The solar eclipse will darken the sky for a few unforgettable minutes Monday and much of New Jersey is eagerly awaiting a glimpse.
For those who want to experience the eclipse with a group, special viewing events are being held throughout the state — sort of like the astronomy version of Super Bowl watch parties. (See a list of seven unique events below.)
About 90% of the sun will be blocked by the moon for a brief period in the late afternoon in New Jersey.
“Maximum obscuration will occur between 3:23 p.m. and 3:26 p.m. depending on location in New Jersey,” according to state Department of Environmental Protection officials.
The moon will begin to cross over the sun in the sky around 2:09 p.m., with the blockage ending around 4:35 p.m. At the maximum coverage, the sun is expected to look like a thin crescent moon shining in the afternoon sky.
Keep in mind that “viewing of the solar eclipse should only be done while using specialized eclipse viewing glasses,” state officials warned.
Here are some spots in New Jersey to view the eclipse:
High Point State Park
One obvious viewing choice is High Point State Park in Sussex County, which offers New Jersey’s highest elevation at 1,803 feet.
High Point, with an anticipated 93.09% obscuration of the sun during the eclipse, is among more than two dozen state parks where you can view the eclipse out in nature, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.
High Point State Park is expecting a large number of visitors to view the eclipse, the park’s website said. Park hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and public restrooms are limited this time of year.
The High Point Monument on top of the mountain’s summit is closed for the season.
Visitors are asked to only park in designated areas and not pull off on the grass, which are saturated due to recent heavy rains, park officials said.
Cape May-Lewes Ferry
TheCape May-Lewes Ferry, which crosses the Delaware Bay, is touting two, regularly-scheduled rides on Monday as Solar Eclipse Sailings.
“Get ready for an extraordinary experience! On April 8th, 2024, you have the opportunity to witness the Solar Eclipse from a unique perspective,” the ferry company says on its website.
“During our regularly scheduled 2:30 pm crossing from Cape May to Lewes (Delaware), or our 2:45 pm crossing from Lewes to Cape May, a partial eclipse will be visible from our upper decks, weather permitting,” the ferry says.
Reserved seating is not being offered.
Liberty Science Center
Liberty Science Center in Jersey City is hosting what it describes as “New Jersey’s Largest Astronomy Party” on Monday.
“On that day, the sun will be 91.2% covered in a near-total eclipse. You won’t see anything like this again until 2044,” it says.
The Great Eclipse celebration will begin at 1 p.m., three hours after the science center opens for the day.
Free solar viewing glasses will be provided with every admission ticket. There will be, weather permitting, from eight to 10 telescopes on the back lawn, with the planetarium team offering guidance.
Starting at 1:30 p.m, the science center will offer a webcast from NASA, and those from other science sites, enabling viewers to watch the eclipse from various locations across its path.
Rutgers University
In a unique twist, two Rutgers University English professors will be reading “Paradise Lost,” by famed 17th Century poet John Milton, from 9:30 a.m. until approximately 6 p.m. on the New Brunswick campus.
“Paradise Lost” features allusions to eclipses, along with imagery of light and darkness, Rutgers officials said.
Students, faculty, other employees and members of the public are invited to join professors Ann Baynes Coiro and Brad Evans in the reading, which will take place in front of Murray Hall, near George Street in New Brunswick.
“You can drop by to listen,” Evans said. “And anyone can get in the queue to read a verse paragraph.”
Jenny Jump State Forest
The United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey, which has an observatory at Jenny Jump State Forest in Warren County, is hosting a Total Solar Eclipse Event, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday. Admission is free, but registration is requested due to limited parking.
“We are pleased to provide access to solar viewing equipment for all attendees. Solar glasses will also be available for purchase at the observatory for your convenience,” the organization says on its website.
Organizers have a backup plan if the weather does not cooperate.
“In the event of adverse weather conditions, we will provide a live stream from a location with clear skies so that you can still witness this celestial wonder from the comfort of our observatory,” the group said.
Jenny Jump State Forest is located at 333 State Park Road in Hope.
Gateway National Recreation Area
The U.S. National Park Service is touting a Sandy Hook Partial Solar Eclipse Watch Party, free of charge, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday in Sandy Hook at Parking Lot E.
“Although Sandy Hook is not in the path of totality, we do expect to experience a partial eclipse. The rangers will have eclipse safety glasses and Junior Ranger Eclipse Explorer books and badges available for visitors. Remember to bring beach chairs and sunscreen,” organizers said.
Belleplain State Forest
Belleplain State Forest in Cape May County is touting a hike organized by employees to the park’s athletic field for eclipse viewing, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
Hikers will meet at the Belleplain office at 2 p.m. The state forest is located at 1 Henkinsifkin Road in Woodbine.
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Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com.
