After a long wait, the phenomenon known as the “Panda Sunset” by the people of Japan has once again appeared.
According to NHK, on March 1st, a fascinating scene emerged at the antenna tower in Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, attracting the attention of many.
This phenomenon is a combination of a circular antenna tower with the setting sun behind it, creating an image resembling the head of a giant panda. This marks the first time in 7 years that the phenomenon referred to as “Panda Sunset” has reappeared at this location.
The combination of the antenna tower and the sun delights many residents.
It is known that the observatory at the Akashi City Astronomical Science Museum usually organizes observation events in March and October each year, allowing the public to admire the “giant panda sunset” that particularly appears when the sun sets behind the tower’s antenna. However, the “Panda Sunset” here is not always as perfect as the image captured on March 1st.
NHK also reported that the observation event for the “Panda Sunset” is limited to 20 participants, who are typically selected randomly through a lottery. Therefore, those who get to enjoy this special moment are incredibly excited and moved.
A primary school student who participated in the event noted that the eyes of the “panda” moved gradually and looked very adorable. Meanwhile, an elderly woman celebrating her 80th birthday mentioned that she had been monitoring the weather forecast and eagerly anticipated this moment for a week: “I was truly moved when I saw the giant panda and felt a strong vitality within me.”
Masato Nakajima, the director of the Akashi City Astronomical Science Museum, was also very emotional. He expressed that witnessing this wonderful moment again after 7 years made him feel elated and deeply moved: “This feeling is very special. I hope we can continue to witness this phenomenon many more times in the future.”
