Nigeria and Other Countries to Witness Spectacular ‘Blood Moon’ Eclipse Tonight.
Tonight, Nigeria and several countries across Africa, Asia, and Europe will experience a breathtaking total lunar eclipse, known as a “Blood Moon,” as the Moon takes on a striking red hue. According to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the eclipse will begin around 8:00 PM WAT and last approximately 83 minutes, offering skywatchers a spectacular celestial event.
The total lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align, with Earth casting its shadow over the Moon, creating the iconic reddish glow. This phenomenon is safe to view with the naked eye, requiring no special equipment. For the best experience, experts recommend observing from a location with minimal light pollution and clear skies. Binoculars or a telescope can enhance views of the Moon’s surface during the event.
The eclipse will be fully visible across most of Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Togo, Niger, and Chad. However, westernmost regions may miss early stages, such as the penumbral or partial phases, as the Moon rises closer to or during totality. Nigerians in cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano are encouraged to check local weather forecasts for optimal viewing conditions.
This total lunar eclipse is a rare event, though Nigeria has witnessed similar spectacles recently. Historical records note a total solar eclipse on March 29, 2006, visible in eight Nigerian states, including Ibadan, Abuja, Minna, Lagos, Kaduna, Abeokuta, and Katsina, lasting just three minutes. On November 3, 2013, a partial solar eclipse was observed in cities like Abuja, Ilorin, Kaduna, and Lagos. Additionally, a total lunar eclipse occurred on July 27, 2018, starting as a partial eclipse at 6:44 PM and reaching totality by 7:30 PM, fully visible in Lagos, according to the National Space Research and Development Agency.
The eclipse’s peak is expected at 7:12 PM WAT (6:12 PM UTC), as confirmed by NASA, with the entire event spanning over five hours from start to finish. For those unable to view due to weather or location, livestreams on platforms like Time and Date or the Virtual Telescope Project will broadcast the event starting around 6:45 PM WAT.
- Photography enthusiasts can capture the Blood Moon using a camera with a tripod and a telephoto lens for close-ups or a wide-angle lens for scenic shots. Social media platforms like X are abuzz with excitement, with users urging Nigerians to witness this rare event, as the next total lunar eclipse visible in Nigeria won’t occur until 2026.
