Nigeria and other West African nations will experience a total lunar eclipse on Sunday night, turning the Moon a striking red hue for over an hour.
Nigeria will witness 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 will last about 83 minutes, during which the Moon will appear in a reddish hue, often referred to as a “blood moon.”
According to the National Television Authority (NTA), the eclipse will be visible across most of Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Benin, and Togo. “Some western areas may miss early phases, but most of Nigeria will see the full display,” the report stated.
Experts have assured the public that the phenomenon is completely safe to watch with the naked eye. Unlike solar eclipses, no protective gear is needed. NASA confirmed the event will also be visible in Europe, Asia, and Australia.
The reddish color occurs when sunlight bends through Earth’s atmosphere during alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon.