Event Archives
Since reopening in 2006 after the renovation and expansion project, the Observatory has hosted hundreds of public events and activities. Whether for eclipses, notable spacecraft anniversaries, or special speakers, the events offered the chance for the public to experience, learn, or be inspired. Sometimes all at the same time!
All past events, as well as upcoming events, can be viewed on our Calendar.
Notable Observatory Events
All Space Considered Remembers Apollo 8
All Space Considered remembers Apollo 8 in three chapters to honor the mission's 50th Anniversary.
Mars Close Approach Public Viewing Event, July 2018
Griffith Observatory hosted several thousand people to view the closest approach by Mars in 15 years. The Observatory also hosted a live online broadcast which was carried by NASA.
Lecture and Book Signing by Dr. Alan Stern and Dr. David Grinspoon
Griffith Observatory hosted a lecture and book signing by Dr. Alan Stern, principal investigator of the New Horizons spacecraft, and Dr. David Grinspoon, noted scientist and author.
Total Lunar Eclipse! January 31, 2018
On January 31, 2018, Griffith Observatory hosted over a thousand people to view the total lunar eclipse.
Partial Solar Eclipse! Public Viewing Event, August 21, 2017
On August 21, 2017, Griffith Observatory hosted thousands of people to view the partial solar eclipse.
New Horizons and The Exploration of Pluto
Griffith Observatory hosted a talk by Dr. Alan Stern, leader of NASA’s historic New Horizons mission to Pluto.
All Mars Considered
Griffith Observatory hosted a panel discussion and book signing based on the book and National Geographic documentary MARS: Our Future on the Red Planet.
Visible Planet Line-up, August, 2016
This line-up of all five naked-eye planets was visible approximately 30 minutes after sunset (at the end of civil twilight), between August 3rd and August 24th 2016.
Transit of Mercury, May 9, 2016
Griffith Observatory broadcast the entire Transit of Mercury from 6:00 - 11:45 a.m. on May 9, 2016.