“Matinees on the Mountain”

…screening Early Astronomical Films

Mount Wilson Observatory (MWO)—Southern California’s esteemed home to several of the most groundbreaking astronomical discoveries in history—presents the fourth “Matinees on the Mountain” screening on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 3:00pm.

The Observatory, along with Los Angeles Filmforum, presents “Envisioning the Skies: A Short History of Astronomical Films,” a program of early scientific films exploring how cinema first attempted to understand and visualize the cosmos. Curated by L.A. Filmforum’s Jane de Almeida, Adam Hyman, and Jheanelle Brown, the program explores how astronomy and image‑making have shaped one another from the 19th century to the present-day. From Hanns Walter Kornblum and Ernst Krieger’s “Our Heavenly Bodies,” to Bernard Lyot’s solar footage, to Carl Sagan’s “Cosmos.” these films reveal how techniques from sequential photography to digital simulation have transformed how we see, teach, and imagine the universe.

MWO’s new film series—happening on select Saturday afternoons this season—will take place in its 256-seat auditorium, screening classic science fiction, early scientific, vintage silent films, and even a few family-friendly surprises. Moviegoers can enjoy lunch at the Cosmic Cafe or picnic on the grounds, explore the Observatory’s rich history, and then settle in for a unique cinematic experience 1-mile above the City of Los Angeles. Tickets are priced at $20 for general admission and $15 for children under 12. For more information and tickets, please visit: www.mtwilson.edu/events/movie082325