Lunar Occultation of Mars Broadcast – January 13, 2025
A live broadcast from Griffith Observatory of Mars disappearing behind the moon and reappearing on the other side. Join us online (weather permitting) to watch this event. With this broadcast, we hope to provide a moment of comfort from the ongoing fires by sharing a natural event in the sky above our beautiful city.

Upcoming Events at Griffith Observatory
On the evening of January 13, 2025, there will be a lunar occultation of Mars by the Moon visible from Los Angeles.
Griffith Observatory is hosting an online broadcast of the occultation of Mars by the Moon on January 13, 2025, from 5:40 p.m. – 6:55 p.m., PST. The Observatory will stream the occultation live online, weather permitting.
With this broadcast, we hope to provide a moment of comfort from the ongoing fires by sharing a natural event in the sky above our beautiful city. Our deepest gratitude goes out to the firefighters and first responders for their courageous work.
The Observatory will NOT be holding an onsite public observing event.
NOTE: If skies are clear, the occultation should be visible to the unaided eye from anywhere in southern California. It is safe to view an occultation without any eye protection. You do not need a telescope to see an occultation. Just go outside and look up to the south.




Mars Occultation Timeline (All Times in PST)
5:40 p.m. | Online broadcast begins |
5:51 p.m. | Mars disappears behind the Moon |
6:45 p.m. | Mars reappears from behind the Moon |
6:55 p.m. | Online broadcast ends |
What is an Occultation?

An occultation of Mars occurs when the planet disappears from view directly behind the Moon and reappears on the opposite side. On January 13, Mars will disappear behind the full Moon at 5:51 p.m., PST for one hour before reappearing from the opposite side at 6:45 p.m.
Advice for Viewing
If skies are clear, the occultation will be visible to the unaided eye from anywhere in southern California. It is safe to view an occultation without any eye protection. You do not need a telescope to see an occultation though telescopes or binoculars may enhance the view. Just go outside and look up to the south.