Event Archives
Since reopening in 2006 after the renovation and expansion project, the Observatory has hosted hundreds of public events and activities. Whether for eclipses, notable spacecraft anniversaries, or special speakers, the events offered the chance for the public to experience, learn, or be inspired. Sometimes all at the same time!
All past events, as well as upcoming events, can be viewed on our Calendar.
Notable Observatory Events
New Horizons and The Exploration of Pluto
Griffith Observatory hosted a talk by Dr. Alan Stern, leader of NASA’s historic New Horizons mission to Pluto.
All Mars Considered
Griffith Observatory hosted a panel discussion and book signing based on the book and National Geographic documentary MARS: Our Future on the Red Planet.
Visible Planet Line-up, August, 2016
This line-up of all five naked-eye planets was visible approximately 30 minutes after sunset (at the end of civil twilight), between August 3rd and August 24th 2016.
Transit of Mercury, May 9, 2016
Griffith Observatory broadcast the entire Transit of Mercury from 6:00 - 11:45 a.m. on May 9, 2016.
Carl Sagan Medal Lecture by Dr. Dan Durda
Dr. Durda presented his Sagan Medal Lecture, All These Worlds: The Exoplanet Revolution, during All Space Considered at Griffith Observatory.
Yuri’s Night Kids!
Griffith Observatory hosted an afternoon of space-themed activities for elementary and middle school students, including the opportunity to meet Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti on April 9, 2016.
Digging Maya Astronomy (and Astronomers) by Dr. Anthony Aveni
Special guest lecture by Dr. Anthony Aveni, Russell Colgate Professor of Astronomy, Anthropology, and Native American Studies at Colgate University.
Visible Planet Line-up, January – February, 2016
A line-up of all five bright planets is happening at dawn from mid-January through February 23, 2016
Spotlighting The Sky: James Turrell Sheds Some Light at Griffith Observatory
On November 10, 2015, the Observatory hosted noted artist James Turrell in conversation with LACMA CEO Michael Govan, and Observatory Director, Dr. E.C. Krupp.