Mark your calendars! In less than three weeks, the afternoon sky will be plunged into darkness for some observers as the moon’s shadow obscures the sun.
On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross the continental United States for the first time since 2017 and for the last time until 2044.
Solar eclipses provide scientists and civilians alike with the unique opportunity to view the solar corona, or the sun’s atmosphere. These spectacular events hold significant value for researchers; without them, we would not know nearly as much as we do about the sun’s surface, weather patterns, and magnetic field.
For those of us who are not as invested in the inner workings of the sun, eclipses are still an awe-inspiring experience and a breathtaking display of the universe at work and a chance for citizen scientists to assist in research by recording the sounds in your neighborhood (rowan.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=de4970a6c07e4d4d15c32ed19&id=923d9b6671&e=1abb272bb0) and measuring temperature and cloud changes (rowan.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=de4970a6c07e4d4d15c32ed19&id=1efab830fb&e=1abb272bb0) during the eclipse.
Though New Jersey is not in the narrow path of totality, we will still experience a partial eclipse with 90 percent of the sun blocked by the moon at its peak. At maximum eclipse, the sun will appear as a thin crescent.
However, even with 90 percent coverage, the sun’s rays can still be damaging, so make sure to use proper viewing methods to observe the eclipse. Indirect methods, such as pinhole projectors, are an easy way to view safely view the eclipse.
To directly view the sun, you will need solar viewers such as eclipse glasses—sunglasses are not safe for direct solar viewing. Solar eclipse glasses are specially designed glasses that block 99.9 percent of the sun’s light, dimming it down enough for safe observing. They can be used year round to observe sunspots and planet transits. (See box on next page for how to register for free eclipse glasses at Rowan’s Edelman Planetarium.)
The moon will begin obscuring the sun at 2:08 p.m and will take approximately 75 minutes to reach its maximum, where it will remain for roughly four minutes. At around 3:27 p.m., the moon will begin its descent ending around 4:25 p.m.
Sources:
- Cosmic Times, a publication of Edelman Planetarium at Rowan University
- Map image: espace
Free Eclipse Glasses
Eye protection is NECESSARY to safely view the upcoming eclipse as permanent damage may occur without it. If you don’t have proper viewing equipment, don’t worry. The Edelman Planetarium at Rowan University is providing the public with FREE eclipse glasses from now until April 7. Its centennial-themed, “CE” certified glasses combine safety, style, and Rowan pride; now you can celebrate Rowan’s 100th birthday while you protect your eyes.
Registration is required, and all glasses must be picked up before 5 p.m. on April 7. There are just 6,000 pairs, so sign up while supplies last. More details, including pick-up times and household limits, can be found on the registration page: rowan.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=de4970a6c07e4d4d15c32ed19&id=08cc7bd23f&e=1abb272bb0)
