The 2024 solar eclipse has gained a significant amount of attention at Ohio Northern University in the past few weeks, especially since Ada is in the path of totality. Between classes being canceled and the thousands of travelers predicted to be visiting the county, it is imperative to note the impact this event has on the local community.
The moon will be covering the sun in totality from 3:10 – 3:14 pm on April 8th. Below is a list of resources you may use to maximize your eclipse-viewing experience.
1. SPC Eclipse-Viewing Glasses
ONU has purchased the glasses necessary for students to view the eclipse safely. The Student Planning Committee (SPC) will be distributing the glasses on multiple occasions, but be mindful that there will be a limited quantity available at each pick-up time.
For students that will not be on campus during the eclipse, you may receive glasses in McIntosh on Wednesday, April 3rd and Thursday, April 4th from 12-1:30 pm.
The students who will be on campus during the eclipse are asked to pick up glasses on the Tundra starting at 1:30 pm on April 8th. The glasses will be distributed to those who arrive first, though the SPC is confident that the majority of students should be able to get one.
While waiting for the eclipse to occur, students will be provided popcorn and music on the Tundra as entertainment. These activities “allow for a fun and engaging atmosphere for students during this amazing experience,” shares Alexis Nicoson, SPC President.
2. ONU Eclipse Livestream
While Dr. Jason Pinkney, Professor of Physics, invited the Ada community to visit the observatory during the partial eclipse in 2017, he quickly realized that would not be a feasible option to consider for the total eclipse this year. He reasoned that if the line was out-the-door for the partial eclipse, he could only imagine how many people would arrive to see the total eclipse, which will only last about four minutes. It would be impossible for that many people to look through the telescope in such a limited time without hindering the work of Dr. Pinkney and the student astronomers in the observatory.
To ensure that all members of the community may have a clear, close-up view of the eclipse, Dr. Pinkey has organized a livestream that can be found on the observatory’s website or Ohio Northern’s YouTube page. This will allow the astronomy team to capture quality footage of the eclipse while also giving the public access to what they are viewing through the telescopes.
During the livestream, Dr. Pinkney will narrate a play-by-play of what is occurring in the sky, answer some commonly asked questions and inform viewers of when it is safe to take their eclipse glasses off.
The community is easily able to view the the livestream from the convenience of their home, but Dr. Pinkney, however, encourages viewers to go outside at around 3:10 pm when totality occurs. Not only will you be able to view the phenomena with your own eyes, but you can also observe how the environment reacts, such as the temperature cooling around you or the abnormal animal and insect behavior that takes place when the sun is covered.
3. Local Events
A variety of venues and off-campus organizations will be hosting events to celebrate and watch the eclipse, including an Eclipse Cookout in Kenton and an “Eclipse At The Drive-In” event hosted by Hi-Road Drive-In. These gatherings are another option to consider if students want to use the day off to venture outside campus.
View the Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance to view a list of events taking place in the area.
4. Travel and Safety Reminders
As the community prepares for the eclipse, be mindful of the various travel and safety warnings that have been released by emergency management officials.
It has been estimated that over 150,000 visitors will be entering Hardin County to witness the eclipse. The dramatic increase in people in the area has the potential to impact cell phone service, gridlock traffic and affect access to gas and food along the main roads. Visitor parking on campus will be closed. As you make plans for the day, and potentially the entire weekend, take these warnings in consideration.
As captivating at the eclipse may be, it is of upmost importance to wear glasses with a special filter to avoid eye damage. Reference the infographic provided by the Ohio Department of Education to see what type of glasses are safe (if you are not using the ones provided by SPC) and how to properly take photos without exposing your eyes to too much sunlight.
All in all, Ohio Northern will not experience another solar eclipse in totality for another 330 years. With that being said, use these resources to guide you through April 8th and the exciting events that will unfold.