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Isaac Simon
Professor Hymes
English 114B
May 12, 2014
Significance of an Outer-Space Structure
Every space serves its purpose and the Griffith Observatory has an important role, not
only in the city of Los Angeles but to all of Southern California. The Griffith Observatory is
significant to the education of everybody as it enlightens visitors from all over the world in a fun,
interesting manner. With its mission to inspire everyone to observe, ponder, and understand the
sky, this observatory has exhibits within its walls to assist the public in learning of the skys
mysteries. Key features of the observatory include the shows that the staff present in the
planetarium as well as the enormous telescope, advanced enough to even see Mars on a clear
sky. The observatory also serves as a social gathering for friends, families, and couples.
Because of these significant purposes, the Griffith Observatory is important in order to keep the
public educated about outer space.
One of the major purposes of the Griffith Observatory is to educate the public about
space and how every planet associates with each other and the solar system. The Observatory
educates the public through shows that are presented inside the planetarium. These shows teach
the customers about our solar system in an entertaining way by using visual effects. For
example, shows like the Light of the Valkyries teach the public that the sun effects the Earth in
odd ways like the appearance of the northern aurora beam lights. However, the show does not
lack creativity. To enjoy the show you will be seated inside a dome with high definition screens
all around. As the lights turn off, the screens display images which the presenter will be
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explaining or teaching about; in this case the dome will have images of the aurora beams. These
tactics are marvelous, since many people will lose interest in the topic without the proper
presentation. Using entertaining techniques, such as a movie theatre-like experience allows the
maximum number of customers to be interested and desire to continue to learn about astronomy.
Its common to see families enjoy these features as the planetariums shows offer a beautiful
manner of enlightening children of outer space. Regardless of the childrens age, the individual is
surely to be hypnotized by the shows marvel. With spectacular shows like these, not only will
the childrens attention be held, but the parents will also be stunned by the remarkable
experience. The shows make the Griffith Observatory a significant site, but there are other
factors that also play a vital role in the significance of the place.
Another factor that supports the Observatorys goal to educate the public of outer space is
the exhibits throughout the whole building. The exhibits are arranged by topics so that you may
choose what aspect of astronomy you want to learn about. As you enter the building, you are
faced with an enormous metal ball hanging by a steel wire rocking back and forth. This object
catches your attention as ones creativity wonders what the purpose of this massive pendulum is.
As the customer approaches the rocking ball, they will soon find that it proves the Earth rotates
and we move with it, but will also find themselves in the middle of the structure with exhibits in
every direction they will walk. This allows the customer to pick and see which exhibits he/she
will learn about. Walking to the right of the pendulum will present the visitor with information
about the association between the moon, the sun, and the Earth. This exhibit displays include:
posters with the moons various phases, posters showing the suns rays, and 3-D structures of the
rotation that occurs in our Solar System. To the left of the pendulum, there is an exhibit
informing the public of the space shuttles that we have used in the past to travel through space.
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Choosing to go straight past the pendulum, will lead one to the downstairs timeline exhibit. This
exhibit is a hallway with a timeline on the wall telling the story of the birth of our Solar System.
Continuing down the hall will lead to the next exhibit with rocks and minerals from other planets
(asteroids) on the upper level and planetary data on the lower level. Heading to the lower level
of this exhibit one will see a gigantic model of our planets in a single row, upon arrival of the
lower level there will be a board of information for each planet and the corresponding 3-D model
above the board of information. With so many exhibits and so much information, one must stay
for several hours in order to learn all the information in this building. These exhibits mainly
attract families who are waiting for a planetarium show-time as well as attract young adults with
curious minds. It is fairly common to see many teenagers, young adults, and older adults
familiarizing themselves with the aspects of space. The knowledge that one can attain from the
exhibits at the Griffith Observatory is valuable and only further proves the great importance of
this location. A following factor that further amplifies the significance of the Observatory is the
gigantic telescope located at the top.
At the Griffith Observatory, there is a huge telescope which the public can use to view
into outer space. The placement of this telescope couldnt be better; while you are waiting for
your turn to look into the telescope the visitor can enjoy the view of being on top of a hill that is
1,134 feet above sea level. While one enjoys the scenic beauty, the time will swiftly pass and the
visitor will have his/her turn to look into the telescope. As one enters the room, it will be almost
entirely dark to facilitate the ability to focus on the view the telescope displays. Seeing through
the telescope will have the guest feeling as though they are closer to outer space then they truly
are and this experience is irreplaceable. The telescope is a feature that all guests enjoy regardless
of age, culture, or background, the telescope is a tool that can be used and understood by all.
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Due to this openly used telescope, people that come to the Observatory can differ from people
from different states, different nations, and especially local citizens. This experience is another
example displaying the substantial amount of importance the Griffith Observatory has. But, the
experience is greatened if one goes with the people thatd be enjoyable company.
The final example of the Observatorys significance is the beautiful scene that is
available when on top of the structure. The view is magnificent as you can see the whole city of
Los Angeles on one side and trees and nature on the other side. The nature side offers a passive
view of our amazing, green planet and the other side offers just a small scope of how much we
have altered what once was nature. Through this side, we are able to discover how much we
have innovated as a race and realize that there are many people that live among us. This view is
so unique, that it can serve as a self-actualization experience and/or an enlightening, life-
changing experience due to its completely different view of the city. It allows us to take a step
back from society, and understand just how much we have grown as a race. The gorgeous view
makes for a great social gathering location as it creates a peaceful comforting environment. The
Observatory is an amazing social location, but discriminates against no specific group since the
experience is ideal for anybody. The view is great for friends to enjoy as they can relax while
watching the view and perhaps ponder about life together. The location is also ideal for families
due to the safe, positive environment that the Observatory radiates, its perfect for children to
learn and see an unforgettable view. Lastly, the spot is also great for couples to enjoy due to the
friendly family-oriented environment around and not to forget how romantic a sunset could be,
especially when atop an extremely high hill. The Griffith Observatory is perfect for all friendly
social groups, it is a location where one can enjoy an amazing view with those whom he/she may
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care about as well as be taught several points about astronomy. Because the Observatory
welcomes all, it increases the importance of its existence.
These various purposes that the Griffith Observatory executes make it a site to see. The
great knowledge that lies within the walls of the Observatory makes it an invaluable location.
The Griffith Observatory truly fulfills its goal to inspire everyone to observe, ponder, and
understand the sky. It makes this possible by supplying resources that contain information about
outer space as well as making it interesting to learn about and creating a warm positive
environment so that every social group can feel comfortable. The Griffith Observatory is
definitely a significant building and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to visit it.