I Heart Pluto Festival 2023
Flagstaff, AZ — February 18 - 20, 2023
2023-02-18 18:00:00
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2022 News

Panelists for the 3rd Annual I Heart Pluto Festival: Dr. Donald Johanson, Dr. Nancy Currie-Gregg, Dr. Alan Stern, Dr. Cathy Olkin, Alden Tombaugh, Dr. Jeff Hall
01/062022

A Night of Discovery: Keynote Event of Lowell Observatory’s 3rd Annual I Heart Pluto Festival

2022 News, Blog, Event, News I Heart Pluto Festival

A Night of Discovery
Orpheum Theatre
February 18, 2021
5-8:30pm

Lowell Observatory presents a Night of Discovery, commemorating the anniversary of Clyde Tombaugh’s discovery of the icy world Pluto on February 18, 1930. This is the keynote event of the 3rd Annual I Heart Pluto Festival.

Meet Eminent Scientists

Headlining this year’s event is a panel discussion (“Exploring the Universe Near and Far”) that looks at our human fascination with exploration and discovery, from nearby nooks on Earth to the far reaches of the universe. The panel includes:

  • Dr. Donald Johanson, discoverer of the fossil hominid Lucy
  • Dr. Alan Stern, Principal Investigator of the New Horizons mission to Pluto and beyond *Note: Dr. Stern will be joining the event virtually
  • Dr, Nancy Currie-Gregg, astronaut who flew 4 times in space
  • Dr. Cathy Olkin, Deputy Principal Investigator of the Lucy mission to study asteroids
  • Alden Tombaugh, son of Pluto discoverer Clyde Tombaugh
  • Dr. Jeffrey Hall, Lowell Observatory Director, will moderate the discussion

The program will be followed by a panelist book signing. Books by several of the panelists, as well as commemorative posters and other items to be signed, will be available for purchase onsite.

Explore Space Art Displays

The International Astronomical Artists Association (IAAA) will display a variety of space-themed art throughout the Orpheum. The IAAA consists of artists and scientists-artists who implement and participate in astronomical and space art projects.

Quench Your Thirst with Lowell Observatory Lager

Back by popular demand is a Pluto-themed beer created specially for this event by Mother Road Brewing Company, Arizona’s third largest independent craft brewer. This year’s beer is Lowell Observatory Lager! Other drinks—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—as well as food will be available for purchase throughout the evening.

Why the Orpheum?

Why hold this event at the Orpheum Theatre? Because Clyde Tombaugh watched a movie here on the night of his great discovery in 1930. Plus, the Orpheum’s accessibility, comfort, and old-time charm, make it a perfect venue.

Tickets: Available at the door or in advance at https://wl.seetickets.us/event/A-NightofDiscovery/459232?afflky=OrpheumTheater. Cost is $10 per adult, $7 per youth ages 5-17 (plus tax and sales fee).

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Panelists for the 3rd Annual I Heart Pluto Festival: Dr. Donald Johanson, Dr. Nancy Currie-Gregg, Dr. Alan Stern, Dr. Cathy Olkin, Alden Tombaugh, Dr. Jeff Hall
12/212021

Prominent Scientists to Highlight 3rd Annual I Heart Pluto Festival

2022 News, News, Press Release

Flagstaff, AZ. – Paleoanthropologist Dr. Donald Johanson, planetary scientist Dr. Alan Stern, and astronaut Dr. Nancy Currie-Gregg headline Lowell Observatory’s 3rd Annual I Heart Pluto Festival, set for February 12-21, 2022 in Flagstaff. The event celebrates the 92nd anniversary of Clyde Tombaugh’s discovery of Pluto on February 18, 1930.

The Night of Discovery keynote presentation will see notable scientists on a panel discussion about the human fascination with exploration and discovery. Lowell Observatory Director Dr. Jeffrey Hall will moderate this discussion, set to take place on February 18 at Flagstaff’s Orpheum Theater.

Night of Discovery Panelists

Dr. Donald Johanson, discoverer of the fossil hominid Lucy
Dr. Alan Stern, Principal Investigator of the New Horizons mission to Pluto and beyond
Dr. Nancy Currie-Gregg, astronaut who flew four times in space
Dr. Cathy Olkin, Deputy Principal Investigator of the Lucy mission to study asteroids
Alden Tombaugh, son of Pluto discoverer Clyde Tombaugh

Other highlights of the 10-day festival include a science speaker series, space art show hosted by the International Association of Astronomical Artists, and special Pluto-themed products promoted by businesses throughout Flagstaff, such as the “Lowell Observatory Lager” limited edition beer by Mother Road Brewery.

The Arizona Office of Tourism provided major funding through a Visit Arizona Initiative grant. The event’s lead local sponsor is Civano Coffee House, a local coffee house and nightclub on South San Francisco Street.

Community-Wide Celebrations

In addition to Mother Road Brewery, several companies throughout Flagstaff are joining in during the month of February to celebrate the anniversary of Pluto’s discovery:

  • Historic Brewing Company will serve a custom Pluto cocktail.
  • Fratelli’s Pizza will feature Pluto-themed specials.
  • FlagTag AZ is creating a special “Find Planet X” axe-throwing game.
  • Karma Sushi will serve a Pluto Roll.
  • Northern Arizona DX Association will host a special radio contest.
  • Quality Connections will offer discounts on space-saving office equipment with coupon “PLUTO”.
  • Additional Flagstaff community partners are invited to participate.

All events will be in-person*, and several will also be livestreamed. A full schedule of events and speakers will be available in January.

A VIP experience featuring a bus/walking tour of Pluto-related sites in Flagstaff will also be available. Seating is limited, and reservations are required.

Tickets may be purchased at the event webpage at iheartpluto.org

*Note: All in-person guests aged 12+ will need to show results from a negative COVID-19 lab test within 72 hours of visiting, or provide proof of full vaccination in lieu of a negative test. In-person events are subject to change or cancellation due to COVID-related restrictions that could arise. Please read more about Lowell Observatory’s COVID-19 protocols at lowell.edu/covid-19.

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I ♥ Pluto Festival
Flagstaff, AZ — February 18 - 20, 2023

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