Lunar eclipse on September 7th is indeed an exciting astronomical event

The lunar eclipse on September 7th is indeed an exciting astronomical event for many countries, including Nigeria and others in Africa. To best experience this event, it's important to know when to look up and what to expect.

In Nigeria, the eclipse is expected to start with the penumbral phase around 8 PM local time, where the Moon will begin to move into the Earth's outer shadow. This phase may not be as dramatic as the later stages, but it marks the beginning of the eclipse. The partial eclipse is set to start approximately 9:02 PM, which is when the Moon starts to move into Earth's darker, umbral shadow.

The total eclipse will begin at 10:11 PM, which is when the Moon will be fully engulfed by Earth's shadow, potentially turning a deep shade of red, often referred to as a "Blood Moon." This red hue occurs because some of the sunlight passing through the Earth's atmosphere is refracted and reaches the Moon, giving it a reddish tint. This phase will last for about 83 minutes, making it a relatively long total lunar eclipse.

The total eclipse will end at 11:33 PM, followed by the Moon's gradual exit from the umbral shadow during the later partial eclipse phase. The entire event should be visible from various locations across the continent, depending on local weather conditions.

To safely observe the lunar eclipse, it is recommended to:

1. Find a location with an unobstructed view of the sky, ideally away from city lights to reduce light pollution.
2. Check the local timings for the eclipse in your area to ensure you don't miss the peak moments.
3. Use a telescope or binoculars to enhance your viewing experience if available, but these are not necessary to see the eclipse.
4. Remember that unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse can be viewed with the naked eye without any special protective gear.
5. If you're in a region where the Moon rises after the eclipse begins or sets before it ends, you might only be able to observe certain stages of the eclipse.

Make sure to check the local weather forecast for the best viewing conditions and enjoy this celestial spectacle! It's also a great opportunity to educate yourself and others about astronomy and the workings of our solar system.


NTA