New Jersey residents partake in viewing rare solar eclipse celestial event

Officials at Liberty Science Center put on what they called the “largest astronomy party.”

Amanda Eustice

Apr 8, 2024, 7:45 PM

Updated 38 days ago

Share:

Eyes were looking toward the sky all day at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City on Monday to view the solar eclipse.
Josh Kra and his kids were visiting from Clifton. Kra says the last time there was a solar eclipse he was in elementary school.
“I think it’s important that when you have natural phenomena in the world that people are able to go out and see it and actually experience nature for what it really is and there’s a lot of cool things out there,” said Kra.
Officials at Liberty Science Center put on what they called the “largest astronomy party.”
Guests could view the eclipse traveling through different states via a livestream, wear the protective solar eclipse viewing glasses or use one of the several telescopes with special filters to see it.
The center even provided 10,000 special solar eclipse glasses to people who came out.
But despite being given them, the Rodriquez family from East Rutherford had another plan to help protect their eyes even more.
“Since this is a little bit bigger for the kids, I saw on YouTube that cutting the side a little bit this will fit better on the kid's face and then you can slide the glasses in there, to make it like stay in place," said Wantawan Rodriguez.
Science center officials say while many enjoyed viewing the eclipse, astronomers were studying it.
“We learn a lot of science from this because what happens is when the moon blocks the sun you can see the corona. That’s the atmosphere of the sun…This is a rare chance for astronomers to see that corona and study," said Paul Hoffman, president and CEO of Liberty Science Center.
“It’s really cool because I was a kid when it happened last time around, I remember and now I get to be a parent and so it with my kids and hopefully they remember it too and do it with their kids," Kra said.
NASA says the next total solar eclipse that can be seen from the contiguous United States will be in 2044.


More from News 12
2:02
Haledon school put in shelter-in-place due to bear sighting near campus

Haledon school put in shelter-in-place due to bear sighting near campus

2:29
Sunshine, warmer temps expected to return Friday; expect some clouds and rain Saturday

Sunshine, warmer temps expected to return Friday; expect some clouds and rain Saturday

2:03
Months of rainy weekends impacting some New Jersey businesses this spring

Months of rainy weekends impacting some New Jersey businesses this spring

1:32
Cops in Crosswalks: Bloomfield police target drivers who don’t stop for pedestrians

Cops in Crosswalks: Bloomfield police target drivers who don’t stop for pedestrians

0:23
CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Delivery driver seen carelessly tossing package from car window

CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Delivery driver seen carelessly tossing package from car window

0:48
Peapack-Gladstone officials approve plan to euthanize geese in town

Peapack-Gladstone officials approve plan to euthanize geese in town

0:31
Jersey Proud: Boy asks for food donations instead of gifts for 6th birthday

Jersey Proud: Boy asks for food donations instead of gifts for 6th birthday

0:23
Kean University holds commencement ceremony with special guest Neil deGrasse Tyson

Kean University holds commencement ceremony with special guest Neil deGrasse Tyson

2:50
Sen. Bob Menendez reveals his wife has breast cancer as presentation of evidence begins at his trial

Sen. Bob Menendez reveals his wife has breast cancer as presentation of evidence begins at his trial

5:35
Road Trip Close to Home hits the 200 episode milestone!

Road Trip Close to Home hits the 200 episode milestone!

0:16
Police: Teen hit, pinned by SUV in North Bergen

Police: Teen hit, pinned by SUV in North Bergen

0:25
Police: 1 dog dies following bear attack in Sparta

Police: 1 dog dies following bear attack in Sparta

0:18
Jackknifed tractor-trailer, fuel spill temporarily shuts down portion of Route 1 & 9

Jackknifed tractor-trailer, fuel spill temporarily shuts down portion of Route 1 & 9

2:15
Looking for a fun filled day outdoors? Get lost in the woods at Wharton State Forest

Looking for a fun filled day outdoors? Get lost in the woods at Wharton State Forest

1:51
Christian group's rule keeping Ocean Grove beaches closed on Sunday mornings may end

Christian group's rule keeping Ocean Grove beaches closed on Sunday mornings may end

0:27
Trenton woman accused of assaulting infant in social media video

Trenton woman accused of assaulting infant in social media video

0:43
NJ Transit announces refund policy for unused one-way tickets

NJ Transit announces refund policy for unused one-way tickets

0:25
Newark woman sentenced to 12 years in prison for role in Jersey City armed robbery spree

Newark woman sentenced to 12 years in prison for role in Jersey City armed robbery spree

0:42
NFL releases 2024 schedule. A look at the Giants, Jets’ home openers

NFL releases 2024 schedule. A look at the Giants, Jets’ home openers

1:52
Asbury Park announces free concert series for the public this summer

Asbury Park announces free concert series for the public this summer