Ahli-ahli Jawatankuasa Eksekutif Persatuan Astronomi Negara Brunei Darussalam (PABD) dan seluruh warga persatuan merakamkan setinggi-tinggi ucapan tahniah kepada Yang Mulia Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal, Rektor Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), di atas lantikan sebagai Penasihat Persatuan Astronomi Negara Brunei Darussalam.

Penambahan bagi ahli Penasihat PABD telah termaktub di dalam pindaan perlembagaan PABD dengan kebenaran daripada Pertubuhan Pendaftar Negara Brunei Darussalam, Polis Diraja Brunei, melalui surat bilangan rujukan BPD 25/1133 Vol.I bertarikh 17 Muharram 1442H bersamaan 05 September 2020.

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 13 minutes, where throughout this event the Moon will obscure a small fraction of the sun. During the greatest eclipses, i.e. at 4.22 p.m., nearly 28 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.

In conjunction of the upcoming eclipse event, the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) in collaboration with the University of Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) and Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri  Begawan (KUPUSB) will organize an online Facebook Live discussion “Astronomy Talk: The Phenomenon of Solar Eclipse”.

This general astronomy talk programme will provide an opportunity for the public and netizens to interact with astronomy and falak syarie experts on the phenomenon of sun eclipse which will be livestreamed from 8.30 p.m. on Friday,19 June 2020.

While the solar eclipse observation session will be brought directly online on 21 June 2020 from several strategic locations in the four districts of Brunei Darussalam by PABD. The programme is organized in collaboration with the MY-East Asia Universe Awareness Solar Eclipse (MY-EAUNIVASE) project under the partnership network of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) National Outreach Coordinators in nine East Asian countries.

Members of the public can view the live streaming of these phenomenon starting at 2.45 p.m. until 5.30 p.m. The observations are dependent on weather conditions.

Both programmes can be viewed via PABD’s social media page www.facebook.com/bruneiastronomy

The phenomenon of the next solar eclipse will occur again in Brunei on Thursday, 20 April 2023.

Read More: Partial Solar Eclipse on June 21, 2020

Program astronomi umum ini akan memberikan peluang kepada orang ramai dan netizen berinteraksi bersama pakar-pakar falak dan astronomi mengenai kejadian gerhana matahari. Perbincangan ini akan disiarkan seperti jadual berikut:

Tarikh:   19 Jun 2020 / 27 Syawal 1441H (Jumaat)
Masa:  8.30 malam – 9.30 malam.
Lokasi livestream:   facebook.com/bruneiastronomy

Anjuran:                        Persatuan Astronomi Negara Brunei Darussalam (PABD)

Dengan kerjasama:        Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) dan  Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPUSB)

Hos / Panel Moderator:  Awg. Muhd. Fahmie bin Hj. Awg. Metussin, PABD

Panel Pakar 1:           Md Qawiem Hj Md Jamil, Exco PABD & UBD
Panel Pakar 2:           Prof Dr Ibnor Azli Ibrahim, UNISSA
Panel Pakar 3:           Dr Mohd. Hilmy Baihaqy bin Haji Awang Yussof, KUPU SB

Oleh yang demikian, dipohonkan kerjasama orang ramai untuk menjawab kajiselidik tersebut dengan menekan link di bawah:

https://bit.ly/2tqPoiS

Setiap maklumat/butiran yang diberikan adalah SULIT dan akan dirahsiakan serta digunakan untuk tujuan kajian sahaja.

Sebarang pertanyaan dan maklumbalas, bolehlah menghubungi:
Pusat Kepimpinan dan Pembelajaran Sepanjang Hayat
Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali
No telefon (Office): 246 2000 sambungan 202/204
No telefon bimbit: +673 8254 374
Email: C4L@unissa.edu.bn

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.

The observation was jointly organised by Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali’s  (UNISSA) Faculty of Islamic Development Management and Leadership and Lifelong Learning Centre, as part of the convocation festival aimed at enlivening the annual 8th UNISSA Hafl Al-Takharruj ceremony to celebrate the students who will be completing their studies at UNISSA.

Media Coverage

Dozens turn up for solar observation

September 12, 2018
| Wani Roslan |

A SOLAR observation was yesterday held at the parking lot of the International Convention Centre (ICC) parking lot as part of activities to enliven the 8th Mahrajan Hafl Al-Takharruj of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA).

The event was held in collaboration with the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam.
Two special telescopes with solar filters and hydrogen alpha filters were used to observe the sun and moon safely.

Speaking to the Bulletin, General Secretary of the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam Hazarry Ali Ahmad explained that the event was held to provide the public the opportunity to safely observe the sun and moon.
“We are using the Hydrogen Alpha filter for the first time in Brunei Darussalam. We are aligning our objectives to provide an outreach programme to the public to increase our knowledge on astronomy, including Islamic astronomy,” he said.

Dozens had turned up for the 10am-2pm event.

Source: Borneo Bulletin

Two celestial events on the same night

On July 27, at around 10 pm, the red planet Mars will be directly opposite to the sun and at the same time being at closest distance from the Earth at about 56 million kilometers.

Mars will appear 10 times brighter than usual, at magnitude -2.8 on that night. We won’t have an opposition this favorable again until September 15, 2035. Stargazers should be able to see the planet appears as a very bright reddish “star” rising on the Eastern sky at around 8 pm.

Stay late! The second cosmic highlight of the night will happen in the early hours of August 28, a total lunar eclipse or known as the blood moon starting at 1:14 am. During the eclipse, the Earth will be moving directly between the Sun and the Moon.

The moon will be completely red for 1 hour 43 minutes during total phase from 3.30 am, the longest total lunar eclipse of the 21st Century. On average, the totality lasts approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes during moon eclipse. The next total lunar eclipse that will last that long will occur will occur not until 2123.

Simulation of the phenomena from Brunei

Download our Skymap and Sky Highlight

You can download our simple guides for skywatching on July 27, 2018 and July 28, 2018 Total Lunar Eclipse e-book for Brunei Darussalam Tonight’s Sky 20180727 Lunar Eclipse Edition

How to view the Lunar Eclipse livestream?

The Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam will host a livestream coverage of the phenomena on Saturday, July 28, 2018  from 1.00 am till 5.30 am (subject to weather) via www.facebook.com/bruneiastronomy 

Public Observation

There will be a public observation of the phenomena at Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas, Bandar Seri Begawan from 7.00 pm (27th July) until 5.30 am (28th July). Telescopes will be set up for public viewing and astronomy talks will be conducted for free of charge at the venue.

Members of public are invited to bring binoculars or telescope to enjoy viewing the lunar eclipse. The event is co-organised by the Survey Department Ministry of Development, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) and the Astronomical Society of Negara Brunei Darussalam (PABD).

List of programmes and activities can be downloaded here: Updated Programmes and Activities for Eclipse and Mars Observation 20180727

Press Release

Please find a press release statements here: Press Release – 28 July 2018 Total Lunar Eclipse Obervation

Media Coverage

Double celestial treat awaits Brunei skygazers tomorrow (borneobulletin.com.bn)
July 26, 2018 (Borneo Bulletin)

| Azlan Othman |

IF THE sky is clear, people in Brunei will have the chance to witness two very rare astronomical phenomena – a planetary opposition and a moon eclipse – tomorrow night, said General-Secretary of the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam Hazarry bin Haji Ali Ahmad.

On July 27 at around 10pm, the red planet Mars will be directly opposite to the Sun and at the same time being at closest distance from the Earth at about 56 million kilometres. Mars will appear 10 times brighter than usual, at magnitude -2.8 on that night. We will not witness an opposition this favourable again until September 15, 2035.

According to Hazarry, stargazers should be able to see the red planet appear as a very bright reddish “star” rising on the eastern sky at around 8pm from Brunei.

“The second cosmic highlight of the night is a total lunar eclipse, known as the Blood Moon, in the early hours of Saturday. During the eclipse, the Earth will be moving directly between the Sun and the Moon. It will begin when the full moon enters the Earth’s shadow (Penumbra) at 1.14am on July 28. About an hour later, the partial phase will begin at 2.24am when the moon begins to be covered by the dark Earth’s shadow, the Umbra,” he said.

Hazarry said the moon will be completely red for one hour 43 minutes during total phase from 3.30am, making the phenomenon the longest total lunar eclipse of the 21st Century.

“Such long duration of total lunar eclipses had occurred on July 16, 2000 for a totality duration of one hour 46 minutes and another on June 15, 2011 for a totality duration of one hour 40 minutes. On average, the totality lasts approximately one hour to one hour and 30 minutes during moon eclipse. The next total lunar eclipse that will last that long will not occur until 2123,” he noted.

Path of the Moon into Earth’s Shadows and the times during the Total Lunar Eclipse on July 28 from Brunei Darussalam

Looking about West at around 2am from Brunei Darussalam, the Blood Moon and Mars will put on a stellar show on July 28. – PHOTOS: ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY OF BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

It will be a spectacular night as the brilliant planet Mars will be near to the reddish-orange glow of the eclipsed moon, both visible with the naked eye.
The entire eclipse can be viewed from Brunei until moon set at 6.23am, Hazarry said.

There will be a public observation of the phenomena at Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas, Bandar Seri Begawan from 7pm tomorrow until 5.30am.
Telescopes will be set up for public viewing and astronomy talks will be conducted free of charge at the venue.

Members of public are invited to bring binoculars or telescopes to enjoy viewing the lunar eclipse.

The event is co-organised by the Survey Department of the Ministry of Development, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali and the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam.

Total lunar eclipse is very rare and only 30 per cent of all lunar eclipses are total.

The next lunar eclipse visible in Brunei will take place on July 17 next year, but it will be a partial one.

On December 26 next year, people in Brunei will be experien-cing a partial solar eclipse when the moon passes in front of the Sun.

RTB NEWS AT 10 (www.rtb.gov.bn)

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.

This great natural phenomenon is also observed by many region around the globe such as Asia, Australia, Pacific, North and South America.

In Brunei, the lunar eclipse will be first observed after the moon rise at 6:22 pm. If the evening sky is clear, eclipse watchers will see the full moon is partially obscured by the Earth’s shadows.

At 7:58 pm, it will be a very spectacular astronomical event as the entire moon will pass through the dark earth`s shadow known as the Umbra. During totality, eclipse observers will notice the full moon to completely darken and likely will turn to coppery red colour.

Totality’s duration is only 4 minutes and 43 seconds when the moon leaves the Umbra at 8.03 pm. Interestingly, the moon passing very close to outer rim of the Umbra will be make this central eclipse being the briefest sight of totality in the 21st century.

21st century’s briefest view of Total Lunar Eclipse:
1) 2015 Apr 04 20:00 Duration: 00h 04m 43s
2) 2021 May 26 19:18 Duration: 00h 14m 30s
3) 2068 Nov 09 19:44 Duration: 00h 18m 21s
4) 2061 Apr 05 05:52 Duration: 00h 29m 53s
5) 2090 Sep 09 06:49 Duration: 00h 31m 51s

The partial eclipse ends at 9.45 pm and sunlight will gradually reach the Moon’s surface as the Earth’s umbra will no longer cover the Moon. By then, the full moon is expected to return to its normal brilliance.

2015 Apr 04 Total Lunar Eclipse Simulation from Brunei

Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipse is completely safe to watch with the naked eyes.

The Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam will join in collaboration with the Survey Department and Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) to organise a Lunar Eclipse observation for the public from 6 pm until 10 pm, Saturday (04 April 2015), at Dermaga Diraja (Waterfront) in the capital.

Other activities to take place will include Sky watching (planet Jupiter) and Astronomy Exhibition. Two astronomy public talks entitled Scientific Perspective of Eclipse Phenomenon by an officer from Survey Department and Eclipse Phenomena According to Islamic Perspective by Dr. Sayyed Abdul Hamid al-Mahdaly, Faculty of Usuluddin, UNISSA, are also scheduled in the evening. Members of the public are welcome to attend and admission is free of charge.

Upcoming lunar eclipse will occur in this country on 7/8 August 2017 but it will be a partial eclipse. On 09 Mac 2016 next year, a partial eclipse of the sun will be visible from Brunei when more than 90% of the sun is covered by the moon.

RTB News at 10: Media Conference for Total Lunar Eclipse Observation

The Astronomy Association of Brunei Darussalam is working jointly with the Survey Department of the Ministry of Development and the Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali or UNISSA to organise a Total Lunar Eclipse Observation event on Saturday at the Royal Wharf in the capital starting at 6 in the afternoon until 10 in the evening. A media conference was held this afternoon to elaborate more details on the cosmic event at the Senat Room in UNISSA.

According to Pengiran Haji Saiful Bahrin bin Pengiran Haji Kula, the Joint Chairman for the Total Lunar Eclipse Observation event, the public will have the opportunity to witness a phenomena of a total lunar eclipse which only occurs when the sun, earth and moon are in line with earth, which will be in the centre throughout the spectacular astronomical event. Meanwhile, Awang Hazarry Bin Haji Ali Ahmad, the General Secretary of the Astronomy Association of Brunei Darussalam disclosed that the Moon eclipse is completely safe to watch with the naked eye. The Survey Department will also be providing a number of telescope to help the public to see more clearly. The phenomena is also visible in many areas of the world such as Asia, Australia Pacific, North and South America. Several activities will also be organise during the event and among them are an astronomy exhibition as well as a general talk on eclipse. Members of the public are also invited to attend and entrance is free.

//For Press Release

FOR MEDIA

Siaran Akhbar: Cerapan_Gerhana Penuh Bulan 04_Apr_2015

Diagram: 0150404 Lunar Eclipse for Brunei

Powerpoint: 20150404 Gerhana Penuh Bulan

More Resources:

NASA’s 2015 April 2015 Total Lunar Eclipse

How to Photograph a Lunar Eclipse by Fred Espenak

Future Eclipses in Brunei Darussalam