In my growing fascination in outer space I’ve decided I want to visit a lot of observatories and planetariums in 2008. I’m not sure how many I will actually get to go to, but it’s happening. The idea came to me when I learned that Dr. Bronner donated 1,000 acres of land at the base of Mount Palomar to the Boys and Girls Club of San Diego. I realized I have never been to the Palomar Observatory. I’ve lived in San Diego since I was 5 and never have gone. It’s a crying shame. I would have gone there first, but their tours don’t happen until April.
Last week we went to Griffith Observatory because the Total Lunar Eclipse was happening and because Julie and Johanna gave me passes for my birthday, which was a profoundly thoughtful gift (thank you so much). It was amazing and beautiful and moving, but first, a little history on the observatory.
Griffith Observatory is named after a man named Griffith Griffith. Griffith Griffith gave the land to the city of Los Angeles for the creation an observatory and park because he believed all great cities need a great park. “[Griffith Griffith] believed that an individual gained an enlightened perspective when looking at the skies.” I really dig this outlook. That somehow we will all be better more whole people if we look at the sky. Whoa. This guy is rad! Listen to what he said: “If all [humankind] could look through that telescope, it would change the world!“1
Although it was cold and windy and rainy the sky was clear enough for us to see the Total Lunar Eclipse. It was red and darkened. I kept thinking about how it was happening and that space exists. I didn’t get any good photos with my tiny camera though. And they had telescopes setup on the lawn that we didn’t use because it was packed out. Star party!
The planetarium show was particularly moving. It’s called “Centered in the Universe.” It is really hopeful and inspiring and I think I cried. Sort of the “we are all in this together” vibe. We sat directly next to the star projector and when it rose up it sort of blew me away, the device itself, not just the star projections. It’s so great and massive and accurate. I sight to see. Also, as a side note, the Griffith Observatory has a Tesla Coil, which is worth the trip in itself.
Next Up: Palomar Observatory
This both looks and sounds magical, inspiring. I had no idea about Griffith’s name(s) and the Tesla Coil. I still haven’t been the observatory, but I blame the construction that happened to coincide with my collegiate experience somewhat near it. But I gotta see it, there is no ifsandsorbutts about it.
I felt joined to human mythology in a way that I have never before experienced. The penetrating voice of the woman narrating the planetarium show juxtaposed with the small audience and sometimes very bazaar graphic renderings…it just made me feel part of something that is all at one massive and insignificant. This is not a unique revelation by any means, but it did make me happy to be there. Ridiculous.
I’ve been planning to go the SB Natural History Museum for their planetarium shows. I am excited because I think it’s pretty dinky and the narration is probably really bad. I think I should go alone.