View from Mars Hill: Lowell Observatory to host “Night of Discovery” at Orpheum Theater on Feb. 14
As posted on AZDailySun.com on 02/05/26.
Some of the most influential voices in planetary science and space-inspired culture will take center stage on Feb. 14 as Lowell Observatory hosts “A Night of Discovery,” the keynote event of Lowell Observatory’s 7th Annual I Heart Pluto Festival at the historic Orpheum Theater.
The evening’s featured speakers include Alan Stern, Principal Investigator of NASA’s New Horizons mission and an astronaut; Andy Chaikin, acclaimed science journalist and author of A Man on the Moon, the definitive account of the Apollo missions and the basis of Tom Hanks’ “A Man on the Moon HBO series; and Chad Trujillo, planetary scientist at NAU and co-discoverer of the dwarf planet Eris, whose detection two decades ago reshaped Pluto’s classification. Dave Eicher, Emeritus Editor in Chief of Astronomy magazine, will moderate the panel.
At the center of the program is a wide-ranging conversation about Pluto and the outer solar system, from its past, its evolving scientific identity, and what the future may hold for the icy world that has captured public imagination for nearly a century.
Held in honor of Clyde Tombaugh’s historic discovery of Pluto in 1930, this I Heart Pluto Festival embraces a special theme: “Mother Road to the Stars,” recognizing the centennial of Route 66 and its surprising ties to Pluto’s story.
The evening will feature additional presentations that broaden the celebration beyond Pluto itself. Alice Bowman, Mission Operations Manager (MOM) for New Horizons, will present Lowell Observatory with a scale model of the spacecraft that transformed our understanding of Pluto in 2015. Arizona State Representative Justin Wilmeth, who championed the bill naming Pluto Arizona’s official state planet, will offer updates on his efforts to establish a spaceport in the state. Christopher Fox Graham, editor of the Sedona Red Rock News, will perform an original poem honoring Route 66 and its cosmic connections. Lowell Observatory historian Kevin Schindler will further explore the surprising relationship between the Mother Road and Pluto’s discovery.
Festival-goers can also browse space-themed artwork displayed throughout the Orpheum Theatre by members of the International Astronomical Artists Association, whose members blend scientific expertise with artistic vision. Outside, visitors can try their hand at axe throwing courtesy of FlagTagAZ, while inside they can enjoy a special Pluto-themed beer crafted by Mother Road Brewing Company.
For a hands-on astronomical experience, attendees will have the rare opportunity to view Jupiter through a 16-inch telescope built by Clyde Tombaugh himself, offering a direct connection to the man whose work inspired the festival.
The choice of venue is steeped in history. The Orpheum Theatre is where Clyde Tombaugh watched a movie on the night he discovered Pluto, making it a fitting and nostalgic setting for this celebration of scientific achievement and cultural heritage.
With its blend of science, history, art, and community, A Night of Discovery promises to be a highlight of this year’s I Heart Pluto Festival, n event that continues to honor the legacy of Pluto while inspiring new generations to look toward the stars.
Regular admission grants access to all activities, while a VIP ticket includes a private reception with presenters and a gift bag filled with Pluto and Route 66 memorabilia. For tickets, visit the Orpheum’s website at https://wl.eventim.us/event/i-heart-pluto/669647?afflky=OrpheumTheater For information about other I Heart Pluto events. visit, https://iheartpluto.org/