Nigerians will be treated to a rare celestial spectacle on Sunday evening as a total lunar eclipse popularly called a blood moon, paints the skies deep red.
The phenomenon occurs when the Earth aligns directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow across the lunar surface. As the shadow completely covers the Moon, it takes on a striking crimson glow.
The eclipse will last for around 82 minutes, offering viewers in Nigeria the full experience from start to finish from the Moon entering Earth’s shadow to its dramatic re-emergence.
Unlike solar eclipses, a lunar eclipse is completely safe to view with the naked eye, so no protective glasses are needed.
The event will be visible across Africa, Asia, Australia, and parts of Europe. However, countries such as Spain and Norway will only see a partial eclipse. In Africa, besides Nigeria, skywatchers in Ghana, Togo, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Niger, Chad, and São Tomé and Príncipe will also witness the stunning show.
NASA notes that the next total lunar eclipse will not happen until 3 March 2026, making Sunday’s event a rare chance for stargazers to marvel at nature’s cosmic artistry.
