I Heart Pluto Festival 2024
Flagstaff, AZ — February 17 - 19, 2024
2024-02-17 18:00:00
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News

Pluto Pub Crawl
02/112023

Pluto Pub Crawl

2023 News, Blog, Event, News

With the I Heart Pluto Festival just one week away, we’re getting hyped for all the special events and activities that will be happening both on and off our Mars Hill campus! On the evening before the festival’s official start on Saturday, February 17, the Pluto Pub Crawl will take place in Flagstaff’s historic downtown; a place overflowing with variety, culture, and some of the best breweries and restaurants on this side of the Mississippi. It all starts at 6pm, and goes until last call!

You can download a map here, or collect one from any of the participating locations along the path of the Pub Crawl. You may notice that the route makes an interesting shape — it’s the planetary symbol for Pluto! Read on to learn more about the Crawl and the locations you’ll discover on the way. The locations are listed in no particular order; you can tackle the map in any way you choose!


❤︎ Dark Sky Brewing Co.

Crafting a beer selection that is as unique and beautiful as every star, meteor, and comet we can see from our backyard. Dark Sky Brewing Co.’s micro-brewery size allows them the freedom to brew everything from traditional recipes to experimentally fun brews with exotic ingredients. In honor of the 93rd anniversary of Pluto’s discovery, DSB will be renaming one of their classic brews to ‘Pluto Paloma,’ and it will be available for the whole month of February! DSB is listed as the first stop on the Pluto Pub Crawl.

 

❤︎ Hops On Birch

Nestled in Flagstaff’s historic downtown area, Hops on Birch was founded in 2012. It was opened with a big vision in mind: to offer some of the best craft beer, wine and service in Arizona. Hops offers unique beers from breweries from across Arizona and the US. They have also always been known for being extremely dog friendly and having a beautiful patio. Hops of Birch will be offering a special Pluto brew during the festival. Stop by to taste it for yourself!

 

❤︎ Rendezvous at the Monte Vista Hotel

Opened in 2003 with the intention of creating a special meeting place for community members and tourists to come together, the Rendezvous at Monte Vista is the perfect space to gather for everything from work and study to friends and date nights. They serve locally roasted, artisanal coffee from their state-of-the-art espresso machine, as well as craft cocktails from a seasonal menu featuring house-made bitters, syrups, juices and liquor infusions, expertly curated by their creative staff of bartenders and baristas. The Rendezvous also offers a thoroughly deluxe selection of spirits as well as a rotating draught system featuring several local brews. Stop by for a special Pluto cocktail during the Pub Crawl!

 

❤︎ Drinking Horn Mead Hall

Drinking Horn mead is inspired by a desire to live, and drink more simply and environmentally responsibly. Created in small batches using the best ingredients and natural processes, Drinking Horn’s authentic recipes strive to get back to the roots of one of human kind’s earliest libations. On the evening of February 17, this cozy, laid-back venue fit for a viking’s feast will be participating in the Pluto Pub Crawl. Stop by to sample their assortment of flavored meads and mead-based cocktails!

 

❤︎ Lumberyard Brewing Co.

Housed in one of the last standing buildings of Flagstaff’s Lumber era, Lumberyard Brewing Company has been brewing award-winning beers for people who love to drink it since 2010. With a full menu, large patio, and tons of drink specials and weekly events, Lumberyard Brewing has something for everyone. At the ‘Yard, it’s not just about the attitude, it’s all about the altitude. Be sure to stop in and ask for the Pluto Special.

❤︎ The Annex

The Annex is, hands down, Northern Arizona’s premier cocktail lounge. Their expert cocktail leadership collaborates with their top-notch bartenders every season to create cocktails unlike any you’ve experienced before — it’s art, in a glass! Try out their special Pluto cocktail, available this month only.

 

❤︎ Historic Brewing Co.

Historic Brewing Company brews up craft beer and awesomeness, both at their Historic Taproom production facility on the east side of Flagstaff and their downtown Historic Barrel + Bottle House location downtown. On FebruaryDuring the festival, Historic will offer a “Pluto Sky” blueberry sour, Pluto cocktail, and 10% discount with Lowell GA Pass at the Barrel + Bottle House during the Pub Crawl.

 

❤︎ NiMarco’s Pizza

NiMarco’s is Flagstaff’s hometown pizzeria, and it won Best of Flag’s Best Pizza award in 2022. Their original store is located downtown, just south of the tracks on Beaver Street. Their second location is right at the entrance of NAU on Milton Road, and their brand new third location is located on the east side of town on the corner of Kaspar Drive and historic Route 66. Stop by for a bite to help you refuel!

 

❤︎ Mother Road Brewing Co.

Mother Road Brewing Company is Arizona’s third-largest independent craft brewer. Founded in 2011, their mission is to brew distinguished beers and build community, one pint at a time. Mother Road will unveil yet another limited-edition Pluto-themed beer for the festival, which will be unveiled at the Cheers to Pluto! Beer Unveiling and Astronomy on Tap event on the evening of February 16. During the Pub Crawl, come by to try their special Pluto-themed beer.

 

❤︎ Flagstaff Brewing Co.

Flagstaff Brewing Company was opened in July of 1994 with the mission to provide craft-brewed beer and a robust whiskey selection to a thirsty mountain town. Aiming to further the ambiance of great brewpubs, Flagbrew (as the locals like to call it), provides a casual and friendly atmosphere, which anyone should expect from a genuine brewpub. Swing by to try their special Pluto cocktail!

 

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The 'From Pluto with Love' cocktail, created by Starlite Lanes. | Nate Nise
02/102023

Meet our Out-of-this-World Community Partners

2023 News, Blog, Event, News

The only thing we love more than Pluto here on Mars Hill is our incredible Flagstaff community! This year, the I Heart Pluto Festival is being supported by a group of integral players in Flagstaff’s food, drink, and entertainment scenes. Read on to learn what our stellar sponsors are bringing to the table (besides their love for Pluto, of course!).

 ❤︎ Drinking Horn Mead Hall

Drinking Horn mead is inspired by a desire to live, and drink more simply and environmentally responsibly. Created in small batches using the best ingredients and natural processes, Drinking Horn’s authentic recipes strive to get back to the roots of one of human kind’s earliest libations. On the evening of February 17, this cozy, laid-back venue fit for a viking’s feast will be participating in the Pluto Pub Crawl. Stop by to sample their assortment of flavored meads and mead-based cocktails!

❤︎ FlagTag AZ

Eat and play at 7k! If you’re looking for something fun for the whole family, FlagTag AZ is the place. They offer laser tag in a multi-storied arena, axe-throwing, a pizza cafe, and more. FlagTag AZ will be at the Night of Discovery event at the Orpheum Theater on February 19, offering complimentary axe-throwing to Pluto lovers before the show begins.

❤︎ Single Speed Coffee Roasters

Single Speed Coffee Roasters is a family-owned micro roastery, where they care about loving people… with good coffee! Single Speed will have a booth set up at Lowell Observatory to serve up fresh-brewed coffee all day, every day from Feb 18-20 (all three days of the festival!).

❤︎ Dark Sky Brewing Co.

Crafting a beer selection that is as unique and beautiful as every star, meteor, and comet we can see from our backyard. Dark Sky Brewing Co.’s micro-brewery size allows them the freedom to brew everything from traditional recipes to experimentally fun brews with exotic ingredients. In honor of the 93rd anniversary of Pluto’s discovery, DSB will be renaming one of their classic brews to ‘Pluto Paloma,’ and it will be available for the whole month of February!

❤︎ Diablo Burger

Diablo burger is an Arizona local foods-based burger joint. All of their burgers are made from 100% local, grass-fed, open range-raised, antibiotic-free and growth-hormone-free beef from the ranches of the Diablo trust, whose award-winning land stewardship produces burgers that allow us them to say, “this is landscape-scale conservation that you can taste.”

❤︎ Pizzicletta

Local favorite Pizzicletta has been serving up traditional Neapolitan pizza in Flagstaff since 2011. Located in the heart of our historic downtown area, it’s a perfect stop during a night out on the town or for dinner with the family!

❤︎ Steep Tea Lounge

Located just across the street from Heritage Square, Steep Tea Lounge offers a selection of fresh iced and hot teas by the cup. Kick back and relax in Steep’s cozy cafe atmosphere, or browse their collection of loose leaf teas, teawares, pottery, fine art, and other unique gifts. During the month of February, Steep will offer a Pluto-themed tea special to their customers!

❤︎ Historic Brewing Co.

Historic Brewing Company brews up craft beer and awesomeness, both at their Historic Taproom production facility on the east side of Flagstaff and their downtown Historic Barrel + Bottle House location downtown. On FebruaryDuring the festival, Historic will offer a “Pluto Sky” blueberry sour, Pluto cocktail, and 10% discount with Lowell GA Pass at the Barrel + Bottle House during Pluto Pub Crawl.

❤︎ Mother Road Brewing Co.

Mother Road Brewing Company is Arizona’s third-largest independent craft brewer. Founded in 2011, their mission is to brew distinguished beers and build community, one pint at a time. Mother Road will unveil yet another limited-edition Pluto-themed beer for the festival, which will be unveiled at the Cheers to Pluto! Beer Unveiling and Astronomy on Tap event on the evening of February 16.

❤︎ Wil’s Grill

Founded by two best friends on the streets of Flagstaff in 2014, Wil’s Grill has become northern Arizona’s premier catering service. They offer cuisine that mixes tradition with innovation to suit a wide range of tastes and preferences, made with locally-sourced and organic ingredients whenever possible. Wil’s Gril will be serving food on Lowell’s campus from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, February 18. Come give it a try!

❤︎ Starlite Lanes Bowling Alley

Starlite Lanes has been Flagstaff’s local bowling alley since 1958! Located on Route 66, they are proud to state that throughout these sixty-four years, the bowling alley has always been owned and operated by a Flagstaff family. The bar located inside Starlite Lanes will be serving a special Pluto cocktail called ‘From Pluto with Love’ (complete with a heart-shaped lollipop to represent Pluto’s “heart”) for the whole month of February!

❤︎ Fratelli Pizza

At Fratelli Pizza, they bake pizza the right way: in a stone-deck oven! Every Fratelli pizza starts life as homemade dough in our kitchen and is then proofed, hand tossed, combined with the freshest ingredients and baked to crispy, golden perfection. They’ve been voted best pizza in Flagstaff every year since 2002!

❤︎ Atria

Nestled in the heart of historic downtown, Atria is Flagstaff’s new home for farm-fresh modern American fare, craft cocktails and more. Join them for dinner, Tuesday through Saturday, and savor their seasonal menu featuring fine seafood, hearty steaks, house-made pastas and locally-grown goodness!

❤︎ Northern Pines

As a locally owned restaurant, the staff of Northern Pines considers it their responsibility to promote an authentic experience specific to the Flagstaff area. Their menu is composed of high quality, mouth-watering meals that are reasonably priced. If you’re not hungry, come enjoy their modern, yet cozy, lounge area. Of their fifteen beers on tap, over half are brewed right here in Arizona. They proudly serve steaks cut and aged by Randall’s Fine Meats, and they  include only the most delicious, pure ingredients, including real butter and Satchmo’s seasonings.

❤︎Dirty Birdies

Dirty Birdies serves a delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their menu has something for everyone, including happy hour specials, breakfast staples, and delicious burgers. Stop by to watch the game, meet up with friends, or enjoy a meal with the family!

❤︎ Little America

When you stay at Little America Flagstaff in Flagstaff, you’ll be in a national park, within a 5-minute drive of Northern Arizona University and Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. This hotel is 15.4 miles from Arizona Snowbowl and 2 miles from West of the Moon Art Gallery. Enjoy a range of recreational amenities, including a spa tub, a fitness center, and a seasonal outdoor pool. Little America will be offering a dinner special and lodging promotion in honor of the festival!

❤︎ Boricua Luna

Authentic Puerto Rican Food located in Flagstaff that proudly serves authentic Puerto Rican food. They are best known for their arroz con gandules and pernil, and it’s the only place in Flagstaff you can find it! They bring great food to locations all over our city. Their truck is more than just a place to grab lunch; it’s also a place to try out new dishes created by a great Puerto Rican chef and made from fresh local ingredients. The Boricua Luna truck will be on Mars Hill serving up fresh Puerto Rican faire from 1pm-8pm each day of the festival.

❤︎ North Country Health Care

Looking for a doctor close to campus? North Country Health Care provides students with top care, close to campus. Schedule an appointment at their University Ave. location, conveniently located one mile from NAU’s campus, with plenty of free parking. NCHC will have a booth set up at the Night of Discovery event on the 18th, so be sure to stop by!

❤︎ Late for the Train

Late for the Train has been brewing community in a world-class cup since 1993. This homey coffee shop specializes in dark roasts and offers a variety of specialty drinks, plus light fare. As a local, independent coffee roastery, Late for the Train vies globally with other roasters to create exceptional coffees. Once a coffee arrives at the roastery, it is carefully roasted by hand in small batches. Late for the Train will be offering a special Galaxy Mocha for a limited time this month in honor of the I Heart Pluto Festival!

❤︎ Hops On Birch

Nestled in Flagstaff’s historic downtown area, Hops on Birch was founded in 2012. It was opened with a big vision in mind: to offer some of the best craft beer, wine and service in Arizona. Hops offers unique beers from breweries from across Arizona and the US. They have also always been known for being extremely dog friendly and having a beautiful patio. Hops of Birch will be offering a special Pluto brew during the festival. Don’t forget to stop by to check it out during the Pluto Pub Crawl!

❤︎ Rendezvous at the Monte Vista

Opened in 2003 by the owner of the Monte Vista hotel, with an intention of creating a special meeting place for community members and tourists to come together, the Rendezvous Lounge is the perfect space to gather for everything from work and study to friends and date nights. They serve locally roasted, artisanal coffee from their state-of-the-art espresso machine, as well as craft cocktails from a seasonal menu featuring house-made bitters, syrups, juices and liquor infusions, expertly curated by their creative staff of bartenders and baristas. The Rendezvous also offers a thoroughly deluxe selection of spirits as well as a rotating draught system featuring several local brews. Their in-house baker puts out fresh cookies, muffins and breakfast burritos daily. Stop by for a drink during the Pluto Pub Crawl!

❤︎ Lumberyard Brewing Co.

Housed in one of the last standing buildings of Flagstaff’s Lumber era, Lumberyard Brewing Company has been brewing award-winning beers for people who love to drink it since 2010. With a full menu, large patio, and tons of drink specials and weekly events, Lumberyard Brewing has something for everyone. At the ‘Yard, it’s not just about the attitude, it’s all about the altitude. The Lumberyard will be participating in the Pluto Pub Crawl, so be sure to stop by! Ask for the Pluto Special.

❤︎ The Annex

The Annex is, hands down, Northern Arizona’s premier cocktail lounge. Their expert cocktail leadership collaborates with their top-notch bartenders every season to create cocktails unlike any you’ve experienced before — it’s art, in a glass! Try out their special Pluto cocktail, available this month only.

❤︎ NiMarco’s Pizza

NiMarco’s is Flagstaff’s hometown pizzeria, and it won Best of Flag’s Best Pizza award in 2022. Their original store is located downtown, just south of the tracks on Beaver Street. Their second location is right at the entrance of NAU on Milton Road, and their brand new third location is located on the east side of town on the corner of Kaspar Drive and historic Route 66. Stop by for a bite during the Pluto Pub Crawl!

❤︎ Flagstaff Brewing Co.

Flagstaff Brewing Company was opened in July of 1994 with the mission to provide craft-brewed beer and a robust whiskey selection to a thirsty mountain town. Aiming to further the ambiance of great brewpubs, Flagbrew (as the locals like to call it), provides a casual and friendly atmosphere, which anyone should expect from a genuine brewpub. FBC will be a stop on the Pluto Pub Crawl, so swing by to try their special Pluto cocktail.

❤︎ Monte V Cocktail Lounge

Historically, The Monte Vista Cocktail Lounge was the first speakeasy in Flagstaff, welcoming everyone from celebrities and law-breakers to skiers and river runners. During prohibition, the Cocktail Lounge opened and successfully ran a major bootlegging operation in the very same location as today! Come 1931, the Cocktail Lounge was raided by officials and was forced to close their doors until prohibition ended two years later. For five years, 1935 to 1940, the Monte V offered the only slot machines to ever appear in Flagstaff. The Monte V Cocktail Lounge will offer a special Pluto cocktail for a limited time this month.

❤︎ Brews and Cues

Brews & Cues is a 21-and-up bar located right next door to Beaver Street Brewery. With 5 full-sized pool tables, TVs, and a wide selection of draft beers, regional craft beer cans, specialty craft cocktails, and happy hour specials, it’s the perfect place to meet some friends, kick-back, play some games, and have a good time! Stop buy to try out their limted-edition Pluto cocktail.

❤︎ Pepsi Cola

Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. of Flagstaff brings you the best brands in the business, backing them up with 24/7 customer service, hiring and training only the most qualified people, and always giving back to their community. Pepsi will be offering a free tasting of their new Starry lemon-lime soda at the Night of Discovery event!

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The Runway's Galaxy's Edge Pluto Cocktail
02/092022

I♥Pluto Festival 2022 | Meet Our Out-of-this-World Community Partners

Blog, News I Heart Pluto Festival

Photo: The Runway’s Galaxy’s Edge Pluto Cocktail

The only thing we love more than Pluto here on Mars Hill is our incredible Flagstaff community! This year, the I♥Pluto Festival is being supported by a few integral players in Flagstaff’s food, drink, and entertainment scenes. Read on to learn what our stellar sponsors are bringing to the table (besides their love for Pluto, of course!).

 

The Runway Nightlife and Eats (Our Top-Tier Sponsor!)

The Runway is a laid-back coffee house by day, and Flagstaff’s hottest club by night! As Flagstaff’s premier location for the LGBT+ nightlife experience, this veteran-owned and operated venue hosts weekly drag shows, karaoke, and performances by local bands. During the I Heart Pluto Festival, VIP guests will be taken to Runway during their off-campus tour for 45 minutes of drinks and appetizers. They have also created a special limited-time beverage for the occasion: The Galaxy’s Edge Pluto Frozen Cocktail!

The Galaxy’s Edge Pluto Frozen Cocktail is made with Ciroc Red Berry Vodka, Blue Curacao, fresh lime juice, raspberry syrup, cranberry juice, and sweet n’ sour. The drink is served frozen, mixed with bar glitter, and rimmed with blue raspberry Pop Rocks.  

Mother Road Brewing Company

Mother Road Brewing Company is Arizona’s 3rd-largest independent craft brewer. Since 2011, their mission has been to brew distinguished beers and build community, one pint at a time. For the first-ever I Heart Pluto Festival in 2020, they brewed up a delicious Pluto Porter. This year, they’ve created Lowell Lager, a bright, crisp blend that’s sure to please! You can get a taste of this limited-time brew during the I Heart Pluto Art Reception. Just purchase a beer ticket and present it to the craft-masters at Mother Road’s pop-up bar to get a can.  

Peppercorn Games

Goddess Hecate standing in front of Percival Lowell’s mausoleum.

Peppercorn Games specializes in interactive theater and gaming experiences, featuring live actors! During the I Heart Pluto Art Show Reception, they will be offering an immersive theater experience featuring Greek gods Persephone, Hecate, Demeter, Pluto (Hades), Hermes, and Helios! To get the full story, you must speak to each of the actors to learn their side of the legend. Upon completion, you’ll receive a special token to take home with you. This experience is included with the purchase of a general admission ticket to the Art Show Reception on Saturday, February 12.  

Findlay Toyota Flagstaff

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line vehicle in Flagstaff, our local Findlay Toyota dealership is the place to go! Findlay Toyota Flagstaff is a certified J.D.Power Dealer of Excellence, a distinction that reflects the commitment and dedication of select retailers to provide their customers with a purchase experience that meets today’s consumer expectations. Starting at 4pm during the Pluto Art Reception, Findlay will be grilling and serving burgers and hotdogs on a first come, first served basis, so don’t miss out! Food is free with general admission to the Art Show.  

FlagTag AZ

FlagTag AZ are your Northern Arizona fun specialists! This venue offers laser tag, axe throwing, arcades, and a pizza cafe, so it’s sure to have something for everyone in your group to enjoy. FlagTag will be set up for Pluto-themed axe throwing at the Orpheum Theater during the Night of Discovery event on Friday, February 18. See if you can discover Planet X by hitting the x that marks the spot! This version of axe throwing will also be available to play at their Route 66 location.

Fratelli Pizza

Who’s hungry? At Fratelli Pizza, they bake pizzas the right way – in a stone deck oven. This locally-owned restaurant’s commitment to quality has earned it the title of Flagstaff’s Best Pizza every year since 2002. Visit any of its three Flagstaff locations to enjoy a slice of heaven! For a $10 small pizza and an ice-cold drink, just ask for the ‘Pluto Special’ when you visit during the month of February.  

Historic Brewing Company

Historic Brewery’s “Not a Real Cocktail”

Since 2013, Historic Brewing Company has brought quality craft beer to the Flagstaff community in a bold and intentional way. Throughout their spaces, you’ll experience mainstay brews like the beloved Piehole Porter, seasonal favorites like Undercover Cucumber, and unique limited-release brews that have a fan base of their own. In honor of the I Heart Pluto Festival, Historic will be offering a specialty Pluto-theme cocktail at their downtown Flagstaff location throughout the month of February.  

Karma Sushi Bar & Grill

Karma Sushi serves up fresh, beautiful food in an equally fresh and beautiful venue! Enjoy unique sushi rolls, tempura, specialty cocktails and more in one of Flagstaff’s highest-rated restaurants. For this year’s festival, Karma is bringing back its iconic Pluto Roll, which will be available throughout the month of February.  

Northern Arizona DX Association

Get ready to ham it up! The Northern Arizona DX Association will be on Mars Hill doing ham radio demonstrations every day during the festival.  

The Orpheum Theater

The historic Orpheum Theater (originally named the Majestic Theater) has stood in Flagstaff since 1911. Since then, it has hosted countless performances, movie showings, concerts, and more. It was also the very place where Clyde Tombaugh went to watch a movie on the day he discovered Pluto in 1930! Today, the Orpheum’s rich history continues with its hosting of A Night Of Discovery at the Orpheum Theater, a special event that commemorates Pluto’s discovery.

Click here to buy tickets and to learn more about the world-renowned scientists who will be speaking at the Night of Discovery event on Feb 18, including:

  • Dr. Alan Stern (PI of New Horizons Mission)
  • Dr. Donald Johanson (discoverer of the hominid Lucy fossil)
  • Dr. Nancy Currie-Gregg (four-time astronaut)
  • Dr. Cathy Olkin (PI of Lucy Mission), and
  • Alden Tombaugh (son of Clyde Tombaugh).

Southwest Conservation Adventures

Get incredible nighttime portraits done by local astrophotographer Evan Thibodeau with Southwest Conservation Adventures! During the Art Show Reception and on Valentine’s Day here on Mars Hill, you can get your portrait taken with the beautiful observatory backdrop with a professional night-sky photographer. Professional portraits will be provided for $20 per couple or $15 per individual, with free digital downloads and an option to purchase physical prints through the photographer.

Create an incredible Valentine’s Day memory and capture it with a night-time photo!  

International Association of Astronomical Artists

Pluto Sunrise by Michael Carroll

Lowell Observatory is pleased to present a group exhibition of works featuring artists of the International Association of Astronomical Artists.

The International Association of Astronomical Artists (IAAA), is a non-profit organization whose members implement and participate in astronomical and space art projects, promote education about space art and foster international cooperation in artistic work inspired by the exploration of the Universe.

The IAAA became a nonprofit foundation in 1988 and now has 201 members from 23 countries from around the planet. The organization serves the community of artists creating works inspired by astronomy and outer space, serving as a networking resource on topics specific to the trade as well as issues common to professional artists.

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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
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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The Pluto Telescope after being refurbished.
02/022021

The Discovery of Pluto

2021 News, Blog, News #2021
Photo: The Pluto Discovery Telescope

By Kevin Schindler

Percival Lowell postulated the existence of a planet beyond Neptune and began to search for it in 1905.

He spent his remaining 11 years in a mathematical and observational search for the elusive “trans-Neptunian” planet. Upon Lowell’s death in 1916, the search was suspended while the Observatory went through protracted legal wrangling about Lowell’s estate. In 1927, once the estate was finally settled, Percival’s brother — Harvard University President A. Lawrence Lowell — provided the funds needed to construct the telescope and dome you can still see every day here on guided tours.

The Pluto Discovery Plates, courtesy Lowell Observatory Archives

The glass plates Tombaugh painstakingly compared in order to locate Pluto. | Lowell Observatory Archives

The new telescope was completed in 1929, and the Observatory hired a farm boy from Kansas named Clyde Tombaugh, who had impressed director V. M. Slipher with some unsolicited sketches, to help renew the search.

The process was laborious: Tombaugh would photograph the same part of sky several days apart and use a Zeiss Blink Comparator to detect the motion of a nearby planet against the more distant “fixed” stars. Once Tombaugh got going toward the end of 1929, the discovery came remarkably fast: on February 18, 1930, he detected the distant planet on plates taken on the 23rd and 29th of January.

The discovery was announced March 13, 1930. On the evening of March 12, director V.M. Slipher sent a telegram to the Harvard College Observatory. The telegram’s message was used to create Harvard College Observatory Announcement Card 108, which officially announced the new planet’s discovery and was released on the 13th. Slipher wrote a more detailed account of the discovery and printed it as a Lowell Observatory Observation Circular, also releasing it on the 13th. Astronomer Carl Lampland was busy as well on this day. On behalf of the Observatory, he presented the Lowell Prize to the top mathematics student at Arizona State Teacher’s College at Flagstaff (today known as Northern Arizona University). The ceremony was in front of a 500-person audience in Ashurst Hall. As part of his speech, Lampland made the first public announcement of the new planet’s discovery. Unfortunately, few, if any, of the audience members heard this important message, since the soft-spoken Lampland could not be heard in the echo-filled, uncarpeted room. The announcement date was significant, for it had been March 13, 1781 that William Herschel discovered Uranus. Also, March 13, 1930 would have been Percival Lowell’s 75th birthday, a fitting tribute to the man whose inspiration led to the discovery of this new planet by Clyde Tombaugh.

Check Out #TeamPluto!

90 years ago, Pluto was discovered by scientists at Lowell Observatory. In 2006, Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet. How did this happen? This Discovery documentary follows YouTube star and TV host Nick Uhas and a team of esteemed scientists on the quest to understand the fierce fascination with Pluto’s planetary standing. Watch below:

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02/012021

This Week in Astronomy History | Feb. 1-7

2021 News, Blog, News #2021
Photo: Clyde Tombaugh studies photographic plates through the Blink Comparator | Lowell Observatory Archives

By Madison Mooney

Feb. 2, 1964: Ranger 6 crash-lands on the Moon

The Ranger 6 Robotic Spacecraft | NASA Headquarters – GReatest Images of NASA (NASA-HQ-GRIN) – Great Images in NASA Description

On February 2, 1964, the Ranger 6 probe was deliberately crash-landed on the surface of the Moon to obtain up-close, high-resolution photos of the lunar surface during the final minutes before impact. The probe made impact in the Sea of Tranquility, a lunar mare1 located in the Moon’s Tranquillitatis Basin. The probe carried 6 television cameras, each containing their own power supply and transmitter to ensure the highest probability of success. However, due to a failure in the probe’s camera system, no images could be returned to Earth.


1 A lunar mare (plural “maria”) is a large, dark, basaltic plain on Earth’s Moon, formed by volcanic activity. They were called maria (Latin for “seas”) by early astronomers who mistook them for bodies of water on the lunar surface.

Feb. 4, 1906: Clyde Tombaugh is born

Astronomer Clyde Tombaugh was born in Streator, Illinois on February 4, 1906. He is best known for his groundbreaking discovery of dwarf planet Pluto, then considered to be the 9th planet in our solar system, at Lowell Observatory in February of 1930. At the time of his discovery, Tombaugh was just 24 years old. He is also credited with the discovery of several asteroids, many of which were found as a byproduct of his search for Pluto and other celestial objects.

Tombaugh stands with one of his homemade telescopes | Unknown (Public Domain)

Tombaugh built his own telescopes from scratch while living on a farm with his parents in Burdett, Kansas. He was offered at job at Lowell Observatory in 1929 after sending sketches of Mars and Jupiter based on the observations he had made with his homemade telescopes. After discovering Pluto, he went on to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in astronomy at the University of Kansas, fulfilling a dream that had once been dashed by a storm that destroyed his family’s crops.

Tombaugh retired in 1973 after a long, fruitful career that included working at White Sands Missile Range, teaching personnel navigation at Northern Arizona University, and teaching astronomy at New Mexico State University. He died in Las Cruces, New Mexico on January 17, 1997.

Tombaugh received many honors and awards both before and after his death, including induction into the International Space Hall of Fame and the naming of the Tombaugh Regio, a heart-shaped surface feature of Pluto.

Feb. 5, 1971: Mariner 10 makes its closest approach to Venus and Apollo 14 lands on the Moon

A particularly eventful day in astronomy history, February 5, 1971 saw the Mariner 10 space probe make its closest approach to planet Venus and the 8th manned mission in the Apollo program, Apollo 14, complete a successful landing on the surface of the Moon.

Mariner 10’s approach to Venus

An artist’s rendering of the Mariner 10 probe in space | NASA

Mariner 10 was a robotic space probe launched on November 3, 1973, with a mission to complete flybys of Mercury and Venus and gather data on their environments, atmospheres, surfaces, and characteristics. It made its closest approach to Venus on February 5, 1971. After making its closest approach to Mercury on March 29, 1974, Mariner 10 became the first probe to successfully perform flybys of multiple planets, as well as the first to complete a dual-planet gravity assist mission.1

Apollo 14 landing

Alan Shepard standing with the American flag on the Moon | Edgar Mitchell, NASA

Apollo 14 astronauts Alan Shepherd, Edgar Mitchell, and Stuart Roosa began their journey to the Moon on January 31, 1971, touching down on the lunar surface 5 days later.

During their two surface walks, Shepherd and Mitchell collected Moon rocks and performed several scientific experiments. Perhaps most notably, Shepherd hit two golfballs he’d brought with him with a makeshift golf club. Meanwhile, Roosa remained in orbit to conduct experiments and photograph the lunar surface. At the request of the National Forest Service, he brought hundreds of tree seeds with him on the mission to be planted upon his return. The three astronauts touched down safely in the Pacific Ocean on February 9.


1 In the case of the Mariner 10 mission, the probe used Venus’s gravitational pull to “slingshot” itself toward Mercury.

Feb 6. 1994: Clementine enters lunar orbit

Artist’s rendering of Clementine fully deployed in space | Public Domain

Clementine (originally the Deep Space Program Science Experiment) was a lunar orbiter and asteroid probe launched by NASA and the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization on January 25, 1994. Its mission was to make detailed observations of the Moon and nearby asteroid 1620 Geographos, while also testing the effects of long-term exposure to space on its sensor and components. It failed to reach the asteroid because of a system malfunction, but was able to collect ultraviolet and infrared images of the lunar surface and measure various aspects of the Moon’s gravity and atmospheric pressure. Using data gathered by Clementine, scientists were able to create a detailed profile of conditions on the Moon’s surface.

The probe’s name was derived from the popular American folk ballad “Oh My Darling, Clementine,” as it would be “lost and gone forever” after its mission was over.

 

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02/142020

‘New Horizons’ Lead Dr. Alan Stern to Speak at Cline Library

News 2020

‘New Horizons’ lead Alan Stern.

Above image: NAU’s Cline Library | photo by NAU

The I Heart Pluto Festival boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, including Jim Christy, the discoverer of Pluto’s moon Charon, and Alden Tombaugh, Clyde Tombaugh’s son. Among them is planetary scientist, space program executive, aerospace consultant, speaker, and author Dr. Alan Stern, leader of the unprecedented New Horizons mission. After famously exploring Pluto and its moons, the New Horizons interplanetary space probe is now venturing deep into the outer reaches of the solar system in the furthest exploration in the history of humankind.

On February 15th, 2020, Dr. Stern will speak in the Assembly Hall at NAU’s Cline Library. He will be discussing his experience with leading the New Horizons mission, including the decades-long commitment and persistence it took, the challenges that he and his team faced, and the sheer human ingenuity it took to design, build, and fly the mission.

After his presentation, Dr. Stern will be available for a signing of his and David Grinspoon’s spellbinding book Chasing New Horizons, which tells the story of the incredible men and women behind the New Horizons mission and the challenges they faced along the way.

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Dark skies over the US Naval Observatory, Flagstaff Station
02/102020

Get Star Treatment with the VIP Pluto Experience

News 2020
Clyde Tombaugh at the Pluto Discovery Telescope

Clyde Tombaugh at the Pluto Discovery Telescope

Pictured above: U.S. Naval Observatory, Flagstaff Station

Tickets for the I Heart Pluto Festival are available at three different levels: Standard Admission, the Pluto Lover Package, and the VIP Pluto Experience. While all three ticket levels provide access to the main events of the festival on February 15th, only the VIP Pluto Experience will provide festival-goers with an all-access look behind the scenes of Pluto’s discovery. VIPs will also receive a special commemorative I Heart Pluto t-shirt and can koozie upon their arrival to the observatory.

The VIP Lowell Tour will begin in the Rotunda Museum at 9 am. This tour features a rare visit to the plate vault to view one of the two glass plates Clyde Tombaugh used to discover Pluto—the other plate is currently on display at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.. VIPs will also see the apartment and office of Clyde Tombaugh and the fully-restored 13-inch astrograph that Tombaugh used to discover Pluto in 1930. Afterwards, VIPs will visit the site of the telescope where observatory staff unknowingly captured images of Pluto 15 years before Tombaugh’s groundbreaking discovery. The tour will finish at the famed Zeiss Blink Comparator, just in time for its rededication ceremony.

NAU’s Science Lab Building on North Campus.

After taking a step back in time with the Lowell Tour, VIPs will take a step forward to the present and future of planetary research as they embark on the VIP Bus Tour. This tour will depart from Lowell Observatory 1 pm, taking VIPs to Northern Arizona University’s campus to get an all-access look at the various astronomical research labs conducting cutting-edge research on the planets of our solar system and beyond. At 2:15 pm, the bus will leave for the U.S. Naval Observatory (Flagstaff Station) where Charon was discovered in 1978. There, VIPs will be given a tour of the facility as they learn about its past and present research.

The bus will arrive back at Lowell Observatory at 3:45, in time for the Pluto Art Gallery Reception and a tasting of Mother Road Brewing Company’s limited-edition Pluto Porter. VIP tickets also include complimentary access to Pluto Discovery Day at downtown Flagstaff’s Orpheum Theater on February 18th, which requires a separate ticket with general admission.

The VIP Pluto Experience is perfect for anyone with a passion for Pluto’s rich history, as well as an eye on the future of astronomical research. For those who love Pluto but don’t need all the bells and whistles, the Pluto Lover Package includes access to all general admission events as well as a commemorative I Heart Pluto t-shirt and can koozie.

View package details and purchase tickets here.

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02/032020

Orpheum Theater to Host Pluto Discovery Day

News 2020

On February 18th, 2020, Flagstaff’s Orpheum Theater will host Pluto Discovery Day in conjunction with the Flagstaff Film Festival and Downtown Business Alliance. The 18th will mark the 90th anniversary of Clyde Tombaugh’s astonishing discovery of Pluto, what was then considered to be the mysterious ninth planet in our solar system.

Lowell historian Kevin Schindler will kick off the evening with a step back in time to 1930, recounting the events of the momentous day that Clyde Tombaugh first identified Pluto. Then, planetary scientist Will Grundy and NAU professor Steve Tegler will discuss the exciting research being done on Pluto at Lowell Observatory and other locations in Arizona.

City of Flagstaff officials will talk about what Pluto means to Flagstaff, “The Home of Pluto.” The talented beer makers at Mother Road Brewing will introduce their limited-edition Pluto Porter (learn more about it here). Guests will have the opportunity to purchase Pluto Porter and other drinks throughout the evening. Culinary experts from Karma Sushi Bar and Grill will share the inspiration behind their delicious Pluto Roll, a sushi roll stuffed with tempura lobster, snow crab, cream cheese, vegetables and sauces. Finally, the Flagstaff Film Festival will end the evening with the presentation of several movie shorts highlighting the spirit of adventure and discovery.

Tickets for Pluto Discovery Day at the Orpheum are available here.

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