The Ohio State University at Lima in conjunction with Rhodes State College will host an Eclipse Science Series leading up to the total solar eclipse that will take place on April 8. The speakers will dig into different aspects of the phenomenon during the series of science-based lectures and presentations.

The Eclipse Science Series events will be held on four Thursdays in January, February and March and is generously supported by the Charles River Laboratories. All events are free and open to the public. 

Discovering Animal Behavior During an Eclipse
7 p.m., Thursday, January 11, 2024, in the Martha W. Farmer Theatre for the Performing Arts in Reed Hall

Marie Walton, naturalist from the Johnny Appleseed Metroparks District

JAMPD naturalist and Ohio State Lima alumna Marie Walton kicks off the series discussing some of the things we already know about animal behavior during an eclipse, the historical challenges to recording animal data during an eclipse, and ways the audience can help contribute to the scientific knowledge gathered during an eclipse.

Walton will highlight a citizen science initiative funded by NASA that is still taking applications for citizen scientists to receive science-grade equipment to record animal behavior on April 8.

Why Eclipses Enthrall Us
7 p.m., Thursday, January 25, 2024, in the G. Gilbert Cloyd Commons on the lower level of Galvin Hall

Dr. Wayne Schlingman, director of the Arne Slettebak Planetarium at The Ohio State University

Eclipses happen all the time and we have a chance twice a year for them so why are they so special to us? What happens during an eclipse and what should I prepare for? Dr. Schlingman will answer these questions and more about the upcoming “Buckeye” eclipse on April 8. He will address why eclipses enthrall us and the science that researchers do during eclipses. He will also give a peek behind the curtain of the years of planning to make this event much smoother across the state and region than the eclipse in 2017.

Total Eclipse of the Sun 2024
7 p.m., Thursday, February 15, 2024, in the Martha W. Farmer Theatre for the Performing Arts in Reed Hall

Craig H. Williams, Senior Aerospace Engineer at NASA Glenn Research Center

Williams’ presentation explains the total solar eclipse that will span the continental United States, approximately from Texas to New York. The path of maximum totality will cut across Ohio, including the Lima area. The physics and geometry of an eclipse will be explained, including the relative motion of the moon, Earth and sun. Also covered will be the continued importance of eclipses to the scientific community, as well as the importance of this particular eclipse. Safe watching sources of information will be provided.

Total Solar Eclipse's Impact on our Weather and Other Interesting Atmospheric Phenomena
7 p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2024, in the Life and Physical Sciences Building 100

Dustin Norman, warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Northern Indiana

Eclipses change the world around us, however briefly, including the weather. Meteorologist Dustin Norman will talk about what we can expect on April 8 and will also delve into some of the other interesting weather phenomena that pop up in the Midwest.