Politics & Government

How to View Sunday's Solar Eclipse

In the first solar eclipse visible in the U.S. in 18 years, the Earth's moon will pass in front of the sun before sunset on Sunday, casting a giant shadow across the land.

A solar eclipse is expected to be visible across much of the western U.S. on Sunday, and Griffith Observatory is planning a public viewing. 

In the hours before sunset on Sunday, the Earth's moon will pass in front of the sun – the eclipse will be between 5:24 p.m. and 7:42 p.m.

"Called an annular solar eclipse, the moon and sun will exactly align Sunday, May 20, creating a "ring of fire" around the moon because of the sun's larger apparent size," reported the Huffington Post.

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The last solar eclipse visible in the U.S. was in 1994. In Los Angeles, Sunday's eclipse is the most extensive since 1992, according to the observatory.

The Griffith Observatory's telescope will be outfitted with special filters, and viewing-glasses will be available for purchase.

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NASA warns that people should never observe a solar eclipse with the naked eye, only through filtered telescopes and special glasses. To learn more about the eclipse, visit NASA's website.

The Los Angeles Times offered two ways, shared by the Huffington Post, to safely view Mother Nature's show:

Where to View Nearby

One destination to catch a stunning vista is the , which ascends 1500 feet toward the ridgeline of the mountain and is not far from civilization.

To get to the site from the 210 Freeway heading west, take the La Crescenta Avenue exit. Turn right to continue onto Oakmont View Drive followed by a left on Barnes Circle Drive.

Continue for a third of a mile and then make a right onto Beaudry Terrace. Drive down Beaudry Terrace until it becomes Beaudry Boulevard, the destination is on the right. Look for large fence and a concrete wash marking the path. The actual trail head is beyond the main gate next to the wash.

For hikers, the Mount Lowe Railroad trail loop is a great pick. The trail rises to the elevated peaks of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a plethora of vistas to watch the eclipse from. The main entrance is accessed from the top of Sunset Ridge.

To get there from Altadena, take Chaney Trail up from West Loma Alta Drive toward the mountains. Drive up Chaney Trail and pass the Millard Canyon Gate, which opens at 6 a.m. and closes to all entering and exiting vehicles by 8 p.m.

Once past the white gates, keep driving till the road forks into two directions and make a right, parking near the gate to the Mount Lowe Railroad Trail.

Remember to always bring a head lamp, tell someone where you’re going and watch your step.

For more local area viewing spots see below:

Are you planning to view Sunday's solar eclipse? How are you viewing it? Have you seen an eclipse before? Tell us in the comments.


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