Skywatchers in Nigeria and several other African countries will be treated to a spectacular celestial display on Sunday, September 7, as a total lunar eclipse—popularly called a “blood moon”—appears in the night sky.
According to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the event will last approximately 83 minutes, beginning at about 8:00 p.m. Nigerian time. During the eclipse, the Moon will take on a reddish hue as the Earth’s shadow falls upon it.
Scientists confirm that the eclipse will be visible across most of Africa, with countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Togo, Niger, and Chad experiencing the phenomenon. However, observers in the westernmost regions may miss parts of the early penumbral or partial phases due to the Moon rising closer to or during totality.
Unlike solar eclipses, experts emphasize that lunar eclipses are completely safe to watch with the naked eye.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align in space, with Earth positioned in the middle, casting its shadow on the Moon.
Although such events are rare, Nigeria has witnessed several eclipses in recent years. On March 29, 2006, a total solar eclipse was observed in eight states including Ibadan, Abuja, Minna, Lagos, Kaduna, Abeokuta, and Katsina. The phenomenon lasted less than three minutes.
On November 3, 2013, a partial solar eclipse was visible in parts of northern, central, and southwestern Nigeria, including Abuja, Ilorin, Kaduna, and Lagos.
Most recently, on July 27, 2018, Nigeria experienced another total lunar eclipse. According to the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), the event began at 6:44 p.m. as a partial eclipse, progressed to totality at 7:30 p.m., and was most clearly visible in Lagos.
With the upcoming eclipse, astronomers say Nigerians once again have a rare opportunity to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring displays.
