Eclipse Within Our Gates

4 p.m., Student Union: Roost

Mix and mingle with fellow eclipse enthusiasts as you share your excitement and predictions for the upcoming phenomenon. Whether you are a seasoned stargazer or a newcomer to the wonders of the universe, all are welcome to join in the festivities.

Admittance is FREE, and drinks are available for purchase.

6 p.m., Walker Recital Hall (Audrey Hirt Academic Building)

In the Eastern esoteric tradition, the solar eclipse was always categorized as a catastrophic and monumental celestial event. Confucian scholars, such as Dong Zhongshu, interpreted the celestial events within the framework of Confucianism and stated that there was a mystical interaction between heaven and human society under the rulership of a monarch.

4 p.m., Performing Arts Center

Learn about the science behind the solar eclipse. We will discuss why this event is so rare here in Erie and how Einstein’s theory of general relativity was proven by a solar eclipse in 1919, as well as detail the perfect alignment of the Earth, moon, and sun.

5 p.m., Student Union: Roost

Join us as we gear up for the celestial spectacle of the century at Mercyhurst University's Eclipse Happy Hour Pre-Party! Indulge in our special promotions as you immerse yourself in eclipse-themed cocktails and delectable treats. Get ready to elevate your spirits and anticipation for the upcoming cosmic event.

Admittance is FREE, and drinks are available for purchase.

6 p.m., Luke's Landing, Lower Level of the Student Union

7:30 p.m., Walker Recital Hall (Audrey Hirt Academic Building)

Space provided the setting that allowed the Bolsheviks and early Soviets to theorize the necessary conditions to deliver on the promise of a new society. Space combined two major components for early Soviet mythology: the new Soviet man and the conquest of nature. Consequently, space imagination "took off" in the first quarter of the 20th century with books, images, amateur societies, and movies, which, in no small part, would shape the Soviet space program.

9 a.m., Walker Recital Hall (Audrey Hirt Academic Building)

New York composer Bruce Lazarus will talk about uniting music and astronomy as a mixture of observation, musical intuition, and compositional craft. Moderated by Mercyhurst faculty member Dr. Albert Glinsky from the D’Angelo Department of Music, this informal conversation will focus on Lazarus’ major piano cycle, "Musical Explorations of Messier Star Clusters and Nebulae," a set of musical interpretations of celestial objects first described by 17th century French astronomer Charles Messier and familiar to us today as the Andromeda Galaxy, the Pleiades, the Orion Nebula, and the iconic “Pillars of Creation.” Hubble and JWST images of Messier Objects reveal vistas of extraordinary beauty and also great variation in energy patterning – spiraling, floating, exploding, diffusing – which strongly suggest musical variations in rhythm, texture, formal design, and melodic elements. In honor of the total solar eclipse later the same day, Lazarus will also discuss his "Regarding Eclipses," composed in 2010 for the young people of North Cambridge Family Opera Chorus.

10 a.m., Walker Recital Hall (Audrey Hirt Academic Building)

We sometimes presume that ancient or traditional peoples have ways of interacting with the natural world that differ from those common in Western societies. Indigenous practices and knowledge may be seen as inferior to Western scientific knowledge and practice, but a growing body of literature and public media have demonstrated the sophistication of "Indigenous science," traditions of which stretch into the distant past. In this talk, Dr. Meyer will discuss some material evidence for Indigenous astronomy, the use of which would have allowed the accurate prediction of solar and lunar eclipses. 

11 a.m., Walker Recital Hall (Audrey Hirt Academic Building)

1 p.m., Mercyhurst University Athletic Fields

Experience the marvel of the 2024 solar eclipse at Mercyhurst University! Join us on April 8 at 1 p.m. for "Eclipse Within Our Gates"—a unique viewing event. Do not miss this blend of celestial wonder and community spirit.