Tokyo, Japan – Skywatchers across Japan are poised to witness a striking celestial event early Monday morning: a total lunar eclipse expected to turn the moon a dramatic shade of red, often referred to as a “blood moon.” This will be the first total lunar eclipse visible in Japan since November 2022.
The eclipse occurs when the Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow that darkens and frequently enough tints the lunar surface. Lunar eclipses happen approximately twice a year, visible to only half of the earth due to the precise alignment required and the moon’s orbital tilt.
The full eclipse phase will begin around 2:30 a.m. Japan Standard Time and conclude at 3:52 a.m., lasting a total of 82 minutes. Visibility will vary across the country, with western and southern Japan, especially the Kyushu region, offering the clearest views throughout the entire event. Eastern and northern Japan may experience a lower lunar position towards the eclipse’s end, but it will still be visible.
The color of the moon during a total lunar eclipse depends on the amount of dust and clouds in Earth’s atmosphere. “The more dust or clouds in Earth’s atmosphere during the eclipse, the redder the moon will appear,” according to NASA.
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye. However,binoculars or a telescope will enhance the viewing experience,and the event can be captured with a smartphone or standard camera.
for those unable to view the eclipse directly, the Gunma Observatory will broadcast the eclipse live on YouTube, and a live stream will also be available on the Virtual Telescope website.
The eclipse will be visible not only in Japan but also across Europe, Africa, asia, and Australia. The next lunar eclipse visible in Japan is anticipated on March 3, 2026.
