A partial lunar eclipse was observed in the Sultanate in the pre-dawn hours yesterday.
The phenomenon occurred when Earth passed between the Sun and the Moon, forming a shadow on the moon’s surface, explained the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam in a statement.
The rare event began at 2.02am and reached maximum eclipse at 4.04am where six per cent of the Moon’s area was covered by Earth’s shadow, also known as umbra. The eclipse ended at 6.11am.
It was also visible in parts of Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, North America, North and East of South America, the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Arctic and Antarctica.
The next lunar eclipse visible in Brunei will be a total eclipse on September 7, 2025.
Meanwhile, a Sunnat Gerhana prayer was held at mosques, suraus and religious halls nationwide to mark the partial lunar eclipse.
Sermons yesterday morning reminded the faithful to remember the greatness of Allah the Almighty as well as to seek forgiveness and repent for sins. “Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) preached that Muslims should supplicate, recite Zikir, pray and perform charity and Istighfar during eclipses,” said the imam.
Mosque Officer Begawan Mudim Haji Amran bin Haji Mohd Salleh led the prayer at Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque in the capital.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) Haji Mohammad Rosli bin Haji Ibrahim, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religious) at the MoRA Haji Abdul Rajid bin Haji Mohd Salleh and MoRA officials and staff were also present. – Rokiah Mahmud & Azlan Othman
