Dark skies are on the rise, as travelers across the planet seek out places where they can get clear views of the stars. So say the travel experts at Lonely Planet who have named dark skies a continuing travel trend. As the world’s first International Dark Sky Community, Flagstaff and others in Northern Arizona are tapping into the astrotourism trend. “Flagstaff provides amazing dark skies for stargazing, and more and more people will travel to our destination to enjoy Lowell Observatory, star … [Read more...] about Dark Skies on the Rise
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Sending Love to Pluto
February marks the 90th anniversary of Pluto’s discovery right here in Northern Arizona. To celebrate, Lowell Observatory is partnering with other local organizations in hosting a two-day “I Heart Pluto Festival,” set for Feb. 15 and 18. Highlights of the event include a presentation by Alan Stern, principal investigator of the New Horizons mission that explored Pluto in 2015, a space-themed art exhibit at Lowell Observatory and Mother Road Brewery’s limited release of Pluto Prohibition … [Read more...] about Sending Love to Pluto
World-Standard Astronomy Education Vision Coming into Focus
Observatory has received a $14.5 million grant to build the Astronomy Discovery Center (ADC), a new visitor facility that will accommodate the observatory’s ever-increasing number of guests while offering a state-of-the-art visitor experience. The funding comes on the heels of record visitation to the observatory and Lowell’s celebration of its 125th anniversary. The grant from the Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation covers half of the $29 million price tag for the new facility, which is … [Read more...] about World-Standard Astronomy Education Vision Coming into Focus
Celebrating 125 Years of Stargazing
It is the place where Pluto was discovered, but began out of an obsessive interest in Mars. On May 28, 1894, Percival Lowell arrived in Flagstaff, Arizona Territory, to commence astronomical studies. This marked the official opening of Lowell Observatory, the first scientific establishment in Arizona and home of one of America’s most storied astronomical observatories. To celebrate its 125th anniversary, the observatory hosted a ceremony on June 6, attended by government officials, scientists … [Read more...] about Celebrating 125 Years of Stargazing
Lowell Observatory Shines in the Shadow of Solar Eclipse
It is being called the Great American Eclipse because the Monday, Aug. 21 cosmic event when our moon aligns between the Earth and sun will only be visible from the United States. Lowell Observatory astronomers will be greeting it in the little town of Madras, Oregon, one of the first places in the country to feel the eclipse. They will not be alone. Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to turn out as Lowell’s world-class astronomers and educators take the lead in science education … [Read more...] about Lowell Observatory Shines in the Shadow of Solar Eclipse
Lowell Observatory’s Discovery Partnership
Lowell Observatory announces that Boston University (BU) has signed a long-term agreement to become a partner for the Discovery Channel Telescope (DCT). The agreement in perpetuity grants BU astronomers use of the world-class, four-meter telescope for 40 or more nights each year. “Lowell Observatory has a strong relationship with BU that we expect will get stronger as a result of this agreement,” says Lowell director Dr. Jeff Hall. “We look forward to increased scientific and outreach … [Read more...] about Lowell Observatory’s Discovery Partnership