Nigerians and other Africans will tonight experience a rare astronomical display as a total lunar eclipse lights up the skies.
The phenomenon, expected to begin around 8:00 pm West Africa Time, will last for about 83 minutes, during which the Moon will take on a deep reddish glow.
According to the Nigerian Television Authority, the eclipse will be visible across most parts of the continent.
“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.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) explained on its website that a lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align, with the Earth’s shadow covering the Moon.
The agency confirmed that Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia would witness a total eclipse today.
The reddish colour, often referred to as a “blood moon,” is caused by sunlight bending through Earth’s atmosphere. NASA added that temperature changes recorded on the Moon during such events further affirm the atmospheric refraction.
Scientists clarified that the event poses no risk to the eyes, unlike solar eclipses which require protective glasses.
In Nigeria, areas with low light pollution, especially Yobe and Borno states, are expected to provide the clearest views.