A rare total lunar eclipse is expected to be visible in Nigeria and several other African countries on Sunday, September 7, beginning at approximately 8:00 PM West Africa Time. The astronomical event, which will last for about 83 minutes, will transform the Moon into a reddish hue, commonly known as a “blood moon.”
According to reports, the spectacle will be observable across Nigeria, though some western parts of the continent may miss the early stages as the Moon rises during totality. Countries like Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Togo, Niger, Chad, and São Tomé and Príncipe are also expected to witness the eclipse. For optimal viewing in Nigeria, areas with minimal light pollution, such as Yobe and Borno, are likely to offer clearer skies.
Scientists explain that a lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align, with Earth’s shadow completely covering the lunar surface. Unlike solar eclipses, this event is safe to view directly without any protective eyewear. The Moon’s red appearance is a result of sunlight bending through Earth’s atmosphere, a natural process that also affects the Moon’s temperature during the eclipse.
NASA has confirmed that the total eclipse will also be visible in parts of Europe, Asia, and Australia, making it a globally shared celestial event.
