The partial eclipse will be visible in Los Angeles between 10:06 a.m.- 12:22 p.m. (photo courtesy of Griffith Observatory)

Griffith Observatory is hosting a live online broadcast of the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Weather permitting, the observatory’s astronomical broadcast team, joining the Griffith Observatory Foundation eclipse trip in Belton, Texas, will provide a live broadcast of the entire total solar eclipse from that location, including nearly four minutes of totality.

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 total eclipse, the moon and sun are perfectly aligned.

On Monday, April 8, a narrow pathway or “line of totality” across North America from Mazatlán, Mexico, to Newfoundland, Canada will experience a total solar eclipse in which the moon fully blocks the light of the sun for several minutes. Almost all other parts of the continent, including Los Angeles, will see a partial eclipse. The next solar eclipse in North America won’t occur for another two decades.

The team will be in the same location as one of two eclipse-viewing trips hosted by Griffith Observatory Foundation. The Texas trip is led by Observatory Astronomical Lecturer Dr. David Reitzel. The other foundation trip is viewing the eclipse from Mazatlán, Mexico, and is led by Observatory Director Dr. E. C. Krupp.

The broadcast will be available live on Griffith Observatory’s YouTube Channel.

The observatory is not hosting a public viewing event on its grounds for the partial solar eclipse in Los Angeles. However, according to the observatory, with eclipse glasses and clear skies, L.A. residents can watch the partial solar eclipse from home if they have a clear view of the sky to the southeast. A telescope is not needed to view the eclipse, but if a telescope is used, it must have the proper filter, the observatory said.

It is essential to use proper eye protection when looking at the sun. Affordable and safe eclipse glasses and Solarama viewers are available for purchase at the observatory’s Stellar Emporium gift shop and its online store in advance of April 8.

For information, visit griffithobservatory.org.