Deep Red Sun Phenomenon in Palangka Raya Explained by BMKG

A bright red sun was clearly visible behind a sky shrouded in smoke haze in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, drawing public attention on Thursday afternoon (20/8/2026). From a distance, the sun appeared like a red ball hanging low among the trees.

Palangka Raya resident Sri Muliati, who captured the moment, said the red sun appearance was strongly suspected to be linked to atmospheric conditions influenced by smoke from forest and land fires (karhutla), which are still occurring in several areas of Central Kalimantan.

“The sun was very red on Thursday afternoon. I have never seen it like this before,” said Sri.

Meanwhile, according to BMKG Palangka Raya forecaster Chandra, the sun appeared red because smoke particles in the air can affect the sunlight reaching the earth’s surface.

“That is correct, it can be influenced by the smoke haze from the forest and land fires currently occurring in the Central Kalimantan region,” he said.

“Looking at the smoke distribution imagery from yesterday afternoon, most of the Central Kalimantan region was already covered by smoke. When light passes through an atmospheric layer filled with particles, colours with certain wavelengths are scattered more, so the sun can appear reddish, especially when its position begins to lower towards the afternoon,” Chandra added.