04/11/2026
A special highlight of Yuri’s Night Los Angeles 2026 is keynote speaker Ron Garan — a former NASA astronaut, decorated U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, and global advocate whose work continues to bridge space exploration, human connection, and planetary responsibility.
Ron Garan spent 178 days in space, traveled more than 71 million miles, and completed 2,842 orbits of Earth during his missions aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery and the International Space Station. He also conducted spacewalks totaling more than 27 hours outside the station, directly contributing to critical mission operations and orbital assembly.
What has made his voice especially enduring, however, is the way he has translated those experiences into a broader message about humanity. His reflections on the overview effect — seeing Earth without borders from orbit — continue to inspire audiences around the world to think differently about leadership, unity, and our shared future 🌍
His keynote offers more than spaceflight stories; it offers perspective shaped by science, service, and a rare view of our planet from above.
To hear him at Griffith Observatory is to experience one of the most powerful dimensions of this year’s program.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
General Admission: Free and open to the public
VIP Access Available
If you cannot attend in person, streaming is also available.
Livestream access: https://griffithobservatory.lacity.gov/event/yurisnight2026/
Check the full program to see when Ron Garan speaks: https://la.yurisnight.net/
More about Ron Garan: https://www.rongaran.com/
Some voices leave you thinking differently long after the event ends 🌌✨
