Exclusive Video Content
Welcome to your member-only video content. Enjoy this special selection of hand-picked highlights from our library, curated just for Griffith Observatory Foundation members.
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See the Sun and Moon Align with You
Runtime: 1:06:55
On August 21, 2017, Americans saw the Sun and Moon align to form a rare solar eclipse. For the first time in 38 years, the alignment was perfect as viewed from the continental U.S. Dr. Tyler Nordgren, author of the book Sun Moon Earth: The History of Solar Eclipses from Omens of Doom to Einstein and Exoplanets, prepared us for what was to come, how to successfully see it, and how by sharing in this unique experience we join the broad tapestry of history that has allowed us to better understand the universe around us.
A Tour of the Glimmering Universe
Runtime: 0:04:10
Nearly 2,200 pieces of celestial jewelry form the ribbon of time that constitutes the Observatory’s The Cosmic Connection exhibit and each one tells a story. Enjoy this exclusive video featuring Kara Knack, the sole collector of the exhibit’s jewelry collection..
The Once and Future Griffith Observatory
Runtime: 0:24:00
An exciting and compelling introduction to the history and unique public offerings of the Observatory, this 24-minute film, entertainingly narrated by Leonard Nimoy, reveals how the vision of one man led to the creation of an architectural, cultural, and astronomical icon for southern California. The film offers an overview of the Observatory’s programs and exhibits and discusses how the building was renewed during the 2002-2006 renovation and expansion project. Presentation by Leonard Nimoy.
Fifth-Grade School Program
Runtime: 0:03:29
Each year, 28,000 fifth graders are exposed to a variety of STEM learning experiences over a 2.5-hour visit – free of charge. Students leave the Observatory inspired, having found that there is so much fun to be had in scientific discovery and exploration. The program includes a live presentation of Water is Life in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, a look at the rooftop Zeiss telescope, small group interpretive experiences in the exhibit galleries led by Museum Guides, and of course the lively, interaction program “Let’s Make a Comet” in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon theater. Hear what kids and teachers have to say about their experiences.
Endeavour Flyover
Runtime: 0:01:10
Massive crowds gathered at Griffith Observatory to witness the arrival of the Space Shuttle Endeavour on September 21, 2012. See the moment it flew by on the back of a Boeing 747.
The Inside Scoop: Capturing Images of Comet NEOWISE
Runtime: 0:16:42
Special guests from Griffith Observatory, Astronomical Observer Anthony Cook and Observatory Program Supervisor Patrick So present a selection of their comet NEOWISE images on August 25, 2020 and share the secrets of how they captured them.
Prep for Perseverance
Runtime: 0:52:47
The night before Perseverance was scheduled to land on Mars, Foundation members gathered online for an evening of insider information.
Presentation by Griffith Observatory’s Astronomical Lecturer Dr. David Reitzel, Program Supervisor Patrick So, and Deputy Director Mark Pine, on February 17, 2021.
Echoes of the Ancient Skies
Runtime: 0:11:59
Description: When our ancient and prehistoric ancestors tried to understand their place in the universe, they reached for answers from the sky. They used the sky as a tool and incorporated it into temples, tombs, myths, rituals, and even observatories. For them, there was a mythological, ceremonial, and symbolic aspect of the sky. From Stonehenge to darkest California, we have identified ancient and prehistoric shrines where the ancients saw the fundamental movements of the sky, sensed in them an underlying pattern, and through them recognized and celebrated the bond between the brain and sky.
Presentation by Griffith Observatory Director Dr. E.C. Krupp on April 21, 2020.