Mother Nature has been hard at work in the Northeast after an incredible 4.8 magnitude earthquake rocked NJ on April 5, followed by a solar eclipse three days later.
The earthquake was a surprise to many residents along the east coast, with effects being felt from Washington to Vermont, according to reports from the USGS’ “Did You Feel It?” survey. The last time an earthquake was felt in New Jersey, you have to go back to 2011 when a powerful 5.8 magnitude earthquake shook Virginia.
Within a few minutes, the story made national news. Northeast residents were quick to poke fun at the rare quake, posting their versions of the “damage” that occurred. This included a tipped over chair, a slice of pizza on the ground, and a spilt cup of coffee. #WeWillRebuild accompanied the posts.
No injuries and isolated, minor property damage have been reported since the occurrence of the quake.
And now, weeks later, NJ has continued shaking. While none of the aftershocks have been strong enough to be felt, experts warn there is still a chance for larger, more damaging quakes in the next few months. According to NJ.com, experts are estimating a 15% chance for an earthquake of magnitude 4 or higher to strike the region.
But that wasn’t the only phenomenon that stunned the region. A total solar eclipse was partially visible to the area, with approximately 89% coverage of the moon to the sun.
The eclipse began on April 8 at 2:09 PM. The path of the moon’s shadow, which created the solar eclipse, raced by at speeds of more than 1,100 mph. This created the spectacle of totality for approximately four minutes in the areas directly in its path and peaked in our area at 3:24 PM. The eclipse was all said and done by 4:35 PM in NJ.
While solar eclipses appear like rare events, they actually are a frequent occurrence. According to NASA, there are at least two solar eclipses that occur somewhere around the world every year. The only reason a majority of these aren’t seen is because they occur over the open water.
If you missed this eclipse, the next chance you will get to see it in the U.S. again is on August 23, 2044.
So with the solar eclipse occurring on 4/8 and a magnitude 4.8 earthquake rocking this area, could it mean a year full of fascinating, rare weather phenomenon? Only time will be able to tell.
