Residents of Nigeria and several other West African countries will witness a rare celestial spectacle on Sunday, September 7, as a total lunar eclipse lights up the night sky from 8:00 p.m. West Africa Time.
The eclipse, expected to last around 83 minutes, will turn the Moon into a striking reddish hue, offering a breathtaking sight for stargazers across the region.
According to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), scientists confirmed that the event will be visible across most of Africa.
“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 some western locations may miss the earliest stages, most of Nigeria will enjoy the full display, with experts assuring the public that it is both safe and awe-inspiring to watch with the naked eye.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align, causing Earth’s shadow to cover the Moon.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) notes that eclipses can be total, partial, or penumbral. The agency predicted that Sunday’s total eclipse will be visible across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
The Moon’s reddish glow, often called a “blood moon,” is the result of sunlight bending through Earth’s atmosphere.
Unlike solar eclipses, which require protective eyewear, this lunar eclipse poses no risk to human eyes.
