OBSERVATORY NEWS

Observatory Hosts Dr. Brian May and Elena Vidal for Lectures and Book Signings
On July 29, astrophysicist and rock guitarist Dr. Brian May and his co-author Elena Vidal discussed and signed copies of their recent book, A Village Lost and Found in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon. For more information, click here.

KABC Preview of Light of the Valkyries
On May 17, KABC ran a preview of the Observatory's new Light of the Valkyries planetarium show.  To watch the video story, please click here.

View Observatory News and Special Notice Archive Here.

ASTRONOMY NEWS

MARS "MISUNDERSTANDING" RETURNS
You may soon be reading or hearing breathless reports that, on the evening of August 27, the planet Mars will "look as large as the full Moon" or that "no one alive will ever see this again."  Neither of these statements is true.  Both are rooted in a real event that happened on August 27, 2003, when the Red Planet made its closest approach to Earth (34.6 million miles) in nearly 60,000 years.  On that evening, Mars was relatively large in the night sky, on the order of a very bright star.  However, it is impossible for Mars to appear even a fraction of the size of the Moon.  While Mars will be visible on the early evening of August 27, 2010, it will not be particularly bright, as it is quite far from Earth right now (just under 200 million miles away).  Unfortunately, inaccurate stories regarding Mars' closest approach circulate on the Web every year at this time, as if it had not already happened or was about to happen again. 

THE TRUTH ABOUT 2012
Despite the apocalyptic claims, official-looking websites, and breathless movie ads, 2012 will NOT bring the end of the world. The "science" regarding the Maya calendar and astronomical phenomena is being distorted and wildly exaggerated. Newly posted is a link to the lecture given by Observatory Director Dr. E. C. Krupp in early November. Click here for a fuller discussion of the issues.

Is That A Meteorite?
Wondering if that unusual rock you found is not of this Earth? Check out this helpful website to see if you've got a real meteorite on your hands.

SPECIAL NOTICES

INFORMATION ON PUBLIC TELESCOPES
Free public telescopes are available each evening the Observatory is open and skies are clear. Knowledgeable telescope demonstrators are available to guide visitors in observing. Please be aware that the demonstrators must cut off the line for each telescope to enable all viewing to be completed by 9:45 p.m. Hours for telescope operation are not the same as for the building (which closes at 10:00 p.m.).

Be Aware of Greek Theatre Traffic
The 2010 Greek Theatre season is underway, meaning that traffic on concert nights may affect how quickly you are able to reach the Observatory. A northbound lane on Vermont Avenue is always open for Observatory traffic to bypass those trying to park at the Greek. For the schedule of Greek Theatre shows please click here.

ADVICE ON VISITING

Open Tuesday-Friday 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m.
Open Saturday-Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Closed on Mondays

Griffith Observatory is located at:
2800 East Observatory Road
Los Angeles, CA 90027

The address above can be entered into GPS or mapping programs to get directions to the Observatory.

Admission and Parking Are Free
Those wishing to visit Griffith Observatory may drive up to the Observatory and park in the parking lot or on the adjacent roads. No shuttles are required. Admission to the Observatory building and grounds is FREE! Advance reservations are not needed to visit. For more information on how to visit, click here

Mobile Phone Reception Spotty at Observatory
Please be aware that most mobile phones seem to have difficulty getting a clear signal while in and around the Observatory. This appears to be more of an issue for voice calls than for data reception.

Weekend Public Bus Service
The LADOT Observatory Shuttle operates every Saturday and Sunday, except holidays, between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. from the Vermont/Sunset Metro Red Line station to the Observatory. There is NO parking available in or around the Metro station. For more information, click here.

On August 1, 2010, fares increased to curtail a budget shortfall; the new fare will be 35 cents, and the fare for seniors and persons with disabilities is 15 cents.