New Jersey is not in the path of totality for the solar eclipse that will occur on April 8, 2024, but the state will observe a significant partial eclipse.
For about 45 minutes, the majority of the Sun’s disk will be obscured in New Jersey by the new moon as it transits in its orbit around Earth. Cape May Lighthouse will experience 84 percent totality, while locations west and north will see higher totality. High Point State Park in Sussex County will experience 93 percent totality. For comparison, New Jersey experienced between 70-80 percent of totality during the Great American Eclipse of 2017.
The eclipse will be underway across the State by 2:30 p.m. and will peak between 3:22 and 3:26 p.m. Do not look directly at the partially eclipsed Sun with your naked eyes. Use eclipse glasses or other safe viewing methods.
New Jersey is in the midst of a long eclipse drought. The State’s last total solar eclipse was in January 1925. Children born this year will be about 55 years old when New Jersey experiences its next total solar eclipse on May 1, 2079.
All Planetarium shows at the State Museum through Sunday, April 7 will include a free pair of eclipse glasses while supplies last.