Partying with the stars

The Griffith Observatory's "star parties" start in the daytime but end up revealing mysteries of the night sky.

About a mile and a half from the Hollywood sign, there’s a place where you can party with the stars. And while you probably won’t see Michael Keaton or Tim Burton there, you might catch a glimpse of Betelgeuse.

The Griffith Observatory’s “Star Parties” offer a free peek at the universe through a variety of telescopes, including a powerful model with a 26” mirror. The first star party of 2012 takes place Saturday, January 28, from 2 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.

Bob Alborzian of the Burbank Sidewalk Astronomers said most people who come to the parties have never looked through a telescope.

“A lot of us take this universe and our time for granted,” he said. “The objects we see live for billions and billions of years.  Our lives don’t even compare.”

Alborzian, his fellow Sidewalk Astronomers and the Los Angeles Astronomical Society provide extra telescopes for the events and set up a kids’ corner to get youngsters involved. The groups are dedicated to bringing their passion for astronomy to the general public, and their ranks include employees of NASA and Jet Propulsion Laboratory. In addition to star parties, they set up free events for area schools. (Make a request via the Night Sky Network if you want them to come to yours.)

Star Parties at Griffith Observatory began about 25 years ago. They were inspired by John Dobson, a Hollywood resident who founded Sidewalk Astronomers and invented the Dobson telescope, a cheap but powerful device that helped bring astronomy from observatories to back yards.

What can be seen at a star party depends on what’s in the sky at the time. This month, Venus and Jupiter will be visible, along with less-known galaxies and star systems. The telescopes there allow amateur astronomers to see details like Jupiter’s many moons, rings and the Great Red Spot. Our own moon is among the most popular sights. Later this year, special star parties will be held to view celestial events like the solar eclipse on May 20 and Venus’ transit of the Sun on June 5.

The events attract about 700 people through the course of the day said Mary Brown, an employee of Griffith Observatory and president of the Los Angeles Astronomical Society. They are held outdoors, so visitors are welcome to bring a picnic or take a hike. Dogs are welcome, too. Griffith Observatory is located at 2800 East Observatory Avenue in Los Angeles.

Posted 1/25/12