The National Space Research Development Agency (NASRDA) has allayed fears by some Abuja residents that the unusual celestial display witnessed in the city Tuesday may be a sign of the end time.
The Agency’s Director of Communications, Felix Alle, told The Guardian Tuesday that the phenomenon is not an eclipse of the Sun but rather a ‘special rainbow’ that is heralding the rainy season.
Indeed, the capital city, which had witnessed months of hot weather, had a sudden bout of rainfall on Monday night. By Tuesday morning, residents woke to see a special atmospheric feature.
An ash-like patch formed something like a circle around the sky, with flashes of rainbow around. The scenario, which lasted for a little while, was difficult to explain, as many residents stole occasional glances at the scorching sun, while battling to get better view.
Alle told The Guardian that though the scenario was spectacular, it was nothing to give any body fears.
He said: “ It is a special rainbow not an eclipse but far from the sun. It is a special form of rainbow and may have come because of the change in weather.
“It also indicates the movement from dry to rainy season, and the volume of dust in the air from this part of Nigeria. Also, we are closer to the equator in this part of the country.”
