Lunar Eclipse Photography Over Japanese Castle

In November 2021, a photographer emblazoned the night sky over Japan with a series of time-lapse photographs that captured the stunning progression of a lunar eclipse over a traditional castle. The resulting images vibrantly captured the distinct phases of the eclipsed moon, its colors and shapes, with the castle standing out as an iconic foreground element. The Japanese photographer marukome_takeru. had a moonlit canvas for his picturesque frames.

Astronomy meets architecture in Gifu Prefecture

Each photograph marks the final stages of a lunar eclipse. The moon dipped into the umbra of the earth's shadow, turning a deep coppery red. For the final stages, the moon edges the shadow, creating a half moon that appears brighter than the rest of the moon. Then, the moon graces the night just like a new crescent moon. The photographer said the shots were taken at various times in 2021 and 2020.

When the moon aligns with heritage sites

Still, the lunar eclipse images present a rare convergence of astronomy and architecture. The moon and the castle are the two protagonists. The photographer has perfectly framed the luminous moon behind the castle. The shadow enhances the castle's majesty and gives its arching roofs a sense of elevation. With the right equipment, anyone can recapture this sight.

Distinctive heritage locations as a foreground

Gifu Prefecture’s dramatic landscape

Japan's Gifu Prefecture was the dramatic backdrop for the photographs. The moon’s eclipsed transitioning hues reflected against the weathered castle walls. The photographer’s choice to include the castle in each frame was deliberate. The castle's structure is a ornate blend of simple lines and intricate patterns.

Framing the eclipse

The photographs capture the eclipse’s distinct stages. The moon’s copper-red color in totality appears in several images. The colors include hues of red and brown. Observers in the night sky admired the deep contrast between the moon’s red aura and the dark silhouette of the castle.

Aichi’s unique castle silhouette

Japan’s Aichi Prefecture was the dramatic backdrop for another eclipse shot. The photographer has captured the moon through the castle’s arching roofs. The eclipse is a narrative of the blood-red moon. This is the moment when the earth is between the sun and the moon.

Experience the eclipse from your own backyard

Japan´s lunar eclipse shows the marvels of astronomy and heritage at nearly a dozen sites. The photographer recommends not to miss the umbral phase — the deep red — phase next time you have the chance to capture one. The eclipse timings vary, but the early phases can happen in the later and earlier hours of the night. Other than that, a tripod, a camera with low noise, and the right app for astronomy can help you plan the perfect shot. Here are a few tips:

• Know your subject: Since the moon is the subject, you don't want to have the castle stealing the focus or hiding the details of the moon. Make sure the castle is a secondary character in your photo, and your subject is easy to find.
• Beware of overexposure: The moon can be very bright during eclipses. Ensure your camera settings can handle this and that the sun or other light sources don't interfere.
• Tripod and shutter control: Use a sturdy tripod and a shutter speed that allows you to capture the image without blurring. Many cameras, especially on smartphones, will do this for you, but if you're using a DSLR, be prepared to set the shutter speed manually. A good starting point is 1/200s, but you can try different speeds to get the best look.

Heritage sites and lunar eclipses

The same photographer marukome_takers will be releasing another series of photos capturing the lunar eclipse in different parts of Japan.