BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: President of the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) Mahadi Mohd Tahir invited the public to witness the total lunar eclipse in Brunei from the night of Sept 7 to the morning of Sept 8.
This astronomical event, unlike a solar eclipse, can be observed with the naked eye without the need for any special equipment, he said on Monday (Aug 25).
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight from directly reaching the Moon’s surface.
During this alignment, the Earth’s shadow is cast upon the Moon, Mahadi said during a briefing at Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (BKISHHB) Hall.
He said during the total phase, the Moon will appear reddish or dark orange, commonly referred to as a “Blood Moon”, due to sunlight refracting through Earth’s atmosphere.
According to astronomical data, the eclipse will begin when the Moon enters Earth’s penumbra on Sept 7 around 11.28pm with the total phase (totality) will occur at approximately 2.12am on Sept 8 and will last for about 82 minutes ending at 2.53am. The eclipse will fully conclude at around 4.55am when the Moon exits the penumbra.
The public can use cameras or telescopes for a clearer view, but no special eye protection is required.
The BKISHHB in collaboration with the PABD will host a public viewing session at the open area in front of the exhibition hall.
Lunar eclipses are made up of a total lunar eclipse, which is when the Moon enters fully into the Earth’s umbra (dark shadow), appearing reddish in colour; partial lunar eclipse, which is when only part of the Moon enters the umbra; and penumbral lunar eclipse, which is when the Moon passes through the Earth’s penumbra (lighter shadow), causing only slight dimming.
This phenomenon can only occur during a full moon, when the Sun, Earth and Moon are almost perfectly aligned.
Conservation and Restoration Curator at BKISHHB Siti Norhayatty Morni was also present at the briefing. The lunar eclipse also presents an opportunity for science and astronomy education.
Schools, educational institutions and the general community are encouraged to make the event a meaningful and enjoyable learning experience. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
