Event 3: The Griffith Observatory

Tonight, November 10, 2013, I visited the Griffith Observatory! 

In 1912 Griffith J. Griffith donated $100,000 to the City of Los Angeles for an observatory to be build on the top of Mount Hollywood in his name. He wanted a place for the people of Los Angeles to come and learn about astronomy while appreciating a beautiful view of the city. 

The architecture of the Griffith Observatory  consists of a huge dome with two symmetrical semi-circle domes on either side. The monument in front of the building is perfectly symmetrical portraying six figures (the six greatest astronomers of all time). 

The doors of the observatory portray gorgeous geometric shapes and lead into a breathtaking dome. The first thing you notice when you enter is the Foucult Pendulum. The Foucult Pendulum is a 240 pound sphere suspended from the ceiling. It recreates an 1851 demonstration by French physicist Jean Bernard Leon Foucult that gave the first proof that Earth rotates on its axis. 

Entrance to the observatory

Foucult Pendulum

Above the Pendulum is a beautiful painting

Inside the observatory I learned all about telescopes, the different kinds of radiation, and astronomy facts. Outside; however, was where I had the opportunity to witness the beautiful city lights of Los Angeles. 

The Griffith Observatory is the perfect place to visit to learn about the connection between science and art. The observatory is filled with scientific facts yet displays them with such artistic design. The architecture of the observatory directly correlates to the combination of mathematics and art. The view from the observatory allows one to witness the beautiful night sky and directly see the astronomical finding displayed in the museum. There is even a telescope available for the public to use. I was able to observe the craters of the moon! Overall, I had a really great time at the observatory and would love to return! I feel that I have a greater appreciation of the Griffith Observatory since taking this course and believe it is definitely a real life example of how science and art can come together as one.

The Griffith Observatory is free to the public and sponsored by the City of Los Angeles.