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  • Nigeria to witness first lunar crescent Feb. 28

    Nigeria to witness first lunar crescent Feb. 28

    The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), said that Nigeria would likely witness its first astronomical lunar crescent on Feb.28.

    Dr Felix Ale, Director of Media and Corporate Communications of NASRDA, said this in a statement  on Saturday.

    He said that the lunar crescent had been calculated to occur at 1:45 A.M. West African Time (WAT).

    Ale said the  predicted time of 1:45 A.M time, also known as the Crescent Zero hour,  would be when the crescent could be seen under perfect atmospheric conditions with the aid of optical instruments like  binoculars or telescopes.

    “The crescent will become visible to the naked eye in the evening of Friday 28th 2025 between 6:17 PM and 7:35 PM across different locations in Nigeria.

    “Maiduguri will be the first city to witness the young lunar crescent from 6:17 PM to 6:48 PM, followed by Yola,Adamawa State, from 6:21 PM to 6:51 PM.

    “Damaturu, Yobe, will follow from 6:22 PM to 6:53 PM, Kano, Kastina, Jos and Kaduna will experience the first lunar crescent between 6:38pm and 7:12pm.

    “The sunset and moon set will occur between 6:35pm and 7:12pm, 6:38pm and 7:15pm, 6:35pm and 7:11pm, 6:40pm and 7:17pm respectively.

    “Enugu will experience the lunar crescent between 6:42pm and 7:32pm with sunset and moonset at about 6:42pm and 7:18pm,’’ he said.

    He  predicted that in the FCT, the first lunar crescent would appear between 6:44pm and 7:15 pm, with sunset and moonset at about 6:44pm and 7:20pm.

    The last cities to experience the lunar crescent, he said would be Lagos and Abeokuta between the hours of 6:59pm to 7:30pm.

    Ale said that other cities across the federation will experience the lunar crescent at different times within the estimated visibility window of 6:17pm and 7:35pm on same day.

    He said “for a clear sighting of the first lunar crescent, observers are to use optical aids where necessary, observe under clear atmospheric conditions.

    “Observers are to position themselves in locations with an unobstructed view of the western horizon after sunset,’’

    He added that the scientific report provided precise predictions on the lunar crescent across locations of the country.

    According to him, the report  ensured accuracy for those who relied on lunar observations for religious, cultural, and scientific purposes.

    The space agency encouraged researchers, scholars, and religious groups to utilise the findings, adding that anyone requiring additional data for further analyses could visit the official office website on www.nasrda.gov.ng.

    Dr Bonaventure Okere, Director, Centre for Basic Space Science and Astronomy, (CBSSA), an activity centre of NASRDA, said it was regarded as the first stage of the moon, hence the new crescent.

    Okere said the appearance of the new crescent was highly significant in the Islamic religion, because it was used to determine some rites and practices like the beginning of the Ramadan fast.

    “The Islamic religion use moon phases for their Islamic rites but astronomers study the cycle of the rising and setting of the moon to determine moon days which is usually 28 days.

    “Astronomers use the moon cycle to generate Lunar calendar, understand the part of the moon you can see daily,’’ he said.

  • NASRDA decries lack of patronage of homegrown technology

    NASRDA decries lack of patronage of homegrown technology

    The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) ,says that 90% of security challenges facing the maritime sector in Nigeria can be tackled by Geo – Stationary Satellite .

    The newly appointed Director General of the Space and Research Agency , Dr Olumide Mathew Adepoju stated this during screening exercise of his appointment by the Senate Committee on Innovation , Science and Technology .

    Dr Adepoju at the Screening appointment exercise , however lamented non patronage of Home grown technology in the country by relevant authorities and Nigerians .

    He told the committee chaired by Senator Aminu Iya Abbas ( PDP Adamawa Central) , that the Geo – Stationary Satellite if embraced by all stakeholders in the maritime sector , will fill in the gap for the needed Maritime Domain Awareness for all manner of planned crimes and possibility of nipping them in the bud.

    ” For us at NASRDA, we are ready to collaborate and synergize with critical stakeholders in the maritime sector on the need to curb all manner of crimes in the sector.

    ” The most important device to use is Geo – Stationary Satellite , which would help to give the required Maritime Domain Awareness for the various key players through synthetial factor reading .

    ” For effective use of the Geo – Stationary Satellite , cooperation and synergy are already being worked on between us and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency ( NIMASA), Nigerian Communication Satellite System ( NigComSat) , National Emergency Management Agency ( NEMA ) etc “, he said .

    He however lamented that homegrown technologies put forward through innovations and inventions , are seldom patronized by relevant authorities and Nigerians .

    ” We have inbuilt capacity at NASRDA but the culture of not patronizing ourselves in Nigeria , makes results from such capacities , uncelebrated .

    ” We can work together with the security agencies through our home grown solution which is not patronize .

    ” Aside from that , the problem of acute shortage of office space for about 70 % of NASRDA staff , is also inhibiting them from giving their best because out of 5, 200 staff , less than 30% has office space “, he lamented .

    In his remarks , the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Aminu Iya Abbas , told the nominee , that when confirmed by the Senate as substantive Director General of NASRDA, he should make the Space Center , a Centre of Excellence .

    ” Go for talent hunting because we have not seen much in the area of human development . Develop in – house capacity . Pay attention to staff development “, he said .

  • Nigeria’s space agency addresses claim of 3 days total darkness

    Nigeria’s space agency addresses claim of 3 days total darkness

    The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has debunked a claim on TikTok platform of total darkness on the earth from April 8 for some days, due to the eclipse of the sun.

    A viral message has been trending via TikTok, claiming that there will be three days of darkness on earth, which would occur when the earth passed through the photon belt.

    However, addressing the issue, Mr Felix Ale, NASRDA Director of Media and Corporate Communications, said there would be an eclipse that would last for four minutes only in the North America axis.

    He said the four-minute eclipse would not even be witnessed in Africa.

    “It will happen in North America axis. We will not feel it here because it will be at night in Africa. The eclipse will only last for four minutes and it will not affect us at all,” he said.

    Speaking in the same vein, Ayantunji Gbenro, NASRDA Director of Physical and Life Science Department told NAN that the three days total darkness on earth being peddled on TikTok platform as a result of eclipse was false.

    “It is a false alarm. This is my professional position. What is true is a total solar eclipse that will take place as the moon is ascending node on Monday, April 8, 2024, visible across North America..

    “A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between earth and the sun, thereby obscuring the image of the sun for a viewer on earth.

    “A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon’s apparent diameter is larger than the Sun’s, blocking all direct sunlight, turning day into darkness,“ he explained.

    Gbenro, who is also a Fellow Nigeria Institute of Physics added that totality occurs only in a narrow path across earth’s surface, with the partial solar eclipse visible over a surrounding region thousands of kilometres wide.

    The viral Tik Tok video claimed there would be 72 hours of darkness across the globe occasioned by photons that would prevent the light of the sun or the stars from passing through it.

    According to the video, there will be no break or periods of light during the days, only darkness and when sunlight will return to earth, it will mark beginning of golden age.

    The post claimed that all sun lights will be blocked and solar panels will not generate energy.

    It recommended people to stay at home and avoid traveling for safety reasons, stock food, water candles and other essential items.

  • NASRDA woos Dangote, Elumelu, others to invest in space tech

    NASRDA woos Dangote, Elumelu, others to invest in space tech

    The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), on Monday urged business moguls like Aliko Dangote and Tony Elumelu, among others, to invest in space Science and Technology sector of the country.

    Dr Felix Alle, Head, Media and Corporate Communications of the agency, in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, said Public Private Partnership (PPP) will boost space development.

    Alle said that the current leadership of the Space Agency under Dr Halilu Shaba was driven towards private sector participation that will ensure Nigerians benefit from space science and technology.

    The official emphasised that globally, big entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Richard Branson were investing in space economy because opportunities for growth abound.

    He revealed that the desire to broaden PPP in the space sector spurred the agency to plan towards an internal conference and exhibition on Space Economy expected to hold early in 2023.

    Alle said: “We believe that when we have this PPP, the impact of space technology will be adequately felt by the larger society.

    “We are not relenting and NASRDA want Nigerians to be part of the space economy and the conference will showcase windows of opportunities available in the space sector.

    “Those opportunities will be highlighted to members of the public and prospective investors so they can key into it because a lot of our people are still ignorant of opportunities in this area.

    “We want the likes of Aliko Dangote, Elumelu and big businesses, entrepreneurs to show interest in the area of space sector.’’

    Alle urged entrepreneurs to see the sector as a very strategic area that they can invest in and at the same time contribute to the socio-economic development of this country.

    He added: “They can embark on so many projects, establish companies and boost their financial strength as well as create job opportunities for our youths.’’

    Alle said that the conference would be hosted in collaboration with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and would gather key players across the globe.

    He also said that the agency was expanding its partnerships, both locally and internationally, added to the existing ones.

    According to him, ”we are doing all these to contribute to the socio-economic development of our country, because everything we do today has space connotation.”

    Alle further recalled a recent concession of some of the agency’s projects by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), to the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Adeleke Mamora.

    Alle listed the projects to include the Satellite Broadband project, the Planetarium and the Space Museum which have the capacity of generating N48billion over 15 years period of their concession.

    “The Director-General of ICRC , Mr Joe Ohiani, told the Minister then that the projects can generate about N48billion and create like 10,000 jobs if implemented.

    “It was a way of inviting PPP and the Memorandum to this effect is before the Federal Executive Council and as soon as this is approved, we will hit the ground running,’’ Alle said.

  • NBC to use tech for boundary management – Adaji

    NBC to use tech for boundary management – Adaji

    Disturbed by the slow pace of data collection in the management of Nigeria’s boundaries, the National Boundary Commission (NBC) is looking towards a more comprehensive means of keeping detailed data and effectively managing its boundaries.

    The Director General of the National Boundary Commission, Surv. Adamu Adaji made this disclosure in his office while receiving his colleague from the National Space Research Development Agency (NASRDA).

    Adaji stated that it is increasingly becoming difficult to successfully carry out its core interests mandate of determining its boundaries by relying only on the traditional method of data collection, which are sometimes influenced by human dispositions hence the Commission has decided to flow with the tide and embrace technology.

    “The use of satellite imagery will be an added impetus to Boundary management as it will help Boundary managers to keep track of the relevant data needed for boundary determination and definition”.

    “With the use of satellite we will not only be able to collect data to establish the boundary marks but we will also be able to immediately go into the field to commence demarcation thereby restoring peace to warring border communities”.

    “Our goal at the Commission is to ensure speedy resolutions of boundary disputes and stimulate economic growth and development in the affected areas”.

    We will count on your expertise to train boundary managers on how best to collect data to fast track the job.

    Partnership with a sister Agency will certainly aid in strengthening bonds and ensure lasting peace in warring communities.

    The task of determining boundaries without the relevant data from the local and state boundary committees can be very daunting it is hoped that with the introduction of the use of technology the task will be much easier as everyone will have an idea where the boundary line starts and ends.

    All Government Agencies and Formations have equal stakes at warring against the insecurity bedevilling our society and mapping out strategies of restoring peace and bringing development to the door steps of all its citizens and this can only be achieved when all critical Government Agencies agree to walk together in unity.

    Earlier, the Director General of the National Space Research Development Agency, Dr. Halilu Shaba said that he was at the NBC’s Corporate Headquarters with his management team to seek collaboration with the Commission on Border management.

    He stated that his Agency has developed a Satellite that would enhance effectiveness in boundary management.

    According to him, aside from boundary markings, auditing, mappings and monitoring, the Satellite can also help gather detailed information that will assist in the quick resolution of boundary issues “so that when you speak, you speak to evidences”.

  • Nigeria to experience total lunar eclipse on Monday – NASRDA

    The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) on Friday said Nigeria will join other countries of the world to experience total lunar eclipse on Monday.

    The information was contained in a statement issued to NAN by Dr Felix Alle, the Head, Media and Public Communications of the agency in Abuja.

    According to Alle, lunar eclipse is one in which the moon appears darkened as it passes into the earth’s shadow.

    He stated that “lunar eclipse occurs only when the sun, earth and moon are exactly aligned with the earth between the two.

    “There will be a lunar eclipse over Nigeria on Monday, Jan. 21, 2019.

    “The eclipse, expected to be total, will begin in the evening of Sunday and end on Monday.

    “The eclipse will start across Nigeria in the early hours of Monday at approximately 3.36 a.m. to reach its maximum at 6.12 a.m. and end at about 6.51 a.m.

    “The total duration of the occurrence over Nigeria will be three hours and 15 minutes.”

    The media head said that the lunar eclipse would by 4.33 a.m. become partial eclipse, where the moon would start getting red.

    He added that “at exactly 5.41 a.m., a maximum eclipse of the moon which may be visible to human sight will be witnessed, while the moon eclipse is expected to end at 6.43 a.m.”

    The communications officer stated that the eclipse was expected to take place across North, South America, Western Europe, North and West Africa and Asia.

    He said that the year’s total lunar eclipse would be the last eclipse to be experienced until 2021.

  • Payette urges more Nigerian students to show interest in STEM

    Governor-General of Canada, Ms Julie Payette urged Nigerian students to develop interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
    Payette gave the advice when she addressed students from various Secondary Schools in Abuja at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) on Monday.
    She said that with determination, hard work and right plan, the students could excel in any of their chosen careers in STEM.
    She said that Canada would strengthen its relationship with the Federal Government, especially in the area of space technology.
    “Canada has gone far in space research and the feat has added value to the country.
    “Nigeria will definitely benefit from our space knowledge, “ she said.
    Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, the Minister of Science and Technology, said the Federal Government was ready to partner Canada to fasten the pace of technology and other Canadian technologies that could fast tract development in Nigeria.
    Onu said that Payette was a great achiever before becoming general governor of Canada.
    “Before becoming Governor General, Julie was an astronaut, engineer, scientific broadcaster and corporate director.
    “From 1992 to 2013, Ms Payette worked as an astronaut and flew two time mission in space.
    “She also served many years as Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM) at NASA’s Mission Control Centre in Houston, Texas, and Chief Astronaut for Canadian Space Agency,’’ he said.
    NASRDA Director-General, Seidu Mohammed, said that Payette was well respected for her work in developing policies to promote science and technology.
    Payette also visited Africa University of Science and Technology to (AUST), where she urged Masters and the PhD students in be proactive in innovation and creativity.
    The Governor-General of Canada, is also expected to inaugurate the Lagos State Bio-security Laboratory located at the Mainland Hospital in Yaba on Tuesday.
     

  • NASRDA urges FG to launch agricultural satellite – Official

    Dr Halilu Shaba, Director, Strategic Space Applications, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), has urged the Federal Government to consider sponsoring the launch of a satellite to boost agriculture in Nigeria.

    Shaba made the call on Wednesday at the Annual Space Conference and Exhibition of the Centre for Satellite Technology Development (CSTD) in Abuja.

    According to him, dedicating a satellite to agriculture will address hunger faced by the increasing population in the country.

    “The government should look at agriculture as a project and launch agricultural satellite because of its revisiting period.

    “It should be purely agricultural satellite that will give you information on soil mixture, nitrates nitrogen content and the health of the crop.

    “Only this will transform Nigerian agricultural system and I can tell you that within one year we are going to be self sufficient in terms of agricultural products,” Shaba said.

    The director, however, identified that revolutionised agriculture with the application of Space Science Technology (SST) would not be achieved with poor budget to the sector.

    According to him, properly and consistently financing the country’s satellites will enable effectiveness of the sector.

    “The government should increase the budget on Space Science Technology and be consistent with it because when you launch a satellite you don’t allow the satellite to expire before you launch another one.

    “If we look at Nigeria Sat 2, it is meant to have expired now and de-orbited and we don’t have another satellite to replace it. That is not how satellite organisations work.

    “The country should be thinking of launching more satellites because a satellite at a time is not adequate.

    “We need satellites on constellations because one satellite hampers our activities; with the right budget we can revolutionalise agriculture,” he said.

    Shaba said that the SST sector would advance if privitisation was encouraged.

    He said that synergy between the Ministry of Agriculture and NASRDA would encourage information, data sharing to improve the sector.

    According to him, the Ministry of Agriculture will liaise with farmers and educate them on the application of the use of satellites in agriculture.

    “We need a lot of advocacy which the budget is not available but we need to work with the Ministries of Agriculture so that they will appoint extension officers to work with the farmers.

    “The extension officers will share the information with the farmers, interpret the kind of information sent out because most of them are illiterates.”

    The conference has as its theme: “Revolutionising Agriculture through Space Science and Technology Application”.

     

  • NASRDA boss calls for more funding to boost space technology

    The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) on Tuesday called for more funding of Space Technology (ST) programmes in the country for sustainable development.

    The Director General, Prof. Seidu Mohammed made the call during the Space presentation at the ongoing Science and Technology Expo in Abuja.

    The expo tagged `Fast Tracking Sustainable Development of Nigeria through Science and Technology’ is expected to end on March 9.

    Mohammed said that Nigeria had enough potential that could develop innovations, space technology, but the sector was poorly funded.

    “We know that our income in Africa is low and for us to reap the benefits of space technology there is need for more investments in low earth orbit.

    “Spin offs from ST have rewards on revenue generation and sustainable technological growth in the Information Communication Technology world.

    “Opportunities abound in ST, but that area of science is underfunded and that will make us as a country lagging towards developing the sector.

    “If we are more funded, it will ensure that benefits of ST are reaped and will engender more jobs to our engineers and youths,” he said.

    According to Mohammed, ST involves developing and deploying space craft satellites and space stations into the orbit.

    He added that launching of more satellites into the orbit, especially communication satellites would reduce capital flight, which amounted to over N1 billion yearly.

    The director general emphasised that communication satellites were more resourceful to establish, adding that its benefits were on a short term compared to other forms of satellites.

    He reiterated that ST enabled high level research and create employment which required huge funding.

    Mohammed noted that Nigeria had the capacity, potential to develop innovations to drive the ST sector, but fairness and protection of the market space was needed.

    He, however, said that the agency would ensure capacity building for its engineers, promoting innovations and deploying the appropriate approach to ST development.

     

  • 2017 Ramadan: Fasting ends on Saturday – NASRDA

    2017 Ramadan: Fasting ends on Saturday – NASRDA

    The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has said this year’s Ramadan fast will come to an end on Saturday.

    NASRDA explained that the appearance of the first astronomical lunar crescent for the month of June 2017, which signifies the end of Ramadan fast will be recorded in Nigeria on 25th June, 2017 between the hours of 6.29pm and 8.40pm.

    The Head of Media and Corporate Communications of the Agency, Dr. Felix Ale, in a statement on Monday said that the first appearance of the moon can only be sighted with the eyes given a very cloudless sky without any atmospheric disturbance.

    The first lunar crescent can be best sighted with the aid of charged couple device imaging, astronomical telescope or any optical astronomy instrument.

    Ale stated that the proper sighting of the crescent with the eyes, will bring to an end the on-going Ramadan fast, as would be officially announced by His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto to all Muslim faithfuls in line with Islamic tradition.