Griffith Observatory marked its 90th anniversary today with an opening ceremony at 11:30 a.m., kicking off a day of celebrations that will continue into the evening with a rare lunar standstill moonrise viewing.
The morning event on the observatory’s north steps featured remarks by officials, including astronomer Aomawa Shields and actor/director Tim Russ, who joined the celebration of the landmark’s nine decades of connecting Los Angeles to the stars.
Visitors enjoyed anniversary-themed cakes and muffins, while exploring exhibits commemorating the observatory’s rich history, from its opening in 1935 to its role as a center for public astronomy and education.
Later today at 6:15 p.m., the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon theater will host “Celestial Celebrations: 90 Years of Griffith Observatory and the Stories in the Sky,” a program presented by Rex Saint’ Onge, Sr., highlighting indigenous California astronomy. The day will conclude with the online broadcast of the major lunar standstill moonrise at 9:52 p.m., a phenomenon that occurs only once every 18.6 years.
BY YOONJAE JUNG [jung.yoonjae@koreadaily.com]
