Solar Eclipse: Griffith Observatory​ Offers Free, Safe Viewing

LOS ANGELES, CA — If you don't have a solar eclipse viewing device, the Griffith Observatory is probably your best bet for seeing Monday's solar eclipse in Los Angeles. However, Griffith Observatory officials are warning visitors to expect crowds and lines for the free viewing event.

You'll be able to see the eclipse from 9:05 a.m. to 11:44 a.m., and experts warn to take all necessary precautions to protect your eyes from direct exposure to the sun. Looking directly into the sun can cause permanent eye damage. The observatory will have several solar telescopes available staffed by knowledgeable employees and local volunteers to provide safe viewing opportunities. Officials said they would also have special glasses available for purchase at the Stellar Emporium gift shop. Visitors were also urged to wear a hat, sunscreen and walking shoes and to bring water, as they may need to walk a substantial distance uphill to get to the observatory with parking expected to be limited.

Eye Protection Is Critical For Viewing The Eclipse

People in Los Angeles will see a partial eclipse (the moon will cover almost 70 percent of the sun's diameter and 62 percent of its area), while a total solar eclipse will be visible in a swath across the continental United States from the Oregon coast to South Carolina.

The Griffith Observatory is located at 2800 East Observatory Road, at Griffith Park. If parking becomes full on Monday, vehicle access to the park via the Vermont Avenue and Fern Dell gates will be suspended. Visitors are encouraged to take the DASH Observatory bus from Metro's Vermont/Sunset Red Line station, which will run earlier than usual on Monday.

The next solar eclipse visible in Los Angeles is expected to occur on October 14, 2023.

City News Service; Image via NASA