Residents of Nigeria and several other countries across Africa will on Sunday, September 7, witness a rare celestial display as a total lunar eclipse graces the skies.
The phenomenon, which scientists say will last about 83 minutes, is expected to begin around 8:00 p.m. Nigerian time.
According to experts, the eclipse will be visible across most parts of Africa, with countries such as Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Togo, Niger, Chad, and São Tomé and Príncipe also expected to experience the spectacle.
However, scientists note that the westernmost regions of the continent may miss the early penumbral or partial phases because the Moon will be rising closer to or during totality.
Explaining the science behind the occurrence, experts said a total lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align in a straight line, with the Earth positioned in the middle. This alignment causes the Earth’s shadow to fall on the Moon, giving it a reddish hue often referred to as a “blood moon.”
They further assured that the eclipse is safe to observe with the naked eye, unlike solar eclipses that require protective viewing equipment.
