If you're in the right place, a couple of rare astronomical events in the coming weeks — an annular eclipse and a transit of Venus — may make it worthwhile to buy a pair of eclipse glasses.

Tokyo last experienced an annular eclipse — when the edge of the sun appears as a bright ring around the moon — 173 years ago, in September 1839. The next isn't due for hundreds of years.

Weather permitting, residents of much of Japan, including Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo, can treat themselves to the sight early on the morning of May 21.