BGSU holding weekly speaker series leading up to April's total solar eclipse

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Ahead of April's total solar eclipse, Bowling Green State University will hold a free, public speaker series focused on various eclipse-related topics every Thursday from Jan. 25 – April 4 at the BGSU Planetarium and in the community.

From an eclipse's anatomy to their presence in various art forms to their historical significance, BGSU researchers and experts will offer their insight on a multitude of subjects surrounding solar eclipses. Presentations held on the BGSU campus will begin at 7:30 p.m. following a free planetarium show starting at 6:30 p.m.

On April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross the United States from coast to coast, covering the sun and casting its shadow onto the Earth's surface. On that day, BGSU and the surrounding community will be in the path of totality, offering one of the best views anywhere of the once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. To celebrate the event, BGSU will hold a large-scale watch party from 1–4:30 p.m. at Doyt L. Perry Stadium. The free, family-friendly event will include a variety of fun and educational activities, demonstrations, music, telescope viewings and more. Free solar eclipse glasses will be provided for safe viewing.

BGSU Solar Eclipse Speaker Series dates and topics include:

• Jan. 25 – "Eclipses: Celestial Shadow Dances" presented by Dr. Kate Dellenbusch, teaching professor in the BGSU Department of Physics and Astronomy
• Feb. 1 – "What to Expect When It’s Eclipsing: The Shape and Structure of the Sun’s Corona" presented by Dr. Andy Layden, chair and professor in the BGSU Department of Physics and Astronomy
• Feb. 8 – "A Dragon is Eating the Sun! But We Knew That Would Happen … or Not" presented by Dr. Allen Rogel, teaching professor in the BGSU Department of Physics and Astronomy
• Feb. 15 – "Nature in Music: The Weird and Wonderful!" presented by Dr. Emily Freeman Brown, professor in the BGSU College of Musical Arts
• Feb. 22 – "The Sky Has No Borders: Perspectives on Astronomical Knowledge from Canada, Mexico and the United States" presented by Randall Rosenfeld, archivist at the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, and scholars in astronomy and history (Note: This presentation starts at 6 p.m. at Wood County District Public Library)
• Feb. 29 – "Eclipse Activities for Kids" presented by members of WBGU-PBS (Note: This presentation starts at 5:30 p.m. in the BGSU Planetarium)
• March 7 – "Sounds of the Solar Eclipse: Exploring the Music of Solar Eclipse Demonstrations in Planetariums" presented by Colin Hochstetler, music researcher in the BGSU Music Library and Bill Schurk Sound Archives
• March 14 – "Eclipses and Astronomical Phenomena in Art History" presented by Dr. Andrew Hershberger, professor in the BGSU School of Art
• March 21 – "Eclipses in Mexican History" presented by Dr. Amílcar Challú, chair and associate professor in the BGSU Department of History
• March 28 – "Astrophotography for Amateurs" presented by Dr. Christopher Dietz, associate professor in the BGSU College of Musical Arts
• April 4 – "'These Late Eclipses': Shakespeare and the Early Modern Sky" presented by Dr. Stephannie Gearhart, chair and professor in the BGSU Department of English

Individuals living with disabilities who need special services, assistance or appropriate modifications should contact BGSU Accessibility Services at access@bgsu.edu or 419-372-8495 prior to the events.