January 31, 2018
2:45 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.
Griffith Observatory
Total Lunar Eclipse! January 31, 2018
On January 31, 2018, Griffith Observatory hosted over a thousand people to view the total lunar eclipse.
Upcoming Eclipse Events at Griffith Observatory
See it from Griffith Observatory
or
Watch it live on the internet, streamed in real-time on Griffith TV
2:45 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.
A FREE public event to view the total lunar eclipse
3:45 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.
NOTE: Griffith Park gates open at 3:30 a.m.
Griffith Observatory grounds open – building is closed
NOTE: 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.
Timeline for the Eclipse
| 3:45 a.m. | EVENT BEGINS (grounds open) |
| 3:48 a.m. | Umbral eclipse begins (This is the first visible “bite” out of the Moon.) |
| 4:51 a.m. | Totality begins (Moon is 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 |
Advice for Visiting
- We are expecting large crowds. Those attending should expect traffic congestion and long walks from parking.
- The Vermont and Western Canyon entrances into Griffith Park will open at 3:30 a.m.
- All parking is free until 12:00 noon.
- Please do not bring personal telescopes.
- Please do not bring lawn furniture; blankets are permitted.
Bad Weather Plan
If rain is forecast for the eclipse by Tuesday, January 30, at 3:00 p.m., the event will be canceled. We shall post a notice on our homepage if rain is likely.