3 Times Nigerians Saw an Eclipse in the 21st Century

Eclipses, those mesmerizing celestial events, have captivated humans for centuries. While they might seem rare, Nigeria has been fortunate to witness these astronomical wonders several times in the 21st century. An eclipse occurs when one celestial body moves into the shadow of another.

The most common type, a solar eclipse, happens when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on our planet. There’s also the lunar eclipse, where the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow on the moon. 

These events can be seen from any location on Earth where the moon is visible, with the moon appearing dark or taking on a reddish hue during a lunar eclipse. Let’s look into the memorable occasions when Nigerians looked up to the sky in awe to observe an eclipse.

March 29, 2006 – Total Solar Eclipse

This was a day of wonder for many Nigerians as a total solar eclipse graced the skies of eight states, including Lagos, Abuja, and Kaduna. The eclipse lasted for a brief moment, no more than three minutes, but it left a lasting impression on those who experienced it.

November 3, 2013 – Partial Solar Eclipse

Several years later, another eclipse made its appearance, this time a partial solar eclipse. It was visible in cities across the northern, central, and southwestern regions of Nigeria, including Abuja, Ilorin, and Lagos. The moon partially covered the sun, creating a spectacular sight for onlookers.

July 27, 2018 – Lunar Eclipse

More recently, Nigeria witnessed a lunar eclipse. According to the National Space Research and Development Agency, the eclipse began as a partial one at 6:44 p.m. and evolved into a total eclipse by 7:30 p.m. Lagos was the prime spot for viewing this event, where the moon was fully visible in its reddish glory.

Eclipses are truly remarkable events that remind us of the wonders of the universe. For Nigerians, these three eclipses in the 21st century have been opportunities to pause and appreciate the celestial dance above. Whether it’s the sun being obscured by the moon or the Earth casting its shadow on the moon, each eclipse has been a moment of awe and wonder for those lucky enough to witness it.