Partial Solar Eclipse – October 14, 2023

2 hours and 42 minutes compressed into 1 minute.

As seen from Earth, a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth and fully or partially blocks the Sun. In a partial eclipse, the Moon and Sun are not exactly in line, and only a portion of the Sun’s disc is blocked. In Los Angeles on October 14, 2023, the Moon covered 78 percent of the Sun’s diameter and 71 percent of the Sun’s area. The next partial solar eclipse visible in Los Angeles will occur on April 8, 2024.

We are expecting very 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, bring water, and wear a hat, sunscreen, and walking shoes.

• Take the Bus! Visitors should consider taking the DASH Observatory/Los Feliz bus from Metro’s Vermont/Sunset Red Line station. The bus will be running to/from the Observatory starting at 6:00 a.m. on October 14.
• Parking / Access. Parking is limited. If parking is full near the Observatory, near the Greek Theatre, and along Western Canyon Road, vehicle access to Griffith Park via the Vermont and Fern Dell gates may be suspended. Parking lots and roads inside Griffith Park may also be closed periodically.
• Safety. For personal and visitor safety, NO outside or personal telescopes are permitted anywhere on the Observatory’s grounds during the event.
• Prohibitions. No lawn furniture or coolers are permitted on Observatory grounds during the event. Because the event is a public star party, the priority for the lawn is telescopes and the lines of visitors wanting to look through them. Please do not expect room for picnicking.

As seen from Earth, a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth and fully or partially blocks the Sun. In a partial eclipse, the Moon and Sun are not exactly in line, and only a portion of the Sun’s disc is blocked. In Los Angeles on October 14, 2023, the Moon will cover 78 percent of the Sun’s diameter and 71 percent of the Sun’s area.

NOTE: While those in Los Angeles will see a partial solar eclipse, an annular solar eclipse will be visible in a swath across the U.S. from the Oregon coast to Texas. An annular eclipse is when the Moon covers the face of the Sun, but the outer edge of the Sun’s disk is still visible and appears as a single ring of light. It is not safe to view an annular eclipse without proper eye protection. For more information about the annular eclipse, please visit NASA’s annular eclipse page.

The next partial solar eclipse visible in Los Angeles will occur on April 8, 2024.

Proper eye protection is ESSENTIAL to shield the eyes from dangerous and blinding solar radiation.

To learn more about eclipses, please visit our eclipse info page.

Weather permitting, several solar telescopes will be staffed by Observatory staff and local volunteers to provide visitors with safe viewing opportunities of the Sun during the partial solar eclipse.

IT IS ESSENTIAL TO WEAR THE PROPER EYE PROTECTION WHEN LOOKING AT THE SUN! Affordable, safe eclipse glasses and viewers will be available at the Stellar Emporium book store and gift shop in advance and on October 14.

The next eclipse in the U.S. is a rare total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. The path of totality will be from Texas to Ohio (the eclipse will be partial in Los Angeles). If you’d like to see the total solar eclipse, you can join Griffith Observatory Foundation on eclipse trips to either Mexico or Texas. Both trips are along the path of totality and are guided by Griffith Observatory staff astronomers. Sign up today!