The Griffith Observatory is hosting a public stargazing party and live YouTube broadcast for an upcoming practically total
lunar eclipse, where 96 percent of the full moon enters Earth’s shadow, turning coppery red before visibility peaks across Southern California.
Griffith Observatory Viewings and Live Broadcast Plans
On Thursday, August 27, the lunar eclipse will begin around 7:18 p.m., with 96 percent of the full moon falling into darkness by 9:13 p.m., according to the reporting outlet. While technically a partial eclipse, the event is billed locally as practically total
because the lunar disk turns a coppery red hue as Earth’s shadow falls across its surface. Observers do not need telescopes, special glasses, or an understanding of astrophysics to appreciate the celestial display, which is safe to view with the naked eye.
The Observatory grounds will open for official public viewing from 7:25 p.m. to 11 p.m., while the main building officially closes at 10 p.m., though the grounds and restrooms remain available until 11 p.m. so visitors do not need to panic about the long DASH ride back down to Los Feliz without a bathroom.
Global Livestream Options Across Time Zones
Beyond the West Coast vantage point, stargazers across the U.S., Americas, Asia, and Oceania can witness orbital displays where over 3.3 billion people get a glimpse of the climactic blood moon phase as the lunar disk is fully immersed in Earth’s inner shadow and bathed in sunlight filtered by our atmosphere. Several international scientific organizations and digital platforms are providing free real-time views of the lunar event via a trio of free YouTube livestreams providing real-time views from the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Time and Date will host live coverage on its YouTube channel starting at 4:30 a.m. EST (0930 GMT), featuring expert commentary from journalist Anne Buckle and astrophysicist Graham Jones alongside live feeds from Los Angeles and Western Australia.
At the same time, the Virtual Telescope Project will host a livestream of its own providing a global perspective starting at 3:30 a.m. EST (0830 GMT) with live views coming from a team of astrophotographers in Australia, the United States, and Canada, accompanied by live commentary from founder Gianluca Masi. Additionally, the Auckland Astronomical Society will livestream the event starting at 3 a.m. EST (0800 GMT) from its location in northern New Zealand, providing crisp views of the lunar disk as it rises above the northeastern horizon in the hours following sunset.
Logistical Challenges and Transit Advice in Los Angeles
Visitors planning to attend the official viewing on the grounds face significant local traffic and parking complications, worsened by the fact that there is a show at the Greek Theatre that same night. Local attendees must plan accordingly and be ready to fight for a seat like it’s the last lifeboat on the Titanic, utilizing public transit options such as the DASH Observatory/Los Feliz bus running from the Vermont/Sunset Metro station.
The final bus leaves the Observatory at 11 p.m., matching the closing time for grounds and restrooms. For residents weighing the steep commute against online options, the next total lunar eclipse visible from the Los Angeles area is not scheduled until 2029.
