Total Eclipse of the Heartland

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Planned Events

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Thursday, February 8th 2024

Experiencing Totality - The Great Total Eclipse of 2024

Fred Espenak (Scientist Emeritus, NASA's GSFC)
Location: Red Skelton Performing Arts Center
Time:  11:00 am & 6:30 pm
Cost:  Free

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Friday, March 15 2024

How to Photograph the April 8 Eclipse

Photography Professor Chris Schneberger
Location: Red Skelton Performing Arts Center, Room 112
Time: 1:30 pm
Cost: Free

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Thursday, March 21 2024

How to Predict Eclipses

Math Professor Nancy Riggs
Location: Updike Hall, Room 142
Time: 11:00 am
Cost: Free

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Friday, April 5 2024

The Hidden Sun: Celebrate the 2024 Solar Eclipse through NASA imagery, Poetry, & Music

Location: Red Skelton Performing Arts Center
Time:  4:00 pm
Cost: Free

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Sunday, April 7 2024

The Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast (DEB) Initiative

Dr. Jonathan Mangin
Location: Jefferson Student Union
Time: 2:30 pm
Cost:  Free

Laughter Before the Darkness

This is a family-friendly event.
Come see a puppeteer, a magician, and a mime
perform eclipse-themed shows. 
Location: Red Skelton Museum
Time:  4 pm
Cost:  $10 per person or $25 per household

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Monday, April 8 2024

Public Viewing

Locations:
Track & fielD Directions 
 Kimmell ParK Directions

Time: 12 pm - 5 pm

Free parking will be available in the lots on Red Skelton Blvd.

NOTE: Kimmel Park will be pedestrian-only, except for vehicles with boats needing to use the public access site.

There will be public restrooms available at each location.

Most VU buildings will be unavailable to the public.

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student activities

12:00 - 2:45 Eclipse Main Event - Student Rec Center

  • Join Student Activities for Glow-in-the Dark Dodgeball, Eclipse Art, Galaxy Slime, Food and more!
 

2:45 - 3:30 Eclipse Watch Party - Intermural Field

  • Bring a blanket or chair to watch the eclipse!  
  • David Jenson of Northern Visions Media will be on hand, photographing the eclipse and projecting live views of the eclipse!
  • The Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast (DEB) Initiative and NASA SolarSTEAM research teams will also have telescope viewing available on the fountain side of Updike Hall.
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Campus Office Closures

In order to allow all members of the VU community the opportunity to participate in eclipse activities, VU will observe the following schedule on April 8, 2024:
 
  • All offices close at all locations.
  • Employees who have been advised by their supervisors to work that day for essential operations and/or special activities will be given applicable comp time (within the pay period) or overtime pay to offset the hours they work on Monday the 8th.
  • Classes will not meet on that day.

Though we will not be officially open during the day, except for essential operations, including residence halls and dining, all faculty, staff, and students are still encouraged to participate in the many VU activities leading up to the eclipse.