Lowell Observatory
Named one of TIME's 100 Greatest Places and Best Science Museum by Newsweek readers, Lowell Observatory is an independent, non-profit research institution founded in 1894 by Boston mathematician Percival Lowell.
More than 45,000 nights have passed since the first telescope arrived on Mars Hill. In that time, Lowell astronomers have been at the forefront of astronomical research.
That tradition continues today with the observatory’s state-of-the-art Lowell Discovery Telescope and the ongoing discoveries being made by the current generation of Lowell astronomers and planetary scientists.
In 2024, Lowell opened the Astronomy Discovery Center, which features a roof-top, open-air planetarium. Rather than a traditional enclosed planetarium in which guests view images of celestial bodies, this one takes advantage of Flagstaff’s exquisitely dark skies to look at the real thing—stars and their celestial buddies in their natural setting.
Lowell Observatory
Be a part of NASA’s first-ever planetary defense test mission! 🚀☄️
DART, or the Double Asteroid Redirection Test, is NASA’s first mission to demonstrate asteroid deflection. On September 26th, NASA will be smashing a spacecraft into the smaller member of the binary asteroid system Didymos. NASA has partnered with science organizations around the world, including Lowell Observatory, to see if they can change the orbit of the asteroid! Lowell astronomers are using the Lowell Discovery Telescope to closely monitor the asteroid for any changes in position following the impact on September 26.
Don’t miss this amazing event at Lowell Observatory, where we will be watching updates of impact happen live from NASA and celebrating the mission. We'll have a live viewing of the impact, a mission review with a NASA Co-Investigator, food trucks, live music, axe-throwing, and more. ✨
This event is included with all-day General Admission, book now at lowell.edu/dart. We can't wait to celebrate this historic moment with you!
3 years ago | [YT] | 14
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Lowell Observatory
For this week's #triviatuesday, do you know how many asteroids and comets Carolyn Shoemaker discovered? ✨☄️
Comment with your guess and check back tomorrow for the answer!
Image 1: NASA
3 years ago | [YT] | 29
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Lowell Observatory
Happy Summer Solstice! ☀️
How are you celebrating the start of the summer season?
Image 1: Michael West | Image 2: Jessica Kettik, @nettikphoto
3 years ago | [YT] | 25
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Lowell Observatory
Happy June! This month is especially exciting, as we'll be treated to a parade of planets in the early morning sky. 🪐 ✨
All month long, the five naked-eye planets will be visible just before sunrise, in their correct order from the Sun. The last time these planets were visible in this order was December of 2004, so you certainly don't want to miss this!
A few particularly special days are the mornings of June 3 and 4 when the planets will be at their closest in the sky. However, you will need a clear view of the Eastern horizon and good timing to catch Mercury in the short time it is visible before sunrise. Another day to put on your calendar is June 24. On this day, Mercury will be easier to see and you will have an hour or so to catch all five planets. Plus, the crescent moon will be visible on the 24th, positioned between Venus and Mars.
So, pick a day this month to set your alarms and witness this incredible celestial alignment!
📷: NASA/ Bill Ingalls
3 years ago | [YT] | 55
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Lowell Observatory
Happy #triviatuesday! Do you know the name of this fun nebula? 🤩
Comment with your guess and check back tomorrow for the answer!
📷: George Varouhakis
3 years ago | [YT] | 43
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Lowell Observatory
Happy Tuesday! Do you know which planet has a sodium tail? 🤔🧂
Tag a friend to challenge them and check back tomorrow for the answer!
📷: ESO/Sebastian Deiries
3 years ago | [YT] | 61
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Lowell Observatory
Today is the day! 🤗✨🌑
Come celebrate this rare celestial event with us tonight, starting at 5pm, for The Chile Box Historic Brewing Company beer, poi performances, a scavenger hunt, face painting, special science talks, and additional state-of-the-art telescopes available for viewing. ow.ly/rRfH50J8roW
You can also join us virtually at 7:15pm PDT for expert commentary, eclipse-focused presentations from members of Lowell's superstar staff, and live views of the eclipse from our pristine dark skies.
https://youtu.be/IRhFaNVxGrQ
3 years ago | [YT] | 1
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Lowell Observatory
Have you been wanting to stargaze through Mars Hill’s newest telescope? Now is your chance! 🔭✨
This state-of-the-art Planewave 24” CDK provides a stargazing experience like no other, and will be available for public viewing Sunday night from 8:45–midnight! There will also be members-only viewing from 7:45–8:45. You won't want to miss this!
Get your tickets now at lowell.edu/lunar-eclipse!
3 years ago | [YT] | 37
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Lowell Observatory
Only 3 days left! 🤗🌟
We hope you can celebrate this rare celestial event with us in-person or through our livestream! Learn more at lowell.edu/lunar-eclipse.
3 years ago | [YT] | 39
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Lowell Observatory
The answer to this week's #triviatuesday is...
In Norse mythology, they believed that two wolves, Skoll and Hati, were hungry for celestial bodies. Specifically, Skoll would hunt the Moon and Hati would hunt the Sun. During an eclipse, it was believed that the wolves had caught up to their prey, so back on earth, ancient Norse people would gather to play drums, yell, and sing to scare Skoll and Hati away.
If you like this story and want to hear more lore, check out this week's Star Stuff podcast! lowell.edu/starstuff
And, don't forget to get your tickets for our Lunar Eclipse party this weekend! Hopefully we'll be having enough fun Sunday evening to make sure Skoll doesn't eat the moon 🌝
lowell.edu/lunar-eclipse
3 years ago | [YT] | 35
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