What NJ needs to know ahead of Monday’s solar eclipse

For those not looking forward to going back to work on Monday, the prospect of a rarely seen solar eclipse could be just enough motivation to make getting the work week started worth it.

This will be the first solar eclipse partially visible in New Jersey in more than 13 years, according to meteorologist Dan Zarrow. Not only that, but according to Zarrow this is the first time the path of an eclipse will cross over the United States in general since 1979, and won't happen again until 2024.

Zarrow also points out that it will not be a total eclipse, but that New Jersey should see between 70 and 80 percent shadow of the sun. For those taking a late lunch, the eclipse should be visible in New Jersey around 1:20 p.m. and wrap up around 4 p.m. which should mean a normal Monday evening commute home.

For those who want to look at the eclipse without risking eye damage Zarrow says there are special glasses that can be purchased, but should only be used if they have an ISO specification number of 12312-2. Regular sunglasses, he says, will not be good enough to protect a person's eyes from the sun.

The special glasses can be picked up at many library branches across the country as well as in some stores across the country. The experts at NASA have also come up with a do-it-yourself method for a sun funnel which will allow you to see the eclipse without damaging your eyes. For those not wanting to see the wonder of the eclipse alone there are viewing parties scheduled across the state as well, including at libraries and planetariums.

One piece of good news, according to Zarrow, is that taking pictures of the eclipse will not damage your phone's or camera's lens, though it does still pose a risk of looking at the sun in order to take the picture.

Clouds in the forecast for Monday could affect the view of the eclipse, but Zarrow said there should be enough breaks in the clouds to provide a good view overall.

If you're planning on taking the day off to see the eclipse and hosting a viewing party, Bill Doyle came up with some great menu options to serve your guests. Your guests can drink Sunkist Soda while snacking on Sun Chips and have a Moon Pie before going on with their day. Send them home some Starburst candy and either Eclipse or Orbit gum and they'll leave with a memorable experience and fresh breath as well!

Just keep the 80's classic Total Eclipse of the Heart on repeat and you'll be all set for a great party all around.

Prior reporting by Chief Meteorologist Dan Zarrow was used in this report

Contact reporter Adam Hochron at 609-359-5326 or Adam.Hochron@townsquaremedia.com.

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