Observatory Adds Hours for Comet

Public interest in Halley’s comet has been so great that Griffith Observatory is extending its hours to permit more persons to view the comet through the observatory’s telescope.

“It’s been really extraordinary,” said Edwin C. Krupp, director of the observatory.

He said the observatory opened last Friday and Saturday at 4 a.m. and several thousand persons showed up over the two-day period.

“People are having a tough time just finding the comet” when they go out on their own, Krupp said. “If they come here, they’ve got a good chance.” The Los Angeles Astronomical Society, an amateur astronomy group, will also set up small telescopes on the observatory’s grounds during the hours it is open, Krupp said.

Although the comet is expected to grow dimmer in the weeks ahead, Krupp said visitors to Griffith should be able to see it even as late as May.

He said the observatory plans to open at 4 a.m. this Saturday. The observatory will stay open “essentially all night” from April 4th through the 11th.

Since the best time for viewing changes from day to day, and since the observatory’s plans may also change, Krupp suggested that interested persons first call the observatory’s “Halley Hot Line” at (213) 663-8171.