Standard Admission
By your General Admission tickets to access:
- I Heart Pluto Art Show Reception (February 12)
- Family Science Activities (February 12-21)
- Pluto-themed campus tours (February 12-21)
A standard General Admission ticket grants single-day access to Lowell Observatory and that day’s events, which include family science activities, programs by scientists from around the world, Pluto-themed campus tours and, on the 12th, access to the Art Gallery Reception at Lowell Observatory.
$25 / Adult
$22 / Senior (55+)
$16 / Child (5-17)
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*Lowell Observatory members receive free admission at the door as one of their member perks.
VIP Pluto Experience
The VIP Pluto Experience features a 5-hour bus/walking tour on February 19 that includes stops at the 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, and Civano Coffee House and Night Club for a special Pluto-themed refreshment.
Also included is access to all I Heart Pluto programs at Lowell Observatory and the February 18 Night of Discovery celebration at the Orpheum Theater.
The VIP Pluto Experience requires advance reservation and has limited spaces available.
$150 / Person
Buy VIP Tickets*No discount for Lowell Observatory members.
A Night of Discovery at the Orpheum Theater
Friday, February 18
5-8:30pm
Experience 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 (joining virtually), Principal Investigator of the New Horizons mission to Pluto and beyond
- 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 accessibility, comfort, and old-time charm, make it a perfect venue.
$10 / Adult
$7 / Child (5-17)Plus additional fee at checkout
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*No discount for Lowell Observatory members.