Today's solar eclipse is much anticipated in our area by most of us, while others may be dismissing it, because they’ve seen one recently. So what gives?
Did you know that there are at least two (but not more than five) solar eclipses each year in the world? However, they do not cover each location on earth every year. Each particular location on earth might only get a total eclipse (100% coverage of the sun) every 375 years on average. In between, each location might get different amounts of totality.
In our area of New Jersey, today’s eclipse will not be a total eclipse. It will only cover about 90% of the sun. Here, it will be a partial solar eclipse. The last total solar eclipse somewhere in NJ was in January 1925 and the next will be in May 2079. For many of us, partial eclipses are all we’ll ever see, unless we travel to a specific location for a specific one, such as this afternoon to upstate NY, PA, OH, or various other states.
Wild animals might get confused thinking it's night time. Also, it might get 10 degrees chillier for the short length of the partial eclipse. There's lots to explain to your little ones!
In NJ, the eclipse is set to begin at 2:09pm, with a peak at 3:24pm, and ending at 4:35pm.
If you plan on looking at the eclipse, please be sure to wear proper protection. Sunglasses will not be enough and could damage your eyes just as badly as wearing nothing.
You still have a little bit of time to make your own pinhole projector.
Events you may attend nearby:
š Total Eclipse Viewing and Livestream at Summit Public Library (eclipse glasses will not be given out at the event)
š Eclipse Watch Party at West Orange Library (all ages)
Enjoy!
