Annular Eclipse in Tokyo 2012

Today Tokyo was in the path of totality for an annular eclipse. For those that don't know the difference between an annular and a total solar eclipse, the annular has the moon only partially covering it, the solar has 100% coverage and you can see the corona.

Before heading off to school, Abby and I went downstairs to a friend's apartment since their unit faced east. The girls were excited to see the moon actually moving in front of the sun. It was a great lesson in astronomy for them. To view the eclipse, I purchased special eclipse viewing glasses.  Abby enjoyed looking at the sun with her fancy glasses, plus she looked cool!

At 7:34 AM the moon moved completely in front of the sun. Because it was an annular eclipse and not a total solar eclipse, we did not lose daylight. Here's a shot taken by one of the base photographers.

The eclipse was a great way to start our morning.  After it was done, the girls walked to school to share their experience with their classmates.  Thanks to Mr. Sun for the spectacular show and thanks Tokyo for being in the right place at the right time.

Tama Zoo

"A"'s Kindergarten class went on an excursion today to the Tama Zoo, about an hour's drive away from Base.  "A" rode with her class in the school bus and I caught a ride with some of the other moms from the class.

We got there right at opening, along with a few other Japanese schools, but it wasn't too crowded.  Our first stop was to the Butterfly house.

The Butterfly house is a beautiful enclosed building that houses hundreds of butterflies.  

You walk around the insectarium and enjoy the beautiful gardens while butterflies fly all around you and will even have a rest on top of you.

The Butterfly house was only the first stop of our day at the Tama Zoo.  Alas, it was the last stop for my camera.  I forgot to charge my phone's battery and was unable to take any more photos.  Here is the last shot I got outside the Insectarium.

Oh well, I'm not discouraged.  It just means that we need to head back to Tama Zoo one day.  Knowing what a pretty Zoo it is, I don't doubt we will be returning there soon.  Until our next Adventure.