Pre-eclipse Event Coming to Oxford Library on April 6
Exciting Build-Up to Cosmic Spectacle
Residents of all ages in Oxford will be treated to a celestial turn of events with a pre-eclipse event scheduled for April 6th, all in anticipation of the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8. The Center for Mathematics and Science Education (CMSE) at the University of Mississippi and the Lafayette County and Oxford Public Library have revealed plans to collaborate in hosting the event ahead of the picturesque display.
Solar Eclipse Informative Saturday
The protagonists of the spectacle, traditionally a Monday spectacle, the solar eclipse, prompted an adaptation in CMSE’s event schedule. The CMSE will host a come-and-go event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 6 at the local library. Those who attended a similar successful event in place during the partial eclipse of October 2023 will attest to the enriching experience.
‘Eclipse Extravaganza [Preview]’
The forthcoming “Eclipse Extravaganza [Preview]” is designed to deliver an immersive experience for attendees. The event aims to proffer detailed knowledge about the eclipse, focusing primarily on what the inhabitants of Oxford can anticipate from the total solar eclipse. Free solar-viewing glasses will be distributed to attendees, while supplies last, affirming safe viewing for the public during the solar spectacle’s entirety. Participants will also receive UV-reactive beads as giveaways during the event.
Solar Telescope and Mobile Planetarium
The organizers have planned for interactive demonstrations with a solar telescope making viewing an enriching encounter. “People will still be able to view sunspots and solar flares through the solar telescope,” informs Christian Clark, a graduate research fellow at the CMSE. Regular telescope watchers will appreciate the solar telescope’s sophistication, designed specifically for viewing solar occurrences. Attendees will also benefit from a detailed description of the causes behind sunspots and solar flares, providing additional comprehension.
In addition to the above, the CMSE Mobile Planetarium is also being brought into play. The Planetarium will conduct shows centered on the reason behind eclipses and their frequency. An additional draw will be the simulated view of the eclipse from outer space, a rare opportunity for attendees!
Spectacular Solar Event
Adding to the allure, a notably special factor related to this particular eclipse is the promising chance for residents of Oxford to celebrate the event locally or easily journey to the path of totality. Clark elucidates further, “this eclipse is special because Oxford citizens have the opportunity to celebrate the eclipse here or travel to the path of totality relatively easily.”
Upcoming Stellar Events and CMSE’s Contribution
The CMSE continues its efforts in the improvement of math and science education throughout Mississippi and this anticipation of the solar eclipse serves the same purpose. The organization religiously strives to provide professional learning opportunities for teachers and STEM experiences for K-12 grade students.
In addition, Clark voiced out his hope that “providing opportunities like Eclipse Extravaganza and many other experiences will inspire people of all ages.”
Looking Ahead
The forthcoming total solar eclipse, slated for April 8, 2024, will be discernible along a narrow stretch from Texas to Maine. A partial eclipse will be clearly noticeable in all of the 48 contiguous U.S. states. A vital fact serving as a prod to witness the upcoming celestial event is that the nearest total eclipse expected to be anywhere in proximity to Oxford is scheduled only for 2045.
