Griffith Observatory unveils new show, ‘Signs of Life’
Just a day after flames climbed dangerously close to the Los Angeles’ beloved viewing tower, the Griffith Observatory hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and VIP premier of “Signs of Life.”
The production, described by officials as a “detective story” that uncovers what it took to “put life in the universe,” is the first production to be exclusively designed for the Samuel Oschin Planetarium in more than a decade.
“Earth is the launchpad to Mars, the moons of Jupiter and Saturn, and planets beyond our Milky Way Galaxy in a search for answers to the mysteries that captivate our imagination,” said the planetarium’s website.
Dr. E.C. Krupp, director of the Griffith Observatory, sported a celestial-themed COVID-19 mask as he welcomed visitors to the premiere.
The new show opens to the public Friday. More information: griffithobservatory.org/ planetarium/signs-of-life/
On Tuesday, the scene was much less celebrative. Flames climbing the hills of Los Feliz near the observatory prompted the evacuation of the landmark, before firefighters were able to stop the blaze from spreading around 4 p.m.
The cause of the fire was not immediately clear.
A “person of interest” was detained in the area in connection with the fire, said Los Angeles police Officer Drake Madison.
A 50-by-100 patch of burning vegetation was spotted near a Boy Scout trail at 2675 N Nottingham Ave., downslope from the observatory, Los Angeles Fire Department officials said in a 3:03 p.m. tweet.
Flames spread rapidly, consuming 6 acres, but by 4 p.m. firefighters were able to halt the spread, LAFD officials said.
About 92 firefighters were battling the blaze, and no injuries were reported, officials said.