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 ♥ 11:45am – Enjoy the view from Mars Hill Lookout
After driving up the winding road that leads to the Lowell Observatory, you can pull off onto the scenic overlook located at the top of the hill. Here, you can enjoy sweeping views of downtown Flagstaff and snap a few photos before you reach your destination. |
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 ♥ 12:00pm – Check in at the Astronomy Discovery Center
Opened in November of 2024, the Astronomy Discovery Center is a science museum and a visitor center all in one! Before you head inside, you’ll pass a trio of friendly “Martians” gathered around a Mars rover.
The ADC’s entrance takes you underneath a dazzling stained glass skylight that refracts rainbow patterns onto the floor of the Prism Hall. |
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 ♥ 12:10pm – Grab lunch at the Planet X Cafe
Enjoy delicious coffee, teas, sandwiches, rotating soups, and salads from Jitters Lunchbox in a stylish dining room, complete with a cozy fireplace. If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, you can enjoy a variety of space-themed pastries!
View Planet X Menu
Location: Astronomy Discovery Center, F1 |
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 ♥ 12:30pm – Rooftop solar telescope viewing
Head up to the roof of the Astronomy Discovery Center to see the surface of the Sun up close safely through filtered solar telescopes. If it’s too cloudy for solar viewing, our fabulous educators will be happy to answer your burning (get it?) questions about the Sun, or any other astronomical topics! Location of solar viewing may vary, check with Visitor Services.
Location: Astronomy Discovery Center, Rooftop |
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 ♥ 1:00pm – Explore the Stardust Lab Astronomy Gallery
The Stardust Lab offers unique, thought-provoking, and accessible exhibits that encourage visitors to reflect on their place in the universe while exploring the many planets and solar systems being discovered in our galaxy. Each exhibit features visual, audio, and touch components to ensure that all visitors are included in experiencing them.
Location: Astronomy Discovery Center, F1 |
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♥ 2:30pm – History Talk: Origins of Lowell
Learn where our story began in this comprehensive history presentation! Explore the origins of Lowell—from Mars research by Percival Lowell to an up-close view of the iconic Clark Telescope, used to train Apollo 11 astronauts.
Location: |
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 ♥ 3:00pm – Unwind in the Origins Gallery
Enjoy the soothing sights and sounds of life on Earth in the Origins Gallery! The focal point of this space is the Origins exhibit, a display that artistically depicts the universe’s evolution from the Big Bang to today. A suspended centerpiece symbolizes matter’s transformation, with dynamic lighting creating a sense of motion. A 3D sculpture enhanced with projections showcases Earth’s diverse life, from microbes to ecosystems.
Location: Astronomy Discovery Center, F1 |
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 ♥ 3:15pm – Pluto Discovery Dome open house
Take a self-guided tour through the very building where Pluto was discovered! You can check out the Lawrence Lowell Telescope, a 13” astrograph that was built specifically to aid in the search for Percival Lowell’s fabled ‘Planet X,’ and was eventually used by Clyde Tombaugh to discover Pluto in February of 1930. An educator will be present to answer your questions about the mysterious dwarf planet and its discovery.
Location: Historic West Campus |
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 ♥ 4:00pm – Celestial Visions show
Step into the universe for a double feature of wonder and inspiration! Begin with This is Lowell, a short film capturing the journey of exploration that defines Lowell Observatory. Then, let your imagination soar with Celestial Visions—a mesmerizing display of NASA’s latest cosmic imagery and videos, set to an entrancing soundtrack. This ongoing, presentation-free show invites you to unwind, gaze at the stars, and lose yourself in the sights of the cosmos. Drop by whenever the stars call.
Location: Lowell Universe Theater, Astronomy Discovery Center F1 |
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 ♥ 5:00pm – View early evening objects
As the Sun begins to set, you can begin to catch glimpses of the planets emerging in the early evening sky. Among these are Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and extra-bright Venus. As early as 5pm in February, you can head up to the Giovale Open Deck Observatory to view the planets through state-of-the-art telescopes. Lowell educators will be standing by to explain what you’re seeing and answer any questions you might have!
Location: Giovale Open Deck Observatory |
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 ♥ 6pm – Head downtown for the Pluto Pub Crawl!
Explore Flagstaff’s finest pubs, bars, and brew houses — in the shape of the Pluto symbol! After receiving a map of all participating destinations, you’ll be turned loose to enjoy historic downtown alongside fellow Pluto-lovers, and custom-made Pluto drinks and specials at all the stops. Along the way, you’ll find astronomers giving science talks, answering questions, and more. Don’t forget to grab a bite to eat and drink responsibly!
Pub Crawl Map
Location: Downtown Flagstaff |
