(Photo by Miyuki Takiguchi/Stripes Okinawa)

While tonight’s total lunar eclipse would be visible across Japan, the clouds across the mainland will likely be blocking the views of the “Worm Moon.”

Other areas of western Pacific regions and Northwestern North America will get a view of the lunar eclipse.

The show will start at around 6:49 p.m. Japan time in the eastern or southeastern horizon. The moon will ascend and will slowly eclipse until it reaches a complete eclipse around 8:04 p.m.

According to weather report of Japan Metrological Agency, during the eclipse many areas of the mainland will unfortunately be under rain or snow clouds. However, you may still be able to catch a glimpse depending on your location or if there’s a lucky break in the clouds. Clear skies are expected in some areas of Okinawa and on the southern coasts of Kyushu and Shikoku, according to JMA.

The total eclipse ends at around 9:03 p.m. and a full moon will be visible at 10:17 p.m., according to the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ).

A lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, earth and moon align so that the moon passes into earth’s shadow. In a total lunar eclipse, the entire moon falls within the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, called the umbra, according to NASA. 

The total lunar eclipse has not occurred since Sept. 8, 2025, and will not happen again until Jan. 1, 2029. So, don’t miss out and keep an eye out tonight for a spectacular night view, if you can. And if you get any good pics, share them with us on Facebook!

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Okinawa)

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Okinawa)

(Photo by Miyuki Takiguchi/Stripes Okinawa)