Eclipse Watch Parties, Events Near Livingston: See Updated List

LIVINGSTON, NJ — The total solar eclipse of 2024 is almost here, with events and activities planned across New Jersey, including Livingston.

The eclipse will arrive in Livingston on the afternoon of Monday, April 8. Although the town’s residents aren’t among the 32 million Americans living in the “path of totality,” the moon will eventually cover about 90 percent of the sun at the peak of the eclipse in Livingston, which will take place around 3:25 p.m., according to NASA. Read More: Will I See The Total Solar Eclipse In Livingston?

It will be 20 years before another total eclipse is visible from the contiguous United States.

Eclipse-related events and activities are taking place across Essex County. Here are some fun ideas from Montclair State University for those who want to celebrate:

• Throw an Eclipse-Watching Party: Invite friends and family for a solar celebration complete with eclipse-themed snacks and music.
• Dress the Part: Dress up in celestial-themed attire, from sun and moon costumes to galaxy-printed outfits, to add a fun twist to your eclipse viewing ensemble.
• Create Eclipse Crafts: Get crafty with eclipse-themed crafts like making sun and moon-shaped cookies, designing eclipse-themed jewelry, or crafting paper eclipse models.

Watch parties and activities in Essex County include:

• The Bloomfield Public Library is holding a solar eclipse viewing party at 3 p.m. in its front courtyard. Learn more here.
• As part of the Caldwell Public Library’s annual haiku raffle, organizers are offering an extra raffle entry to poets who submit a haiku about the eclipse by April 8. Learn more here. The library is also holding a solar eclipse presentation on April 6, although it is currently booked up (learn more here).
• The Millburn Public Library is holding an eclipse viewing event at the library field from 3 to 4 p.m. Registration is required with no seats currently open (although a wait list is available). Learn more here.
• The Montclair Public Library is holding a “Solar Eclipse: Live Stream and Activity Drop-In” from noon to 3 p.m. Learn more here.
• The Newark Museum of Art will hold a free solar eclipse event from 2 to 5 p.m. at the NMOA Horizon Plaza, where a solar telescope will be set up for safe viewing. Learn more here.
• The Nutley Public Library will hold a solar eclipse party for young adults in grades 6 to 12 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Learn more here.
• Seton Hall University will hold a solar eclipse viewing event from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on the university green. Learn more here.
• The Verona Public Library is inviting people to visit the library at 3 p.m. to view the live broadcast event “Through the eyes of NASA.” Learn more here.

EYE PROTECTION

If you plan to take in the total eclipse of the sun on April 8, the right eye protection is crucial for safety. Sunglasses won’t cut it.

Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the sun’s bright face and only solar corona visible, it is unsafe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection to block harmful solar radiation, according or NASA. See Related: 2024 Great American Eclipse: What To Know

Be sure you're familiar with when you need to wear specialized eye protection designed for solar viewing by reviewing these safety guidelines.

• See Related: Eclipse Glasses In High Demand Across Essex County (Where To Get Yours)

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