Star-Moon Spectacle Lights Up Indonesian Skies Last Night, Astronomer Explains
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Several regions of Indonesia experienced the occultation of Venus by the Moon, which adorned the sky on Monday evening (14/9).
The event went viral on social media, with many netizens sharing photographs of a crescent moon with a bright light, identified as Venus, nearby.
The Bosscha Observatory explained that the occultation of Venus occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and Venus, so that the planet is temporarily covered by the lunar disc.
“An occultation of Venus by the Moon has occurred, an event when the Moon passes exactly between the Earth and Venus, so that Venus is temporarily hidden by the lunar disc,” Bosscha explained on its official Instagram account, quoted on Tuesday (15/9/2026).
According to the institution, the phenomenon could only be observed in full from certain regions, including parts of Sumatra, western Java and small parts of West Kalimantan.
Outside those areas, the public witnessed a conjunction, in which the Moon and Venus appeared close together without covering one another.
According to Bosscha, the phenomenon occurred between 7.30pm and 8.43pm Western Indonesia Time (WIB). Observation times varied depending on location, and it could be seen with the naked eye.
On the social media platform X, many netizens shared the phenomenon. Many expressed awe at the beauty of the night moon alongside a bright light resembling a ‘star’ beside it.
Netizens also shared images of the crescent moon and Venus that they had captured on camera.
“MasyaAllah, seeing the planet Venus right next to the crescent moon was truly amazing,” one netizen said.
“On a melancholy evening, a crescent moon appeared. On a feeling of cold love binding a pain… Bantul, 14/09/26,” wrote another.
“The way I was left jaw-dropped looking at the moon tonight… So beautiful, MasyaAllah… And above it is the planet Venus; viewed through a telescope, its shape is also crescent,” said another.
Meanwhile, others questioned the bright light beside the crescent moon.
“A crescent moon tonight. Taken at 7.30pm and 7.33pm from Pamulang. There’s a light above the moon — what is it? Does anyone know?” a netizen asked.