Griffith Observatory (USA) — detailed description, address, opening hours, how to get there. Information about curricula and courses, reviews.
The Griffith Observatory is one of the iconic places in Los Angeles. The idea of its creation arose in 1908, when Colonel Jenkins Griffith saw the starry sky through the largest telescope at that time and decided that it would be nice for everyone to have such an opportunity. He set about making astronomy accessible not only to scientists, but also to ordinary Americans, so he transferred the land to Los Angeles, paid for the construction of an observatory, exhibition halls and a planetarium. In May 1935, it was already open to visitors.
The “alien” view of the observatory attracted not only tourists, but also filmmakers. Scenes from The Terminator, Charlie’s Angels, Transformers and other Hollywood blockbusters were filmed here. See anycountyprivateschools for Iowa state information and business schools.
What to watch
The Griffith Observatory is located in the park of the same name, on the slope of Mount Hollywood, from where the very inscription is perfectly visible and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the city center open. Right at the entrance you can see a sundial, a monument to famous astronomers and an engraving of the solar system. In the building itself, under the largest dome, there is a huge Foucault pendulum, which demonstrates the process of the Earth’s rotation.
The observatory has several thematic exhibition halls. One of them is a model of the solar system, there is a detailed description on special interactive stands. Telescopes are installed in other halls, through which you can observe the moon, as well as solar flares and spots.
In the planetarium Samuel Ocean has three shows every day: At the Center of the Universe, Water is Life, and Light of the Valkyries. The audience is designed for 300 seats, and the show lasts about half an hour.
There are viewing platforms with telescopes on the roof and terraces of the observatory, and under the building there is a museum, which is a small copy of the observatory, where many curious artifacts are stored, for example, fragments of lunar soil. The museum has an interactive children’s exhibition where you can find out your weight on different planets and even arrange a small artificial earthquake.
The observatory has a souvenir shop, a small cafe and parking (free, but few places).
Practical Information
Address: Los Angeles, 2800 East Observatory Road.
Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday 12:00-22:00, Saturday-Sunday 10:00-22:00, Monday – day off.
Entrance to the building and the territory is free. Show in the planetarium: 7 USD for adults, 5 USD for students and seniors over 60 (upon presentation of a certificate), 3 USD for children from 5 to 12 years old, for children under 5 years old – free of charge.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe (California, USA) — detailed description, location, reviews, photos and videos.
Lake Tahoe is located on the border of California and Nevada, in the very south of the Sierra Nevada. This body of water is a true natural treasure, 35 km long and 19 km wide. In summer, people come here to swim in the clear, slightly bluish water, sunbathe on the numerous beaches, and walk along the shady trails. In winter, the Tahoe area becomes one of the most important ski resorts in America. The lake is the second deepest in the United States and the 11th in the world.
The weather on Tahoe is rarely overcast at any time of the year.
What to watch
In the States, everything is designed for motorists, so a 100-kilometer road has been laid around the lake. Often there are parking lots and viewing platforms. Part of the coastline is occupied by beaches that are very different in coverage (pebbles, sand, stones) and belonging to private individuals or the state (the former are paid and the latter are not).
Tahoe is a favorite weekend and vacation destination for residents of California and Nevada. Most people here in July and August, as well as during the ski season. On the lake to meet fans of a lazy beach holiday, and fishermen, and rowers, and divers, and hikers.
The main infrastructure is located in Tahoe City on the northwest coast and South Lake Tahoe in the south. But accommodation options are evenly distributed along the coast. There are also large chain hotels and cottages, motels, campsites.
Practical Information
Location: Tahoe is located 250 km northeast of San Francisco and 600 km from Las Vegas. Website (in English).
