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A List Of Los Angeles Eclipse Get-Togethers
People attend the solar eclipse watch party at the California Institute of Technology.
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Brian Feinzimer
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LAist
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Monday’s solar eclipse begins at about 10:06 a.m. here in Los Angeles. And while the moon will only block out about half of the sun, the light on the ground will change, the air will cool and you’ll want to look to the sky and say "woah" as the astronomical event reaches its peak at 11:12 a.m.
Eclipse gazers enjoying totality on Aug. 21, 2017, in Isle of Palms, South Carolina.
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Pete Marovich
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Getty Images
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Tune into LAist 89.3 for live coverage, including from Waco, Texas, where the eclipse will reach totality.
However, if you can get out, eclipses are a whole lot more fun with a big group of science nerds, so we pulled together a list of events you can attend across the L.A. area.
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Susanne Whatley helps you get ready for Saturday's eclipse.
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Susanne Whatley
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LAist
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List of events
- Caltech: Hang out with astrophysicists and gaze through solar telescopes at Caltech’s eclipse viewing party, taking place at the Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Cal State L.A.: Meet up with experts from different departments to view the eclipse from the main walkway from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- L.A. Public Library in Sylmar : Pick up free eclipse glasses and take advantage of their solar telescope from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- L.A. Public Library in Studio City: Build a pinhole camera and hang out with other enthusiasts in front of the library from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Glendale Central Library: Enthusiasts will be gathering at the library from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Pierce College in Woodland Hills: Solar telescopes and eclipse glasses will be available for use on the second floor of the Center for the Sciences at the community college from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The sun is shown in the first phase of a total eclipse in this photo taken in August 2017 from Grand Teton National Park outside Jackson, Wyoming.
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George Frey
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Getty Images
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- Lloyd Taber-Marina del Rey Library: Learn about the science of eclipses and create art at a program oriented towards kids ages 5 to 12 running from 10 to 11 a.m.
- Chet Holifield Library in Montebello: A hangout for all ages as well as art activities for kids from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Diamond Bar Library: An adult get together with refreshments in the library’s reading garden from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Stevenson Ranch Library: Free eclipse glasses and a gathering from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
- Acton Agua Dulce Library: Free eclipse glasses and an event from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
- Manhattan Beach Library: Gathering on the library patio with refreshments and glasses from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
A colander can be used to safely view a total solar eclipse.
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Associated Press
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View the eclipse safely
Staring at an eclipse without some sort of protection can permanently damage your eyes.
Make sure to protect them with a filter, like eclipse glasses which are available for free at L.A. public libraries. If you can’t get a hold of a pair, you can use something like a colander to project shadows on the ground, and show you what's going on up in the sky.
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There’s more safety information on NASA’s website.
Full disclosure: my family has manufactured eclipse glasses for decades in Southern California — however, I don’t benefit directly from their sale.
A vintage sunspot viewer.
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Susanne Whatley
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LAist
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Weather might be an issue
There’s the potential for light rain starting on Sunday through Monday morning, so let’s hope that the clouds clear by the time the eclipse hits its peak at 11:12 a.m.
Welcome to the world of eclipse chasing!
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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