February 2009 Archives
I am laughing to myself thinking how dumb it was to visit the Observatory with Terry on a cloudy, rainy day. I had already been there and had seen the hands on displays that let you observe the sun and the moon. They are actual working exhibits that require the sun and moon to be visible. I had had the fortune to see them the first time I visited and wasn't too concerned about looking at them again until Terry pointed at that he couldn't see anything on a cloudy day. Later, he was disappointed that we couldn't go to the telescope to view the moon due to the rain.
I guess that gives us a reason to visit on a nice day and not worry about parking close.
I have been an astronomy aficionado for a number of years now, particularly since I took an astronomy course at Riverside Community College in 2003. I must have read every book in the library that had anything to do with physics, the theory of relativity, and Einstein. Of course, what we know about the universe keeps evolving, the more scientists learn from spacecraft they send on missions. The Mars landers have lasted years longer than expected. Now there is also a special craft exploring Saturn's moons.
I visited Los Angeles's Griffith Observatory in 2006 with friends, not long after it reopened following a 5-year renovation. I felt like revisiting it recently so I invited my friend Terry. He's usually game for adventure. When I told him about my idea, he informed me that he had just purchased a telescope. So it was a timely adventure.
Despite the torrential rain on Friday, Terry and I decided to make the trip. We were thinking of going to Sprinkles so he could taste a little piece of heaven but during breakfast he decided against it once he saw the giant cinnamon roll that accompanied his meal. We argued back and forth about which freeways to take to get there. Terry kept saying we should take I-5 from the 91 because it was a straight shot but I kept saying that we should take the 605 to the 105 to the 405 to the 2 so that we could drive through Beverly HIlls. Along the way we decided to go to Hollywood to see a movie at the ArcLight, which is a special treat. So we had to change freeways. That meant taking the 110 to the 10, which Terry had originally wanted. After seeing the movie "Coraline," we ended up getting lost going to Griffith Park. Probably my fault. Terry kept talking about using Vermont Ave.as he did over 30 years ago when he was living in LA riding around on his motorcycle. I said there was another way on the map. My way was wrong and we ended up taking Terry's 30-year-old old route from Vermont. He was right again!
With the rain pouring, we wound our way up the Park's roads and, as we had expected, there were few people at the Observatory, which meant ample parking near the entrance. We got there around 4:45, right before the 5:10 movie in the Planetarium. We were the first to get in line for the show. Terry wanted to get a drink from the fountain so I saved our place. Then he did the same for me. I was starting to think that we were going to be the only people at the show until an employee told us that we needed to turn around and walk down the roped aisles to the entrance of the theater. We had been standing at the very end of the line facing backward!
The show was spectacular. I managed to redeem myself from the driving issues by correcting Terry on a few astronomical facts and by spewing out various astronomy minutiae along the tour. Ah, I still remember quite a few facts. Not that any of them will help land a job...
Downstairs, I took a photo of Terry next to a bronze Einstein then we went upstairs to the giftshop and contemplating buying matching orange NASA jumpsuits. Only $99 I was thinking that Terry could use the outfit at work in exchange for his mechanic's uniform. In the end, practicality won out and we decided to keep our hundred dollars for other adventures. Later, we went to the special update seminar on what's happening in astronomy right now. Actually, that's what made me choose that specific day for visiting. What a treat! The curator and two staff astronomers were there to update us on all new activities in the universe. They even very kindly answered everyone's questions. Then there was a writer from the Star Trek series and movies who they introduced. He had some interesting ideas for viewing the stars. But then the astronomers said that those places were off limits and probably the site of top secret government activities. They said that at times they had seen red lights shining down at them from the sky and that other astronomers, professionals and amateurs alike, had reported being chased out of there by Black Hawk helicopters flying without lights on. Sounded like something out of the X-Files.
The only problem with the day was that my boots were feeling tight and were too high for me. For the sake of fashion, I suffered. I usually don't care about being fashionable in high heels but, for once, I was happy to have purchased a pair of red boots that weren't leather and that didn't look cheap. Needless to say, they will be retired immediately, particularly since I slipped and nearly twisted my ankle on the way out to the car.
I must say that I have been feeling very buoyed and enthusiastic about life since we visited the Observatory. I can't wait to visit other observatories and to go stargazing with Terry... once he figures out how to use his telescope.
Southern California is like a planet unto itself. It's freezing in most parts of the country but 80 degree F here. The local weatherman will say how great the sun is (in the middle of winter?!) compared to the rest of the country. I actually don't like the fact that we can wear shorts and flip flops in January and February. I want to feel the cold, wear sweaters, scarves and coats, and have fun in the snow.
When I was in Seattle in December, it snowed for the first time. What a wonderful winterland it was. Finnegan was so excited to wake up to the snow. He kept saying, "It's winter time. It's winter time." He wanted a log on the fire and hot cocoa. The smile on his face was unforgettable. He went out to play in the snow with his Dad. They made a baby snowman. I didn't have the appropriate footwear to enjoy it but I had a ball just watching Finnegan.
I would really like it get colder. Thank goodness rain is coming our way for a few days. Most people will complain but I'm happy about it. I can wear my sweaters!
