This Sunday, September 7, 2025, a spectacular total lunar eclipse will be visible across Nigeria and many other African countries. The celestial event, also known as a “blood moon,” occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow that fully covers the lunar surface.
In Nigeria, the eclipse will begin at approximately 6:31 PM local time with the Moon entering Earth’s penumbral shadow. The total eclipse phase, during which the Moon will be completely obscured by the Earth’s umbra, will start around 6:31 PM and last until about 7:52 PM, spanning a duration of roughly 83 minutes. The overall eclipse event is expected to end by 9:55 PM.
Although the Moon will rise after the eclipse has started in some parts of Nigeria, regions including Abuja and Ugep will witness the event in progress, from the greatest eclipse phase through to its conclusion. Across West and Central Africa, countries such as Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Togo, Niger, Chad, and São Tomé and Príncipe will also experience the eclipse. However, some westernmost areas may miss the early phases due to moonrise timing.
Scientists reassure that this event is completely safe to observe with the naked eye. It will offer a rare and awe-inspiring view of Earth’s cosmic dance, as the Moon takes on a reddish hue caused by sunlight filtering and refracting through Earth’s atmosphere.
Nigeria and other nations are encouraged to look skyward this Sunday evening to witness the celestial spectacle that connects the planet in a shared moment of natural wonder.
Source: timeanddate
