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 will hold special public events throughout 2009, including the debut of an exciting new 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, November 6, 2009
All Space Considered Monthly Astronomy Update
Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater
7:30-9:15 p.m.
Free Admission

Saturday, November 7, 2009
The Quantum Frontier: The Large Hadron Collider
Public Lecture & Book Signing by Dr. Don Lincoln
Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater
12:00 Noon and 2:30 p.m.
Free Admission

Saturday, November 14 - Sunday, November 15, 2009
One Small Step: The 40th Anniversary of Apollo 12
A series of special lectures and exhibits.
During Regular Hours of Operation
Free Admission

Saturday, November 21, 2009
Public Star Party
Observatory Sidewalks and Terraces
2:00-9:45 p.m.
Free Admission
For other activities, please click here for the Calendar.

OBSERVATORY NEWS

View Observatory News and Special Notice Archive Here.

ASTRONOMY NEWS

THE TRUTH ABOUT 2012
Despite the apocalyptic claims and movie posters, 2012 is not the "end of the world as we know it." There is NO scientific evidence to suggest that the world will be destroyed in 2012. Indeed, arguments regarding the Maya calendar and other phenomena are being distorted and wildly exaggerated. Check out the November issue of Sky & Telescope magazine (available October 6) for a cover story on the real 2012 written by Observatory Director Dr. E.C. Krupp. Click here for a fuller discussion of the issues.

SPECIAL NOTICES

2009-10 SCHOOL PROGRAM NEARLY FULL
We are taking phone reservations for the 2009-10 school program. However, the program is nearly full. The only way to make a reservation is to call the school reservation hotline. 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.

Be Aware of Greek Theatre Traffic
The 2009 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.

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. For more information, click here.

Friends of the Observatory Link
 
Stellar Emporium Online Store