Blood Moon Visits Indonesia in September 2025, This is the Explanation from an IPB University Expert

Indonesia becomes a witness to a rare natural phenomenon in the form of a total lunar eclipse or blood moon on September 7 and 8, 2025. Professor of Theoretical Physics at IPB University, Prof Husin Alatas, gives a scientific explanation related to the process of this phenomenon.

Prof Husin Alatas explains, different from a solar eclipse which happens when the moon is between the sun and the earth, in a lunar eclipse the position of the earth is actually between the sun and the moon.

“At that time, sunlight which should be reflected by the moon will be blocked by the earth and cause the eclipse,” he explains.

However, Prof Husin adds, the blood moon phenomenon happens because of the Rayleigh scattering process in the earth’s atmosphere. This process causes blue light from the sun to be scattered more, while some red-orange light actually passes through and is transmitted to the surface of the moon.

“As a result, during a total lunar eclipse, we see the moon appear red-orange or blood moon,” he reveals.

Furthermore, Prof Husin explains that the duration of a lunar eclipse is longer compared to a solar eclipse. This is caused by the difference in the radius size of the earth and the moon. “Because the earth’s radius is bigger than the moon, the earth’s shadow covering the moon makes the lunar eclipse last longer,” he adds.

This phenomenon can be witnessed from various regions in Indonesia. Prof Husin invites the public to use this moment as an opportunity to learn about astronomy as well as enjoy the beauty of the night sky. (IAAS/KMR)