Space Agency Predicts Solar Eclipse on September 1

Space Agency Predicts Solar Eclipse on September 1

The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) today predicted that there will be eclipse of the sun across the country on September 1.

In a statement, the Head of Media and Corporate Communications of NASRDA, Mr. Felix Ale, said arrangement had been concluded to provide special solar filters to the public to watch the rare natural occurrence in appreciation of science and nature.

He said: "This natural occurrence will be in the southern part of the country particularly in Lagos where it is expected to have 80 percent obscurity while the lowest degree of obscurity of about 45 per cent will be observed in the northern part of the country, particularly in Sokoto.

"The annular eclipse will be observed as a partial or near total eclipse across the nation with Abuja expected to be about 60 percent.

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

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

"The eclipse is expected to commence in Abuja around 7:17a.m. with maximum eclipse to be recorded at about 8:32a.m. and end around 10:00a.m."

The annular eclipse, the agency advised, is not a spiritual issue but a natural occurrence that can be accurately predicted by science, adding that it has developed the capacity to accurately make this prediction as part of its mandates.

The statement added that: "The space agency has also put in place a viewing centre at its headquarters in Abuja with provision of proper eclipse viewing apparatus for school children to observe the annular eclipse as part of its continuous programmes to expose Nigerians and students to matters concerning astronomical environment.

"While appealing to the public not to panic or adduce any mystical interpretations to this event, it is also necessary to advise that nobody should observe eclipse with naked eyes."