Stargazers in parts of Japan witnessed a partial eclipse on Sunday evening.
Overcast conditions didn't stop about 200 people from attending a viewing event in Sanda, Hyogo Prefecture, to observe the phenomenon, in which the sun was partially blocked by the moon's shadow.
The last partial solar eclipse visible from Japan was in December last year.
The sun started to wane at around 4 p.m., with the largest part being blocked a little past 5 p.m., marking the first time in 372 years that the summer solstice coincided with a solar eclipse, according to the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan.
The Sanda viewing event was organized by local astronomical enthusiasts and held at a Hyogo prefectural park
An 8-year-old girl who attended the event said: "It's the first time I've seen a solar eclipse. It's surprising to see the sun being blocked [by the moon]."
Meanwhile, an annular eclipse, when the moon hides most of the sun, leaving a ring of light around its circumference, was visible on the day in places including China and Taiwan.
The next solar eclipse observable in Japan will be in April 2023, with an annular solar eclipse visible in 2030 and a total solar eclipse -- when the sun is completely hidden from the moon -- in 2035.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
