BMKG Clarifies Facts About the August 2, 2025 Total Solar Eclipse
Viral Total Solar Eclipse on August 2, 2025
www.jejaknesia.com - Recently, social media has been abuzz with news claiming that a total solar eclipse will occur on August 2, 2025. Various posts spreading across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) show video clips and photos of an eclipse claimed to happen today. Many users even describe this moment as a rare event that only occurs once in several decades.
But is this news actually true? Is it correct that Indonesia is experiencing a total solar eclipse today?
Official Explanation from BMKG
In response to the viral information, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) promptly issued clarification. Through its official Instagram account, BMKG emphasized that no total solar eclipse occurs on August 2, 2025, neither in Indonesia nor globally.
BMKG stated, “The Total Solar Eclipse reported to occur today is not true. There is no solar eclipse observable from the Indonesian region on this date.”
Solar Eclipses Only Happen at Certain Times
A solar eclipse is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, partially or fully blocking sunlight. This process cannot happen randomly. According to BMKG, an eclipse can only occur during the new moon phase (new moon) and when the moon is precisely aligned with the Earth and the Sun along the ecliptic plane.
BMKG also maintains an official annual schedule calculated based on accurate astronomical data, including the time, location, and type of eclipse.
Upcoming Solar Eclipses in Indonesia
For the public who wish to observe a solar eclipse directly, here is the schedule of upcoming eclipses in Indonesia according to BMKG data:
- February 17, 2026: Annular Solar Eclipse, observable from parts of Indonesia.
- August 12, 2026: Total Solar Eclipse, but only visible outside Indonesia (such as Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain).
- January 26, 2028: Annular Solar Eclipse, will cross most of central and eastern Indonesia.
Thus, the public in Indonesia will need to be patient to witness this rare celestial phenomenon in the near future.
Be Cautious of Hoax Information on Social Media
This event serves as an important reminder of the need for information verification before sharing it. Many social media users share viral content without first checking its accuracy, which leads to the spread of hoaxes or false information.
“We urge the public to refer only to information from official sources such as BMKG or reputable astronomical institutions,” BMKG stressed in its post.
Tips to Avoid Astronomical Hoaxes
To avoid being misled by false news, here are some tips from experts:
- Check the official eclipse calendar from BMKG or NASA.
- Verify the moon phase using astronomy apps like Stellarium or SkySafari.
- Do not immediately trust viral images or videos, as they may be edited or from past events.
- Follow official BMKG and LAPAN accounts for updates on celestial phenomena.
Conclusion
The total solar eclipse on August 2, 2025 widely discussed on social media is not true. BMKG has confirmed that no solar eclipse occurs on that date in Indonesia.
The public is advised to be more discerning in receiving information and always check official sources before sharing news. Celestial phenomena like eclipses are indeed fascinating, but it is important to ensure their accuracy to avoid misleading the public.
References: CNBC Indonesia, CNN Indonesia, BMKG
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