On Tanabata night, sparkling Milky Way observable by naked eye in Okinawa

On Tanabata night, sparkling Milky Way observable by naked eye in Okinawa

On Tanabata, the Milky Way sparkled in the southern sky. White clouds are visible in the lower right-hand corner and shooting stars form short lines. Photographed by John Matsumoto at 2:37 a.m. on July 7, at Gesashi, Higashison with 15-second exposure.


July 8, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

July 7 was Tanabata, or the Star Festival. This year, a high-pressure system hung over the Okinawa region, allowing observers to see the Milky Way spread out in the evening sky like a sparkling ribbon.

 

According to a myth cherished throughout East Asia, Princess Orihime and Hikoboshi (celestial deities represented by the star Vega and Altair, respectively) angered the Celestial Emperor, who wedged the Milky Way between the two to separate them. The two lovers are allowed to reunite once every year on July 7.

 

The best time to stargaze is when there is little moonlight. During the early morning hours on July 7 in the fields of Gesashi, Higashi Village, the Milky Way was visible by the naked eye; Low-hanging clouds drifted by the band of stars extending south to north.

 

(English translation by T&CT and Monica Shingaki)

 

Go to Japanese 

 


　


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