Agency alerts on Sept 28 lunar eclipse in Nigeria, urges calm

NIGERIANS have been urged to brace up for a Lunar Eclipse, which would begin on Monday, September 28, 2015 from 1:11 a.m., and will be at its maximum by 3:47 a.m., with its final contact by 6:22 a.m.

This alert, which came from the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), is expected to see some level of darkness for five hours 11 minutes.

NARSDA describes the lunar eclipse as an astronomical event that occurs when the Earth comes in-between the Sun and the Moon, and the Earth cast its shadow on the Moon so that the Moon appears reddish.

Experts say lunar eclipses occur when Earth’s shadow blocks the Sun’s light, which otherwise reflects off the Moon. There are three types: total, partial and penumbral with the most dramatic being a total lunar eclipse, in which Earth’s shadow completely covers the Moon.

Lunar eclipse is also expected to be observed in some regions around the world.

Deputy Director, Media and Corporate Communications at NARSA, Dr. Felix Ale, said in a statement in Abuja: “The Lunar Eclipse, which is also called the blood Moon, will be observed in some regions around the world. Some of the regions that will see at least some parts of the eclipse include Europe, South/East Asia, Africa, much of North America, much of South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Arctic and Antarctica.

“However, the Lunar Eclipse will be viewed in Nigeria, especially in locations with the absence of cloud cover.”

“Nigerians are advised not to panic, and to go about their normal activities as it is just an astronomical event, which will last for five hours 11 minutes,” he further stated.