March 25, 2024

Photos from April 8, 2024 eclipse available at following link:

April 8, 2024 Solar Eclipse

TRENTON, NJ –Mark your calendar because on the afternoon of April 8, 2024 New Jersey will experience a partial solar eclipse. North Jersey should experience a partial solar eclipse greater than 90%, Central Jersey to South Jersey should experience a partial solar eclipse of 85 to 90% and Cape May less than 85%. Many New Jerseyans may want to travel to the center of the 115-mile-wide path of totality in states such as New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine or Ohio. See NASA maps below and NASA page for the eclipse.

If you wish to view the solar eclipse make sure you, do it safely by wearing special eclipse glasses. Protect your cameras with special solar filters designed for photographing the eclipse.

According to the American Astronomical Society on “How to View a Solar Eclipse Safely”

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon blocks any part of the Sun’s bright face. On Monday, April 8, 2024, a solar eclipse will be visible (weather permitting) across nearly all of North America. All 50 U.S. states (excluding most of Alaska) will experience at least a partial solar eclipse, as will most of Canada, all of Mexico, and all countries in Central America. Anyone within a roughly 115-mile-wide path across Mexico, from Texas through Maine, across parts of Eastern Canada will experience a total solar eclipse, one of the most spectacular sights in all of nature.

During a partial or total solar eclipse, such as the one on April 8th, looking directly at the Sun is unsafe except during the brief total phase (“totality”), when the Moon entirely blocks the Sun’s bright face, which happens only within the narrow path of totality. At all other times, it is safe to look directly at the Sun only through special-purpose solar filters that comply with the transmittance requirements of the ISO 12312-2 international standard. To find out whether your home or any other location lies within the roughly 115-mile-wide path of the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse, see Xavier Jubier’s Google Map.

Suppliers of Safe Solar Viewers & Filters

Instructions for the Safe Use of Solar Filters/Viewers

Instructions for All Solar Eclipses

Always inspect your solar filter before use; if scratched, punctured, torn, or otherwise damaged, discard it. Read and follow any instructions printed on or packaged with the filter.
Always supervise children using solar filters.
If you normally wear eyeglasses, keep them on. Put your eclipse glasses on over them, or hold your handheld viewer in front of them.
Stand still and cover your eyes with your eclipse glasses or solar viewer before looking up at the bright Sun. After looking at the Sun, turn away and remove your filter — do not remove it while looking at the Sun.
Do not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or other optical device.
Similarly, do not look at the Sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while using your eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewer in front of your eyes — the concentrated solar rays could damage the filter and enter your eyes, causing serious injury.
Seek expert advice from an astronomer before using a solar filter with a camera, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device; note that solar filters must be attached to the front of any telescope, binoculars, camera lens, or other optics.

For futher information make sure to visit the American Astronomical Society on “How to View a Solar Eclipse Safely”

If traveling to New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine or other states to be under the 115-mile wide path of totality be prepared for major traffic issues leaving the areas of the eclipse. I personally experinced a 535-mile bumper to bumper traffic for the 2017 eclipse, from Spring City, TN to State Line, PA where traffic finally subsided. Book hotels and be prepared to stay overnight to avoid traffic jams leaving these areas.

NH TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE 2024

Travel Advisory for the Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024

Potentially heavy traffic after the event may impact travel in Coos County.

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT), local officials, New Hampshire State Police, and NH Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM), are encouraging all visitors to Coos County on Monday, April 8, 2024 to stay on the state highways to reach the eclipse viewing venues and for their return trip home.

Some secondary highways and local roads were not designed to handle large volumes of traffic, and springtime in the north country can bring frost heaves and very soft shoulders.

Traffic generated by the solar eclipse will impact roads throughout New Hampshire. Please obey all officers assisting with traffic control as well as all signs and traffic control devices. Be prepared for slow travel heading south after the eclipse on Monday evening.

Official NH travel information will be posted to the NHDOT Facebook and Twitter social media pages, and motorists are encouraged to visit newengland511.org for real-time traffic information for Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Residents and visitors with questions should email the NH Joint Information Center at jic@dos.nh.gov or call (603) 223-6169. Visitors seeking event information should visit NHSolarEclipse.com.

Planning Tips

April weather is unpredictable.
Weather can be unpredictable in April in the Great North Woods, snow or mud could impact road conditions.
Arrive Early, Stay Late.
There are limited roads leading in and out of the northern part of New Hampshire. Visitors are urged to avoid unnecessary travel on the day of the eclipse, so choose your viewing location ahead of time and plan to arrive early and stay late. Do not plan to pull over on the side of the roadways to view the eclipse. Doing so can put you at risk of getting stuck in mud or snow, and tow trucks will face major delays in getting to you.
Bring Supplies.
It may be a good idea to pack some essential supplies, such as water and snacks. Be sure to have a full tank of gas and if you have an electric vehicle, map out before you leave your home, where you’ll be able to get it charged.

State of Vermont Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024

Start planning to view the next solar eclipse in Vermont. Vermont’s location within the 2024 total solar eclipse’s path of totality makes it a good place to take in the wonder and spectacle of this natural event.

Whether you live in Vermont or are visiting to witness this generational spectacle, ensuring everyone can take in this year’s eclipse safely is our top priority.

On April 8, 2024 at 2:14 p.m., a partial solar eclipse will begin, and at 3:26 p.m., a total eclipse will darken Vermont’s daytime sky, lasting about 3 minutes. The phenomenon will continue as a partial eclipse until 4:37 p.m.

Eclipse Etiquette

Find a Viewing Location – Make sure the place you are planning to watch the eclipse is safe, open, accessible, and welcoming visitors. Plan to arrive ahead of time and bring warm layers of clothing.
Plan for Lodging and Travel – Lodging and camping opportunities are limited; reserve a place to stay in advance. When traveling, plan your route, use transportation sites for updates, and expect extended delays. Fill your car with gas ahead of time and pack water and snacks in case you are stuck in traffic for an extended period.
Be Considerate of Others – Many people will want to visit Vermont to view the eclipse. Make sure to respectfully share spaces with your neighbors. Be kind and enjoy the natural phenomenon.
Follow Guidelines – Listen to officials and follow posted regulations. Sign up for alerts and follow local social media messaging #VTEclipse. Check local ordinances, fire danger reports, trail access information, and other guidelines.
Respect Wildlife and Natural Areas – April is a difficult time for Vermont’s wildlife and natural areas. Natural surface trails will be closed because of muddy and icy conditions. Stick to valleys and open areas to avoid damaging recreational trails and trampling vegetation. If you encounter wildlife, keep your distance and leave the area.
Dispose of Waste Properly – High volume events and remote locations may make accessing trash and recycling options challenging. Pack out everything that you pack in, including any garbage.

Experience the Total Solar Eclipse in New York

The eclipse will begin in western New York shortly after 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Full totality will begin in Chautauqua County at 3:17 p.m., moving through the state to Plattsburgh at 3:25 p.m. Locations in the path of totality could experience total darkness for up to 4 minutes.