September 2, 2026 | 07:36 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - An astronomical phenomenon known as a lunar occultation of Venus will take place this September. The planet Venus, often referred to as the morning star, will briefly disappear behind the moon on September 14.
According to Avivah Yamani, an astronomy communicator from the Langit Selatan (South Sky) community in Bandung, an occultation functions similarly to an eclipse. As it orbits the Earth, the moon will align directly between Earth and Venus on September 14.
From specific points on Earth, Venus will appear to move closer to the moon. "It will then vanish behind the moon before reappearing on the opposite side," she told Tempo on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
Skywatchers across parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe will be able to observe the event. In Indonesia, viewing locations are limited to Sumatra, western Java, and a small section of West Kalimantan.
"Because the relative alignment between the moon and Venus varies by location, this event has a narrow coverage area," Avivah noted.
Generally, the occultation of Venus will occur between 7:30 p.m. and 8:43 p.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB). Observing the phenomenon poses a challenge due to the low elevation of both celestial bodies, requiring observers to seek open spaces at higher altitudes.
Prior to the occultation, Venus and the moon will appear closely aligned at dusk, visible immediately after sunset. In Bandung, for instance, Venus is projected to disappear behind the moon at 7:56 p.m. WIB. The subsequent emergence phase cannot be observed locally.
"Both the moon and Venus will have already set before the occultation ends," Avivah explained. She explained that Venus will dip below the horizon at 8:21 p.m., followed by the moon just one minute later. During the occultation, the moon will appear as a slim crescent, following the new moon phase on September 11.
Other astronomical highlights this September include the Aurigid meteor shower. The shower has been active since August 28 and will continue at minor levels through September 5.
Read: 9 Night Sky Events in September 2026 You Won't Want to Miss
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