EVENT #2: Griffith Observatory

Beautiful ceiling art at the entrance of the Observatory

Recently, after longing to go since my first quarter at UCLA two years ago, I finally had the chance to visit the Griffith Observatory.  Unfortunately, no shows were available to attend during the time and day that I visited, although I was still able to view the scenery, the telescopes, and the museum.  As soon as you arrive to the observatory after the long hike from parking, the art deco style of architecture just at the edge of Griffith Park overlooking Los Angeles is completely stunning, especially when it becomes dark enough to see the city lights and stars.  The moment that you enter the museum, you encounter the Foucault Pendulum, which was artistically designed to demonstrate the rotation of the Earth.  When you look up at the ceiling, you can admire the Ballin murals which celebrate classical celestial mythology that shows an image of Atlas holding the sphere of the sky on his shoulders with the constellations of the zodiac, integrating mythological concepts of space and art.

Interactive Periodic Table of Elements

One of the many exhibitions in the museum was a model of the Periodic Table of Elements, which included an actual sample of each element in their correct location of the table, and was colored coded by similar properties, of which you could interact with to light up simultaneously.  This educational exhibition was an interactive art piece that took the form of the foundation of chemistry.

Mixing art and science:
Large model (proportional to other model
plants present) of Earth

Mixing art and science:
Statue of Albert Einstein

Tesla Coil presentation

The Tesla Coil in the museum had its own presentation.  The replica of the original electrical resonant transformer circuit, invented by Nikolas Tesla, demonstrated the conduction of alternating current electricity.  When switched on, loud, bright, lightening-bolt-like discharges strike the cage in order to provide transmission of electricity through the air to power objects.

Perfect free date night too ;)