East Coast Communities Rattled by Earthquake
At 10:23 a.m. ET today, a 4.8 magnitude earthquake shook the East Coast, affecting areas from Southern New Jersey to upstate New York. The quake caused tremors in New Jersey, Philadelphia, New York, and Connecticut but resulted in no injuries or significant damage so far.
Earthquake Details and Expert Insights
The earthquake’s epicenter was identified in northern New Jersey along the Ramapo Border fault. Geologist Kenneth Miller from Rutgers University mentioned that earthquakes in this region are not uncommon but are usually of lower magnitude. While aftershocks are possible, they are expected to be minor.
No Link Between Solar Eclipse and Earthquake
As the total solar eclipse approaches in three days, speculation arose about a potential connection between the eclipse and the earthquake. However, the United States Geological Survey clarified that solar eclipses do not trigger earthquakes.
Research indicates that while a new moon, responsible for solar eclipses, could theoretically increase tidal stress and impact seismic activity, the effect is generally insignificant. Experts stress that the earthquake was too small to be influenced by celestial events, with Paul Earle from the USGS stating that there is no correlation between the earthquake and the upcoming eclipse.