CATCH THAT COMET!


How High the Moon:
Total Lunar Eclipse!

A public event to view the total lunar eclipse
Monday, December 20, 2010
8:00 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.

ADMISSION IS FREE
On December 20, 2010, Griffith Observatory celebrates the last total lunar eclipse of the decade by opening its doors to the public from 8:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Los Angeles is perfectly situated for viewing this lunar eclipse. The eclipse occurs on the longest night of the year, and its maximum is only about fifteen hours before winter begins. It is also the highest in the sky that a totally eclipsed Moon has appeared from Los Angeles in 1,591 years and it will not be this high again for at least another millennium.
Events and special programs include
  • Building and exhibits are open 8:00 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.
  • Griffith Park inbound access via Vermont Ave until 12:00 midnight and via Ferndell / Western Canyon until sunset:  Outbound gates on both roads will remain open until event ends.
  • Samuel Oschin Planetarium shows (there is a nominal charge for planetarium show tickets)
             * 8:45 p.m. - Centered in the Universe
             * 9:45 p.m. - Light of the Valkyries
             * 10:50 p.m. - Centered in the Universe
  • Special free lectures about the lunar eclipse in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon (8:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m., and 10:45 p.m.)
  • Public telescope viewing
  • Stellar Emporium gift store open
  • Cafe at the End of the Universe open
  • Presentations during key eclipse moments by Griffith Observatory Director,
    Dr. E.C. Krupp, and Councilmember Tom LaBonge