Appreciation post: That old observatory dome at Griffith Park

I went back to Griffith Observatory last weekend for the first time in like 10 years. Honestly, the whole place felt smaller than I remembered, but the old copper dome still had that same green patina. What really got me was the crowds though, there were way more people than back when I used to go in high school. They had a photo exhibit inside showing how the night sky looked from LA in the 1950s, and it was wild seeing how many stars were visible before all the city lights. Has anyone else noticed how different the sky looks now compared to old photos from that area?

2 comments

2 Comments

hannah_williams6d ago

Man crowds and light pollution really know how to ruin a perfectly good dome, huh?

iris_rivera446d ago

I get where you're coming from with "crowds and light pollution," but I actually feel differently about the crowds part. A busy dome with people moving around and chatting feels alive to me, like the place is getting the appreciation it deserves. Light pollution is a real bummer for stargazing though, no argument there. But I think some of that glow adds a little warmth to the night sky, makes it feel less empty. Don't you ever find a little buzz in the energy of a packed spot?