POTSDAM — SUNY Potsdam is making final preparations for a celestial celebration, as the campus is in the direct path of the 2024 total solar eclipse. The College will mark this truly once-in-a-lifetime experience with fun free activities for all on Monday, April 8.

In an effort to make this astronomical marvel a shared experience, SUNY Potsdam is organizing special educational activities for students, faculty, staff, alumni and the wider community. Classes have been canceled for the day to allow the entire campus community to take part.

"We are excited to have a front-row seat to one of the most incredible sights the North Country has ever seen. SUNY Potsdam is thrilled to create a communal viewing experience for all to enjoy, and we are excited to share educational activities for our campus and community to mark this special occasion," said Dr. Page Quinton, one of the event organizers, who is an associate professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

Campus events are set to kick off at 2 p.m. on April 8, and will include interactive science activities and lots more to explore.

The eclipse viewing will take place at the Marshall Park Bandshell, with music and live narration beginning around 3 p.m., with an additional designated quiet viewing area in the Academic Quad. Free eclipse viewing glasses and giveaways like custom frisbees and vinyl stickers will be available for all in attendance. There will also be refreshments and more keepsakes available to mark the occasion.

Highlights of the day include space-themed coloring, eclipse music, an eclipse history outdoor exhibit, a time capsule and a large-scale model of the solar system! SUNY Potsdam student clubs and organizations will also get in on the fun, including space Lego building with the Anthropology Club and an eclipse book sale with the History Association.

Science activities/demonstrations will include (in Timerman Hall, unless otherwise noted):

• Totality in the Planetarium: The Revetta Planetarium in Stowell Hall will be open for totality, with demonstrations explaining the nature of eclipses.
• WISER Center in Space: Come to the Wagner Institute for Sustainability and Ecological Research (WISER) in Stowell Hall, to learn about techniques for growing plants for food in space.
• Space for Food: Enjoy eclipse-themed cooking activities at the HEARTH, located on Outer Main Street.
• How Eclipses Work: Check out the "dark" lab room with three celestial models set up (each with a Sun light, plus a Moon and Earth that orbit) to learn about different types of eclipses and what causes them.
• How Scientists Study the Composition of Other Planets: Learn about the rocks and minerals that make up the planets in our solar system, and use petrographic microscopes to view thin sections.
• Imaging and Mapping Space Exhibit: Play in the augmented reality sandbox to build maps of Mars, learn how to image planetary surfaces, and check out high-resolution maps and photos of Earth, Mars and the Moon.
• Planetary Geology and Water Flow Demonstration: The stream table will be up and running to show how scientists use patterns in sediment to understand surface processes on other planets.
• Building Platonic Solids Demonstration: Learn about Kepler's original flawed model of the solar system and eventual correct model.
• Google Moon and Mars: The GIS Lab will run Google Moon and Google Mars for visitors.
• Animals and the Eclipse: Learn about current research on how animals respond to eclipses.
• Sleeping Soybeans: Take a peek at the soybean plants that will "nod o" when it goes dark.

The eclipse, spanning over two hours as the moon's path begins to block out the sun, will treat Potsdam to a breathtaking 3 minutes and 11 seconds of totality.

As hotel rooms fill up along the path of totality, SUNY Potsdam has opened up space in the College's residence halls for visitors. First priority will be given to SUNY Potsdam alumni for the accommodations, which are available from April 5 to 10. Limited space is still available for the last few rooms.

Rooms, at $60 per night, include two twin extra-long beds, desks and closets, with shared bathrooms on each floor. Linens are not provided and must be brought by guests. Each individual can request up to two rooms, housing four people in total. Reservation requests can be made by filling out this online form.

In addition to the celebrations, the Office of Admissions is offering a special event for prospective students and families. Guests can come for a visit, including a discussion with current students, a guided campus tour and applied learning activities (complete with a lecture on space) -- and then stay for the total eclipse viewing party. To register, go to https://apply.potsdam.edu/portal/eclipse.

For more information, visit www.potsdam.edu/eclipse.

More information for visitors can be found on the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce website: www.visitstlc.com/totality-2024.