Astronomy in Brunei Darussalam
Exactly 7 years ago today, on June 6, 2012, Venus passed in front of the Sun from Brunei Darussalam. This phenomenon knows as Venus Transit won’t occur for more than 100 years, the next one is on 2117 Dec 11.
Photo by Hj Mahadi, President of the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam.
Bandar Seri Begawan – On May 28 every year, at 5:16 pm local Brunei time (09:16 UT), the sun will be precisely overhead (at Zenith) in Makkah and exactly above the Kaabah. At that instance, the Sun in other areas will be directly aligned to the direction of Kiblat.
This phenomenon known as istiwa adzam is useful as an easy Islamic astronomical method to determine the exact direction of prayers (Kiblat) where only half part of the world that receives the daylight can apply this method.
Continue reading “Istiwa Adzam to check Kiblat on May 28”
By Hazarry bin Haji Ali Ahmad
The Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam
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 .
Bandar Seri Begawan – The Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam organized a solar observation to promote astronomy and educate members of the public on Tuesday (11 September 2018) morning.
Astronomy enthusiasts gathered at the car park of the International Convention Centre in Berakas from 10 am to 1 p.m. to view the Sun through solar filters. The event was the first time in Brunei being organized for the public that employed the use of a special Hydrogen Alpha-telescope, which makes solar prominences and flares observable. Continue reading “PABD promotes astronomy, holds Solar Observation”
Bandar Seri Begawan – On May 28 every year, at 5:16 pm local Brunei time (09:16 UT), the sun will be precisely overhead (at Zenith) in Makkah and exactly above the Kaabah. At that instance, the Sun in other areas will be directly aligned to the direction of Kiblat.
This phenomenon known as “istiwa adzam” is useful as an easy Islamic astronomical method to determine the exact direction of prayers (Kiblat). Only half part of the world that receives the daylight can apply this method.
In a year, the sun will be directly above the Kaabah twice, on every 28th May at 5:16 pm and again on July 16th at 5:28 pm Brunei time.
Follow the following ways to check the Kiblat from your area:
1. You must use a straight objects such as a pole or side of the house. It must be vertical which must be checked with a weight tied to a thread (plumbline).
2. The object must not be in places under shade, such as under a tree or in the house. It must be placed in areas that receive direct sunlight, for example, in a spacious yard.
3. Exactly at 5:16 pm May 28, the shadow’s line produced by the sun is the Kiblat direction which is facing toward the sun.
Above: Facing west of Brunei, the method of determining the Kiblat using shadow of column during the “istiwa adzam” in Makkah.
Bandar Seri Begawan – On July 16 of each year, at 5:28 pm, the sun will be at Zenith and exactly above the Kaabah, Makkah.
This phenomenon known as “istiwa adzam” can be used by Muslims from almost all over the world as an easy Islamic astronomical method to determine the exact direction of Kiblat.
In a year, the sun will be directly above the Kaabah twice, on every 28th May at 5:16 pm and again on July 16th at 5:28 pm Brunei time.
Follow the following ways to check the Qiblah from your area:
1. You must use a straight objects such as a pole or side of the house. It must be vertical by checking with weights tied to a thread (plumbline).
2. The object must not be in places under shade, for example do not put under the tree or in the house. However, it must be be placed in areas that receive direct sunlight, for example, in a spacious yard.
3. Exactly at 5:28 pm July 16, the line shadow produced by the sun is the Kiblat direction which is facing toward the sun.