Fun, educational events planned at Wright State’s Dayton and Lake campuses for solar eclipse

Wright State University students, faculty and staff are invited to learn about and experience the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8.

Both the Dayton Campus and Lake Campus will be in the path of the solar eclipse, which will begin at 1:53 p.m., with totality starting at 3:10 p.m.

While Wright State University will be open and classes will take place as usual on April 8, plenty of fun and educational events are planned on the Dayton and Lake campuses.

Because green colors are more vibrant during a solar eclipse, Wright State community members are encouraged to wear green on April 8.

Lake Campus events

Tuesday, April 2:

2 p.m., Dicke Hall: Weathering the Total Solar Eclipse in west-central Ohio, by Conner Prince, meteorologist, Your Hometown Stations in Lima

Monday, April 8:

1:30 p.m., Dicke Hall: The science behind a total solar eclipse, by Chuck Ciampaglio, Ph.D., professor of geology and paleontology

2 p.m., Dicke Hall: Solar eclipses throughout the years, by Dane Daniel, Ph.D., professor of history

2:30–3:30 p.m.: Total Solar Eclipse Watch Party

The watch party is free and open to the public. Campus location to be announced at a later date, weather pending.

Dayton Campus events

Monday, April 8:

11 a.m.–5 p.m., North Lawn: Totality: Solar Eclipse 2024

• Food trucks
• Telescopes and pinhole viewing boxes
• Lawn games
• Giveaways

12:30 p.m., “Turning Points” sculpture (BART): Total(ly) Fun Eclipse Run; register online

Eclipse viewing, North Lawn:

• Begins: 1:53 p.m.
• Totality: 3:10 p.m.
• Ends: 4:28 p.m.

The Dayton Campus programming on April 8 is open to students, faculty and staff only.

Learn more at wright.edu/eclipse.

Solar eclipse safety

People in Ohio will need proper eye protection when viewing the eclipse. Looking directly at the sun, even during partial phases of an eclipse, can damage the eyes.

Read more about how to view a solar eclipse safely from NASA and the National Park Service.

Never look directly at the sun without proper eyewear.

Solar eclipse glasses will be available at many locations across the Dayton Campus beginning April 1, including the Dunbar Library, the Student Union and food service locations.

If you plan to photograph the eclipse with a camera or cellphone, NASA advises against using eclipse glasses or handheld viewers with cameras. Instead, they recommend using a special solar protector and seeking assistance from an astronomy or other expert before doing so.