There was panic yesterday in parts of Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, with some residents fearing that the unusual celestial display witnessed in the city might be a sign that the world is about to end.

The fears were, however, allayed by the National Space Research Development Agency (NASRDA), which described the phenomenon as a natural one, explaining that it was not an eclipse of the sun but rather a ‘special rainbow’ that is heralding the rainy season.

“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,” reports The Guardian.

“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,” the paper adds.

It, however, quotes NASRDA’s Director of Communications, Felix Alle, as saying that though the scenario was spectacular, it was nothing to give anybody fears.

His words: “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.”