A post showing a picture of a dark sky and alleging that the solar eclipse, which happened on April 8, also took place in Kano, Nigeria, has been circulating online.
In a post on X , @NigeriaStories posted the screenshot with a post that reads:
JUST IN: Eclipse of the Sun currently happening in Kano State, Nigeria
The post has garnered over 742,000 views, more than 1,600 reposts, about 473 comments, and over 9,300 likes as of April 9, 2024.
CLAIM
The solar eclipse took place in Kano Nigeria on April 9, 2024
THE FINDINGS
Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is FALSE.
According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA), a U.S. government agency that is responsible for science and technology related to air and space, that explores and studies the universe, Earth, and aeronautics, a total solar eclipse was stipulated to occur cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada on April 8.Â
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.
This finding revealed that the eclipse would only take place in the above-listed place, and Africa is not part of it.
The FactCheckHub also contacted Lukman Abdulmalik, a journalist based in Kano and he clarified that the eclipse did not occur in the state on Monday, April 8 describing what’s being circulated as fake news.
Also, a resident of Kano Musa Muhmmed a UI/UX designer was contacted in regards to sighting the kano eclipse. In his words, he stated; “that’s what I heard too. But I did not notice any difference in the weather or the sky.Â
Further findings also showed that the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), a Nigerian government agency responsible for space exploration, research, and development did not announce there would be an eclipse in the country. The incident was also not reported by any credible media platformÂ
The FactCheckHub has also Factchecked a similar claim which can be found here
THE VERDICT
The claim that the solar eclipse took place in Kano Nigeria on April 8, 2024 is FALSE; scientific findings and interview with on the ground sources show that the solar eclipse did not occur in the state recently.Â
Amala is a tactical Fact-Checker, who is passionate about using Fact-checking to curb the spread of Misinformation and Disinformation which has become prevalent in the media space. She can be reached on X at muonweblessing and LinkedIn on Amala Blessing Muonwe
