Griffith Observatory Hosts Public Event, Live Stream of Jan. 31st Lunar Eclipse
WHAT
Griffith Observatory is hosting a public viewing event of the total lunar eclipse on Wednesday, January 31, from 3:45 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. PST. Weather permitting, telescopes and binoculars staffed by observatory employees and local volunteers will provide visitors enhanced viewing opportunities of the Moon during the eclipse. Public admission to the event is FREE! Media interviews with knowledgeable observatory staff will be available.
NOTE: If skies are clear, the eclipse will be visible to the naked eye from anywhere in Southern California. It is safe to view a lunar eclipse without any eye protection. You do not need a telescope to see a lunar eclipse.
You can also watch the Observatory’s live online broadcast of the total eclipse from 2:45 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. at https://livestream.com/GriffithObservatoryTV.
NOTE: A time-lapse version of the lunar eclipse will be available to the media and others no later than 9:00 a.m. PST at Griffith Observatory’s LiveStream (https://livestream.com/GriffithObservatoryTV) and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/GriffithObservatory) channels.
What’s open and when:
* Observatory grounds and parking, 3:45 a.m.
* The Café at the End of the Universe cart, 3:45 a.m.
* The observatory building will be CLOSED.
We expect moderate to large crowds. There will be limited parking, road congestion, and long uphill walks to the observatory. Please prepare accordingly.
WHEN
Wednesday, January 31, from 3:45 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Key Event / Eclipse Moments
2:45 a.m. LiveStream broadcast begins
3:45 a.m. EVENT BEGINS (grounds open)
3:48 a.m. Umbral eclipse begins (first visible bite out of the Moon)
4:51 a.m. Totality begins (Moon totally covered in shadow)
5:29 a.m. Maximum eclipse
6:07 a.m. Totality ends (Moon emerges from shadow)
6:51 a.m. Sun rises in the east
6:56 a.m. Moon sets in the west (Moon may set a little earlier due to local horizon)
7:00 a.m. EVENT ENDS
7:00 a.m. LiveStream broadcast ends
WHERE
Griffith Observatory (2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, California 90027)
VISITING
We expect moderate to large crowds for the event. Parking will be limited, roads will be congested, and visitors may need to walk a substantial distance uphill to get to the observatory. Expect delays. Dress for the weather, wear appropriate clothing and walking shoes, and bring water.
If all parking is full, including around the Greek Theatre and along Western Canyon Road, vehicle access into Griffith Park via the Vermont and Fern Dell gates will be suspended.
Blankets are welcome, lawn furniture is prohibited.
NO outside or personal telescopes will be permitted anywhere on the Observatory’s grounds during the event.
If rain is forecast for the eclipse by Tuesday, January 30, at 3:00 p.m., the event will be canceled. Notices will be posted on our homepage [http://griffithobservatory.org] if rain is likely.
DETAILS
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes into the shadow cast by the Earth. The round disk of the full Moon slowly moves into the dark shadow, and the bright Moon grows dim. The Moon, however, does not become completely dark. Instead, it usually glows with a faint copper or red color, a result of sunlight being filtered and bent through the Earth’s atmosphere (much like a sunset). The lunar eclipse is visible throughout Southern California and can be seen easily with the unaided eye, though telescopes or binoculars may enhance the view. The next total lunar eclipse visible in Los Angeles will be on January 20, 2019.
More information about the Observatory eclipse event:
http://www.griffithobservatory.org/events/Lunar_Eclipse_January_2018.html
RSVP
Media wishing to cover the event MUST RSVP in advance to Bonnie Winings. Please call (213) 473-0879 / (818) 621-2434 or email at BWinings@FriendsOfTheObservatory.org.
MEDIA PARKING
Media access to Griffith Observatory is via Vermont Avenue, past the Greek Theatre, through the tunnel, and up West Observatory Road. Veer right toward the BUS/DELIVERY station to check-in. Media parking is limited. Those arriving in television and radio news trucks will receive special parking instructions. NO MEDIA TRUCK ACCESS TO GRIFFITH PARK BEFORE 3:00 A.M.
CONTACTS
Bonnie Winings
+1 (213) 473-0879, cell: +1 (818) 621-2434
BWinings@FriendsOfTheObservatory.org
Marc Meehan
+1 (213) 473-0879
MMeehan@FriendsOfTheObservatory.org
ABOUT
Griffith Observatory is owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks. The observatory is located on the south slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. The building is open to the public six days a week (Tuesday to Sunday), with free admission. Free public telescope viewing is available every evening the observatory is open and the sky is clear.
