Los Angeles skywatchers are in for a celestial treat Thursday night as a dramatic blood moon lunar eclipse takes place over Southern California.
If you're looking for a great place to watch, Griffith Observatory will open its grounds to the public for an evening of eclipse viewing.
The lunar eclipse will be visible throughout Southern California and into the early hours of Friday morning. According to Griffith Observatory, anyone with clear skies should be able to see the event without a telescope or special glasses.
A “Practically” Total Eclipse
Technically, Thursday night's event is a partial lunar eclipse. But with 96 percent of the Moon moving into Earth's dark inner shadow, or umbra, it will look very close to a total eclipse.
As the Moon slips into Earth's shadow, its bright surface will dim and take on the familiar coppery-red color that gives a lunar eclipse its “blood moon” nickname.
Watch the Eclipse at Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory will welcome visitors from 7:25 p.m. until 11 p.m., with the greatest part of the eclipse expected at approximately 9:13 p.m.
The eclipse should become visible from the Observatory's lawn around 8:15 p.m.
Can't make it to Griffith Park? The Observatory will also offer an online broadcast of the eclipse.
Eclipse Timeline
- 6:24 p.m. — Penumbral eclipse begins while the Moon is still below the horizon
- 7:18 p.m. — Official moonrise on the southeastern horizon
- 7:25 p.m. — Observatory broadcast begins
- 7:34 p.m. — Umbral eclipse begins
- 8:15 p.m. — Eclipse becomes visible from the Observatory's lawn
- 9:13 p.m. — Greatest eclipse, with 96 percent of the Moon in Earth's shadow
- 10:52 p.m. — Umbral eclipse ends
- 11 p.m. — Griffith Observatory grounds close to the public
- 12:02 a.m. — Penumbral eclipse ends
- 12:05 a.m. — Online broadcast ends
What You Need to Know Before You Go
The good news is that you don't need any special equipment to enjoy the eclipse. If skies are clear, simply look toward the southeast.
However, visitors should expect large crowds and limited parking, especially with a concert scheduled at the nearby Greek Theatre at 7:30 p.m.
Griffith Observatory also reminds visitors that lawn chairs, coolers, tripods and other large items are not allowed on the lawn or terraces.
Parking near the Observatory is available for an hourly fee. The DASH Observatory/Los Feliz bus will also run from the Vermont/Sunset Metro station, with the final bus departing the Observatory at 11 p.m.
What Is a Partial Lunar Eclipse?
A partial lunar eclipse happens when the Moon passes partly through Earth's dark inner shadow. During Thursday night's event, 96 percent of the full Moon will move into that shadow.
The Moon won't disappear completely. Instead, sunlight filtering through Earth's atmosphere gives it a reddish or copper-colored glow.
If you miss this one, you'll have to wait a while for the next total lunar eclipse visible from Los Angeles, which is expected on June 25, 2029.
So keep an eye on the forecast, find a clear view of the southeastern sky and look up Thursday night — the Moon is putting on a show.
