Griffith Observatory is celebrating the International Year of Astronomy (IYA), the 400th anniversary of Galileo's pioneering telescope observations. To mark this important milestone in human history, we are holding special public events from January 2009 through March 2010, including an exciting (and seasonally-updated) night sky show in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. For all the details, click the logo above or here.

Planetarium - Now Showing
Centered in the Universe Show Details Water is life Show Details First light Show Details
Show Reservations

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES

Friday, February 5, 2010
All Space Considered Monthly Astronomy Update
Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater
7:30-9:15 p.m.
Free Admission

Saturday, February 20, 2010
Public Star Party
Observatory Sidewalks and Terraces
2:00-9:45 p.m.
Free Admission

Friday, March 5, 2010
All Space Considered Monthly Astronomy Update
Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater
7:30-9:15 p.m.
Free Admission

For other activities, please click here to view the Calendar.

OBSERVATORY NEWS

View Observatory News and Special Notice Archive Here.

ASTRONOMY NEWS

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

TUESDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE FEB. 10
On Wednesday, February 10, at 11:30 a.m., we will begin taking reservations for our just-added Tuesday morning school program sessions during spring 2010. Available Tuesdays are from March 9 to June 15. Almost all Wednesday and Thursday programs are full. Reservations can only be made by calling the reservation hotline during hotline hours (Tuesday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.). Please click here for more information.

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.).

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.

Friends of the Observatory Link
 
Stellar Emporium Online Store