How To View the Solar Annular Eclipse

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.

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.

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:

• Make a pinhole projector
• Use binoculars to project the eclipse on a white card

Where to View Nearby

• Any turnout points on Glendora Ridge Road
• Any turnouts on Glendora Mountain Road
• Anywhere near Crystal Lake Recreation and Crystal Lake Road