Sky watchers in Nigeria are in for a rare treat this Sunday, September 7, 2025, as a total lunar eclipse will light up the night sky.
The eclipse is expected to start around 8:00 PM (WAT) and last for about 83 minutes, turning the Moon into a deep red color often called a “Blood Moon.”
Where It Can Be Seen
According to reports from the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), most African countries will get a clear view of the eclipse. This includes Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Togo, Niger, Chad, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
Some western regions may miss the early part of the eclipse because the Moon will rise a little later, but in most parts of Nigeria, the show will be visible from start to finish.
Why Does the Moon Turn Red?
Scientists say a lunar eclipse happens when the Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the Moon’s surface. The reddish color appears because sunlight bends through the Earth’s atmosphere, filtering out blue light and leaving behind shades of red and orange.
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Unlike a solar eclipse, which requires protective glasses, a lunar eclipse is completely safe to look at with the naked eye.
Best Places to Watch in Nigeria
If you want the clearest view, areas with little or no light pollution—such as Yobe and Borno States—will be perfect. But even in major cities like Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt, residents will still be able to enjoy the spectacle.
A Night to Remember
This eclipse is part of a series that will also be visible in Europe, Asia, and Australia, according to NASA. For Nigerians, it’s a chance to witness one of nature’s most fascinating sky shows without any equipment—just step outside and look up.