This is a reminder on an annular solar eclipse that will occur on September 1, 2016. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, thereby totally or partly obscuring the image of the Sun for a viewer on Earth. An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon's apparent diameter is smaller than the Sun's, blocking most of the Sun's light and causing the Sun to look like an annulus (ring). An annular eclipse appears as a partial eclipse over a region of the Earth thousands of kilometres wide.
. Nigeria is set to experience an annular solar eclipse that will be visible all over the country

– The phenomenon is expected between 7:15 a.m. and 10:03 a.m on Thursday, September 1

– This information was provided by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA)

The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) august 16, informed Nigerians that the annular eclipse would be observed as a partial or near total eclipse across the country.

This was contained in a statement released to the media by the head of media and corporate communications of NASRDA, Dr Felix Ale.


Nigeria’s minister of science and technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu

According to the statement, the highest degree of obscurity during this natural occurrence will be in the southern part of the country particularly in Lagos where it is expected to have 80 per cent obscurity while the lowest degree of obscurity will be about 45 per cent and this will be observed in the northern part of the country, particularly in Sokoto.

The annular eclipse would be observed as a partial or near total eclipse across the country with the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja expected to be about 60 per cent.

Part of the statement read: “The annular eclipse is expected to occur between 7:15 a.m. and 10:03 a.m. with slight variations in actual timing across the country.

“In Lagos, the first contact will occur about 7:15 a.m. while the maximum eclipse will occur around 8:30 a.m. and will end by 10:03 a.m.

“The eclipse is expected to commence in Abuja around 7:17 a.m., with maximum eclipse to be recorded about 8:32 a.m. and the eclipse will end around 10:00 a.m.”

Dr Ale urged Nigerians not to see eclipse as a spiritual issue but a natural occurrence that can be accurately predicted by science.

He noted that NASRDA has developed the capacity to accurately make this prediction as part of its mandate.

He also said NASRDA has put in place a viewing centre at her headquarters in Abuja with the provision of proper eclipse viewing apparatus for school children to observe the annular eclipse.

This he said, is part of the space agency’s continuous efforts to expose Nigerians, especially students to matters concerning astronomical environment.

The statement however warned that observing the solar eclipse with naked eyes could lead to permanent damage to the eyes, as the obstruction does not reduce the luminosity of the sun.

An eclipse is an astronomical event that occurs when an astronomical object is temporarily obscured, either by passing into the shadow of another body or by having another body pass between it and the viewer.

Annular solar eclipses have a “ring of fire” and occurs when the Moon moves in front of the Sun but does not cover the Sun’s discs completely.