Astronomy for All

Yesterday I took some time to visit Griffith Observatory — which, as long-time readers of this blog know — is a favorite of mine for many reasons.  I wrote their exhibits and continue to work with them from time to time on new projects.  I am a member of FOTO (Friends of the Observatory), which is a wonderful support group.  And, I really like their astronomy outreach philosophy.

Walking around yesterday, listening to people talk about what they were seeing and interacting with, I was struck by how engaged they were with the exhibits and shows.  And, in several places, I stood behind groups that included several generations of family members, with the kids just as often explaining things to the parents and grandparents as the parents were to explain things to the kids.

There’ s a real love of astronomy going on at Griffith — not just among the staffers, but also very encouragingly among the many and varied visitors who make the pilgrimage up the mountain each day. There’s a reason their motto is:  Inspiring the Future,  One Imagination at a Time. If you ever get a chance, go check ’em out!