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

Program 2: Live Cerapan Gerhana Matahari Separa 21 Jun 2020 (Partial Solar Eclipse Live Observation June 21, 2020)
Date: Sunday, 21 Jun 2020 / 29 Syawal 1441H
Broadcast Time: 2.45 pm – 5.30 pm (UTC+8)

Livestream links: 
Exclusive solar eclipse show (Malay/English)  www.facebook.com/bruneiastronomy 
Clean sun image www.bruneiastronomy.org/eclipse        

Organiser:  The Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam

Supported by:
MY-East Asia Universe Awareness Solar Eclipse (MY-EAUNIVASE)
International Astronomical Union (IAU) Global Outreach Events 2020
Timeanddate.com
International Astronomical Centre (IAC)             

Hosts:    
Farah Laila Nabilah Abdullah Chia
Haji Jamri Bin Jaafar

Main Telescope Location 1:
Balai Cerap Mini, Kampong Keriam, Tutong –     Hazarry Hj Ali Ahmad

Main Telescope Location 2: 
Kampong Kiarong – Hj Mohd Azri bin Haji Ibrahim & Abd Waliyuddin bin Yahya

List of Interviews & Featuring Eclipse watchers:
Amirul Hazim Kamarulzaman, Pengasas Bersama Apadilangit; Universe Awareness Malaysia
Hj Musa bin Pengarah Hj Jair, Kampong Bengkurong
Dayang Siti Nor Izuana Binti Ayob, PABD
Muhd Zulhimi bin Mohd Jefri, Masjid Sungai Liang
Muhd Riduan bin Awang Haji Sulaiman, CEO AvaaCreative
Hj Muhd Firdaus, Temburong
Abd Hamid bin Hj Abd Rahman, PABD
Emma Zulaiha, Pengarah Kegiatan Luar Sabah Stargazer
Ceri Powell, Managing Director of Brunei Shell Petroleum
Muhammad Haekal @ Ramadhani bin Shaifulbahri, Kampong Tungku
Muhammad Arief Zuhairi Chia bin Abdullah Syihab, PABD
Ak Md Nur’ Nazirul Mubin bin Pg Roslan, Vice President BARA