Where to get a front row view for the Space Shuttle landing

This view of the Space Shuttle Endeavour, clearly shows its payload bay and upper surfaces. The image was photographed by one of the Expedition 15 crewmembers aboard the International Space Station shortly before the two vehicles docked in Earth orbit. Via Wikipedia.

As you’ve probably heard, Southern California is getting its very own spaceship with the arrival of the space shuttle Endeavour on Friday. The shuttle, perched atop a modified 747, is scheduled to land at LAX at around 11:00 a.m. But before the spacecraft touches down, its going for a joy ride in the skies above California, giving millions on the ground the opportunity to gawk at Endeavour as it goes aloft for the last time.

Early Friday morning, the shuttle will depart atop the 747 from Edwards Air Force Base and fly north to Sacramento and San Francisco to give people in those cities a chance to see it before it heads south to L.A.

If you want to see the shuttle take its final bow here in Southern California, officials suggest gathering at the following locations between about 10:00 and 11:00 in the morning. Bring your cameras!

*Malibu and Venice Beaches

*The Getty Center

*Griffith Park Observatory

*The California Science Center

*Universal Studios

*The Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific and Queen Mary

*Disneyland

I traded messages with Griffith Observatory and folks there expect pretty big crowds to gather to view it. With Endeavour framed by a gorgeous view of the city, I think that’s where I’ll head.

Officials remind people to avoid driving and ogling Endeavour at the same time. Like with texting or using a cell phone, pull over if you want to shuttle watch. Authorities also recommend staying away from LAX, where the shuttle will land on the south runway. Once at LAX Endeavour will stay there for a couple of weeks before its towed to the California Science Center in Exposition Park where it will be put on permanent display.

Enjoy the show.