Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory
Residents of Los Angeles and visitors world wide have visited this observatory for over 60 years. Opening in 1935, it is one of the most famous, most visited landmarks in Southern California. Apparently, it was a most anticipated site, as receipts show. On the first day over 2000 people visited the Observatory, with an additional 11,000 visiting during the next four days.
The Griffith Observatory is still attracting crowds. It's main feature is the twelve-inch Zeiss telescope. The Zeiss telescope is a refracting telescope using a lens with a diameter of 12 inches to gather light. Having an unique mounting system which gives the eyepiece better stability, and ideal for public viewing. The telescope was purchased in 1930 and installed in 1935.
One of the tasks of the Observatory is to dispel people's fears regarding the natural world. Ranging from the simple fear of the dark,
to the belief in eclipses as omens of disaster.
Many exciting events in the sky have been witnessed at the Griffith Observatory. Such as the return of Halley's Comet, the collision of the fragmented comet Shoemaker-Levy 9, as well as man's venture into space travel.
The Observatory has been interpreting the skies for over 60 decades, and stands ready to continue on into the 21st century.
The Observatory is under going it's first major renovation and expansion. It will more than double the public space in the building, while maintaining it's classic look. The Observatory closed in January 2002 and will reopen to the public in 2006.
Sitting on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood it has a stunning view of the Los Angeles basin. Millions of visitors have enjoyed the view from high atop the balconies, especially at night. At the moment, safety reasons have caused the grounds and nearby hiking trails to be closed to the public. However, the trail from the Observatory parking lot to Mt. Hollywood remains open during construction.
Residents of Los Angeles and visitors world wide have visited this observatory for over 60 years. Opening in 1935, it is one of the most famous, most visited landmarks in Southern California. Apparently, it was a most anticipated site, as receipts show. On the first day over 2000 people visited the Observatory, with an additional 11,000 visiting during the next four days.
The Griffith Observatory is still attracting crowds. It's main feature is the twelve-inch Zeiss telescope. The Zeiss telescope is a refracting telescope using a lens with a diameter of 12 inches to gather light. Having an unique mounting system which gives the eyepiece better stability, and ideal for public viewing. The telescope was purchased in 1930 and installed in 1935.
One of the tasks of the Observatory is to dispel people's fears regarding the natural world. Ranging from the simple fear of the dark,
to the belief in eclipses as omens of disaster.
Many exciting events in the sky have been witnessed at the Griffith Observatory. Such as the return of Halley's Comet, the collision of the fragmented comet Shoemaker-Levy 9, as well as man's venture into space travel.
The Observatory has been interpreting the skies for over 60 decades, and stands ready to continue on into the 21st century.
The Observatory is under going it's first major renovation and expansion. It will more than double the public space in the building, while maintaining it's classic look. The Observatory closed in January 2002 and will reopen to the public in 2006.
Sitting on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood it has a stunning view of the Los Angeles basin. Millions of visitors have enjoyed the view from high atop the balconies, especially at night. At the moment, safety reasons have caused the grounds and nearby hiking trails to be closed to the public. However, the trail from the Observatory parking lot to Mt. Hollywood remains open during construction.
