Overview

• Skywatchers across Japan observed a total lunar eclipse in the early hours of September 8, the first such event visible nationwide in about three years.
• The partial phase began around 1:27 a.m. Japan time and reached totality near 2:30 a.m.
• Totality lasted about 1 hour 20 minutes, and the Moon returned to its full appearance before 5 a.m.
• Observers reported that stars normally outshone by the full Moon became visible during the darkest phase.
• The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan says the next chance in Japan is March 3, 2026, with totality around 8:04 p.m. for roughly an hour, weather permitting.