Residents of Tokara Islands prepare blankets and tents.

Scientists, island residents brace for total solar eclipse

Monday 20th July, 05:14 AM JST

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14 Comments

smithinjapan at 09:40 AM JST - 20th July

If they get anything out of it at all, then good for the people. However I think the majority have been duped with the glasses, tours, and what not. All that's going to happen is the massive cloud cover is going to get a little darker. I'm hoping the clouds part for the event, but seems unlikely.
Mookoo at 09:53 AM JST - 20th July

Been real sunny down south here for at least a month, with more sunny skies forecast for the big day. Get out of Tokyo once in a while!
kwatt at 10:19 AM JST - 20th July

It is so stupid for people to go there to see it for a few minutes. You can watch same thing on TV. Solar eclipse is just nature, so what is exciting about? Don't people leave your trash there and don't bother islanders.
nisegaijin at 11:29 AM JST - 20th July

will it be interesting to see from Tokyo?
Kureigu3 at 11:54 AM JST - 20th July

The eclipse starts in Tokyo at 0955 on 22 July. Maximum coverage (75%) will be at 1112 and it will all be over at 1230.
sharky1 at 01:59 PM JST - 20th July

Welding helmets are selling out in local stores in Okinawa...
bamboohat at 02:11 PM JST - 20th July

They will examine whether the sun has a ring like Saturn and Jupiter,

Two scientist-astronauts were proposing a trip to the sun to settle this once and for all. When asked how they were going to withstand the incredible temperatures, they replied that they planned to go at night....
Farmboy at 03:32 PM JST - 20th July

It is so stupid for people to go there to see it for a few minutes. You can watch same thing on TV. Solar eclipse is just nature, so what is exciting about?

kwatt,

My goodness, a lot of people LIKE nature. Also, the eclipse will last awhile, just not the total eclipse.
nandakandamanda at 04:24 PM JST - 20th July

kwatt, have you forgotten the braggability factor?
Disillusioned at 06:24 PM JST - 20th July

I hope we get an updated report on Thursday stating how many people suffered eye damage as a result of the faulty glasses that were sold over the net. The safest place to watch the eclipse is at home on the TV news.
Pukey2 at 10:46 PM JST - 20th July

People could have taken the plane to Shanghai for a fraction of the price, AND have a soft bed, water supply and air-conditioning.
Sarge at 11:01 PM JST - 20th July

"Will it be interesting to see from Tokyo?"

We'll most likely see nothing but clouds, and perhaps rain, if NHK is to be believed.
Fadamor at 12:05 AM JST - 21st July

One advantage to observing it from the ship is that you can have the ship travel in the direction of the eclipse... giving you a bit more time to observe (albiet not MUCH more time). A better plan would be to observe from a high-altitude plane flying with the eclipse shadow. Then the time in totality would last longer.
flammenwerfer at 01:33 PM JST - 21st July

Solar eclipse is just nature, so what is exciting about?

A total eclipse is a truly stunning mindblowing experience, A TV can not convey that AT ALL. The growing shadow, the beautiful - better than sunset colours of different parts the sky, the stars coming out, the halo. Probably the rarest and most breath-taking thing you can experience. This one will the longest for 130 years or so. Anyone with a pulse would be impressed. I wish I could be in the path of totality. I just hope the skies clear up on the mainland so I can get it for at least a little bit.

On May 20 2014 - an Annular eclipse will pass over Osaka and Tokyo - book that date in your calendar if you are still in Japan then.

http://www.hermit.org/Eclipse/Graphics/maps/SEatlas2001.png