SUMMARY:

Event Overview: While it was a total lunar eclipse, the view in Brunei was largely obscured by clouds. Despite the weather challenges, the event served as a significant gathering for the local astronomy community in the Sultanate.

Community Engagement: Bruneian enthusiasts and members of the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) engaged in private observations and shared the event via live feed of the phenomenon and social media to ensure others could still participate in the experience.

Future Eclipses: The next time a total lunar eclipse will coincide with Ramadan is July 7, 2047. Upcoming lunar events for Brunei include a partial lunar eclipse on July 6, 2028, and a total lunar eclipse on December 31, 2028 (extending into New Year’s Day 2029).

This eclipse was especially meaningful as it occurred in the evening of mid Ramadan, a month when many families in Brunei are having sungkai (breaking the fast) and nightly prayers. The timing of moonrise eclipse allowed more people than usual to step outside, look up, and experience the event together.

A specific alignment of the Sun, Earth and Moon must coincide with the middle of the holy month for such an event to occur. A total lunar eclipse during Ramadan is exceptionally rare, repeating only once every 22 Hijri years – or roughly every 45 eclipse seasons, equivalent to about 21 years in the Gregorian calendar.

Eclipse Largely Obscured, but Partial Phase Visible
The eclipse began with thick clouds covering most of the eastern horizon. Many skywatchers couldn’t see the early stages at all in Brunei, and even totality was mostly hidden behind the cloud layer. But the excitement didn’t fade -everyone kept watching, waiting, and hoping for gaps in the clouds.

However, clearer skies during the later part of the partial phase allowed observers to catch brief but rewarding views. The Moon’s emergence from Earth’s umbra was visible through gaps in the clouds, revealing the curved shadow line across the lunar surface.

PABD Members Gather for a Private Observation Session
Persatuan Astronomi Negara Brunei Darussalam (PABD) conducted a private observation session at the residence of one of its members in Tutong, attended by five members, while other members also carried out their own observations from home. Telescopes and imaging equipment were set up early, and although the team faced long periods of overcast skies, they remained prepared for any moment of clarity.

These observations provided scientific values and visual experience of the eclipse’s progression for first time eclipse chasers.

Live from Tutong
A live stream from Tutong ran from 6.45 pm to 9.45 pm, providing public access to the eclipse. Despite facing the same cloud challenges as on‑site observers, the broadcast successfully captured close‑up telescope views of the partial phase as it transitioned into the penumbral stage. Viewers followed along in real time, sharing comments, asking questions, and updating one another on weather conditions across the country.

The live stream via all bruneiastronomy digital platforms became a focal point for the public, allowing many to stay connected to the eclipse despite limited visibility in few areas in the Sultanate.

Community Sharing
Members of the Bruneiastronomy WhatsApp Group played an active role throughout the night. As clouds shifted across the country, participants shared their own photos, sky conditions, and observing setups. Several managed to capture partial-phase images, contributing to a collective record of the event:

Although the total lunar eclipse was largely obscured by clouds, the event highlighted the dedication and unity of Brunei’s astronomy community. Through private observations, live streaming, and active sharing among enthusiasts, the eclipse became more than a visual spectacle – it became a moment that brought people across the country together to look up at the sky.

The next time a total lunar eclipse coincides with Ramadan will be on 7 July 2047. Before that, Brunei will experience a partial lunar eclipse on 6 July 2028, followed by a total lunar eclipse on 31 December 2028, which will continue into new year 1 January 2029. Clear skies, and keep looking up!

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:

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 Moon dimmed slightly because it did not pass through the dark umbral shadow. These photos were taken during the mid-eclipse at 01:22 a.m., when the full moon was almost fully passed through the Earth’s penumbral shadow:

The phenomenon started at 11.13 pm on May 05, 2023, when the Full Moon entered a penumbral lunar eclipse and lasted for 258 minutes.

During this lunar eclipse, the moon will drop almost completely outside the Earth’s dark umbral shadow, and touch only the diffused shadow’s outer zone, known as the penumbra.

The dark shading during penumbral eclipse of the moon was much subtle and challenging to observe comparing to during partial or total lunar eclipse. Nevertheless, the Earth’s shadow casts on the moon can be noticeable especially on photographs.

This eclipse is most visible in the Eastern Hemisphere – eastern Africa, eastern Asia, Australia and southern New Zealand.

On October 29 this year, Brunei Darussalam will experience another lunar eclipse which will be a partial obscuration.

Bandar Seri Begawan – People in this country will have a rare opportunity to watch an astronomical phenomenon, a total lunar eclipse, on the evening of Wednesday, May 26, 2021.

It will be the first total lunar eclipse since the July 2018 total eclipse in Brunei.

A Lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly behind the Earth and being in the Earth’s dark shadow known as Umbra. Such occurrence is rare when the Sun, Earth and Moon are exactly aligned with the Earth being precisely in the middle.

The eclipse also coincides when the Moon gets closer (perigee) to the Earth during its orbit, a phenomenon nicknamed as Supermoon. At closest distance of 357,500 km, this spectacular event will cause the perigean eclipsed moon to appear larger-than-usual Moon in the night sky.

Eclipse Phases from Brunei Darussalam

This is a very shallow total eclipse. It has an umbral eclipse magnitude of only 1.0095 and a duration of totality lasting 14.5 minutes.

Lunar Eclipse Observation

The Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) in collaboration with Temburong District Office, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Astronomy Club of IGS College will organise a Total Lunar Eclipse and Supermoon observation for the public:

Date: Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Time: 5 pm until 9.30 pm,
Venue: Pekan Bangar (in front of Kompleks Perniagaan Bumiputra), Temburong.

Telescope viewing is available for members of the public to gaze at the phenomena, and admission is free of charge.

The Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) in Bandar will also be in partner with PABD for the eclipse observation:

Date: Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Time: 5.30 pm onwards,
Venue: Futsal Court, KUPU SB

Press Release

Download here

PABD Astronomy Outreach Committee for May 26, 2021, Lunar Eclipse Observation

Chairman:  Hj Mahadi bin Hj Mohd Tahir, Yang Dipertua PABD

Vice Chairman: Ustaz Hj Abd Aziz bin Hj Akop, Naib Yang Dipertua PABD

Secretary:  Hazarry bin Haji Ali Ahmad, Setiausaha Agong PABD;    Dr Haji Mohammed Hussain bin Pehin Penyurat Haji Ahmad, Timbalan Setiausaha II PABD

Treasurer: Ustaz Saifulbahri bin Haji Ahmad, Bendahari Agong PABD

Project Coordinators: Awg Husaini bin Ali Hassan, Exco PABD; Awg Hj Jamri bin Jaafar; Awg Md Aminul Izzat Md Asri; Dyg Goh Shiau Wei

Astronomy Observation Directors:  Nur Bazilah binti Zainal Abidin, Exco PABD (Telescope 1 / MASA); Haji Mohamad Azri bin Haji Awang Ibrahim (Telescope 2);  Hazarry bin Haji Ali Ahmad (Telescope 3); Hj Jamri bin Jaafar (Telescope 4); Abd Waliyuddin bin Yahya (Telescope 5);  Md Aminul Izzat Md Asri (Telescope 6); Husaini bin Ali Hassan (Telescope 7); Dayang Siti Nor Izuana Binti Ayob (Telescope 8)

COVID-19 Response Managers: Loo Kuan Look, Exco PABD;  MB Mazalan bin Zaini; Temburong District Office, Ministry of Home Affairs

Public Safety & Security Coordinators: Pg Shahdani bin Pengiran Anom, Timbalan Setiausaha I PABD; Sahrulazmi bin Tengah; Hamzah bin Awang Haji; Kerjasama Pasukan Polis Diraja Brunei

Astronomy Volunteers:  Sonny Anak Jumpo; Nurul Mum’tazahtul Ain binti Haji Idris; Astronomy Club IGS College

Promotion & Publicity, PR Officers:  Md Qawiem bin Haji Jamil, Exco PABD; Norjinah bte Mahmud; Nur Bazilah binti Zainal Abidin, Exco PABD

Astronomy Quiz Masters:  Dayang Siti Nor Izuana Binti Ayob; Mohammad Nazhif bin Haji Abdul Khalid; Mohd Nur Raziqqien bin Abu Bakar; Siti Redha Wahayu Binti Mohamad

Bandar Seri Begawan – A penumbral lunar eclipse occurs from 1.45 am until 5.04 am from Brunei Darussalam on Saturday, June 6, 2020, corresponds to 14 Syawal 1441H. During this event, the full Moon crosses the penumbral shadow of the Earth and causing only slightly dimmed on the Moon.

Since no part of the moon enters Earth’s much darker umbra, expect on subtle darkening on the full moon during this type of eclipse and might be difficult to distinguish with the naked eyes. The greatest eclipse will occur at 3.24 am, when the moon is positioned deep into the penumbra.

The best way to observe and detect the changes during the eclipse of the 6 June moon eclipse is to use a camera – take one image of the moon before and after the eclipse; and one at maximum eclipse.

Watch the live stream of the event from Mini Observatory in Kampong Keriam, Tutong, Brunei Darussalam via www.facebook.com/bruneiastronomy at 1.30 am until 5.15 am, June 6, 2020, subject to weather.

At best, at mid-eclipse (3.10 am), very observant people or by taking photo of the full moon using a digital camera will notice a slight dark shading (90% dimmed) on the upper left side of moon’s face. Other skywatchers will view and notice nothing at all.

There will be another 3 penumbral lunar eclipses in 2020 on June 6, July 5 and November 30.  Only 6^th June 2020 penumbral lunar eclipse will be visible next from Brunei Darussalam this year.

Criteria of Supermoon

There are no official definition for a supermoon, as the term was mainly a related interest to astrology. Few criteria as follow:

• Richard Nolle (2011) defines Supermoon as any lunation closer than 368,630 km.
• Fred Espenak (2012) defines the Moon’s mean apogee and perigee distances results in a mean limiting distance of 367,607 km for a super moon.
• Fergus Wood (1976) used the definition of a full or new moon occurring within 24 hours of perigee and also used the label perigee-syzygy.
• Sky and Telescope magazine chose a definition of 223,000 miles (358,884 km)
• TimeandDate.com prefers a definition of 360,000 km (223,694 mi).

You can find the full list of Supermoon / Perigee syzygy / Full Moon around perigee for year 2020 until 2030 below compiled and computed by Hazarry Hj Ali Ahmad, the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam, based on the above definitions. A logical check is also generated for the top 3 closest moon distance in that year. A personal opinion is to categories the Supermoon when at least 3 of the criterial searches were met.

The following pictures were taken at Panaga Beach , during lunar eclipse on Wednesday 17th between 3.15 and 5:30 am by Rolando Fidel Pinto. Gear used DSLR Pentax K1 with Pentax 1.4x HD PENTAX-DA AF Rear Converter AW and Pentax HD DA 560mm ED AW F5.6 ED AW Lens, which delivers a total focal length of 784mm. Tripod used is a Velbo Pro Geo V630 with a  Jobu Design Gimbal Head  DMG-HD4

• A partial lunar eclipse will occur just before dawn on Wednesday, July 17, in Brunei Darussalam. The next total lunar eclipse is on 26 May 2021
• For Brunei, 65 per cent of the Moon is in the Earth’s shadow or Umbra when it is close to setting in the western sky

Countdown to July 17, 2019 Partial Lunar Eclipse

Penumbral Lunar Eclipse begins, 02:44
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Partial Lunar Eclipse begins, 04:01
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Maximum eclipse, 05:30
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Moon sets, 06:21
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Bandar Seri Begawan – The partial eclipse will happen on July 17, 2019, at dawn and will last about two hours, with up to 65 per cent of the moon in darkness. It will be visible in our country Brunei Darussalam and most parts of Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe and South America. 

A partial eclipse occurs when the earth moves between the sun and the moon, but the three celestial bodies do not form a straight line. This causes some part of the moon’s surface to be covered by the the earth’s shadow.

From Brunei, a Lunar eclipse will start when the Moon passes through the earth’s penumbral shadow beginning at 2.44 a.m. (local Brunei time) on July 17, 2019. The partial lunar eclipse phase will start when part of the darkest Earth’s shadow or Umbra covers the moon at 04:01 a.m.

For Brunei, the maximum eclipse is at 05:30 a.m. This is when more than half of the Moon is in the Earth’s shadow or Umbra and close to setting in the western sky. The eclipse can only be viewed until moon set at 6:21 a.m.

There will be an online live observation of this phenomenon from the Mini Observatory, Tutong, which can be viewed via www.facebook.com/bruneiastronomy starting from 2 a.m., subject to weather. The live viewing of the eclipse is organized by the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam. This event has been registered to the International Astronomical Union (IAU) as a global celebration to increase awareness of a century of astronomical discoveries #iau100 including the historic moon landing event on 1969 #MoonLanding50.