The Gambia’s Supreme Islamic Council has issued an alert ahead of a rare nightlong lunar eclipse, which will see the moon appear red across the country.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow that gives the moon a reddish hue.

In a statement, the Council’s Fatwa and Moon-Sighting Committee urged the public to prepare for the celestial event.

“The committee informs all Muslims in The Gambia to expect a lunar eclipse tonight, starting at approximately 20:28, based on astronomical forecasts and calculations,” the statement said.

By Adama Makasuba