Eclipse: Nigeria Among Countries to Witness Total Lunar Eclipse Tonight
Residents of Nigeria and several West African countries will witness a rare celestial event tonight, Sunday, September 7, as a total lunar eclipse lights up the skies from around 8:00 PM (WAT).
The eclipse, which will last for about 83 minutes, will transform the Moon into a striking reddish hue—popularly known as a “blood moon”—offering a breathtaking sight for stargazers across the region.
According to the National Television Authority (NTA), scientists confirmed that the event will be visible across much of Africa. Countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Togo, Niger, Chad, and São Tomé and Príncipe are expected to experience the eclipse, though some westernmost areas may miss the early penumbral or partial phases due to the Moon rising closer to or during totality.
For most of Nigeria, however, the entire eclipse will be visible. Experts assure that the event 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 completely cover the Moon. The reddish glow results from sunlight bending through Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the lunar surface.
Unlike solar eclipses, which require protective eyewear, a lunar eclipse poses no risk to human eyes.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) notes that tonight’s event will be visible not only in Africa but also across parts of Europe, Asia, and Australia.
