlindung sepenuhnya daripada cahaya, meninggalkan kesan lingkaran yang boleh dilihat.

Gerhana matahari cincin itu berlaku dalam tempoh satu atau dua tahun dan hanya boleh dilihat dari laluan sempit melintasi planet. Ketika fenomena itu berlaku, beberapa kawasan akan bergelap selama satu minit 22 saat.

Negara Brunei Darussalam melalui Persatuan Astronomi Brunei Darussalam (PABD) turut menantikan fenomena ini dan mengadakan penstriman langsung di platform media sosial mereka.

Orang ramai yang juga teruja dengan fenomena tersebut memasang pelbagai peralatan melihat gerhana di beberapa kawasan untuk menyaksikan gerhana cincin luar biasa itu bermula jam 3:10 petang. Manakala solat Sunat Gerhana Matahari turut diadakan selepas solat Fardu Zuhur di masjid-masjid, surau dan balai ibadat di seluruh negara.

Ahli-ahli PABD bersama pengamal media turut berpeluang menyaksikannya di kediaman salah seorang ahlinya, Haji Mohd Azri bin Haji Ibrahim yang memasang peralatan pemerhatian dan mengadakan penstriman langsung di rumahnya di Kiarong.

Menurut Haji Mohd Azri, cuaca elok, namun sedikit berawan tetapi orang ramai dapat menyaksikannya dengan jelas melalui peralatan astronomi dan penstriman langsung yang dibuatnya.

Penstriman langsung dijalankan dalam usaha memastikan pemerhatian selamat kerana ia tidak mudah untuk mencarinya dan mereka

yang mahu melihatnya pula dinasihatkan untuk tidak melihat secara langsung ke arah matahari serta digalakkan menggunakan kaca kimpal Shade 14, penuras solar atau teleskop, katanya.

Projek pemerhatian dan penstriman langsung yang dianjurkan PABD merupakan kerjasama Projek MY-East Asia Universe Awareness Solar Eclipse (MY-EAUNIVASE) di bawah rangkaian rakan kongsi penyelaras outreach kebangsaan bagi International Astronomical Union (IAU) di sembilan buah negara Asia Timur.

PABD juga berkolaborasi dengan Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) dan Kolej Universiti Per-guruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) untuk menganjurkan forum online langsung di Facebook bertajuk Astronomy Talk: The Phenomenon of Solar Eclipse.

KIARONG, Ahad, 21 Jun. – Kejadian gerhana merupakan antara tanda-tanda kebesaran
Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala yang mentadbir seluruh alam.

Di samping itu, gerhana juga adalah satu ibadat kerana kita dianjurkan melakukan
perkara-perkara yang berkebajikan, bersyukur atas kurnia itu dengan melakukan sembahyang, bersedekah, berzikir, berdoa serta menjauhkan daripada melakukan perkara-perkara mungkar, maksiat serta perbuatan syirik.

Pada hari ini, penduduk Negara Brunei Darussalam berpeluang untuk menyaksikan
gerhana matahari separa. Peristiwa astronomi ini bermula pada jam 3.10 petang dan berakhir pada jam 5.23 petang. Gerhana matahari berlaku apabila bulan berada sejajar di antara matahari dan bumi. Semasa gerhana separa, cakera bulan tidak akan meliputi matahari sepenuhnya.

Sesi pencerapan gerhana petang tadi diadakan di kediaman Awang Haji Azri bin Haji Ibrahim, ahli Persatuan Astronomi Negara Brunei Darussalam (PABD).

Fenomena gerhana matahari separa itu berlangsung selama 2 jam 13 minit, di mana
sepanjang fenomena ini, bulan akan menutupi sebahagian kecil matahari. Ketika puncak
gerhana, iaitu pada jam 4.22 petang, hampir 28 peratus matahari akan ditutupi oleh bulan.

Orang ramai yang ingin melihat fenomena ini, adalah dinasihatkan agar tidak melihat matahari secara terus. Beberapa kaedah yang selamat untuk melihat matahari, antaranya dengan menggunakan kaca mata kimpalan (welding glass) nombor 14, penapis suria dan projeksi dengan teleskop.

Bersempena dengan fenomena ini, PABD dengan kerjasama Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) dan Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) menganjurkan perbincangan secara dalam talian melalui Facebook Live, yang bertajuk, ‘Bincang Santai Astronomi : Fenomena
Gerhana Matahari’.

Sesi pencerapan gerhana matahari juga dibawakan secara langsung dalam talian dari
beberapa buah lokasi terpilih di keempat-empat daerah oleh PABD.

Penganjuran program tersebut di negara ini juga merupakan kolaborasi projek ‘MY-East
Asia Universe Awareness Solar Eclipse (MY-EAUNIVASE)’ dan di bawah jaringan kerjasama ‘International Astronomical Union (IAU) National Outreach Coordinator’ yang melibatkan sembilan buah negara di Asia Timur.

Fenomena yang sama juga dijangka akan berlaku lagi di negara ini pada Khamis,
20 April 2023

PABD will give a presentation about what to expect with the eclipse, why solar eclipses are so rare and spectacular to see, where should you be in this region to view the eclipse for its annularity and what the view will be like in Brunei Darussalam. Safe viewing and photography tips will also be discussed, and the PABD will also hand out special glasses for viewing the eclipse (limited to only the first 30 group of family/individual at the talk).

If you are curious about the cosmos of many mysteries, then the second presentation by PABD will explain one of the universe’s unsolved mysteries – Dark Matter.

Astronomy enthusiasts, Members of the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam and general public are welcome to join, and registration of the event since the space is limited via www.bruneiastronomy.org/spacetalk

Programme (tentative):

Synopsis:

1. Astronomy Talk 1: Chasing the Moon Shadow of 2019 Solar Eclipse (1 hour) – Why you need to watch the upcoming December 26, 2019, Annular Solar Eclipse? The talk will cover the historical significances of eclipses, frequency of solar eclipse in Brunei Darussalam and viewing safely phenomenon. The Secretary-General of the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam will present an informal overview of the eclipse and take questions from the participants.
2. Astronomy Talk 2: Understanding the Dark Universe (1 hour) – A brief exploration of the origin story of dark matter and dark energy, and how our understanding has evolved in an attempt to uncover the identity and behavior of what seems to be dominating our universe.

Bandar Seri Begawan – A perfect  alignment of the Earth-Moon-Sun bodies will occur on December 26, 2019, resulting in a spectacular annular solar eclipse visible in few cities of Saudi Arabia, India, Sri Lanka, Sumatra, Borneo and the Pacific Ocean .

Partial Eclipse from Brunei Darussalam

As seen from a location on Earth, a solar eclipse happens when the moon moves in front of the Sun thus block the Solar disk. It is a miss, as people in Brunei will only see a partial eclipse with 85.8% obscuration of the Sun by the Moon. A simulation of the partial Solar Eclipse as seen from Brunei during mid-day is shown in the video below.

Since people in Brunei will only witness the partial obscuration of the sun by the moon, features that are normally visible during annular/total eclipse such as ring of fire and darkening of the sky/surrounding will not be observable from Brunei.

Eclipse timing for Brunei Darussalam

The partial eclipse which will start at exactly 12:04 pm, will last for about three hours and 39 minutes in Brunei. The maximum phase of the eclipse will occur at 2:02:58 pm with the moon covering 85.8 per cent of the sun’s disc. The partial eclipse will end when the moon leaves the sun’s edge at 3.43 pm. Diagrams of the eclipse sequence or phases from Brunei in Local Time are as follow:

From Bandar Seri Begawan, the percentage of the Sun’s disk covered by the Moon will proceed as follows:

Future Eclipses from Brunei Darussalam

The next eclipses visible from Brunei Darussalam:
1. Partial Solar (28.2%) on Sunday, 21 June 2020
2. Total Lunar on Wednesday, 26 May 2021 and Partial Lunar on Friday, 19 November 2021

Worldwide Visibility of Annular Eclipse – In the Moon’s shadow

The annular eclipse will be visible in a very narrow 9000 km path (blue line of about 158 km width) across the globe crossing Saudi Arabia, India, Sri Lanka, Sumatra and Borneo. From this area, the annular eclipse can be visible for up to 3 minutes and 39 second at the greatest path. These are the cities which will experience the annular eclipse:

Use this Interactive World Map of the Annular Sun Eclipse of December 26, 2019 by time.unitarium.com to find out the start time of the eclipse: http://time.unitarium.com/events/eclipse/122019/map.html

While for most areas (yellow shade) outside the central path will only get to see partial eclipse of the sun, with different degree of the moon covering the Sun or magnitude depending on your location. For Brunei, the magnitude is 85.8%.

This map shows the path of the Annular Solar Eclipse of 2019 Dec 26 for ASEAN region. The path limits are in yellow and the central line is blue, a merely misses for Brunei – you must be somewhere within the central path to see the annular phase of the eclipse such as from Bau, Kota Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman and Betong in Sarawak. The red lines indicate the different magnitude or fraction of the Sun’s diameter occulted by the Moon during the eclipse, for ASEAN region.

Annular eclipse timings and duration for Borneo

Use this table to determine the beginning and ending of the partial phase and annularity eclipse from different major cities in Borneo.

Notice from the table above that the duration of annularity will be longer as the location gets very close to the central line annular eclipse path.

What to expect during Annular Eclipse of the sun

Caution: During an annular eclipse of the sun, a ‘ring of fire’ remains and the Sun still emits direct light.  Even though the sunlight is greatly reduced, it is still not possible to safely view with the naked eyes.  Solar filters must be used throughout.  As a result, key features of the Total Solar Eclipse such as the corona and seeing stars/planets are missing but ones will still experience the gradual dimming of light, fauna reactions, the approaching darkness (moon’s shadow) on the horizon and seeing the Ring. It is still a rare opportunity to watch Baily’s Beads can generally be had from the edges of the path of the annular eclipse.

Viewing the sun eclipse safely

Watching a solar eclipse will be a breath taking experience especially because of it’s rarity, mystery and religious beliefs. However, it comes with a warning! Our sun emits dangerous radiations. Never look directly at the Sun without proper solar filter even when if the Sun is almost completely blocked during the solar eclipse.

Solar UV radiation can burn the retinas at the back of your eyes, and cause permanent damage or even blindness. Avoid using improper solar filters such CD, plastic bag, sunglasses, exposed x-ray film etc. to view the sun as harmful radiation can still pass through these objects.  You can purchase a solar eclipse glass. Another safe method of viewing the sun is to use a projection of the sun using small pin-hole camera or binocular or a small telescope.

Upcoming activities and observation for this eclipse will be updated on this page soon.

Eclipse Climatogy

According to eclipsophile.com, for the South East Asian countries, the increasing southeasterly track of the Moon’s shadow takes it deep into equatorial moisture and the extensive cloudiness.  The centreline trace of monthly cloudiness in figure above shows values of over 75% in Sri Lanka, a value that increases a further 10% by the peninsula of North Sumatera (Sumatra).  At Singapore, where totality occurs at noon, satellite measurements of cloud cover reach 95%, a value that seems far too high in view of the approximately 33 percent of possible sunshine at most stations shown in table below.

However, the surface-based cloud observations are in close agreement, with no observations at all of clear skies and a 93-100% frequency of broken and overcast skies at most of the stations. This is a very cloudy region of the globe, especially in the afternoon.

“Ring of Fire” eclipse expedition to Kuching from BSB, Brunei

Bruneian eclipse chasers who are interested to join our expedition to watch the spectacular Ring of Fire from Kuching, Borneo, can register and join our WhatsApp discussion via www.bruneiastronomy.org/expedition

This is a must for eclipse chasers as the next annular solar eclipse to take place from Borneo will not happen until 21 May 2031!

The eclipse will be visible from North/East Europe, Asia, Australia, North/East Africa, North America, North/West South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Arctic, Antarctica on the 31st January 2018.

The table below shows the time (in Brunei Local Time) at different stages of the Total Lunar Eclipse on January 31, 2018 from Brunei Darussalam:

[Source: www.timeanddate.com]

How does the moon eclipse look like in Brunei?

This video shows what the eclipse approximately looks like in Brunei. This is a simulation made by a software, StarryNight Pro.

When is the next eclipse visible in Brunei?

How to watch Live Stream of Jan 31, 2018 Lunar Eclipse?

Please follow these steps to enjoy video streams of the phenomenon:

1. Please go to Brunei Astronomy Facebook site and Click Here to view video live feed from Mini-Observatory in Keriam, Tutong. Brunei Darussalam from 6.30 pm on the day of the eclipse.
2.  Look for new video posting on the site (which has “live” posted on the video)

Where can I go for Eclipse Observation in Brunei ?

[Please email us, if you are organizing any eclipse observation]

Total Eclipse of the Moon Sunat Prayer

The Eclipse Sunat Prayer will be held at all mosques, surau and religious halls nationwide on the night of the phenomenon. The Sunat prayer will take place after Fardu Isyak prayer. The focal point of the event will be at the Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque in the capital.  Source: RTB