Public benefits from Griffith Observatory

Re “Makeover for a grande dame,” editorial, Jan. 1

Your editorial stated that the Griffith Observatory “hasn’t been an observatory for decades.” But it is, in fact, a public observatory, and it occupies the best piece of public observatory real estate in the world. More people saw Halley’s Comet and Comet Hale-Bopp through a telescope at Griffith Observatory than anywhere else on the planet.

Inspired by the research instruments at Mt. Wilson Observatory, Griffith J. Griffith envisioned a major public observatory in Griffith Park, and that’s what his gift delivered. When the observatory reopens late this year, it will be meticulously restored and dramatically expanded to continue its 71-year tradition of transforming visitors into observers.

E.C. KRUPP

Director, Griffith Observatory

Los Angeles