Friday, March 16, 2012

Star Gazing on the Way to the Grand Canyon

Flagstaff, Arizona is a popular jumping off point to start your Grand Canyon adventure. It’s convenient to the Grand Canyon and other National Monuments. There are plenty of hotels to choose from and restaurants to enjoy. And Route 66 runs through the heart of downtown.

Armchair astronomers come for another reason – Lowell Observatory. On March 13, 1930, Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto here. Today, it’s still a working observatory. At 7,200 feet above sea level, the sky seems to come alive. Constellations are clearer and it seems as if stars are more plentiful.

Visitors to Lowell Observatory are given the chance to gaze through the Observatory’s telescopes in the hopes of finding that next celestial object. You’ll get the chance to see Jupiter, the Moon, constellations, star clusters, and (if you’re lucky) a passing comet in the night sky. Astronomers will be on hand to answer questions. And there’s a fantastic show featuring celestial images and the music of Mannheim Steamroller.

Admission tickets are good for both day and evening programs. We recommend you take advantage of it too. During the day, you’ll get to:

•View the Sun through a special Solar Telescope
•Take the Mars Tour and see the refractor Percival Lowell used to sketch the Planet Mars
•Tour research facilities, both new and old
•Visit the Pluto Discovery Telescope

Plus, there are plenty of special events scheduled throughout the year. It’s a great, entertaining way for both young and old to learn more about astronomy!

For more information, hours of operation, and admission prices, visit www.lowell.edu/visit.php

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