WHAT: Griffith Observatory will be open for public viewing of a rare, late-afternoon partial eclipse of the Sun on Thursday, October 23, from 2:07 p.m. to 4:39 p.m. PDT. Weather permitting, dozens of telescopes will be staffed by Observatory staff and local astronomy club members to provide visitors with safe viewing opportunities of the Sun during the partial solar eclipse. Public admission to the event is FREE! Interviews with Observatory astronomers will be available.

NOTE: It is essential to wear the proper eye protection when looking at the Sun. Affordable eclipse glasses will be available at the Stellar Emporium gift shop. The Observatory and Café at the End of the Universe will also be open during the event.

Griffith Observatory will also provide a live webcast of the partial solar eclipse from 2:00 to 4:45 p.m. PDT on October 23: http://new.livestream.com/GriffithObservatoryTV

Media are welcome to carry all or part of the live webcast (either from the web or directly onsite) by advance arrangement. (First come, first served. Onsite capacity is very limited.) Use of the webcast must not obscure or edit any part of the Griffith Observatory logo on the screen.

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 23 (2:07 p.m. to 4:39 p.m. PDT)

Key Events:
* 2:07 p.m. eclipse begins
* 3:27 p.m. maximum eclipse
* 4:39 p.m. eclipse ends

WHERE: In Person: Griffith Observatory, 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, California 90027. Online: http://new.livestream.com/GriffithObservatoryTV

VISITING: 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 and wear a hat, sunscreen, and walking shoes. Bring water. If parking near the Observatory (including around the Greek Theatre and along Western Canyon Road) is full, vehicle access via the Vermont and Fern Dell park gates may be suspended.

DETAILS: 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 23, 2014, the Moon will cover 45 percent of the Sun’s diameter and 34 percent of the Sun’s area. Proper eye protection is ESSENTIAL to shield the eyes from dangerous and blinding solar radiation. The next solar eclipse visible in Los Angeles will occur on August 21, 2017.

More information:
http://www.griffithobs.org/exhibits/special/Special_Event_Partial_Eclipse_2014.html

RSVP: Advance RSVPs from media are preferred to Susan Szotyori at SWPR Group. Please call +1 (818) 760-7131 or e-mail sszotyori@swprgroup.com.

MEDIA PARKING: Media access to Griffith Observatory is via Vermont Ave., past the Greek Theatre, and LEFT before the tunnel. Parking is limited and available only in the south end of the parking lot and along East Observatory Road. Those arriving in television and radio news trucks will receive instructions on where to park.