A Look at the Night Sky: The Griffith Observatory
“If all mankind could look through that telescope, it would change the world!” -Griffith J. Griffith.
Los Angeles is an exciting place to live, in the 80 years since the Griffith Observatory opened, the city has continued to grow and expand. The combination of smog and light pollution obscure the night sky and make it difficult to appreciate. The Griffith Observatory has accounted for this, with a five-year renovation project resulting in a 12 in Zeiss refracting telescope open to the public. Through the lens of this powerful telescope, the sky opens up in crystal-clear views of our moon, planets, and stars. Planning a visit? Check out the Weekly Sky Report for an update on what’s visible through the telescope.
There isn’t much like looking through a telescope and seeing for the very first time a planet that you recognize from pictures. The Griffith Observatory is a fantastic place to go as a family, with a date, or explore on a solo excursion. The exhibits and shows have the power to sweep you away in wonder for a few hours as you walk the observatory.
One of my favorite exhibits at the observatory is the Foucault pendulum, directly under Hugo Ballin’s famed mural on the central rotunda. It’s beautiful, hypnotic, mesmerizing, and calming. If I’m not careful, I may spend my entire stay with this timepiece.
The star attraction is the building itself. This long-time Los Angeles Attraction is a must-see. Check out the Griffith Observatory Website for more information.
