Residents of Nigeria and several other West African countries can look forward to a rare celestial spectacle on Sunday, September 7, as a total lunar eclipse is set to light up the night sky starting at 8:00 PM West Africa Time.
The phenomenon, which will last about 83 minutes, will cause the Moon to take on a deep reddish color, offering a mesmerizing view for skywatchers throughout the region.
According to the National Television Authority, scientists have confirmed that the eclipse will be visible across much of the African continent.
“Countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Togo, Niger, Chad, and São Tomé and Príncipe will experience the eclipse, though the westernmost areas may miss parts of the early penumbral or partial phases due to the Moon rising closer to or during totality,” the network reported on Sunday.
While westernmost areas may miss the early penumbral or partial phases due to the Moon rising during totality, the full spectacle will be observable in many parts of Nigeria, offering a safe and awe-inspiring experience for all.
Scientists explain that a total lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align, with Earth casting its shadow over the lunar surface.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration explained on its website that a lunar eclipse can be total, partial, or penumbral.
The agency predicted that a total eclipse will appear in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia on Sunday.
The Moon’s reddish appearance, often dubbed a “blood moon,” results from sunlight refracting through Earth’s atmosphere, a phenomenon recently corroborated by NASA’s observations of temperature variations on the lunar surface during such events.
Unlike solar eclipses, which require specialised eye protection, this lunar event poses no risk to the naked eye.
Nigeria’s remote regions, such as Yobe and Borno, known for their minimal light pollution, are expected to offer the best vantage points.
