LIGHTS OUT FOR LASERIUM THOUSANDS ATTEND LAST SHOWS AT OBSERVATORY.

Byline: Holly Edwards Staff Writer

Throngs of stargazers trekked up to Griffith Observatory on Saturday to catch one more planetarium show and take in the expansive view of the Los Angeles Basin as the observatory prepares to close for a three-year, $66 million renovation.

The crowd was the largest to gather at the observatory since Halley's Comet passed through in 1986, and as many visitors are expected today for the observatory's last day of business, said Nicholas Read, an astronomical lecturer at the observatory for 22 years.

An estimated 14,000 people visited the observatory Saturday, nearly double the average for an off-season Saturday, he said.

``In a word, this is phenomenal,'' Read said. ``This really shows the love people have for the observatory. This is truly a Los Angeles icon, and it's somewhere people can go to see the universe brought down to earth.''

Saturday was the final showing of the popular Laserium light and music show, while today is the last day the observatory - including its planetarium shows and exhibit halls - is open before the renovations.

As the day wore on, getting to the landmark grew increasingly difficult and traffic came to a standstill on Los Feliz Boulevard after several roads leading to the observatory were closed when all of the parking spaces along the routes were filled.

By late afternoon, just one traffic-snarled road remained open and many visitors were forced to park at the Greek Theatre and either walk or take a shuttle to the hilltop venue.

Visitors should be prepared for lengthy delays today, and park officials said they planned to close roads as parking spaces fill, though they could not say which streets would be affected.

``Traffic is going to be hit and miss,'' said R. Garcia, a city Park Safety Officer, who was fielding questions from beleaguered motorists. ``Yes, it's frustrating, but we can only accommodate so many people.''

Planetarium and Laserium shows were sold out all day, but many visitors traveled to the observatory just for a final look at the Los Angles skyline, framed by shimmering flecks of city lights.

For many, the observatory has been a place for family outings and fond memories.

``It's sad to see it close because I used to come here when my children were very little and they thought it was the best thing in the world,'' said June Schlindwein, 70, of Canoga Park. ``The lights and the stars were everything I thought Hollywood should be. I feel very nostalgic tonight knowing that I won't be able to come back for a while.''

Meanwhile, the younger crowd was more interested in catching the final Laserium show - a mind-bending combination of laser lights and loud music that has been showcased at the observatory for 28 years.

``I saw it when I was in elementary school and I wanted to bring my wife to see it before it ends,'' said Ralph Clark, 27, of Pico Rivera. ``The lasers and the music are spectacular.''

The Laserium shows will move to a temporary location in a few months as Laser Images Inc. in Van Nuys prepares to build a state-of-the-art Laserium Cyberdome near the observatory, said Laser Images President Ivan Dryer.

The company is negotiating to buy the property now and hopes to begin the year-long construction project this spring, Dryer said.

``The new Laserium will be completely interactive and everyone in the audience will play a role in developing the images and music,'' he said. ``They can conjure up anything and see it created in front of them.''

The upcoming observatory renovation is the first significant improvement made to the facility since it opened in May 1935, Read said. The front lawn will be excavated to allow the observatory to more than double in size, and the planetarium will be rebuilt and filled with the latest technology.

The observatory's grounds and trailheads will remain open until construction begins in June.

CAPTION(S):

3 photos

Photo:

(1) Carlos Borrayo and Renee Carrillo keep warm as the wait in line for tickets to the Laserium show at Griffith Observatory on Saturday. The observatory will close today for a three-year, $66 million renovation.

(2) Laserium fans line up at the Griffith Observatory on Saturday for the final showing before the popular hilltop site closes for a three-year renovation.

(3) A couple enjoys the view of Los Angeles from the Griffith Observatory, which closes for renovations today.

Joe Binoya/Special to the Daily News