Residents of Nigeria and several other West African nations will be treated to a rare celestial event on Sunday, September 7, as a total lunar eclipse graces the night sky from 8:00 PM West Africa Time.
The eclipse, which will last about 83 minutes, is expected to transform the Moon into a stunning reddish hue, providing a captivating spectacle for skywatchers across the region.
According to the National Television Authority (NTA), scientists have 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.
Most of Nigeria, however, will enjoy the full display. Experts assured the public that it is entirely safe to view the eclipse with the naked eye and encouraged stargazers to take in the remarkable sight.
A total lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align in such a way that Earth’s shadow completely covers the Moon. NASA explains that the phenomenon can be total, partial, or penumbral. This particular eclipse will also be visible across Europe, Asia, and Australia.
The Moon’s reddish glow—often described as a “blood moon”—occurs when sunlight refracts through Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the lunar surface. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses require no protective glasses and are perfectly safe to watch directly.
What You Should Know
Tonight’s total lunar eclipse offers Nigerians and other West Africans a front-row seat to one of nature’s rare spectacles.
Lasting over an hour, the “blood moon” is safe to view without equipment and will be visible across much of Africa and beyond.
