Griffith Park Observatory-Physics and APES
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The observatory is a fun way to explore the wonderful world of physics and environmental science. As you know, physics is
everywhere, and the observatory is certainly no exception and everything effects the environment. While enjoying yourself today
explore the exhibits, read the signs, and learn!
The following exhibits are available for your viewing pleasure. Place a check mark next to each one after you have learned from its
marvelous exhibit:
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Hall of the Eye-This exhibit focuses on how people have viewed the sky along with the impacts these observations have had
upon society.
o Using the Sky-Ghost dioramas illustrate scenes that depict the importance of nightly observation up until recent
times.
 1. Why has observation of the night sky decreased in modern times?
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Extending the Eye-Optical tools help visitors understand how the telescope changed our perception of the
Universe.
 2. How do telescopes work?
o
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Observing in California-Models and illustrations show California’s place in the science of space observation.
Beyond the Visible-Eye popping visuals display how we detect and record electromagnetic waves that are invisible
to the naked eye and how this technology advanced our understanding of the cosmos.
 3. What are electromagnetic waves and what is their significance?
o
Tesla Coil-This giant lightning producer is not to be missed. Watch as high voltage bolts surge through the air in
this electrifying exhibit.
 4. How does this awesome thing work?
o
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Camera Obscura-This basic observing tool uses mirrors and lenses to help visitors see Los Angeles in a whole new
way: through a periscope with a 360 degree view.
Hall of the Sky-This exhibit focuses on two heavenly bodies that produce our energy, our tides, and are viewed by nearly
everyone everyday-the Sun and Moon. This exhibit is also home to one of the largest public solar telescopes in the US.
o Coelostat and Solar Telescope-See solar flares and sunspots through one of three telescopes.
 5. What are solar flares and sunspots and how do they affect Earth?
o
The Active Sun-Scope the data from our local neighborhood star.
 6. What does the data tell us about our Sun and how does the Sun affect us (after all its 93 million miles
away)?
o
Elements-This 8 foot periodic table will help you understand that we are really just star dust.
 7. What elements are important for life on Earth and where did they come from?
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West Alcoves-These exhibits address visitors FAQs about day, night, sun, stars, seasons, moon phases, eclipses,
and tides.
 8. What causes seasons and tides?
WM Keck Foundation Central Rotunda-This exhibit celebrates the crossroads of science, myth, and man.
o Foucalt Pendulum-This 240 pound pendulum is a visitor favorite that illustrates Earth’s rotation.
 9. How does this thing work and what does it prove?
o Hugo Ballin Murals-The finest art in Griffith Park.
o Griffith J. Griffith Exhibit-Learn about the man behind the park.
The Cosmic Connection-Feel insignificant while walking through a timeline of the Universe.
o Wormhole-You’ve seen them in sci-fi, come walk the mystery.
o Center of Gravity-Learn of the many donors to the observatory.
Gunther Depths of Space-Transform your perspective from Earthly to one of a cosmic nature.
o Transformation: Planets into Landscapes-Find out about your planet and solar system while viewing this huge
exhibit.
o Transformation: Stars into Solar Systems-Change your planetary paradigm and learn about other solar systems.
o Transformation: Galaxies and Nebulae into Iconic Vistas-Eight foot models and 12 foot screens help you see our
galaxy as never before.
o Transformation: Cosmic Wilderness into Cosmic Neighborhood-The largest astronomically accurate image ever
produced, need I say more?
o The Big Picture-This interactive exhibit lets you operate your very own telescope
Edge of Space Mezzanine-View real samples from outer space.
o Pieces of the Sky-Meteorites, comet dust, Moon rocks, and Mars rocks!
o Cloud and Spark Chambers-Watch a discharge every time a cosmic ray passes by.
o Our Moon-Find out what you weigh on the moon.
 10. What is your weight on the moon? What fraction is that of your weight here?
Exterior Exhibits
o Astronomers’ Monument-Pays homage to the greats.
o Solar System Lawn Model-This exhibit brings the solar system down to a new scale.
o Sunset/Moon Set Radial Lines-Find out where the Sun and Moon go up and down and when.
o Observation Terraces-See LA, Hollywood, and the Pacific from one of the best viewpoints around.
Reflection Questions:
1.
What were your top three favorite exhibits? Why? Name one thing you learned from each of your three favorites.
2.
Choose one exhibit and write a one paragraph explanation of the science behind the exhibit.
a. Physics students: choose an exhibit related to forces, motion, energy, momentum, heat, thermodynamics, waves,
or electricity and magnetism. Suggestions include: Extending the Eye, Beyond the Visible, Tesla Coil, Camera
Obscura, Coelostat and Solar Telescope, The Active Sun, Our Sun, West Alcoves, Foucalt Pendulum,
Transformation: Stars into Solar Systems, Cloud and Spark Chambers, Our Moon, or Astronomer’s Monument.
b. APES students: choose an exhibit related to the Earth’s environment or another terrestrial planet’s environment
(like Venus). Suggestions include: Beyond the Visible, Camera Obscura (smog?), Coelostat and Solar Telescope,
The Active Sun, Our Sun, Elements, West Alcoves, The Cosmic Connection, Our Earth, Our Solar System, Cloud and
Spark Chambers, Sunset and Moonset radial lines, or Observation Terraces (smog).