Partial Blood Moon Eclipse to Cover 96% of Moon on August 27 in Los Angeles

Q: How does a former Cold War missile site offer the perfect vantage point for viewing tonight's rare copper-colored lunar eclipse?

A former Cold War missile site offers an ideal eclipse viewpoint because it combines elevation, open sightlines and an easy approach. In the Los Angeles Times recommendation, Topanga Lookout stands out for its broad, unobstructed views toward the eastern sky, where the moon rises. Supporting trail information notes that the area is part of a historic Nike-era military radar site, whose exposed ridge and panoramic overlook now give hikers sweeping views across the Los Angeles Basin, San Fernando Valley and Santa Monica Mountains. That matters tonight because the partial lunar eclipse begins just after moonrise. In Los Angeles, the moon rises around 7:16 to 7:18 p.m., the darker umbral phase starts at 7:34 p.m., and the eclipse peaks at 9:13 p.m., when about 96% of the moon will be in Earth’s shadow. From a high, east-facing overlook, viewers have a better chance of seeing the moon clear the horizon and then gradually turn a copper-red color. The hike itself is also part of the appeal. The Topanga route is short — about 2.1 miles round trip with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain — and follows a relatively wide path, making it more manageable after dark than steeper or narrower trails. Anyone heading there should still prepare for nighttime hiking in hot weather: bring a headlamp or flashlight, extra water, and ideally go with others. Check whether the area is open after sunset, stay on trail, and follow Leave No Trace practices.

3 articles · Updated · Los Angeles Times · Aug 27

Los Angeles skywatchers will see a partial lunar eclipse Thursday night, with 96% of the moon entering Earth’s shadow at the 9:13 p.m. peak.
The main eclipse phase starts at 7:34 p.m., shortly after the 7:16 p.m. moonrise, turning the moon a reddish copper color before the most visible phase ends at 10:52 p.m.
L.A. Times recommended three night hikes with clear eastern views for watching the event: Topanga Lookout, Ernest E. Debs Regional Park’s Seco View and Oak Grove trails, and Griffith Park’s Five Points via Fern Canyon.
The viewing advice comes during an oppressive heat wave, with hikers urged to bring extra water, use headlamps, stick to wide trails and go in groups for safer nighttime conditions.