At the top of every hour from 10am – 4pm MST | Lowell Observatory Educators
This hour-long tour visits historic telescope piers, the Lawrence Lowell (Pluto Discovery) Telescope, the apartment Clyde Tombaugh lived in when he discovered Pluto, and Pluto-related artifacts in the Rotunda Museum.
*Space is limited and admission to these tours is on a first-come, first-served basis.
4 – 6pm MST
An exhibition at Lowell Observatory featuring Pluto themed art from members 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.
In addition to the Art Reception, attendees will enjoy:
- Interactive theater performances by Peppercorn Games
- Nighttime portraits by Southwest Conservation Adventures
- Face painting
- BBQ provided by Findlay Toyota Flagstaff
- This year’s amazing custom craft beer — the “Lowell Lager” — created and served up by Mother Road Brewing Co.
Get your General Admission tickets to have all-day access to Lowell Observatory and admission to this super fun event!
5 – 6pm MST | Lowell Observatory Educators
This science show imagines a space journey to Pluto. Come along for the ride with Lowell educators as we explore the challenges presented by atmospherics, gravity, and the cold little rock that waits at the end of our voyage in a series of hands-on demonstrations.
7 – 9pm MST | Lowell Observatory Educators
Experiment with light and wavelength in this interactive activity.
Imagining Pluto Before the Flyby: The Role of Space Art in Planetary Exploration
7 – 8pm MST | Dr. Dan Durda | Hosted by Dr. Amanda Bosh
Space art has played an important and inspiring role in planetary exploration since the dawn of the space age and it was no different leading up to the New Horizons flyby of Pluto in 2015. Ever since its discovery in 1930 artists helped us imagine what this icy world might look like, drawing from the best science at the time. How is that art done and how well did we do compared to the world we now know so well?
At the top of every hour from 10am – 4pm MST | Lowell Observatory Educators
This hour-long tour visits historic telescope piers, the Lawrence Lowell (Pluto Discovery) Telescope, the apartment Clyde Tombaugh lived in when he discovered Pluto, and Pluto-related artifacts in the Rotunda Museum.
*Space is limited and admission to these tours is on a first-come, first-served basis.
5 – 6pm MST | Lowell Observatory Educators
This science show imagines a space journey to Pluto. Come along for the ride with Lowell educators as we explore the challenges presented by atmospherics, gravity, and the cold little rock that waits at the end of our voyage in a series of hands-on demonstrations.
5 – 7pm MST | Lowell Observatory Educators
Experiment with escape velocity using a gravity table, witness the effect atmosphere has on the rate objects fall.
The Moon, Mars, and Beyond
7 – 8pm MST | Dr. Roedolph Opperman | Hosted by Dr. Amanda Bosh
This talk shares some interesting facts about interplanetary exploration, including the latest robotic Mars missions, humans living in space and on other planetary bodies, and exciting prospects of the emerging commercial space age. Dive into what it takes to send a robotic explorer and its helicopter companion 300 million miles and land it on the red planet. Hear about our greatest obstacles to overcome in order to be a truly interplanetary species and relive the tense “7 minutes of terror” during entry, descent and landing on Mars. Learn about the fascinating changes that your body undergoes in the absence of gravity and how NASA endeavors to return humankind to the Moon and on to Mars (and possibly Pluto?) and beyond.
5 – 6pm MST | Lowell Observatory Educators
This science show imagines a space journey to Pluto. Come along for the ride with Lowell educators as we explore the challenges presented by atmospherics, gravity, and the cold little rock that waits at the end of our voyage in a series of hands-on demonstrations.
5, 5:30, 6, 6:30pm MST | Lowell Observatory Educators
We freeze flowers, play around with pressure, and simulate a cryovolcano in this demonstration in an attempt to imagine what standing on Pluto might be like.
7 – 9pm MST | Southwest Conservation Adventures
Available during General Admission: Nighttime portraits by local astrophotographer Evan Thibodeau with Southwest Conservation Adventures! Get your portrait taken with the beautiful observatory backdrop with a professional night-sky photographer — $20 per couple or $15 per individual, with free digital downloads and an option to purchase physical prints through the photographer.
Undaunted Exploration: An Astronomer’s Journey Through the Solar System
7 – 8pm MST | Dr. Richard Binzel | Hosted by Dr. Amanda Bosh
Robotic spacecraft probing our solar system represent a capstone of human exploration. That capstone resides on a foundation built by astronomical observations revealing scientific questions answerable only by on site investigation. The path from astronomical observations, defining science questions, and achieving mission success is an arduous one. Join MIT Professor Richard Binzel on a personal and scientific tale of persistence, persistence, persistence in going from a backyard astronomer to science team member on four NASA solar system exploration missions.
Astronomical Time-lapse Imaging: From Seconds to Centuries
7 – 8pm MST | Tom Polakis | Hosted by Dr. Amanda Bosh
Nothing in the universe is static. Whether the bodies are moving or evolving, astronomical events play out in periods ranging from seconds to many centuries. This presentation clearly shows these changes, with descriptions of what to look for.and why it is of interest. Most of the images were taken with amateur equipment at various sites in Arizona.
4 – 7pm MST | Lowell Observatory Educators
A family activity in which guests construct a small flipbook to ‘find Pluto’, the little moving dot amongst them. Learn why we used glass plates and why the blink comparator was so important.
5 – 6pm MST | Lowell Observatory Educators
This science show imagines a space journey to Pluto. Come along for the ride with Lowell educators as we explore the challenges presented by atmospherics, gravity, and the cold little rock that waits at the end of our voyage in a series of hands-on demonstrations.
History Captured on Glass: The Pluto Discovery Plates
7 – 8pm MST | Brian Skiff, Lauren Amundson, Dr. Stephen Levine | Hosted by Dr. Amanda Bosh
Lowell Observatory has a treasure trove of astronomical images on glass photographic plates from the late 1800s to the mid 1900s. The most famous of these is the pair of plates on which Pluto was discovered by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930! Walk with us (virtually) through the archive, view the discovery plates, and think about what else might be hidden in these old records of the sky, waiting to be discovered! A new program to scan these plates is underway, making the data accessible to a new generation of scientists.
5 – 6pm MST | Lowell Observatory Educators
This science show imagines a space journey to Pluto. Come along for the ride with Lowell educators as we explore the challenges presented by atmospherics, gravity, and the cold little rock that waits at the end of our voyage in a series of hands-on demonstrations.
5 – 7pm MST | Lowell Observatory Educator
Challenge yourself to pilot a rover on Mars in this educational game. Every minute of delay between Mars and Earth is represented as one second to make things a little easier on you- but not TOO easy.
Searching for Signs of Past Life on Mars
7 – 8pm MST | Dr. Kelsey Moore | Hosted by Dr. Jennifer Hanley
On February 18th, 2020, the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover landed on the surface of Mars. One of the main goals of this mission is to search for evidence of past life on Mars. Jezero crater, the landing site of the rover, was selected as an exciting astrobiological target because it is the site of an ancient river delta and lake that may once have been habitable. To determine if Mars was once inhabited, scientists will search for biosignatures, traces of life that are preserved in the rock record. On Earth, scientists study ancient biosignatures to understand what the ancient biosphere looked like and how it interacted with the planet. Dr. Moore’s research investigates ancient biosignatures from Earth with the goal of providing a framework that scientists may use to identify and interpret similar biosignatures in Jezero crater if they are present.
Here, Dr. Moore will describe the astrobiological goals of the mission, what scientists know about Jezero crater and its potential past habitability, and the instruments that they will use to search for ancient biosignatures. She will present new insights into biosignature preservation on the ancient Earth and what they can tell scientists about how the biosphere and geosphere interacted on the early Earth. She will show how scientists can use instruments onboard the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover to search for similar biosignatures in Jezero crater. If such biosignatures exist, the data that scientists collect during the Mars 2020 mission will also help them to interpret how ancient microorganisms may have interacted with the Martian environment in the past.
At the top of every hour from 10am – 4pm MST | Lowell Observatory Educators
This hour-long tour visits historic telescope piers, the Lawrence Lowell (Pluto Discovery) Telescope, the apartment Clyde Tombaugh lived in when he discovered Pluto, and Pluto-related artifacts in the Rotunda Museum.
*Space is limited and admission to these tours is on a first-come, first-served basis.
5- 9pm MST | Presented by Lowell Observatory and the Orpheum Theater
A celebration to commemorate the anniversary of Clyde Tombaugh’s discovery of the icy world Pluto on February 18, 1930. Lowell Historian Kevin Schindler will host the evening’s events. Mingle with world-renowned scientists, explore a space art exhibit, throw an axe, enjoy some BBQ, and try a pint of special-edition Lowell Observatory Lager.
• Dr. Donald Johanson, discoverer of the fossil hominid Lucy
• Dr. Alan Stern (joining virtually), Principal Investigator of the New Horizons mission to Pluto and beyond
• Christa Sadler, author, educator, paleontologist, and wilderness guide
• 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
*In-Person Events Subject to Change
, Dr. Alan Stern
, Dr. Cathy Olkin
, Alden Tombaugh
, Dr. Jeffrey Hall
, Kevin Schindler
5 – 6pm MST | Lowell Observatory Educators
This science show imagines a space journey to Pluto. Come along for the ride with Lowell educators as we explore the challenges presented by atmospherics, gravity, and the cold little rock that waits at the end of our voyage in a series of hands-on demonstrations.
At the top of every hour from 10am – 4pm MST | Lowell Observatory Educators
This hour-long tour visits historic telescope piers, the Lawrence Lowell (Pluto Discovery) Telescope, the apartment Clyde Tombaugh lived in when he discovered Pluto, and Pluto-related artifacts in the Rotunda Museum.
*Space is limited and admission to these tours is on a first-come, first-served basis.
1 – 9pm MST
This tour includes stops at the Lowell Observatory’s Anderson Mesa research site, Putnam Collection Center archives and plate vault at Lowell Observatory, downtown Flagstaff to retrace Clyde Tombaugh’s day of discovering Pluto, The Runway Coffee House and Night Club for a special Pluto-themed refreshment. Capping off the evening will be telescope viewing through Lowell’s new 24-inch Dyer Telescope. Tickets also include access to all of the on-campus events at Lowell Observatory and the Night of Discovery event at the Orpheum.
5 – 6pm MST | Lowell Observatory Educators
This science show imagines a space journey to Pluto. Come along for the ride with Lowell educators as we explore the challenges presented by atmospherics, gravity, and the cold little rock that waits at the end of our voyage in a series of hands-on demonstrations.
5 – 8pm MST | Lowell Observatory Astronomer Dr. Joe Llama
Learn the 3 major methods of planetary detection through hands-on demonstrations.
Next Step in Our Space Odyssey: Stumbling Upon Life Elsewhere
7 – 8pm MST | Dr. Julien de Wit | Hosted by Dr. Amanda Bosh
The night sky has guided humanity’s development since the dawn of time. As our societies and technologies evolved, so did our challenges. Could space further nurture our growth via profound experiences such as finding life elsewhere? During this talk, Dr. de Wit will reflect on this question while introducing the fundamentals of exoplanetary sciences at the dawn of the James Webb Space Telescope era.
At the top of every hour from 10am – 4pm MST | Lowell Observatory Educators
This hour-long tour visits historic telescope piers, the Lawrence Lowell (Pluto Discovery) Telescope, the apartment Clyde Tombaugh lived in when he discovered Pluto, and Pluto-related artifacts in the Rotunda Museum.
*Space is limited and admission to these tours is on a first-come, first-served basis.
5 – 6pm MST | Lowell Observatory Educators
This science show imagines a space journey to Pluto. Come along for the ride with Lowell educators as we explore the challenges presented by atmospherics, gravity, and the cold little rock that waits at the end of our voyage in a series of hands-on demonstrations.
5 – 8pm MST | Lowell Observatory Educators
Try to spot the differences in geological patterns to determine if a river-like feature is on Earth, or a little farther away.
The Rivers and Seas of Titan
7 – 8pm MST | Dr. Taylor Perron | Hosted by Dr. Amanda Bosh
The Rivers and Seas of Titan
Saturn’s moon Titan is the second known Solar system world with active rivers and seas. Titan’s deceptively Earth-like landscape is the product of a methane cycle akin to Earth’s water cycle, but there are important differences between Earth and Titan that offer lessons about planetary climate. I will illustrate this through a tour of Titan’s landforms, including methane rivers eroding mountains of ice, the search for waves on Titan’s seas, and the scarceness of river deltas.
5 – 6pm MST | Lowell Observatory Educators
This science show imagines a space journey to Pluto. Come along for the ride with Lowell educators as we explore the challenges presented by atmospherics, gravity, and the cold little rock that waits at the end of our voyage in a series of hands-on demonstrations.
5 – 8pm MST | Lowell Observatory Educators
Learn how scientists use spectroscopy to learn more about stars and planets.
Lessons Learned from Observing Earth’s Cryosphere from Satellites
7 – 8pm MST | Dr. Brent Minchew| Hosted by Dr. Amanda Bosh
Over the past few decades, the quality and quantity of satellite observations of Earth have improved dramatically. Nowhere is this more true than in the polar regions. Over the past 20 years, a fleet of satellites operated by many different countries have provided unprecedented insight into the changes underway in the Arctic and Antarctic. In this talk, we will discuss some of the key observations and insights that inform our understanding of the response of the Greenland and Antarctic Ice Sheets to climate change and our projections of future sea-level rise.
5- 9pm MST | Presented by Lowell Observatory and the Orpheum Theater
A celebration to commemorate the anniversary of Clyde Tombaugh’s discovery of the icy world Pluto on February 18, 1930. Lowell Historian Kevin Schindler will host the evening’s events. Mingle with world-renowned scientists, explore a space art exhibit, throw an axe, enjoy some BBQ, and try a pint of special-edition Lowell Observatory Lager.
Meet Eminent Scientists
The Exploring the Universe Near and Far panel discussion highlights this event. Panelists will look at our human need to explore and discover, 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 (joining virtually), Principal Investigator of the New Horizons mission to Pluto and beyond
• Christa Sadler, author, educator, paleontologist, and wilderness guide
• 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.
Schedule
*5-6pm Doors open to public. Art and vendor displays; FlagAZ Axe Throwing
*6-6:30pm Programming – Welcome and introductions
*6:30-8:30pm Programming – Exploration and Discovery Panel Discussion
*8:30-9:30pm 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.
*In-Person Events Subject to Change
, Dr. Cathy Olkin, Alden Tombaugh, Christa Sadler
, Dr. Jeffrey Hall, Kevin Schindler12 — 13,
18—20
10am – 4pm Hourly | Lowell Educators
You’ll learn about Clyde Tombaugh, the tenacious 23-year-old Kansanite who discovered Pluto in 1930, as well as the arduous process that led to his historic discovery. Is Pluto really not a planet? Find out on this historic tour!
5 – 6pm | Lowell Educators
This science show imagines a space journey to Pluto. Come along for the ride with Lowell educators as we explore the challenges presented by atmospherics, gravity, and the cold little rock that waits at the end of our voyage in a series of hands-on demonstrations.
See Daily Events tab for times | Lowell Educators
Join Lowell Educators for exciting science demonstrations. See the Daily Events tab for more information.
Ham radio operators around the world can tune in to this celebration of Pluto by the Northern Arizona DX Association.
The Northern Arizona DX Association will air a special event on station W7P from Saturday, February 13 through Sunday February 21 every year until 2030 to commemorate the discovery of Pluto from Lowell Observatory by Clyde Tombaugh. Every year will feature a new QSL card and a special endorsement is available if you contact Doug Tombaugh, N3PDT, Clyde’s nephew.
The VIP Experience includes access to:
*5-hour bus/walking tour on the day of February 19
*Excusive viewing session through Lowell’s Dyer Telescope on the evening of February 19
*February 18 Night of Discovery celebration at the Orpheum Theater
*All I Heart Pluto programs at Lowell Observatory
Entrance into VIP events
All VIPs will be issued a commemorative I Heart Pluto lanyard. Simply wear these for access to all events. You may pick up your lanyard at the first event you attend (anytime between November 12-17 at Lowell Observatory’s admission desk, on November 18 from 5-9pm at the Orpheum Theater, or on November 19 at Lowell Observatory.
Tour Overview
This is a combination walking/bus tour. We’ll start with a walk around the Lowell Observatory campus, then board a bus and drive to the observatory’s Anderson Mesa research site. Following a tour there, we’ll drive to the Orpheum Theater in downtown Flagstaff and then walk for about a half mile, retracing Clyde Tombaugh’s day of discovering Pluto. We’ll end with a drink and snacks at the I Heart Pluto Festival’s lead sponsor, Runaway Coffeehouse and Night Club. We’ll then ride the bus back to Lowell, arriving by 5:30pm. After dinner on your own, come back to Lowell at 8pm for telescope viewing through Lowell’s new 24-inch Dyer Telescope.
Tour Schedule
*Alden & Cherylee Tombaugh and Jim & Charlene Christy will join us for the daytime portion of the VIP Tour. Alden is Clyde Tombaugh’s son and Cherylee is Alden’s wife; Jim discovered Charon in 1978 and named it in honor of his wife, Charlene. They will be glad to chat with you throughout the tour.
1pm
Tour of Putnam Collection Center and the Plate Vault. For 50 years, the two Pluto discovery plates were separated, with one in the Lowell archives and the other on display at the Smithsonian’s Air & Space Museum. The two were reunited last year and are now preserved together in the Putnam Collection Center. Join Archivist/Librarian Lauren Amundson as she shares these plates, as well as other Pluto-related items in our collections. You’ll also have the chance to explore the plate vault deep in the recesses of the Slipher Building. Dr. Stephen Levine will explain the new project that involves scanning the thousands of Pluto search plates and making the data available for researchers.
2pm
Tour of Lowell Observatory’s Anderson Mesa dark sky site (note this is in place of the originally planned tour of the US Naval Observatory Flagstaff station, which had to be cancelled due to ongoing COVID restrictions).
The Anderson Mesa dark sky site was established in the late 1950s and is the locale of several of Lowell’s research telescopes. On this tour, we’ll take an outside tour of the tantalizing Navy Precision Optical Interferomoter (NPOI). This technological marvel uses an array of mirrors spread tens to hundreds of meters apart to make highly accurate measurements of light from objects in space. The NPOI is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Naval Observatory, the Naval Research Laboratory, and Lowell Observatory. NPOI can record images of stars and optically separate distant pairs of stars so close together that they appear as a single star in even the largest conventional telescopes.
NPOI has the ability to measure the precise relative positions of stars across the sky, which the Naval Observatory uses as a reference system for the determination of positions on Earth and in space and for monitoring time keeping.
We’ll also take an exclusive tour inside the dome that houses the 42-inch Hall Telescope. Opened in 1970, this instrument has been key in studying comets and asteroids as well as studying long-term behavior of the Sun and Sun-like stars.
4pm
Tour Pluto Discovery Day. After the USNO tour, we’ll get back on the bus and ride to downtown Flagstaff, where we’ll retrace Clyde Tombaugh’s “Day of Discovery”. Along a half-mile walk, see the Orpheum Theatre, where Clyde watched a movie on the evening of discovery, Karma Sushi Bar Grill (it was then known as the Black Cat Café), where he ate his meals, and the old post office building (now Aspen Sports) where he picked up the observatory’s mail.
4:30pm
Pluto Drink at The Runway Coffee House and Night Club. Pluto tours can make you thirsty, so from the old post office building we’ll walk a couple blocks to The Runway (previously named Civano), which is a coffee house during the day but transforms into a night club in the evening. After a refreshing “Pluto” drink here, we’ll return by bus to Lowell Observatory.
5:30pm
Back at Lowell Observatory
8-9pm
Telescope viewing through Lowell’s new 24-inch Dyer Telescope, located on the main Lowell Observatory campus.
***The VIP Pluto Experience requires advance reservation and has limited spaces available.