(photo by Edwin Folven)

The Griffith Observatory will mark 80 years of public service and astronomical inspiration with three public events today. At noon, Griffith Observatory director Dr. E.C. Krupp will commemorate the 80th anniversary at a ceremony by the Meridian Arc at the south end of the Gottlieb Transit Corridor. Councilman Tom LaBonge, 4th District, will join Krupp on the north steps of the Griffith Observatory building to recognize the observatory as a Los Angeles icon. Arnold Schwartzman, author of “Griffith Observatory: A Celebration of Its Architectural Splendor”, will discuss and sign copies of his recently released book with Krupp in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon theater at 7 p.m.

The Griffith Observatory is located at 2800 East Observatory Road.

The events are free and open to the public. Seating for the book discussion is on a first-come, first-served basis, up to the capacity of the theater. For information, visit www.griffithobservatory.org or call (213)473-0800.