Nigerians to witness total lunar eclipse tonight
Favour Rotimi
Nigeria will join several African nations in witnessing a total lunar eclipse tonight, Sunday, September 7.
The eclipse will begin around 8:00 p.m. West Africa Time and last for about 83 minutes, during which the Moon will appear in a reddish glow, often called a “blood moon.”
The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) reports that the event will be visible across much of Africa, including Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Togo, Niger, Chad, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Some western regions may miss the early stages due to later moonrise times.
Astronomers explain that a total lunar eclipse happens when Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a full shadow over the lunar surface. Unlike solar eclipses, it is completely safe to view with the naked eye.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) confirms the eclipse will also be visible across Europe, Asia, and Australia. The Moon’s red hue is caused by Earth’s atmosphere scattering blue light while allowing red light to pass through.
Weather permitting, skywatchers across Nigeria are set for a striking night-time spectacle.
