Experience

In this episode - Experience . . .

Have you ever considered the details your brain retains from an experience?

Recently during a visit to the Griffith Park Observatory in Los Angeles, CA., vivid experiences from the past exploded into my minds-eye.

First, a bit of housekeeping.

In preparing to visit the Observatory, check the website https://griffithobservatory.org before leaving home.

(Chuckle) . . . What am I thinking? With wireless cellular transmission and a smartphone, your traveling partner can plan your visit on the way. Since COVID 19, the Observatory has limited hours, Friday - Sunday 10 am. - 10 pm.

We arrived at the parking lot about 9:30 Saturday morning. It was foggy, early November; fall was in the air, step out of the car, close your eyes, take a deep breath, feel the damp air on your face, smell the cool familiar clouds. Hidden in the thick fog, the Hollywood sign was not visible.

Surprisingly, everything looked the same - except for pay stations that require you to pay $10/hour for parking. Thankfully, admission to the Observatory is still free.

Speaking of wireless transmission. Once inside, my first question was this, "When do you demonstrate the Tesla Coil?"

"At 10:30, in about 15 minutes," was the guide's response.

For those who have never visited the Observatory, my recommendation is to start in what's now called the "Wilder Hall of the Eye." As you enter the main building that hall is on the left, you will see The Tesla Coil. (Tourist tip; early visitors encounter smaller crowds.)

What is a Tesla Coil?

A Tesla coil is an electrical resonant transformer designed to produce high-voltage, low-current, high-frequency alternating-current electricity.

The Tesla Coil is named after its inventor, Nikola Tesla (1856-1943), who displayed his first working model in 1891. Its theoretical purpose, the wireless transmission of electricity through the air. It was part of Tesla's great dream to provide electricity to homes without using wires.

During the demonstration, somewhat unexpectedly, my first, most memorable Griffith Observatory experience was triggered over 35 years ago by the sights, smells, and sounds of this fantastic exhibit.

At that time, docents would demonstrate wireless electricity transmission by holding a four-foot fluorescent tube in hand standing in front of the Tesla Coil. Once turned on, giant random arcing sparks (lightning bolts) darting about would cause the tube as if by magic to glow.

That experience was so vivid, by closing my eyes, I was immediately transported back to that time in my minds-eye.

Not as theatrical, but today the words "Tesla Coil" - in multi-colored Neon lights Glow attached to the Faraday Cage surrounding the powerful transformer when turned on. You will witness the arching sparks, and the startling loud crackle while on, and a lot of oohs and aahs from the crowd.

My listening friends, that's just the beginning of your adventure; since the completion of Observatories' 2006 remodel, there are many new and renovated exhibits to marvel at.

A replica of Galileo's telescope from 1609, the Foucault Pendulum, the Gunther Depths of Space, and most notability, "The Big Picture." The largest astronomical image glazed onto a porcelain enamel wall 152 feet long and 20 feet tall. Oh, while you're there, sit next to Einstein and gaze into the depths of space.

Your visit will be an immersive experience you will treasure and remember for many years to come.

If you're curious, visit https://griffithobservatory.org and explore the possibilities.

So, won't you be my virtual neighbor? If you enjoy our weekly visits, please share them with a friend.

I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

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