Lunar Eclipse to hit Nigeria, other African countries today

Nigerians, alongside residents of some African nations, are set to witness a rare celestial spectacle on Sunday, September 7, when a total lunar eclipse lights up the skies from 8:00 p.m. West Africa Time.

The phenomenon, which will last about 83 minutes, is expected to turn the Moon a vivid reddish colour, drawing the attention of sky watchers across the region.

According to the National Television Authority (NTA), scientists confirmed that the eclipse will be visible across much 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.

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Although some westernmost areas may not see the early phases, much of Nigeria will enjoy a clear view of the event, which scientists describe as safe and awe-inspiring.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration stated on its website that a lunar eclipse may be total, partial, or penumbral, and predicted that Sunday’s total eclipse will be visible in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

The Moon’s red glow, often referred to as a “blood moon,” comes from sunlight bending through Earth’s atmosphere, a phenomenon NASA recently linked to temperature variations on the lunar surface during such events.

Unlike solar eclipses, which require protective eyewear, this lunar eclipse can be viewed safely with the naked eye.

A total lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align, with Earth’s shadow falling across the Moon.

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