Kenyans will be treated to a rare celestial spectacle on Sunday evening as a total lunar eclipse, popularly known as a “blood moon”, casts its glow across the skies.
The event, expected to be visible across much of the country, will coincide with the launch of Kenya’s first official astro-tourism initiative.
The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) has announced that it will host a public lunar eclipse viewing at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi on 7 September.
The gathering will bring together learners, young Kenyans, and families to watch the eclipse while also marking the flagship launch of astro-tourism in the country. Officials say the move aims to spark greater interest in space science while positioning Kenya as a destination for stargazing experiences.
Astronomers note that the eclipse will begin at 7.27pm Kenyan time, with totality when the moon turns a deep red, lasting from 8.30pm to 9.52pm. The entire eclipse will span five hours and 27 minutes.
“This is one of the longest total lunar eclipses in recent years and an opportunity for Kenyans to engage with science in a hands-on way,” said a KSA spokesperson.
“Astro-tourism is about making space phenomena accessible and inspiring for all.”
Unlike solar eclipses, the lunar eclipse is safe to watch with the naked eye, though binoculars or telescopes will enhance the view. The event will also be visible across Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.
For Kenyans, the spectacle offers both wonder and opportunity. With the government backing astro-tourism, Sunday’s blood moon may mark the beginning of a new frontier where science, culture, and tourism meet under the stars.
