A partial solar eclipse will be visible in the Los Angeles area today, and the Griffith Observatory will be offering telescopes for residents to catch the celestial event.
The path of the moon will begin to block the sun at 2:07 p.m. and gradually build to its height, which will be at 3:27 p.m., according to observatory officials. The moon is expected to cover about 45 percent of the sun’s diameter and 34 percent of its overall area, according to the observatory.
Observatory officials and members of local astronomy clubs will be available to answer questions and ensure that visitors are safely viewing the eclipse. Protective eye-gear must be worn when viewing a solar eclipse.
People are urged to not look directly at the sun because permanent eye damage can result. Eclipse-viewing glasses will be available for sale in the observatory’s gift shop.