A total lunar eclipse is set to occur on Sunday evening, offering a striking celestial display across Nigeria and several neighbouring African nations. Scientists have confirmed that the phenomenon poses no danger to observers and may be viewed safely without any protective equipment.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) explained that a lunar eclipse takes place when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align such that the Earth’s shadow is cast directly upon the Moon. Unlike solar eclipses, which necessitate the use of specialised eyewear to prevent retinal damage, lunar eclipses are entirely safe to observe with the naked eye.
In Nigeria, the eclipse is expected to commence at approximately 8:00 p.m. West Africa Time and will last for around 83 minutes. During this period, the Moon will adopt a reddish hue, commonly referred to as a “blood moon”. This colouring results from sunlight refracting through the Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the lunar surface. NASA further noted that this atmospheric scattering also contributes to temperature fluctuations on the Moon during the eclipse.
The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) reported that the eclipse will be visible not only in Nigeria but also in Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Togo, Niger, Chad, and São Tomé and Príncipe. However, viewers in some westernmost regions may miss the initial stages due to the timing of moonrise.
Scientists emphasise that the reddish transformation of the Moon is a natural consequence of atmospheric refraction and is among the most distinctive features of a total lunar eclipse.
The event will also be visible across parts of Europe, Asia, and Australia, making it a global spectacle for skywatchers.
