Residents across Nigeria and other West African nations will witness a rare celestial spectacle on Sunday, September 7, as a total lunar eclipse lights up the night sky from 8:00 PM West Africa Time.
The eclipse will last about 83 minutes, during which the Moon will shift into a reddish glow, creating a breathtaking scene for stargazers.
According to the National Television Authority (NTA), scientists confirmed that the event will be visible across much of Africa.
The network said, “Countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Togo, Niger, Chad, and São Tomé and Príncipe will experience the eclipse. However, the westernmost areas may miss the earliest phases as the Moon rises closer to or during totality”
For most of Nigeria, experts assure that the full eclipse will be visible, safe, and awe-inspiring. Observers will not need special glasses or equipment to enjoy the view.
A total lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align, causing Earth’s shadow to fully cover the Moon. NASA explains that eclipses can be total, partial, or penumbral, and Sunday’s eclipse will also be visible across Europe, Asia, and Australia.
The reddish glow, often called a “blood moon,” occurs when sunlight bends through Earth’s atmosphere and scatters onto the lunar surface. Unlike solar eclipses, the total lunar eclipse poses no risk to human eyes, making it a safe and stunning sight for all.
