The “Centered in the Universe” show has been blowing people's minds at the Griffith Observatory's Samuel Oschin Planetarium for the past seven years. In the span of 33 minutes, you'll travel through time and space from ancient Alexandria, Egypt, to Galileo's 17th-century workshop, to Hubble's deco-era Mount Wilson Observatory, to a modern-day research lab, looking at the ways in which humans have attempted to understand their place in the universe. The bit near the end, where you soar through galaxy clusters, really puts things in perspective — talk about gripping. Yes, we all know Earth is small, but nothing beats a good visual. Plus, the entire presentation is narrated by a live presenter — far more engaging than some lame, prerecorded celebrity voice-over. It's a thoughtful, artistic and elegant show that, unlike a lot of the obnoxious blockbusters screening at a mall near you, makes intelligent use of CGI. 2800 E. Observatory Road, Griffith Park, 90027. (213) 473-0800, griffithobservatory.org. —Gendy Alimurung

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