Route 66 is one of the most storied roadways in North America, known for its roadside diners, historic hotels and kitschy attractions. But it also boasts an extraordinary space heritage; along its course lies the birthplaces of space pioneers, centers of space exploration and discovery, training grounds for Moon-bound astronauts, the best-preserved asteroid impact site in the world, site of a famous UFO sighting, and museums celebrating these cosmic connections. In honor of the centennial of the opening of Route 66, Lowell Observatory Historian Kevin Schindler will lead a virtual trip along the Mother Road and explore this space heritage.
Kevin Schindler is the Historian and the Public Information Officer at Lowell Observatory. He has been with Lowell for more than 30 years and is an active member of the Flagstaff history and science communities. Kevin is a prolific science communicator and writer; he was one of the Grand Canyon’s Astronomers in Residence in 2023 and recently received the 2025 Copper Quill Award, which honors local authors. Through decades of writing, speaking, and community engagement, Kevin has such an important role in connecting the public with astronomy and the history of space exploration in northern Arizona.
