New Jersey will have the chance to witness a rare celestial event on Saturday morning: a partial solar eclipse. This occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, covering only a portion of the sun’s surface. Unlike a total solar eclipse, where the sun is completely obscured, a partial eclipse leaves a crescent of sunlight visible, creating a striking visual effect.
The event will begin around 6:50 a.m. Eastern, just after sunrise, and will last for about an hour. To get the best view, skywatchers should find a spot with a clear view of the eastern horizon—such as a beach, hilltop, or open field—where buildings and trees won’t block the sunrise. Weather conditions will play a key role, and forecasts indicate partly sunny skies with over 40 percent cloud cover. As always, safety is essential when viewing an eclipse. Looking directly at the sun without proper eye protection can cause serious damage, and regular sunglasses aren’t enough. Special eclipse glasses or solar viewers are required to observe the phenomenon safely.
For those willing to rise early and brave the morning chill, this brief cosmic display offers a moment of wonder before the day officially begins.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.