From Route 66 to the Kuiper Belt: Meet the Stellar Lineup for the 2026 Night of Discovery
Mark your calendars for an out-of-this-world celebration on February 14, 2026! Lowell Observatory is proud to announce the return of A Night of Discovery at the Orpheum Theater. Held annually on the week of Clyde Tombaugh’s groundbreaking discovery of Pluto on February 18, 1930, this event serves as keynote event of the 7th Annual I Heart Pluto Festival.
This year, we are bridging two icons of exploration. This year’s theme, “Mother Road to the Stars,” honors the centennial of Route 66 and explores its fascinating, often overlooked connections to the distant, icy world of Pluto.
Here is your guide to the eminent space experts, storytellers, and dignitaries who will make this a night to remember.
Headlining Panel: The Past, Present, and Future of Pluto
The evening will be highlighted by a powerhouse panel discussion exploring our evolving understanding of the beloved dwarf planet that put Flagstaff on the map.
Dr. Alan Stern: Principal Investigator of the New Horizons Mission
Few people have done more to expand our view of the outer solar system than Dr. Alan Stern. As the driving force behind NASA’s New Horizons mission, which gave humanity its first close-up look at Pluto in 2015, Dr. Stern brings unparalleled insight into the geology, atmosphere, and mysteries of the Pluto system.
Dr. Chad Trujillo: Co-discoverer of Eris
Space history is full of twists, and Dr. Chad Trujillo had a hand in one of the biggest. He is the co-discoverer of the dwarf planet Eris, an object that sparked the global debate surrounding and eventual reclassification of Pluto 20 years ago. His presence guarantees a fascinating discussion on how we define planethood in our galaxy.
Andy Chaikin: Award-Winning Science Journalist
To help weave the narrative of exploration and history together, we welcome Andy Chaikin. A celebrated author, Chaikin wrote A Man on the Moon, the definitive account of the Apollo missions which served as the basis for the Tom Hanks/HBO miniseries From the Earth to the Moon.
Moderated by Dave Eicher: Emeritus Editor-in-Chief, Astronomy Magazine
Guiding this conversation is Dave Eicher. With decades of experience at the helm of Astronomy magazine, Eicher is well-equipped to navigate the history, the science, and the spirited debates surrounding these icy worlds.
Special Presentations: Art, History, and Legislation
A Gift from Mission Control
Alice Bowman, the Mission Operations Manager (or MOM, as she likes to be called) of the New Horizons Mission, will take the stage for a special ceremony in which she will present Lowell Observatory with a scale model of the New Horizons spacecraft. The display of this model at Lowell will highlight the enduring link between Flagstaff and the far reaches of the solar system.
The Future of Arizona Space
Arizona State Representative Justin Wilmeth returns to the Orpheum stage for the third year in a row, this time bringing updates on the future of local aerospace. Rep. Wilmeth, who famously authored the bill recognizing Pluto as Arizona’s official state planet in 2024, will discuss his current efforts to establish a designated spaceport right here in Arizona.
Route 66: The Mother Road to the Stars
To fully embrace this year’s theme, we will feature two unique performances:
- Stoker Stoker, Lowell Observatory’s Senior Presentation Specialist, will take the audience on a journey through time, sharing the remarkable, intertwined history of Route 66 and the discovery of Pluto. Stoker is the creative force behind Cosmic Highways: A Centennial Tour, a new program at Lowell that treats visitors to an immersive presentation in the Lowell Universe Theater, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of a rarely-seen private collections exhibit.
- Christopher Fox Graham, Editor of the Sedona Red Rock News, will perform an original poem dedicated to the spirit of Route 66 and its space heritage. Graham has presented an original poem at the Night of Discovery event every year since the very first I Heart Pluto Festival in 2020.
Join Us for History in the Making
Doors open to the public at 6pm, with programs commencing at 7pm. General admission tickets, as well as a VIP option that provides access to a private reception at 5pm with the presenters prior to the main program, are available at https://wl.seetickets.us/event/i-heart-pluto-a-night-of-discovery/629870?afflky=OrpheumTheater
Get your tickets now and join us as we travel the Mother Road to the Stars!
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