The Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park in Ohio is gearing up for a series of watch parties to celebrate the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse, a rare astronomical event set to occur on April 8. This event, where the moon will completely block the sun, turning day into night for a brief period, is expected to draw significant public interest.
At the forefront of these celebrations is the Wright-Dunbar Watch Party, located at 16 S. Williams St., Dayton, Ohio. From 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., attendees can enjoy a variety of activities, including a NASA livestream, presentations from NASA SCoPE subject matter experts, and an Eclipse Junior Ranger activity.
Additionally, the event will feature solar eclipse painting and live viewing of the total solar eclipse with Unistellar smart telescopes, hosted by SETI/Unistellar astronomer Dr. Ian Weaver, as per a news release from the National Park Service.
Another key location for the eclipse viewing is the Wright Memorial Watch Party at 2380 Memorial Rd., Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
Running concurrently from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., this event will offer a NASA livestream in the theater, an Eclipse Junior Ranger activity, and exhibits on the Wright brothers and the history of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to create their own viewing space.
For those seeking a more tranquil viewing experience, the Huffman Prairie Flying Field Watch Party at the 1905 Replica Hangar site at Huffman Prairie is an ideal choice.
This location, accessible at Gate 16A off Rt. 444, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, will host the event from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. It offers a chance to explore the field where the Wright brothers discovered practical flight and participate in safe eclipse viewing without the crowds.
Inclusivity is a key focus of these events. Special arrangements, such as the LightSound setup, will be available for the blind and low vision community, ensuring that the eclipse is an experience accessible to all.
The park rangers will distribute safe solar eclipse viewing glasses to attendees free of charge at each watch party. The first 300 attendees at each location will also receive a special 2024 eclipse patch, adding a memorable keepsake to the experience.
These watch parties not only offer a unique opportunity to view the solar eclipse but also serve as an educational platform, particularly for young attendees. The Eclipse Junior Ranger activity is designed to engage children in learning about astronomy and the science behind eclipses.
As the community prepares for this historic event, the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park invites everyone to join in witnessing the cosmic ballet of the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. For more information about the watch parties and the solar eclipse, visitors are encouraged to visit the park’s 2024 Eclipse page.
Planning on joining the 2024 Solar Eclipse viewing parties in Dayton, Ohio? Dive into Wright brothers’ aviation legacy, engage in hands-on STEM activities, and connect with park rangers for a richer experience!