2024 Solar Eclipse
On April 8, 2024, Westfield, New Jersey will witness an extraordinary celestial event—a solar eclipse! In Westfield, the eclipse will not be total, but we will see the moon will cover up to 90% of the sun's disk.
This rare astronomical phenomenon will commence at approximately 2:10 p.m., reach its peak around 3:25 p.m., and conclude by 4:30 p.m. Weather permitting, you might be able to view the eclipse but please do so safely.
To safely view the eclipse you will need special solar eclipse glasses - looking directly at the sun can always cause serious eye damage!
Do not look directly at the sun without proper eye coverage. Sunglasses do not provide protection.
Only iso-certified eclipse glasses (ISO 12312-2) are suitable for viewing the eclipse.
Elementary PTOs have purchases eclipse glasses which will be handed out to students at the end of the school day on April 8.
Solar eclipses are unique and infrequent occurrences that offer a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of our solar system. The next opportunity to observe a total eclipse near New Jersey will be in 2099, so let's hope for clear skies!
Eclipse Education for Students
2024 Solar Eclipse Info Sheet.pdfTeachers will work with students to help them understand the science and history behind this phenomenon. To help all teachers provide a consistent foundation they have been provided with background information documents (such as the one to the left) and links to appropriate eclipse materials on the internet from sources such as Nasa, PBS, and National Geographic. Teachers can review these materials and share what they learn with their students. In our K-5 schools the student's usual classroom teacher may be discussing the eclipse and in our secondary classrooms the science teachers will discuss this event.
Eclipse Information for Parents and the Community
(but good for students too)
What will happen in Westfield?
The Moon will begin to transit (go in front of) the Sun at 2:10 pm.
The maximum solar coverage (about 90%) will be at 3:25 pm.
The transit will be complete at 4:36 pm.
What do I need to view the eclipse?
DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN WITHOUT PROPER EYE PROTECTION!!!
To safely view the eclipse you will need "Solar Eclipse Glasses". These are designed to block 100% of the IR and UV light from the sun and only allow approximately 0.0003% of the visible portion of the spectrum to transmit through.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY GLASSES ARE QUALITY?
The international standard for eye protection designed for solar viewing is
"ISO 12312-2"
If the glasses come from a reputable source and are labeled as meeting this standard, then you can feel comfortable that they are appropriate.
WHERE CAN I GET THEM?
They will be sold at various retailers (I saw them in 7-11 on South Ave, Home Depot sold them for the last partial eclipse in 2017). Amazon will be a popular source, but make sure you know what you are buying! If you put a pair on and can see ANY light from normal (non-sun, non-ridiculously bright and blinding light source) then these glasses are not blocking enough light!
ARE THERE OTHER WAYS TO EXPERIENCE THE ECLIPSE?
If you do not have or want to use, solar eclipse glasses you can also observe this phenomenon using a "pinhole viewer" to project the image of the sun onto another surface. The video farther down on this page shows how easy this can be, and you can practice beforehand with the Sun when it isn't being obstructed by the moon. If you search this method online you will discover you can use many objects to make the pinhole effect and some of them (like a colander) produce very interesting results!
Why is this eclipse a big deal?
Solar Eclipses are "sort-of" uncommon. On average, they do happen about every 18 months. BUT the path of the eclipse is only over a small area of the Earth's surface and most of the time these eclipses happen where almost no one lives (middle of the ocean, at the poles).
A total solar eclipse happening very near to NJ won't happen until 2099 (yes, there will be others before then but not nearly as good of a chance as this year's). Want to know when other eclipses are? More on that farther down the page.
Can you recommend some videos so I can learn more about the eclipse?
I sure can!
Let's start with some popular YouTube channels. The poster to the right has appeared in the Intermediate and High School science areas. Ask your student if they stopped and scanned the QR codes!
Here are the links so you don't have to scan the codes:
Cleo with a YouTube short on the eclipse
Dustin from "Smarter Every Day" on going all-in
GOOD ECLIPSE WEBSITES
I'm busy on april 8th. When can I see the next one?
If you don't want to leave the U.S. it's going to be a while . . . .
March 2033 - Northern Alaska - Bring a jacket.
August 2044 - Northern Montana. Not too bad.
August 2045 - That's a good one - from California to Florida
May 2078 - Also a good opportunity for the states in the southeast
May 2079 - Close, but not great - it's just north of us, but it's the start of the eclipse path
September 2099 - Bingo! A short drive to Virginia
You probably want to peek outdoors on April 8th - get those eclipse glasses!
Why haven't I heard much about this yet?
Good question!
A guess? Media cycles are short and attention spans are shorter. It should be hitting the news and social media in a big way the week before the eclipse
Any other things I can use to enjoy the eclipse?
How to make a pinhole projector
Tennessee Newcast March 21st - they will only see 80%!