This is a special blog post for my Miami University parents and students. I live in Ohio, not far from Dayton, and the Solar Eclipse buzz is really starting to ramp up! It is exciting to hear about all the events and activities planned. My son is a first year student at Miami and our students are lucky to be in Oxford for this amazing eclipse! I have included some general information about the eclipse and events in Oxford. Please feel free to share with your student.
Celestial Celebrations in Oxford, Preparing for the April 8 Total Solar Eclipse
Have you heard? The next total solar eclipse to hit North America is on April 8, 2024, and Oxford, Ohio is in the path of totality! If you don’t live in an area that will experience totality you may not fully understand the excitement and planning involved related to this amazing event!
This is an exciting time for the students and residents of Oxford and for many Ohioans, it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The last total solar eclipse in Ohio happened in 1806, and the next one won’t happen until 2099.
Your Miami University student is exactly where they need to be and will have a front row seat to experience this event on April 8. While an estimated 635 million people will be able to watch a partial eclipse, only 43 million people (0.5% of the world’s population) live in and will experience what is known as the path of totality.
Between Miami University and the City of Oxford, there will be plenty of activities leading up to and on the day of the eclipse. First, let’s make sure your student is prepared for the big event / grand finale on Monday, April 8.
Does your student have proper ISO 12312-2 Certified solar eclipse glasses? Certified glasses are the only safe way to view the eclipse. If you are ordering from Amazon or grabbing a pair at your local gas station or grocery store, especially this late in the game, please confirm the glasses are ISO Certified. Every legitimate pair of glasses will be stamped with “ISO 12312-2 Certified for Solar Viewing/Direct Observation of the Sun.”
CarePaks 101 still has a few certified glasses in stock. One pair is included with each Solar Eclipse care package or you can place an order for one pair of glasses or purchase a family/roommate bundle of 4.
Once you know your student is equipped with the proper glasses, you can relax and make sure they know about the following fun events planned at Miami and around Oxford!
UPCOMING EVENTS
THURSDAY, APRIL 4
The Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) in partnership with the Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum (RCCAM) at Miami University.
Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum (RCCAM) at Miami University
Join Jerry Riesenberg (ILR) and Prof. Stephen Alexander (Department of Physics) for a lecture on the upcoming April 8 solar eclipse, including how best to experience this special astronomical event. In person at the RCCAM Auditorium and online. Free and open to all. Registration required.
FRIDAY, APRIL 5
MOVIE at the MUSEUM: 2001: A Space Odyssey
Friday, April 5, 2:00 – 5:00 pm
https://events.miamioh.edu/event/2001_a_space_odyssey_movie
Moonlit Disc Golf - Hueston Woods
Friday, April 5, 8:00 - 9:00 pm
Uptown Parks, High Street in Oxford
Saturday, April 6, 1:00 – 10:00 pm
1 to 3 PM: The Sunburners
4 to 6 PM: HiFi Honey
7 to 9 PM: White Lighter
Meet at the Nature Center and join a naturalist to ask questions about the eclipse.
Meet at the Indian Mound in the Campground for a nighttime adventure.
SUNDAY, APRIL 7
Sunday, April 7, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Meet at the Nature Center to learn to navigate with a map and compass.
Sunday, April 7, 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Get an introduction to archery while we countdown to the eclipse.
MONDAY, APRIL 8
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
The eclipse begins at about 1:52pm with totality at approximately 3:08pm for Hueston Woods and Sycamore State Parks. Hueston Woods has activities planned all day.
Eclipse Viewing Party - Hueston Woods
1:00 - 4:00 pm
Meet at the Beach, Nature Center, or Hedgerow Picnic Area to join a naturalist for the show!
Eclipse Watch Parties: Oxford
Uptown Parks
1:00 – 5:00 pm
2 East High Street
Live music, food trucks
Oxford Community Park
1:00 – 5:00 pm
6801 Fairfield Road
Mobile DJ, activities
RCCAM Sculpture Park
2:00 – 5:00 pm
Richard & Carole Cocks Art Museum
801 South Patterson Avenue
It is recommended to arrive one hour to 30 minutes prior. Art museum doors will be open.
Watch Party: King Library, 151 S. Campus Ave, Miami University
1:00 – 4:00 pm
Visit the King Library during the eclipse for some Solar Eclipse themed crafts, telescope access, and more!
Watch Party: Cook Field, Miami University
2:00 – 3:30 pm
Oxford Eclipse T-Shirts
Juniper, 9 E. High Street, Oxford
Lebowski Tees + Designs, 316 S. College Ave, Oxford
Eclipse T-Shirts
Altitudes Uptown, 29 E. High St, Oxford
*** All information listed above is accurate as of publication time based on my research. All information subject to change. ***