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 event was designed with two key goals: To make astronomy approachable and inspiring for the general public, including casual visitors to Jerudong Park, and to foster curiosity and scientific wonder through direct telescope observation of celestial objects.

Over 300 attendees, ranging from astronomy enthusiasts to first-time stargazers, gathered at walkway outside Jerudong Park Food Court during the three evenings to peer through telescopes and connect with the cosmos.

Main activities included:
i. Stargazing: Visitors observed the Full Moon at close-up view that revealed cratered surface, glimpsed of bright deep sky objects such as star clusters and identifying the constellation Scorpio.
ii. Interactive Guidance: PABD members were on hand to explain celestial phenomena such as the moon phases.
iii. Astrophotography: Many visitors took the opportunity to snap their own images of the Moon using smartphone cameras through telescope eyepieces capturing lunar surface at high magnification.

Various telescopes, including refractors, reflectors, and smart telescope models, were stationed around the venue, enabling visitors to experience different methods of observation.

Sidewalk Astronomy, originally popularised by amateur astronomers in 1965, gradually evolved into a global initiative embraced by the astronomy community. In Brunei Darussalam, this initiative was first introduced by PABD in 2007, inspiring the public to look up and reconnect with the wonders of the night sky.

“Some of our visitors had never seen the Moon’s surface in such detail—the craters, lunar highlands and the topography. For many, it was their first real experience with astronomy. Seeing their excitement and awe has been deeply rewarding for us as organisers,” shared Mohammad Husaini bin Ali Hassan, PABD member.

Press Release:

Ekspedisi ini berawal dari sebentuk kenekatan dan berakhir sebagai tamu negara di Istana Kepresidenan Timor-Leste. Ekspedisi ini telah berkembang menjadi ekspedisi astronom ASEAN yang melibatkan astronom profesional dan amatir dari Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, dan Timor-Leste. Tim ekspedisi pun meluangkan waktu untuk berbagi edukasi tentang Gerhana Matahari Total (GMT) ini baik di tingkat lokal distrik Lautém maupun tingkat nasional melalui media massa Timor-Leste. Gerhana Matahari Total ini cukup spesial karena di ujung-ujung jalurnya terjadi Gerhana Matahari Hibrid (GMH). Setelah setahun berlalu, izinkan kami berbagi cerita sebagai refleksi satu tahun ekspedisi GMT ke Timor-Leste tersebut.

Perencanaan Awal

Perencanaan perjalanan secara serius dimulai sejak September 2022. Sebagaimana telah dipetakan dalam situs Time and Date tentang GMH 20 April 2023 ini (https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/map/2023-april-20), Timor-Leste termasuk yang dilalui jalur totalitasnya. Secara khusus tim telah mengidentifikasi secara mendetail berbagai lokasi di darat yang kemungkinan masih ada penduduknya – hal ini penting mengingat kebutuhan dukungan logistik seperti halnya listrik dan koneksi internet.

Translate to English by Google

Tim juga mengidentifikasi pola awan rata-rata pada bulan April di kisaran jalur tengah terjadinya GMT/GMH kali ini. Berdasarkan data yang dihimpun di situs Eclipsophile besutan Jay Anderson tentang GMH 20 April 2023 (https://eclipsophile.com/hse2023/), rata-rata awan bulan April pada jalur tengah gerhana tersebut dapat dipetakan sebagai berikut:

Berdasarkan data tersebut dapat disimpulkan bahwa peluang langit cerah pada saat terjadinya GMT yang terbaik di Australia, diikuti Timor-Leste, dan kemudian Papua Indonesia.

Tim juga mengidentifikasi karakteristik lingkungan sosial, konektivitas, dan estimasi biaya per destinasi terhadap berbagai lokasi dalam jalur totalitas tersebut. Berdasarkan lingkungan sosial, Exmouth, Lospalos, dan Biak cenderung lebih menarik dibandingkan pilihan destinasi lainnya. Berdasarkan observasi, Exmouth Australia telah diiklankan besar-besaran secara internasional sebagai destinasi pilihan untuk GMH tahun 2023, sementara pada saat analisis ini dibuat, kedua kota di Timor-Leste, Viqueque dan Lospalos, bersama dengan Damer/Oeta belum cukup populer untuk peristiwa GMT/GMH ini. Di lain pihak, beberapa kelompok institusi Indonesia telah mengisyaratkan rencananya ke Kisar dan Biak.

Merangkum semuanya, dari sudut pandang keberangkatan dari Jakarta, pilihan terbaik jatuh pada Viqueque dan Lospalos di negara Timor-Leste. Estimasi total biaya transportasinya jauh lebih rendah dibandingkan pilihan untuk pergi ke Australia dengan hanya sedikit lebih tinggi dari destinasi Biak di Indonesia. Selain itu peluang langit tertutup awan di Timor-Leste yang berkisar 55%, masih lebih baik daripada Biak Indonesia yang berkisar 75% meskipun tidak sebaik Australia Barat yang hanya berkisar 30%.

Persiapan Keberangkatan

Persiapan lebih lanjut memasuki tahun 2023 mulai menampakkan banyak tantangan. Perencanaan awal ekspedisi ini tampaknya masih kurang begitu menarik antara lain karena: estimasi biaya transportasi yang relatif lebih mahal daripada destinasi domestik lain, belum ada jaminan tempat penginapan, ketidakjelasan regulasi visa untuk pendatang non-WNI (non-Warga Negara Indonesia), kekhawatiran keterbatasan infrastruktur di negara yang baru merdeka belum lama ini, dan banyak hal lainnya. Saat-saat inilah berbagai pertolongan datang membantu.

Seorang teman WNI yang memiliki usaha di Timor-Leste menyarankan untuk masuk Timor-Leste  melalui jalan darat lewat Kupang. Saran ini berdampak signifikan menurunkan biaya transportasi dari yang sebelumnya diestimasikan sekitar Rp 14 juta per orang menjadi hanya sekitar Rp 6 juta per orang. Nilai ini jauh lebih rendah daripada biaya transportasi ke Biak Indonesia dan juga masih lebih rendah daripada ke Kisar atau Damar/Oeta yang juga di Indonesia. Selain itu, ada pula suatu kebetulan yang menyenangkan yaitu mulai beroperasinya Damri dengan tarif Rp 350 ribu sekali jalan mulai tanggal 30 Maret 2023.

Seorang teman WN Timor-Leste menyarankan lebih baik mengambil posisi di Lospalos ketimbang Viqueque, selain karena infrastruktur jalan yang relatif lebih baik, Lospalos juga berada di Distrik Lautém yang mayoritas masih lancar dalam Bahasa Indonesia. Salah satu kekhasan distrik ini adalah kemampuan penduduknya dalam lima bahasa: Fataluku (bahasa setempat), Tetun (bahasa nasional Timor-Leste), Portugis (bahasa nasional resmi), Indonesia (bahasa perdagangan), dan Inggris (bahasa perdagangan). Tak heran karena di dalam distrik ini terdapat reruntuhan pelabuhan Com (Porto Com) yang pada zamannya dulu menghubungkan bagian Pulau Timor tersebut dengan Pulau Kisar yang merupakan bagian Provinsi Maluku dalam Negara Indonesia.

Walaupun tim telah berhasil mengamankan tempat penginapan transit di Dili dan telah melayangkan surat permohonan ke Ministériu Interiór (Kementerian Dalam Negeri) Timor-Leste, namun jaminan tempat penginapan di Lospalos belum berhasil diperoleh dan belum ada kejelasan regulasi visa bagi pendatang non-WNI. Saat inilah Maun (“Mas” atau “Bang” dalam Bahasa Tetun) Luís Nivio de Fátima Soares selaku IAU NOC (International Astronomical Union National Outreach Coordinator) untuk Timor-Leste bergabung ke dalam tim bersama rekan-rekan kerjanya dari Komisaun Nasionál Timor-Leste ba UNESCO (KNTLU – Komisi Nasional Timor-Leste untuk UNESCO).

Peran Maun Luís dan rekan-rekannya ini sangat signifikan dalam membantu mengamankan penginapan, terlebih karena ternyata Mana (“Mbak” dalam Bahasa Tetun) Sandra dan Maun Caetano berasal dari Distrik Lautém. Selain itu koordinasi dengan Ministériu Interiór sebagai kementerian yang membawahi imigrasi pun dapat dilakukan secara lebih intensif. Segera setelah itu Tim Vietnam menyatakan minatnya untuk bergabung dengan tim ekspedisi ini sehingga dengan demikian terbentuklah Tim ASEAN untuk Ekspedisi Gerhana Matahari dengan keterlibatan aktif 32 orang dari 4 negara: Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, dan Vietnam:

Tim ini juga mendesain logo yang digunakan dalam kaos dan berbagai publikasi lainnya. Logo tersebut menampilkan 14 sinar korona, semata-mata mewakili 14 distrik dari Timor-Leste dan bukannya korona sesungguhnya. Pemilihan warna logo didasarkan pada warna bendera Timor-Leste, yaitu hitam, putih, kuning, dan merah. Selain itu terdapat tulisan “Gerhana Matahari Total 20 April” yang mengelilingi gambar logo utama dalam 4 (empat) bahasa sesuai dengan konstitusi Timor-Leste, yaitu 2 (dua) bahasa resmi: Tetun dan Portugis, serta 2 (dua) bahasa pekerjaan: Indonesia dan Inggris.

Penentuan Lokasi

Tim memilih Kota Lospalos sebagai lokasi pengamatan, namun permasalahan baru timbul yaitu telah penuhnya seluruh penginapan di kota tersebut. Beruntung bahwa masih ada penginapan tersedia di Desa Com. Analisis lebih lanjut menggunakan peta dari Xavier M. Jubier menunjukkan bahwa ada satu lokasi yaitu Pantai Airleu di dekat Com sehingga pemilihan ini menjadi semakin menarik.

Simulasi menggunakan Stellarium juga menunjukkan bahwa posisi matahari juga relatif tinggi sejak awal hingga akhir terjadinya gerhana. Estimasi puncak GMT yaitu pada 13.22.12 waktu setempat dengan ketinggian sekitar 65-70º. Tidak hanya itu, ada 5 (lima) planet yang akan mengiringi peristiwa ini, yaitu: Jupiter, Saturnus, Merkurius, Venus, dan Mars yang diperkirakan akan terlihat dengan jelas saat matahari tertutup penuh oleh piringan bulan.

Sebagai bonus tambahan, berdasarkan data dari https://www.lightpollutionmap.info/, sekitar Com adalah daerah dengan skala Bortle antara 1 dan 2, lebih gelap dibandingkan Lospalos yang sampai di skala 3.

Kontribusi terhadap Edukasi Astronomi Timor-Leste

Tim ekspedisi baik secara keseluruhan maupun masing-masing negara memberikan kontribusinya terhadap edukasi astronomi khususnya terkait GMT 20 April 2024. Salah satu yang cukup krusial adalah pemahaman mengenai faktor keselamatan mata yang yang harus diperhatikan dalam pengamatan GMT. Tim mempublikasikan materi GMT dalam 4 (empat) bahasa yang digunakan di Timor-Leste seperti dijelaskan di atas.

Selain itu, timbul pula kekhawatiran di kalangan masyarakat Timor-Leste akan potensi kebutaan yang terjadi karena pengamatan GMT. Kekhawatiran ini diperkuat dengan adanya kepercayaan yang mulai beredar bahwa dengan kacamata gerhana pun masih dapat mengalami kebutaan. Kebetulan di saat ini terinformasikan bahwa Presiden Timor-Leste, Dr. José Ramos-Horta, berminat untuk bertemu dengan Tim Ekspedisi ASEAN untuk GMT.

Saat bertemu dengan Presiden, tim menjelaskan perihal pengamatan yang sesungguhnya aman bagi mata selama memang melakukannya sesuai rekomendasi, yaitu menggunakan kacamata gerhana bersertifikasi ISO 12312-2 dan CE. Tim juga menjelaskan perihal potensi wilayah Timor-Leste dalam mengembangkan wisata astronomi karena masih banyak wilayah gelap dengan skala Bortle 1-3 dan ditunjang dengan iklim sabana tropis yang hampir sepanjang tahun cerah hampir tanpa awan. Pertemuan dengan Presiden ini dilanjutkan dengan jumpa pers nasional dengan Bapak Dr. Hakim Luthfi Malasan berupaya membuka mata masyarakat tentang prinsip kehati-hatian untuk pengamatan GMT 20 April 2023.

Sehari sebelum GMT, tim menyempatkan berbagi dalam edukasi astronomi terkait GMT di Ensino Basico Central (Pendidikan Dasar Sentral) di Desa Com, Lautém.  Selain menjelaskan seperti apa itu GMT kepada siswa-siswi di sekolah tersebut, tim juga mengajak mereka untuk mengamati langsung matahari siang itu dengan teleskop berfilter dan membagi-bagikan kacamata gerhana secara gratis.

Tim Vietnam secara khusus menyumbangkan 2 (dua) buah teleskop kepada Tim Timor-Leste untuk dapat digunakan dalam pengembangan astronomi di Timor-Leste.

Pengamatan Hari H

Tim ASEAN menyebar ke beberapa lokasi di sekitar Com. Tim dari ITERA (Indonesia) pimpinan Bapak Dr. Hakim yang lebih berbasis pada riset lebih memilih mengambil lokasi di garis tengah GMT, yaitu di Pantai Airleu. Tim lainnya memilih untuk bertempat di Dermaga Com, termasuk memberikan aba-aba kepada masyarakat tentang kapan boleh melepas kacamata gerhana dan kapan harus memasangnya kembali.

Pemilihan lokasi di Com ini ternyata merupakan pilihan yang sangat tepat. Pertama, karena langitnya sendiri sangat cerah. Meskipun sempat ada kekhawatiran karena tim tiba di Dili disambut dengan hujan, hari-hari menjelang dan saat terjadinya gerhana matahari ini dihiasi dengan langit biru di siang hari dan di malam hari. Sesuai dengan perkiraan potensi tertutup awan 55%, tim mendapatkan sisa 45% yang tidak tertutup awan. Tim mendapatkan laporan cerahnya langit dari rekan-rekan yang mengamati di Exmouth Australia dan di Kisar Indonesia, namun sebaliknya mendung dan hujan di Biak Indonesia.

Kedua, pemandangan sekeliling Com sangat indah alami. Khas Timor-Leste, yaitu pantai, laut, pepohonan, pegunungan di latar belakang, dan bersih dari sampah karena rakyatnya sangat tertib dalam membuang sampah. Pemandangan ini ditunjang oleh keramahan penduduknya yang juga masih bisa bercakap dengan Bahasa Indonesia.

Ketiga, yang menjadi bonus, pemerintah setempat menyelenggarakan panggung hiburan rakyat dan pasar kaget dari pagi hari hingga menjelang terjadinya peristiwa gerhana matahari di dekat Dermaga Com. Para penyanyi diiringi pemain band menyanyikan berbagai lagu dengan Bahasa Tetun yang sekalipun tidak dipahami oleh mayoritas anggota tim namun dapat mengundang untuk ikut bergoyang. Pasar kaget pun menjajakan tidak hanya makanan minuman namun juga termasuk tais, kain tradisional Timor-Leste yang ditenun dengan tangan dan bercorak warna indah. Melalui panggung hiburan tersebut, Maun Luís memberikan aba-aba kapan boleh melepas kacamata gerhana dan kapan harus memasangnya kembali.

Tak hanya itu, Com rupanya menjadi alternatif favorit para pemburu GMT dari mancanegara. Tim bertemu dengan mereka yang datang jauh-jauh dari Amerika Serikat, Portugis, Australia, dan banyak lagi termasuk dari Indonesia.

Aktivitas Pasca GMT

Setelah selesai mengamati GMT, hari berikutnya tim beranjak ke Universidade Nasionál Timór Lorosa’e (UNTL) di Auditorium Kampus Hera untuk berbagi pengalaman mengenai praktik astronomi tidak hanya terbatas pada gerhana. Tim diwakili oleh Bapak Dr. Hakim Luthfi Malasan dari Indonesia, Bang Hazarry Haji Ali Ahmad dari Brunei Darussalam, dan Mas Bonifasius Adi Nugroho dari Indonesia.

Presiden Timor-Leste mengundang para astronom mancanegara untuk ikut dalam jantar (makan-makan) di Palácio de Lahane (Istana Lahane), tempat penerimaan para tamu negara. Ternyata selain acara makan-makan tersebut juga diluncurkan prangko keluaran khusus GMT 20 April 2024. Tim yang hadir cukup beruntung karena mendapatkan amplop yang turut ditandatangani secara langsung oleh Presiden Timor-Leste sendiri.

Penutup

Sekalipun perencanaan awal dimulai dengan keraguan, namun dengan tetap gigih memperjuangkannya ekspedisi GMT 20 April 2024 menjadi suatu ekspedisi yang sangat membekas dalam ingatan segenap anggota tim. Tidak hanya sebatas pada observasi GMT, tim juga merasakan keramahan lokal dari tingkat desa hingga kepala negara, termasuk berbagi ilmu dari tingkat sekolah dasar hingga universitas. Sampai jumpa di ekspedisi GMT ASEAN lainnya!

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon is perfectly aligned between the sun and the earth. During the partial eclipse, the moon never completely covers the sun.

The phenomenon of a partial solar eclipse will last for 2 hours 37 minutes, where throughout this celestial event, the Moon will obscure a small fraction of the sun. During the greatest eclipses, i.e. at 12.24 p.m., nearly 34 percent of the sun will be covered by the Moon.

People who wish to observe this phenomenon are advised not to look at the sun directly. Some of the safe methods of watching the sun eclipse are employed by using Shade 14 Welding Glasses, solar filters or by telescope projection.

Solar eclipse of the Sun is an uncommon phenomenon. The previous solar eclipse in Brunei happened on 21 Jun 2020. The next phenomenon of solar eclipse will occur again in Brunei on Thursday, 22 July 2028.

Press Release

Bandar Seri Begawan – People in Brunei Darussalam is set to witness a rare astronomical event when the Moon passes in front of the Venus causing the bright planet to temporarily disappear from the night sky on March 24, 2023.

During the lunar occultation, the Moon is perfectly aligned to pass in front of the brightest planet which is visible only from a limited part of the world.

The astronomical phenomenon will be visible from regions in South Africa, Indonesia, and South Asia including Brunei.

Observing Venus

Currently, the evening planet Venus shines brightly at magnitude -4.0, which makes it easily visible to the unaided eyes in sky after sunset. In fact, it is the third brightest celestial body in the sky after the Sun and the Moon.

An hour after sunset, Venus will appear like a bright “star” just a few degrees away from the Moon, which offers an eye-catching view of the two celestial bodies in the evening skies.

Timings of Occultation

If weather permitting, stargazers in Brunei should be able to see the brilliant “evening star” (which is in fact Venus) approaching close the Moon just before the occultation.

According to the International Occultation Timing Association (IOTA), Venus disappears behind the Moon at 8.05 p.m. from Brunei Darussalam. As this occultation involves the 3 day-old waxing lunar crescent, Venus will hide behind the unilluminated side of the moon.

The planet will then re-emerge from behind the moon’s sunlit edge approximately 28 minutes later, at 8.33 p.m. From Brunei, the reappearance will occur at a low altitude of about 2 degrees, and a clear unobstructed view of West horizon is needed to sight the unique event.

In the past, occultations was used for scientific purposes such as refining the Moon’s profile (e.g. shape of the lunar limb) and its orbit properties.

Rare Event

The last disappearance act of Venus behind the moon happened during the daylight of May 27, 2022. The Moon-Venus occultation from Brunei will not happen again until 16 years, on May 27, 2039.

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

[UPDATE] Exclusive Live Streaming of the partial eclipse observation from Kampong Penabai Kuala Tutong riverside and from various locations around Brunei will be broadcasted from 5.30 pm until 7.30 pm on November 19, 2021 (subject to weather conditions). Watch on Facebook.com/bruneiastronomy also on Youtube.com/bruneiastronomy

Countdown

Moonrise at 18:02 (Tutong)

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Partial Lunar Eclipse Ends at 18:47

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Penumbral Lunar Eclipse Ends at 20:03

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Bandar Seri Begawan – A partial eclipse of the Moon will happen on Friday evening, November 19, 2021, and will only be observable for about 46 minutes from Brunei Darussalam.

A partial eclipse occurs when the earth moves between the sun and the moon, but the three celestial bodies do not form a perfect straight line.

The phenomenon will be visible in our country Brunei Darussalam and much of Asia, Australia, North America, South America, Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic.

During the eclipse, some part of the Moon will slide into the Earth’s darkest shadow known as umbra. From Brunei, the eclipse will start when the moon is still below the horizon.

Eclipse watchers in Brunei can observe the astronomical wonder only when the entire moon is above the horizon until 6.47 pm.

Weather permitting, Friday moon eclipse promises to be a dramatic sight – our natural satellite hangs just above the horizon will be half-covered by the Earth’s shadow from Brunei at moonrise, about 6.01 pm.

Since the Moon is near the horizon at this time, observing at a high vantage point or finding an unobstructed sight (free from building, tall trees, etc) to East-northeast is highly recommended for the best view of the eclipse.

The Moon then slowly moves through the faint, outer part of Earth’s shadow known the penumbra, for 1 hour and 16 minutes, from 6.47 pm until 8.03 pm. During the penumbral phase, the eclipse is much more subtle. Often the darkening on the moon is less noticeable, and most observers will only just see the ordinary full moon.

The next lunar eclipse will happen in Brunei on 8th November 2022, which is a total.

Press Release

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.