Last night we went to the Griffith Observatory. I have never looked through a big telescope. The whole thing was so romantic. The building is beautiful and as you wind around it to reach to top lookout, the view of LA is amazing. I hate to say it, but the pollution and dazzling lights turn the moon red as it rises and actually add to the aura.

Being a full moon I was surprised that they had the scope pointed at Saturn. We waited in line along the roof for about half an hour with lots of other families – kids bundled up, thrilled to be out past their bedtimes. Waxing on about the cosmos. Once we stepped inside the dome we could hear the astronomer talk – You could fit 700 earths inside of Saturn. It has 60 known moons and its rings are made of rock and ice spread out for thousands and thousands of feet, but they are only 10 feet in width. In 2009 the earth will face the rings straight on and they will briefly appear to vanish.

At last it was my turn to walk up the steps and look out across all those miles of cold space. When you look at Saturn you are actually looking 70 minutes back in time, the time it takes the light to travel to us. And it was spectacular! Through the lens it got crystal clear and I could see the rings in such detail. It seemed to wink back at me – I guess the thickness and content of the atmosphere can change moment to moment making it fuzzy and then clear again. What a sight! To think that light traveled all the way from the sun, bounced off a far away planet and hit me right in the eye.

On our way out we checked out the moon from a telescope set up on the lawn. It was also amazing, but I guess the full moon is not the best time to view. Better during a half moon when the light is at a lower angle and highlights the terrain. Still, the creators look enormous and I can’t believe they are size of California. Will definitely have to see it again. The astronomer did not miss the opportunity to tell “the ultimate irony” – turns out the moon really does have about the same density as cheese.

Anyone who is near an observatory and has never done it – go, see! Its really a special experience. There will be good views of Saturn all month.