New community lecture series to begin at Bucci’s January 14

New community lecture series to begin at Bucci's January 14

Beginning in January, The Ohio State University at Marion and Bucci's Italian Scratch Kitchen have partnered to offer a new lecture series called, Lectures on Tap, which will take place the second Tuesday of each month at Bucci's, 320 W. Center St., Marion, Ohio.

Ohio State faculty and other community experts will share the latest in research and scholarly information on timely subjects from the environment, astronomy, agronomy, health and wellness, linguistics, crime, engineering a better Marion, food safety, Ohio migration patterns and much more. The goal of the lecture series is to bring the campus and the community together in casual open discussions about timely thought-provoking topics of interest to citizens of the Marion regional area.

Tuesday, January 14, 5:30 p.m. is the inaugural lecture featuring Ohio State Marion Assistant Professor of Physics, Dr. Chris Orban who will present a lecture entitled, The Science Behind an Unforgettable Year in Backyard Astronomy. Dr. Orban will share his perspective on these events and explain how the sun's 11-year cycle of magnetic activity made it especially memorable.

"There has been no greater year for celestial events in Ohio than we had in 2024," said Orban. "There were not one but two major solar flares that allowed the northern lights to be seen across the state, and in April a once in centuries total solar eclipse passed right through downtown Marion."

Lectures on Tap is patterned after the successful international phenomenon Science Cafe that features engaging conversation in casual environments like pubs, restaurants and cafes between academic/scientific experts and the community on topics of interest to us all.

Attendees are encouraged to eat, drink, and relax during the lecture portion of the evening. Doors open for the event at 5 p.m., allowing time for attendees to place any food or drink orders. The lecture begins at 5:30 p.m. and a question-and-answer open discussion begins at 6 p.m. Those attending January's event will be entered to win a $50 gift card to Bucci's and an Ohio State memorabilia basket! Have dinner, a drink, and join this lively casual presentation/discussion.