03/28/2024Comments Off on Oxford Total Eclipse of the Parks

Oxford Total Eclipse of the Parks

|Enjoy Oxford|,

a couple of people laying down looking at the night sky at the Oxford Community Park

A Total Solar Eclipse in Oxford, OH

On Monday, April 8th, Oxford, Ohio will be in line with a spectacular celestial phenomenon of a total solar eclipse. For many, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime event to experience. During the total eclipse, at 3:08 pm in Oxford, OH will turn to twilight in the afternoon once totality hits.

A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth perfectly blocking the face of the Sun and the sky will darken. This rare phenomenon which hasn’t happened in over 200 years, will not occur again in Oxford until 2099. Mark your calendars for Total Eclipse of the Parks events planned in the City of Oxford leading up to the big day.

Safety First, Proper Viewing Methods

To ensure safe viewing of the total eclipse, please verify your glasses are from an approved source.

  • The American Astronomical Society (AAS) says it is no longer sufficient to look for the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) logo on eclipse glasses and filters due to counterfeit sellers. Check this list of AAS approved eclipse glasses to check if they are safe to use.
  • Can’t verify the source? You should only be able to see the sun, or comparable brightness with safe glasses. If you can see other lights, then they may not be safe to use by recommendation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (Medeiros, 2023).
  • According to Dr. Feinburg from AAS, once the eclipse has reached totality, you can safely remove your eclipse glasses (say what?!) to get the true experience of the total eclipse. After the totality ends at 3:10 PM in Oxford, you must wear eclipse glasses to safely view the remainder of the eclipse.

The Best Total Eclipse View in Butler County 

Aerial view of Uptown Memorial Park amphitheater in the evening sun

Uptown Memorial Park

Why is Oxford the perfect spot for viewing the total eclipse? Not only are we in line for totality, but there are also many public parks, restaurants, shopping, and activities to choose from during your visit. On top of that, the city of Oxford has selected the best locations to easily find a perfect spot for optimal total solar eclipse viewing.  To make this experience extra special, our main viewing locations will turn off nonessential lighting to reduce light contamination during totality.

“You must see the eclipse in totality!” Check out this YouTube video from AAS explaining the differences between near totality and totality.

Are you worried about how the weather might affect the total eclipse experience? According to experts from AAS, if the total eclipse happens in a sunny location then totality will feel like twilight. However, if totality happens on a cloudy day *knocks on wood* then totality will feel like midnight. Regardless of the weather, your totality experience is bound to be profound in Oxford.

Oxford Community Park drone panoramic view

Oxford Community Park

Total Eclipse of the Parks Events

Oxford has total-ity exciting plans leading up to the phenomenal total eclipse to experience together. All over the city, businesses and organizations have made plans for the community and thousands of visitors to make this time a memorable one.

Saturday, March 30th

  • Cincinnati Observatory: Solar Eclipses (Oxford Lane Library): Open to ages 7-11, join the Cincinnati Observatory at the Oxford Lane Library as they discuss what a solar eclipse is, how to prepare for one, and a variety of sun-related crafts and activities! Register now!

Thursday, April 4th

  • The Imminent Solar Eclipse 4pm-5:15 pm (Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum): Sign up to join Jerry Riesenberg, from the Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR), and Professor Stephen Alexander, from the Department of Physics, for a lecture on the solar eclipse. They will provide insights on how to experience this special astronomical event in the best possible way. The in-person lecture is filled at the RCCAM Auditorium but is open for online registration, it is free and open to all. Contact ILR to register for this special event online.

Friday, April 5th

  • Movie Screening, A Space Odyssey (2001) 2:00 pm: Kickstart your total eclipse weekend with a viewing of “A Space Odyssey” at the Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum. This event offers free eclipse glasses, snacks, and refreshments to enjoy the screening.
  • Mister C: Air is Everywhere 7:00 pm (Oxford Community Arts Center): Join Mister C for an educational evening exploring all things air, with science, music, and media for all ages! Tickets for adults and children are available.
  • Mystery Movie Screening, 8:00 pm: Hurry and reserve your spot at Oxford Lanes for a PG-13 movie screening from 1986. Text 513-523-9054 to reserve your spot.
  • Moonlit Disc Golf (Hueston Woods Campground): Meet at the Center Circle in the Campground to kick off the Solar Eclipse weekend. Join in this nighttime adventure with glow-in-the-dark discs and step-by-step instructions for beginners!

Saturday, April 6th

  • Eclipse Festival 1pm-10:00 pm (Uptown Parks): Join the festivities in the heart of Oxford, Ohio. Celebrate at this eclipse-themed event featuring a galaxy of space-themed activities, live music, and an array of food trucks serving up treats and craft beers.
    • Music Lineup:
    • Food Trucks:
      • El Cardenal Taqueria
      • The Loaded Goat Cafe
      • Beverly Ann’s Cookies
      • NonStop Flavor Caribbean Food
      • Jolly’s Drive-in
    • Eclipse-Themed Brews by Misrule Brewing: (Drop your DORA cups at the “OX*OH” installation station to be composted!)
      • Moon Ticket: maibock collaboration with Common Brewing Company
      • Solar Haze: haze IPA collaboration with Third Eye Brewing Company
      • Black Hole: Sun is a dark German lager collaboration with Sonder Brewing
      • Cradle of Kolsches: kolsh German blonde ale
      • Totality: sweet stout collaboration with Third Eye Brewing Company
    • Vendors & Community Booths:
      • Oxford Lane Library, NASA Eclipse Ambassador, BEAR Lab, the Butler County Regional Transit Authority, McGuffey Montessori School, Age-Friendly Oxford, Oxford Seniors, and more!
      • Nothing Bundt Cakes, Pet Wants, PaperPie, Tarah Trueblood Art, Funny Face Art Company, Harvest Moon Homestead, Rosie Jade Handmade, Endless Laughter Creations, Sharon’s Signature Scents & More, Anytime Fitness, HighFire Studio, Lewboski Tees, Oxford Health & Wellness Center, Cincy Bricks, CrossFit Implore, Cincy Vintage, Earth + Metals, Future Great Comics, SQYD Studios, Atlas Oils, Dovey & Mae, All American Gutter Protection, Wax Family Scentsy and more!
  • Mystery Movie Screening, 7:30 pm:  Hurry and reserve your spot at Oxford Lanes for a PG-13 movie screening from 2014. Text 513-523-9054 to reserve your spot.
  • Hueston Woods State Park:
    • Eclipse Craft (12:00 pm | 3:00 pm): Meet at the Hueston Woods Lodge for festive eclipse crafting
    • Sun & Moon Stories (1:00 pm): For an exciting eclipse story, meet at the Nature Center
    • Eclipse Science Program Q/A (4:30 pm): Meet at the Nature Center and join a naturalist to ask questions and learn more about the upcoming eclipse.
    • Night Hike: Hike by the moonlight for a nighttime adventure. Meet at the Indian Mound in the Campground and wear appropriate footwear.

Sunday, April 7th

  • Space Race 5K & 10K 9:00 am (Leonard Howell Park): Prepare for Oxford’s upcoming Space Race! This race offers a 5k and 10k race through the new picturesque Oxford Area Trail. Begin at Leonard Howell Park, to Peffer Park, and back to Leonard Howell Park.  Included in your race packet, available for pick up at the Eclipse Festival, or the day of the race, will be an eclipse-themed water bottle, an awesome sticker, your race number, and a specialty medallion! It’s a prime opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the outdoors while commemorating our relationship with the universe, register individually or as a group!

 

  • Hueston Woods State Park:
    • Human Sundial (10am|1pm|3pm): Meet at the Campground Center Circle for a hands-on exploration of how shadows change throughout the day. Come to each session to create your own shadow clock.
    • Eclipse Craft (12:00 pm): Meet at the Hueston Woods Lodge for festive eclipse crafting
    • Sun & Moon Stories (4:00 pm): Meet at the Nature Center for an exciting eclipse story

Monday, April 8th (Day of Total Eclipse)

The moment we’ve all been waiting for arrives. Oxford, Ohio is in the path of totality, at 3:08 pm and will last for 2 minutes and 51 seconds. Pick a special spot at one of the Eclipse Watch Parties locations (see below) to witness this profound experience firsthand. Limited eclipse glasses will be provided.

Total Eclipse of the Parks will be a unique series of events where the community and visitors alike can witness the grandeur of the universe and create unforgettable memories. Take in all that the city of Oxford has to offer for the celebration of the phenomenal total eclipse event!

Rewind Total Eclipse of the Parks

 

[Sources Referenced]

Medeiros, S. (2023, April 20). Where to get Solar Eclipse Glasses. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/where-to-get-solar-eclipse-glasses-updated-advice

Society, A. A. (n.d.). Home. Solar Eclipse Across America. https://eclipse.aas.org/?fbclid=IwAR3zdV0EmuXqa46eY-LmCRcBUu8oZ-r6Rzj2I1UXkNu6kZ7QWEU0wyb0k7U

Solar Eclipse Task Force, American Astronomical Society. (n.d.). Solar Eclipse Task Force, American Astronomical Society. Eclipse Planning Resources. https://eclipse2024resources.com/social-media-videos

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