Nigeria has been mentioned among several countries set to witness a total eclipse of the moon on Sunday evening.
The celestial event, also referred to as lunar eclipse, happens when the earth aligns directly between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow across its only natural satellite.
During this alignment, earth’s shadow completely covers the moon which then takes a deep red colour.
This phenomenon, also called a blood moon, is expected to last for approximately 82 minutes.
The eclipse will be visible in many regions including Africa, Asia, Australia, and parts of Europe.
While countries such as Spain and Norway will only experience a partial eclipse, viewers in Nigeria will have the opportunity to see the entire spectacle, from the moment the moon enters the earth’s shadow to when it re-emerges.
The event will unfold from the early evening into the late hours of Sunday.
Other countries on the continent expected to witness the eclipse are Togo, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Ghana, Chad, Niger, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
The westernmost parts of Africa may miss some of the early penumbral or partial phases as the moon rises closer.
Unlike solar eclipses, a lunar eclipse is completely safe to view with the naked eye, without the need for protective glasses or equipment.
NASA says the next total lunar eclipse will occur on March 3, 2026.
