Indonesia will witness a Total Lunar Eclipse, also known as a Blood Moon, on the night of 7–8 September 2025. According to the Bosscha Observatory, the phenomenon will be visible across the country and can be enjoyed without special equipment.
“On 7–8 September 2025, the skies of Indonesia will present a rare sight: a total lunar eclipse, or what is often called a Blood Moon,” wrote the Bosscha Observatory on Instagram on Tuesday, 12 August.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth, Sun, and Moon are perfectly aligned, with the Earth positioned between the Sun and the Moon. This blocks sunlight from directly reaching the Moon. The reddish glow occurs because only longer wavelengths of light, such as red, pass through the Earth’s atmosphere and are refracted onto the lunar surface.
“This eclipse can be enjoyed with the naked eye from all regions of Indonesia, without any special equipment,” the Bosscha Observatory confirmed, adding that telescopes could enhance the experience.
To witness the event clearly, observers are advised to choose locations with minimal light pollution and clear skies. Areas outside urban centres such as Bandung and Lampung may provide optimal visibility, depending on the weather.
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Phases and Timing of the Eclipse
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that the eclipse will occur in seven stages, starting on Sunday night and continuing into the early hours of Monday, 8 September.
According to BMKG’s official statement issued on 26 August:
- 22:26 WIB – Penumbral phase begins
- 23:26 WIB – Partial phase begins
- 00:37 WIB – Total eclipse begins
- 01:11 WIB – Maximum eclipse (peak)
- 01:53 WIB – Total eclipse ends
- 02:56 WIB – Partial eclipse ends
- 03:56 WIB – Penumbral eclipse ends
“The eclipse will make the Moon appear reddish in the night sky,” BMKG stated. The agency explained that this red hue is caused by Rayleigh scattering, where shorter light wavelengths such as blue are scattered, leaving only red light to illuminate the Moon.
Other September 2025 Sky Phenomena in Indonesia
Aside from the total lunar eclipse, several other astronomical events will be visible in Indonesia during September:
Harvest Moon
On 8 September 2025, the full moon, traditionally called the Harvest Moon, will appear. The name derives from its timing close to the autumn equinox, when the bright moonlight historically allowed farmers to continue harvesting late into the evening.
Epsilon Perseid Meteor Shower
From 5–21 September 2025, the Epsilon Perseid meteor shower will be active, peaking on 9 September. Around five meteors per hour may be observed, weather permitting.
Partial Solar Eclipse
A partial solar eclipse will occur on September 22, 2025, although it will not be visible in Indonesia. The phenomenon can only be seen in parts of Antarctica and Oceania.
Autumn Equinox
The autumn equinox will fall on 23 September 2025, when the Sun is positioned directly above the equator. During this time, the length of day and night is nearly equal in both the northern and southern hemispheres.
Previous Eclipses in Indonesia
The last total solar eclipse in Indonesia occurred in 2023, when a rare hybrid solar eclipse was observed across parts of the country. On Thursday, 20 April 2023, areas such as Maluku and the surrounding islands became prime locations for observation.
Thousands of residents, along with international visitors, gathered to witness the unique transition of the eclipse as it shifted from annular to total while passing over the Timor Sea and nearby island regions.
Regional Impact and Observations
This eclipse in Indonesia provided significant opportunities for scientific observation and public engagement. Schools, research institutions, and local communities organised viewing sessions, particularly in Maluku and small islands near the Timor Sea.
The event highlighted Indonesia’s strategic location along eclipse paths, drawing attention to the country’s potential as a destination for astronomy tourism. The 2023 hybrid solar eclipse was remembered as a remarkable celestial event that connected science, culture, and local communities across eastern Indonesia.
Upcoming Lunar and Solar Eclipses Indonesia
BMKG forecasts that Indonesia will experience four solar and lunar eclipses throughout 2025. Earlier in the year, a total lunar eclipse was visible in parts of eastern Indonesia on 14 March 2025, while a partial solar eclipse occurred on 29 March but was not visible from the country.
The upcoming 7–8 September lunar eclipse is expected to be the most significant of the year for Indonesian observers, with widespread visibility from Jakarta, Bandung, Lampung, Papua, and other regions.
The next total lunar eclipse visible in Indonesia will not occur until 2033, making this year’s event especially noteworthy.
