If you’ve seen the movie Apocalypto you will be well aware that a solar eclipse can be a life changing experience.

On July 22nd 2009 there will be a total solar eclipse visible from a narrow band across Asia and the Pacific.

From Wikipedia: “This solar eclipse is the longest total solar eclipse that will occur in the twenty-first century, and will not be surpassed in duration until June 13, 2132. Totality will last for up to 6 minutes and 39 seconds, with the maximum eclipse occurring in the ocean at 02:35:21 UTC about 100 km south of the Bonin Islands, southeast of Japan. The North Iwo Jima island is the landmass with totality time closest to maximum.”

This map shows its progress across southern Japan.

The main island of Okinawa is in the 90% eclipse zone. Most of the Japanese islands in the total eclipse area are tiny. The island of  Yakushima however is a little larger and still in the zone of totality. There is access by plane and ferry from Kagoshima, but tickets are either gone or in very limited supply. All hotel accommodation on the island was booked long ago, but there may be places available at some campsites. 

Of course if you get into the zone of totality you aren’t guaranteed to see the eclipse. You will be in typhoon alley in typhoon season, so there is the chance of cloud and the possibility of some severe weather.

If everything goes to plan, I will be on Yakushima when the eclipse takes place.  Hopefully there will be clear skies, and with a bit of luck I may even get a few photographs.