In conjunction with the year-end school holidays in Brunei Darussalam, a Stargazing Activity was held today at the open area in front of the Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (BKISHHB) building in Bandar Seri Begawan.
The activity was a continuation of the collaboration between BKISHHB and the Brunei Darussalam Astronomical Society (Persatuan Astronomi Brunei Darussalam – PABD) in organising a series of educational activities related to the field of astronomy.
In addition to stargazing, members of the public had the opportunity to observe planets including Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. PABD provided five telescopes for members of the public to use during the observation session.
The main objective of the Stargazing Activity was to provide an opportunity for members of the public, particularly schoolchildren who were on their school holidays, to observe stars and planets such as Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. The activity also aimed to enhance public understanding of the celestial bodies as signs of the greatness of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala, as well as to increase awareness and understanding of the existence and characteristics of the planets.
The collaboration also aims to foster a knowledgeable society, particularly in the field of astronomy, including Islamic astronomy (Falak Syar‘ie), in Brunei Darussalam. At the same time, it seeks to raise public awareness of the importance of astronomy through a better understanding of the verses of Al-Qur’an and As-Sunnah related to the celestial phenomena.
It also serves as an initiative to encourage researchers and enthusiasts to expand their knowledge and explore the field of astronomy through scientific studies, particularly those related to astronomical instruments housed in Gallery 8 (Astronomy) at BKISHHB.
As part of its efforts to strengthen collaboration with various sectors, BKISHHB began its collaboration with PABD in 2021 through the organisation of a workshop on the use of the traditional astronomical instrument, Rubu’ Mujayyab, which introduced participants to the applications and functions of traditional astronomical instruments.
The second collaborative activity was a Lunar Eclipse Observation Activity, which was held earlier in November.
Among the educational activities planned and agreed upon by BKISHHB and PABD for future collaboration are First Quarter Moon Observation Activities, a workshop on the construction and functions of sundials, as well as periodic astronomy exhibitions by PABD at the Special Exhibition Gallery of BKISHHB, particularly during school holiday periods.