ASTRONOMY FIELD TRIP
TO GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY

DATE:    Wednesday, March 19, 2008

DEPART FROM SBCC:    12:45 pm (the bus rolls at 12:45, 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:    $35.00 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.

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 good 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:  Will leave at 12:45 pm.  Will watch a presentation at the "Event Horizon" Theater from 4:00-4:20 pm.  You will then have free time until the planetarium show at 5:00.  We will meet at the West Observation Terrace (see map) [Foucault Pendulum (just within the North Doors)] at 5 pm so you can get your planetarium tickets and we will all go into the planetarium together for the show.  Show starts at 5:15 pm (there's no late seating).  Show is over at 6:15 pm.  You will then have some free time to view exhibits until we meet on the roof for a tour of the telescope.  Most likely, we will just get a tour, but if the weather is good, we may get a chance to look through the telescope.  After the telescope tour, we will load the bus and head home.  Depending on how long the observation takes and on traffic and other considerations, we should be home between 10 pm and 11 pm.

FIELD TRIP FLIER:  Click here to download a field trip flyer to stick on your frig so you don't forget about the trip.

FIELD TRIP WAIVER FORM:  Click here to download the field trip waiver form.  It would be helpful if you printed this waiver, signed it, and gave it to me when we load on the bus.  I will also have copies for you to fill out before boarding the bus, but you will get to load first if you already have it filled out.  If you are under 18, you will need to get a parent or guardian's signature in advance.  All students must have a waiver turned in BEFORE boarding the bus.

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:
Download this Griffith Observatory Visit Worksheet to help you get the most from your visit

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