Nigeria to Witness Rare 83-Minute Total Lunar Eclipse Tonight at 8:00 PM!

Nigeria to Witness Rare 83-Minute Total Lunar Eclipse Tonight at 8:00 PM

Reported by Suzan Daniel, for Sele Media Africa

Residents across Nigeria are set to experience a spectacular celestial event tonight, Sunday, September 7, 2025, as a total lunar eclipse—commonly known as a “Blood Moon”—graces the skies. The eclipse is expected to commence around 8:00 PM local time and will last approximately 83 minutes, offering a unique opportunity for skywatchers to witness the Moon transform into a deep red hue.

This phenomenon occurs when the Earth aligns directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow over the Moon. The reddish coloration, which gives the event its “Blood Moon” moniker, results from Rayleigh scattering—where Earth’s atmosphere filters out blue wavelengths of sunlight, allowing the red wavelengths to illuminate the Moon’s surface.

The eclipse will be fully visible across Nigeria, including major cities like Lagos and Abuja. According to timeanddate.com, the totality phase, where the Moon is completely immersed in Earth’s shadow, will be observable without any protective equipment. However, local weather conditions may affect visibility; for instance, Lagos is expected to have intermittent clouds around 8:00 PM, while Abuja may experience cloudy skies.

Scientists and astronomers emphasize that this event poses no risk to viewers and can be safely observed with the naked eye. Enthusiasts are encouraged to find locations with minimal light pollution for the best viewing experience.

This total lunar eclipse is part of a global event visible across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia, marking one of the longest total lunar eclipses in recent years. It’s a rare opportunity for educational institutions, astronomy clubs, and the general public to engage with astronomical phenomena firsthand.

For those unable to view the eclipse directly, several platforms, including timeanddate.com, will provide live streams of the event.

Don’t miss this chance to witness a remarkable display of natural beauty and celestial mechanics.