Residents of Nigeria will join millions across Africa and beyond in witnessing a total lunar eclipse tonight, Sunday, September 7.
The celestial event, expected to begin around 8:00 p.m. West Africa Time will last for approximately 83 minutes. During this period, the Moon will take on a reddish hue, commonly referred to as a “blood moon.”
According to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the eclipse will be visible across much of Africa, including Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Togo, Niger, Chad, and São Tomé and Príncipe. However, some western locations may miss the early stages due to moonrise times.
Astronomers explained that a total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth aligns directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow completely over the lunar surface. Unlike solar eclipses, experts assure that tonight’s event is safe to view with the naked eye.