Los Angeles is the chief city in the state of California,
and the next largest in the United States. It is located in the southern part
of California, with a pleasingly mild climate.
Griffin
Park and Observatory
Griffith Park is located in the eastern part of the Santa
Monica Mountains and covers an area of 4,210 acres, is the biggest state recreational
area in California. In the park is the Los Angeles Zoo, the Griffith
Observatory and a planetarium, a Greek theater with 4,000 seats, a riding
center formed for the 1984 Olympic Games, golf courses and tennis courts, and
much more. Walking trails or drives into the mountains offer marvelous views.
The Griffith Observatory is situated
on a hilltop outside the Los Angeles city center and provides viewing opportunities
during the day as well at night. The Zeiss telescope is the highlight, allowing
for viewing of the moon and planets. There are three solar telescopes too, allowing
for screening of the sun. The park and observatory are named for the founder,
Griffith J. Griffith, who donated the larger part of the parkland to the town
in 1896.