Star Party Delight
In these tough times, with our economy failing, the high rate of unemployment and people struggling to keep their homes and cars, nearly everyone is looking for an outlet to relax that is cheap, or even free. What better way to spend a lovely afternoon or the whole day if you would like, than to take in the Griffith Observatory Star Parties?
The star parties are hosted about once a month in front of the Observatory. The amount of telescopes set-up for viewing the sky vary with each date. On most occasions, though, there are between five to fifteen telescopes. Each is strategically placed to look at something different. For example, last Saturday, there were three scopes set up, one facing Saturn, one facing the Sun and the last for viewing the moon.
On this particular Saturday though, there were less telescopes due to an open house for the Jet Propulsion Lab which normally brings its equipment as well. What is viewed also varies with the dates. The cost if free and the times for viewing the sky are from 2-9:45 p.m.
When you have had your fill of star gazing then it’s off to see the remolded observatory. Anyone could easily spend hours looking at and learning about our awe-inspiring galaxy or venture into the depths of deep space. There are interactive exhibits that keep the mind occupied for quite awhile.
If you happen to go and have some money in your pocket, the observatory hosts its famous laser light show from Noon to 7 p.m. The cost is $7 for adults, $6 for students and under $5 for children. If you’re feeling hungry, no problem, they also have a nice cafeteria that makes some of the American classics, including hamburgers and sandwiches. The cafeteria also serves a variety of healthy and not-so-healthy snacks and beverages. Or if money is tight, you can always pack some food to bring with you and lounge on the manicured grass or in the picnic areas of the park and simply people watch. 
Either way you decide to do it, the observatory’s star parties are truly a nice day or evening out. A chance to get away from the stressors in life and realize that although it is rough in the world there are things much bigger than us and our problems, space.
