Gearing Up for the Great American Eclipse on April 8: Viewing and Activities in the Cranford/Westfield, NJ Area

In just two weeks, residents of the Cranford and Westfield, New Jersey area are in for a remarkable astronomical event: another solar eclipse! Celestial enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting this spectacle since 2017 and on April 8^th we will again be looking up at the sky with awe! To help you prepare, I’ve gathered information on where to find free eclipse glasses and activities to enjoy during this rare event. Let’s get ready to witness this cosmic spectacle and make lasting memories with friends and family in our community.

Understanding the Solar Eclipse: A solar eclipse transpires when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, obscuring all or part of the Sun’s light. In our region, we’re poised to witness a partial solar eclipse, where the Moon will cover a portion of the Sun, creating a captivating crescent shape in the sky. Although not as dramatic as a total solar eclipse, this event promises a mesmerizing experience for sky gazers. Click here for NASA’s video of the path of the eclipse: The Path of the 2024 Eclipse

While New Jersey is not in the direct path of the eclipse, residents will definitely have a spectacular view! Our state will see a “partial” eclipse. On April 8^th, beginning at 2:09 p.m. and ending at 4:37 p.m., most of New Jersey should see 92% coverage. The MAX eclipse will occur at approximately 3:25pm.

NASA’s Insights: NASA, the foremost authority on space exploration, provides invaluable insights into solar eclipses. NASA emphasizes the significance of using proper eye protection when observing the eclipse to prevent eye damage. Even during a partial eclipse, the Sun’s rays remain potent enough to cause harm without adequate protection.

Ensuring a safe viewing experience is paramount when observing a solar eclipse. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

1. Use Certified Solar Viewing Glasses: Regular sunglasses are not sufficient for eclipse viewing. Invest in ISO 12312-2 certified solar viewing glasses, readily available at many retailers. These glasses provide the necessary protection to view the Sun directly without risking eye damage.
2. Inspect Your Glasses: Before the eclipse, carefully inspect your solar viewing glasses for any signs of damage, such as scratches or cracks. Damaged glasses may compromise eye safety, so it’s crucial to replace them if necessary.
3. Proper Viewing Technique: Once you have your certified glasses, use them correctly. Before looking at the Sun, put on the glasses and ensure they fit snugly. Look directly at the sun ONLY while wearing the glasses, and supervise children to ensure they follow the same precautions.
4. Alternative Viewing Methods: If solar viewing glasses are unavailable, you can create a pinhole projector or use a telescope with a solar filter to indirectly view the eclipse. These methods project an image of the Sun onto a surface, allowing you to observe the eclipse safely.

Local Spots to Score Free Glasses!

Westfield Memorial Library(550 E Broad St., Westfield): For a pair of free glasses, just visit the library’s front desk and show your Westfield library card. One pair of glasses will be provided per library card, while supplies last.

Online list of reputable distributors of solar eclipse glasses: Solar Eclipse Viewers

Events That You Won’t Want to Miss!

Liberty Science Center: Join them for New Jersey’s Largest Astronomy Party! On Monday, April 8, 2024, you’re invited to celebrate The Great Eclipse at Liberty Science Center. They’ve got:

• Free solar viewing glasses, included with every admission ticket on April 8

• Telescope viewings

• Live webcast (rain or shine!)

• Special planetarium and theater shows

• Hands-on astronomy fun

• Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon Laser Show

Trailside Nature & Science Center: Everyone is invited to celebrate the eclipse and visit for special presentations, activities, crafts & giveaways. On April 6th, the Saturday before the eclipse, Trailside will offer a guided walk on the half-mile Solar System Trail in the Watchung Reservation at 1:30pm. Every step on this walk represents one million miles in space. Participants will learn how to use the audio guides to discover fun facts about our solar system. Both the solar eclipse presentation and guided trail walk are open to participants ages six and older. Pre-registration is required for all programs and can be completed online at ucnj.org/trailside. 

United Astronomy Clubs of NJ: will host a free public viewing of the April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse at our observatory in Jenny Jump State Forest in New Jersey (333 State Park Rd., Hope, NJ). The entire event will be outdoors. Please bring your own chair or blanket to sit on. Please arrive around 12 pm. They will have digital cameras attached to some of our telescopes to provide a live view of the eclipse. This event is rain or shine! If there are clouds or rain, we will show a live stream from another observatory. Book Here!!

Other Ways to Enjoy the Eclipse- 

NASA LIVE: Watch unprecedented images and live video of the eclipse from numerous spacecraft, the International Space Station, and from the Eclipse Ballooning Project (teams from universities fly balloons as high as 10,000 ft. and send back views through NASA TV). Click here to be directed to their website for all the live feeds: 2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Through the Eyes of NASA

As the solar eclipse approaches, excitement builds in the Cranford/Westfield area! By heeding NASA’s advice and adhering to safety guidelines, we can marvel at the wonders of the universe while safeguarding our vision. So, mark your calendars, gather your viewing equipment, and get ready to witness the magic of the cosmos right from our own backyard. Let’s make this 2024 eclipse viewing experience one to remember!