When Space Shuttle Endeavour arrives on Friday, it's scheduled to fly over several Southern California hotspots. One prime viewing spot may be the Griffith Observatory. Lolita Lopez reports from the Griffith Observatory for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Sept. 19, 2012.
NASA Historian: "Wonderful" to Welcome Endeavour Home
Pete Merlin says the space shuttle Endeavour – which was built in Southern California – has "performed admirable" and SoCal is ready to welcome the shuttle back home. Robert Kovacik reports from Edwards Air Force Base for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Sept. 19, 2012.
Outer space? Cross Country piggy backs? That may be nothing compared to space shuttle Endeavour's final journey through LA’s infamously traffic-prone streets. To help on the last leg of the voyage, a 2012 Toyota Tundra will tow the Endeavour the last quarter-mile to the California Science Center. For more information click here. Beverly White reports from Torrance for the NBC4 News at 6 p.m. on Sept. 19, 2012.
There are no official events planned at the Griffith Observatory for the space shuttle Endeavour’s Friday arrival, but the area will be open for people to hopefully catch a glimpse as the shuttle zooms over Los Angeles.
"The gates of the park open at 5 a.m.," said Mark A. Pine, deputy director of Griffith Observatory. "Because we have the best view of Los Angeles, this may be one of the best places to watch the shuttle fly over Los Angeles.”
There should be multiple spots to see Endeavour, according to Pine, including when it flies over the Hollywood Sign.
"You can see, pretty much, from Palos Verdes, all the way over to the San Gabriel Mountains," Pine said.
On the southeast terrace of the observatory, facing south, onlookers may get more than a passing glance.
"You won't have any trouble making out the silhouette of the shuttle on the 747 flying over downtown," Pine said. "It's supposed to do that at least twice."
While no exact flight path has been released, the shuttle is expected to be visible from 10:30 in the morning on Friday.
"I'll be bringing a tripod," said Peter Pawlyschyn."I'll be bringing three cameras."
Pawlyschyn plans to arrive three to four hours before the shuttle gets to the LA area.
"I don't think you will ever get a chance to shoot something like this," Pawlyschyn said. "Or see it for that matter."
At an elevation, little over 1100 feet, those at the observatory may feel like they can reach out and touch it, Pine said.
"It will be closer than almost anybody has ever been to the shuttle," he said.
People who want to go to the observatory are advised to come early and bring water, so they can stay hydrated on what promises to be a hot day.
Endeavour will also fly over these locations before landing at LAX:
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