RED MOON RISING FACILITY TO OFFER LUNAR ECLIPSE VIEWS.

Byline: Lisa Mascaro Staff Writer

When the full moon darkens during Thursday night's total eclipse, sidewalk astronomers can get a front-row seat through telescopes set up outside the Griffith Observatory Satellite in the northeast corner of Griffith Park.

With the observatory itself closed for renovations until 2005, the satellite will be officially dedicated this week at 4800 Western Heritage Way. City officials will host a birthday party Wednesday and weekend planetarium shows will begin on Friday.

But Thursday night will bring out the stargazers for the lunar eclipse, with outdoor telescopes lined up to watch the show.

``Los Angeles once again can reclaim public astronomy, even though Griffith Observatory is closed and we're in exile,'' said observatory director E.C. Krupp.

``This is absolutely essential for us - that we have the public element.''

The eclipse happens as the full moon moves into the Earth's shadow, eventually becoming completely dark with a reddish color, as the night sky itself darkens.

The observatory will host the viewing from sunset to 10 p.m., with the best time to watch at around 9 p.m. The moon starts rising at 7:40 p.m., is completely covered by 8:13 p.m. and stays dark for 53 minutes, according to the observatory.

The actual viewing area will be set up across the satellite's parking lot at the Autry Museum of Western Heritage's large south lawn. Local astronomy groups including the Los Angeles Astronomical Society and the Los Angeles Sidewalk Astronomers are providing the telescopes, which will also be turned to Jupiter and Saturn.

Though you don't need a telescope to watch the eclipse, the observatory says telescopes or binoculars enhance the color. The next eclipse will be Nov. 8.

``They can see that from their back yards, but it's a lot more fun with telescopes,'' said Krupp. ``There's a great view of the eastern horizon.''

Beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday, city leaders are expected to celebrate the observatory's 68th birthday and announce the satellite's opening.

Though the satellite has been operating since October, after construction got under way on the observatory's $83 million renovation, its planetarium shows are opening this weekend.

Shows will be presented starting Friday evening, and continue through the weekends, with a lecturer hosting ongoing programs about the night sky and taking requests in an informal setting where visitors can come and go as they like.

Regular exhibits and events continue at the satellite while the observatory is being renovated.

On clear nights, a telescope is turned toward highlights in the night sky and an astronomer is available to take requests and questions from dark until 9:45 p.m. The satellite will be open 1-10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. It will be closed Mondays.

IF YOU GO:

Public viewing of the lunar eclipse will be held sunset to 10 p.m. Thursday, with the best viewing time at 9 p.m. Telescopes will be set up on the south lawn of the Autry Museum of Western Heritage, with parking available at the Los Angeles Zoo. For information, call [phone] or go to www.griffithobservatory.org.

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IF YOU GO (see text)