----------------------------------- sanji Mon Mar 16, 2009 9:44 am 22 July 2009 - Total solar eclipse in Japan [E] ----------------------------------- An unique experience ! On the 22nd of July 2009, you will have the possibility to observe a total solar eclipse in Japan. This eclipse will only be seen from two continents, Asia and Oceania. With a maximum length of more than 6 minutes, this will be the longest eclipse of the 21th century. Although the eclipse may be seen from anywhere on the main land, it does not have totality, and is only a partial eclipse from the north of Hokkaido (at 50%) to the south of Kyushu (at 95%); the eclipse will be visible at 80% around cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya. However, it will be total only on some Ryukyu islands : on the Yakushima, Tokara and Amami Oshima islands. Lots of visitors are expected on those small islands, but you can also plan to see it from Kyushu in Fukuoka (visible at 90%), Kumamoto (at 93%) or Kagoshima (at 97%). For more information, check the KNT Business Global Management agency website, which offers several trips to those islands, on http://www.knt.co.jp/eclipse/index_e.html http://www.knt.co.jp/eclipse/place/images/en_index_img_01.gif Apparency of the eclipse and schedule for from Japanese cities : Tokyo http://www.knt.co.jp/eclipse/place/images/en_index_img_03.gif Osaka http://www.knt.co.jp/eclipse/place/images/en_index_img_04.gif Kagoshima http://www.knt.co.jp/eclipse/place/images/en_index_img_07.gif South Yakushima http://www.knt.co.jp/eclipse/place/images/en_index_img_11.gif Tokara Islands http://www.knt.co.jp/eclipse/place/images/en_index_img_12.gif