Winter Trips to Lowell Observatory

In cold weather, it’s important to keep your core warm! This means layering your clothes, especially if you don’t have a thick snow jacket handy. We recommend wearing a long sleeve shirt as your base layer, followed by a thinner zip-up jacket or hoodie, and finally, a thick snow or ski jacket as your outer layer. If you get too warm, simply take off a layer and keep it handy in case the temperature drops.

Wear long pants, and for extra warmth, layer up with a pair of tights or yoga pants underneath!

Have you ever noticed that your hands and feet are the first things to get cold? This is because in cold weather, our bodies constrict the blood vessels that keep our extremities warm and redirect that blood flow to the core to keep our vital organs warm. As a result, our hands and feet get cold more easily. You can remedy this by wearing gloves or mittens on your hands, and thick socks on your feet.

Our maintenance team works hard to keep paths and parking lots on campus clear of snow, but slippery ice can still collect in some areas. If you don’t have snow boots, make sure the shoes you wear during your visit are comfortable to walk in and have good tread on their soles. Shoes with smooth bottoms or very little tread (like cowboy boots, Vans, Converse, etc.) won’t help you keep your balance!

If you find yourself walking on ice, shift your weight forward and take small, shuffling steps like a penguin. Take your time, and resist the urge to grab on to other members of your group — if you slip, there’s a good chance you’ll take them down with you!

Did you know that 10% of your body heat escapes through the top of your head? Keep it where you need it by wearing a hat when you’re outdoors. Any type of hat will do, but we recommend a nice beanie to get the job done. Don’t sweat it if you forget to bring one — we sell them in the Starry Skies Shop!