By Hazarry bin Hj Ali Ahmad
A partially eclipsed moon above the minaret of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien mosque in the capital. - HAZARRY BIN HAJI ALI AHMAD
A rare partial eclipse of the moon greeted the New Year 2010 in many parts around the world.
In Brunei, the celestial phenomenon was clearly visible between 2.53 am until 3.53 am on January 1 with fairly cloudy skies.
Astronomically, the lunar eclipse was the result of a direct alignment of the cosmic bodies - the Sun, Earth and Moon - and the Moon passes into the cone of shadow cast by the Earth.
Interestingly, yesterday's spectacle was the first lunar eclipse to coincide on a New Year's Day in more than 350 years. The next similar concurrence visible over this country is expected in 19 years time, on January 01, 2029.
Borneo Bulletin
