Griffith Observatory
California
Griffith Observatory is a renowned public observatory located on Mount Hollywood in Los Angeles' Griffith Park, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Los Angeles Basin, including the Hollywood Sign and Downtown LA. Established in 1935 through the vision and philanthropy of Griffith J. Griffith, it was designed to make astronomy accessible to the general public rather than restricting it to scientists. The Art Deco building, blending Greek and Beaux-Arts styles with Moderne influences, houses a 12-inch Zeiss refracting telescope-the most viewed telescope worldwide-alongside numerous space and science exhibits. Its planetarium, one of the earliest in the United States, has educated millions and was historically used to train World War II pilots and Apollo astronauts in celestial navigation. After a major renovation and expansion completed in 2006, the observatory now includes updated exhibits, a café, a gift shop, and the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater, continuing its mission to promote science literacy and experiential astronomy. With free admission and rich educational offerings, Griffith Observatory remains a beloved cultural and scientific landmark in Los Angeles.
ヒント: Visit on clear evenings for the best telescope viewing and cityscape panoramas. Weekdays and early mornings tend to be less crowded. Admission is free, but consider reserving tickets for planetarium shows in advance to guarantee entry. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and groups. Arrive early to explore the exhibits and enjoy the café before sunset.
興味深い事実
- •Over 9 million people have looked through its 12-inch Zeiss refracting telescope, making it the most viewed telescope in the world.
- •The planetarium was used to train Apollo astronauts for lunar missions in the 1960s.
- •The observatory combines Greek, Beaux-Arts, and Moderne architectural styles, featuring a Greek key pattern on its exterior.
- •It was the third planetarium built in the United States, opening in 1935.
- •The observatory hosted live coverage of the Phoenix Mars landing in 2008.
歴史
The observatory's land and funding were donated in 1896 by Griffith J.
Griffith with the goal of public astronomy access.
Construction began in 1933, and it opened in 1935 as the third planetarium in the U.S.
During WWII and the 1960s, the planetarium trained military pilots and Apollo astronauts.
A major renovation from 2002 to 2006 restored and expanded the facility while preserving its historic Art Deco exterior.
Since its opening, it has welcomed millions of visitors and remains a key center for public science education.
場所ガイド
Zeiss Refracting Telescope1935
The observatory's main telescope, a 12-inch Zeiss refractor, is the most viewed telescope worldwide, allowing visitors a close-up view of celestial objects.
Planetarium Theater1935 (renovated 1964)
Originally opened in 1935 and renovated in 1964, the planetarium offers immersive astronomical shows covering topics like the Moon, Solar System, and eclipses. It was historically used for pilot and astronaut training.
Foucault Pendulum Exhibit1935
A classic exhibit demonstrating Earth's rotation, prominently displayed since the observatory's opening.
Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater2006
A modern addition from the 2006 renovation, this theater hosts live presentations, lectures, and special events related to astronomy and space science.
連絡先
電話: (213) 473-0800