ASTRONOMY FIELD TRIP
TO GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY

DATE:    Sunday February 26, 2012

DEPART FROM SBCC:    12:45 pm (the bus rolls at 12:50, so get there BEFORE then so you can get loaded in time).  Meet at the EBS loading dock, which is between the SBCC bookstore and the EBS building (just in front of the bookstore) and a little ways toward the ocean.

RETURN TO SBCC:    Between 10 pm and 11 pm (depending on when our tour is over, traffic, etc).

COST:    $40.00 to be paid at the SBCC Cashier.  Make checks payable to SBCC or use your credit card.

HOW TO SIGN UP:  Sign up with the SBCC cashier.  Seats are given out on a “first come first served” basis as they are paid for.  Let them know you are paying for the Griffith Observatory Field Trip.  Once the bus is full, that's it, so sign up now.  Space is limited.  Trip is open to ONLY ERTH-101 Astronomy students up to two weeks before the trip, then available seats open to anyone after that!

WHAT TO BRING:  Bring food for dinner and/or money to buy dinner at the Griffith cafeteria/cafe.  It's a bit pricey, but there's plenty of food.  Also, be sure to bring a sweater or jacket.  We will be out on the roof looking through the telescopes after dark (weather permitting), and it can get cold.  Bring a backpack.  The bus will not be available during the time we are at Griffith.  All food items will need to be stowed away in your backpack (Griffith does not allow food into their exhibit halls but you may eat at the outside tables).

ITINERARY:  Meet at the bus 12:45 pm.  Bus rolls at 12:50 pm (don't be late)!  Arrive at Griffith around 3 pm and meet at the Astronomer's Monument for an Intro.  Will then have some free time to view displays (or to eat).  Will watch a presentation at the "Event Horizon" Theater from 5:00-5:30 pm.  Right after the show, meet on the roof for a private tour of the observatory (special deal just for us).  The observatory is on the east side of the roof accessible from exterior stairs on either side of the building. This is a mandatory meeting (important instructions will be given).  After the observatory tour, we will assemble for the planetarium show at 6:30 pm.  We will meet at the Foucault Pendulum (just within the North Doors) at 6:30 pm so you can get your planetarium tickets and we will all go into the planetarium together for the show.  Show starts at 6:45 pm (there's no late seating).  If cloudy, we will then head home, if clear we will return to the observatory to look through the telescope and leave between 9-9:15 pm (as soon as everyone has looked through the scope).  Depending on weather, how long the observation takes, and on traffic and other considerations, we should be home between 10 - 11:30 pm.

FIELD TRIP WAIVER FORM:   All students will be required to turn in a waiver form.  Click here to download the field trip waiver form.  I will also have copies for you to fill out before boarding the bus.  If you are under 18, you will need to get a parent or guardian's signature in advance (so print out in advance and get the required signatures beforehand).

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY:
http://www.griffithobs.org/

MAPS OF THE OBSERVATORY:
http://www.griffithobservatory.org/vmap.html (low resolution)
http://www.griffithobservatory.org/pdf/GOMapBW8_5X11.pdf (higher resolution)

IF YOU CAN'T COME WITH US - GO ON YOUR OWN (on a different day - not for extra credit):
You can not drive yourself down and meet us there (due to liability and insurance issues).  However, you can drive down on your own on a different day.  Download this Griffith Observatory Visit Worksheet to help get the most from your visit.  Be sure to watch the "Event Horizon Theater" presentation, see the planetarium show, check out the solar telescope, check out the displays indicated on the worksheet, and observe through the telescope if you are there in the evening.

REFUNDS:
There are no refunds for late cancelations unless we are able to find someone to take your spot.