Astronomy Discovery Center

Infinite Wonders Await

Overview

A New Way to Discover the Universe

Opening in 2024

Details

This space will be a place where curious visitors come to be awed by the cosmos and learn about astronomy.

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Opening by 2024

The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory will be a place where curious visitors come to be awed by the cosmos and learn about astronomy.

A growing body of evidence indicates that “free-choice” learning experiences at private science centers contribute more significantly to the public’s scientific literacy than science coursework in high school or college. For children, experiences gained in science centers are major predictors for future science inquiry skills and academic achievement.

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Stellar Experiences

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We have worked closely with the Flagstaff community to select elements for a new Astronomy Discovery Center that are unique to our capabilities while addressing future visitor needs and interests. The new 40,000-square-foot Center will include the following key destination features.

*Renderings on this page are conceptual and subject to change.

Universe Theater

The Universe Theater will be an attraction in its own right, employing features of a planetarium, but designed to include a stage that continues our emphasis on using live educators to present science content. Providing seating for about 180 guests, the Universe Theater includes a curved, wrap-around screen and a ceiling screen that together can place guests on the surfaces of worlds like Mars or Pluto.
Dark Sky Planetarium

Situated on the top floor of the Astronomy Discovery Center, the circular Dark Sky Planetarium will use the dark skies of Flagstaff, Arizona, as a natural planetarium dome. Lowell educators will take guests on a live journey among the stars, constellations, and planets that are visible to the unaided eye, all from the comfort of heated seats. Educators will enhance the familiar laser pointer presentation with customized audio-visual components for an experience unlike any other in the world.
Curiosity Zone

The Astronomy Discovery Center’s exhibit gallery for children will serve as northern Arizona’s only children’s science museum. Interactive exhibits designed specifically for preschoolers, elementary school children and middle schoolers will bring astronomy to life for children of all ages. Exhibits will include interactive displays and take-away activities to further engage guests after their visit.
Astronomy Gallery

The new Astronomy Discovery Center will employ the most advanced exhibition tools. Two main exhibit spaces will open with the ADC: the Astronomy Gallery I and the Curiosity Zone.

Additional Exhibit Galleries

The complete plan for the Astronomy Discovery Center includes two additional exhibit galleries that continue the story of astronomy. These exhibit galleries will be developed after the opening of the Astronomy Discovery Center.