Comet Observing at Griffith Observatory
Comet Observing at Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles
The Griffith Observatory will observe the comet beginning March 22 and
until it disappears from view early in May. Viewing will be through the
12-inch Zeiss Refracting Telescope and giant binoculars set up on the
lawn. The Los Angeles Astronomical Society, the Los Angeles Sidewalk
Astronomers, Orange County Astronomers, and the JPL Astronomy Club will
assist by providing additional telescopes most evenings from March 22
through March 31. People who come to the Observatory to see the comet
should bring binoculars if they have them. Comet viewing runs from 9
p.m. to 11 p.m. on March 22 and 23, from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. on March
24, and then from dark until 10 p.m. seven days a week (including
Monday) through April.
Special Comet Lecture
A special public lecture on Comet Hyakutake will be presented by
Griffith Observatory Astronomical Observer Anthony Cook on Mondays,
March 18 and 25, at 7:00 p.m. in the planetarium theater. This
illustrated lecture will explain what a comet is and how it orbits the
sun. Mr. Cook will look at famous comets in history and will provide
up-to-the-minute information on Comet Hyakutake with emphasis on how to
observe it. Admission is $4 per person, and the lecture is followed
(weather permitting) by comet viewing on the lawn.
The Observatory's new multi-media planetarium show, "Looking Up," also
includes instructions for finding and observing Comet Hyakutake.
"Looking Up" is presented in the planetarium theater beginning March 20
at 3:00 and 7:30 p.m. weekdays (except Mondays) and at 3:00, 4:30, and
7:30 p.m. on weekends. There is an admission charge. Please call (213)
664-1191 for complete program information.
John Mosley
jmosley@earthlink.net
Comet 1996 B2 Hyakutake Home Page