If you are planning to watch the solar eclipse, scheduled to happen on Monday, April 8, Los Angeles County has multiple locations ideal for viewing the phenomenon.
The eclipse will first be visible over the South Pacific Ocean, reaching the Pacific coast in Mexico at roughly 11:07 PDT before continuing northeast.
The path of totality, or the thin track across the U.S. from which the sun will appear obscured, starts in Texas and continues northeast through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
While Southern California isn’t in the path of totality, residents can still enjoy the rare event at these locations.
It’s important to note that those wanting to view the solar eclipse should have eye protection. Many businesses sell the glasses, but other organizations give them away for free.
Los Angeles Public Libraries
Branches in Sylmar, Studio City, Vermont Square, Playa Vista, and Edendale will host solar eclipse viewing parties and give away solar eclipse glasses. More information can be found here.
Cal State LA
The university will host a viewing party from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on April 8 at the main walkway between the Biological Sciences Building and the Annenberg Science Complex. Solar eclipse glasses will be provided.
California Science Center
The science center will host a viewing party and provide hands-on educational activities, all included with free general admission.
Pierce College
The community college will host a free viewing party on the second floor of its Center of Science building. The event is open to everyone. Free eclipse glasses and solar telescopes will also be available to guests.
Caltech
Residents closer to the Pasadena area can visit Caltech for a viewing party. Free eclipse glasses and solar telescopes will be available to participants. Astrophysicists will also be on hand to help everyone get the most out of this rare experience.
Your living room
Those wanting to view the solar eclipse at home can tune into live streams from the Griffith Observatory, NASA, the Exploratorium website, and more.
NASA said the next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous United States won’t happen until Aug. 23, 2044.