The Griffith Observatory Satellite Facility is the site of the “Observatory in exile” while the venerable Griffith Observatory is being renovated and expanded in a three-year project that will last through 2005. The classic 1935 building everyone loves is closed for construction, but the staff has moved to a temporary facility to produce new planetarium shows and new exhibits for when the Observatory reopens. The Satellite Facility also features a public space with a modest display of astronomy exhibits, an innovative planetarium theater, a lecture/presentation area, and a telescope to view the moon and planets at night.

For special events, including public star parties and public evening lectures, see the Observatory's Special Events page.

Each clear night the Satellite is open, a telescope is turned toward Mars or the moon (or a double star) from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. for free public viewing while an astronomer interprets what you are seeing. Viewing is informal and the astronomer on duty will take requests and answer questions.