LOS ANGELES—Weather permitting, the full moon will appear blood red tonight during a total lunar eclipse—and the Griffith Observatory will be open for on-site public viewing.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly and completely into the dark inner shadow, or umbra, cast by the Earth. During this activity, 100 percent of the round disk of the full moon slowly moves into the dark shadow, and the bright moon—usually milky white—grows dim.
The moon does not, however, become completely dark. Instead, it usually glows with a copper or red color, a result of sunlight being filtered and bent through the Earth’s atmosphere.
The lunar eclipse will be visible throughout Southern California and may be seen easily with the unaided eye, though telescopes or binoculars to enhance the view.
The Observatory will also be open to the public for on-site public viewing. Both the Observatory and Griffith Park will close, as usual, at 10 p.m.
Of course, you do not need to be at the Observatory to see the eclipse. If you do visit, however, expect very large crowds with limited parking and congested roads. Parking nearest the Observatory has an hourly fee.
Free parking is available near the Greek Theatre.
The DASH Observatory/Los Feliz bus will run from the Vermont/Sunset Metro Red Line station. Both visitor vaccination verification and masks are required to enter the Observatory building, but not if observing from the lawn.
