In conjunction with the Flagstaff Arts Council and a number of other organizations that form Flagstaff’s rich culture sector, we at Lowell Observatory have committed ourselves to protecting the health and safety of our guests, staff members, and community. As an institution of science, we have always paid attention to what the data tells us—and we always will. We will only reopen our doors to the public when we can ensure that the proper evidence-based procedures are firmly in place.
When we reopen, it is our hope that we will continue to inspire the same awe and wonder that we’ve inspired in generations of visitors from around the world. We plan to offer this in the form of exclusive guided tour packages that blend our most beloved talks, tours, and stargazing opportunities together, all with social distancing guidelines in mind. Tour groups will be limited in size to minimize risk, and all attendees will be required to wear masks while indoors and during telescope viewing. If an attendee doesn’t have a mask, one will be provided for them. Visitors will be able to experience all that the observatory has to offer, free of crowds, long lines, or worry. Though General Admission tickets will not be available immediately after reopening, we hope that these streamlined tours will help our visitors experience wonder, safely.
On a recent episode of our live stream series Cosmic Coffee, Lowell Observatory Director Dr. Jeff Hall spoke with Public Program Manager Sarah Burcher and Visitor Experience Manager Miriam Robbins about the observatory’s plans for reopening to the public. Watch the recorded version of the stream below to learn more about what our reopening process will look like.