Lowell Debuts Open Deck Observatory

The Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff was established in 1894 by wealthy Bostonian Percival Lowell. Through the years, the Observatory has been home to many discoveries, including the first detection of the expanding nature of the universe, the discovery of Pluto, moon mapping for the Apollo program to the moon, the rings of Uranus, atmosphere of Pluto and more.

In 2014, it opened the Putnam Collection Center, which will ultimately house the Observatory’s vast collection of documents and artifacts.

On October 5, a new observation deck will debut. The Giovale Open Deck Observatory features six sophisticated telescopes dedicated to public observing and outreach. It will also have interactive exhibits that will leave visitors feeling more connected to the night sky and all the wonders it holds. The facility is named in honor of longtime Lowell supporters/advisors Ginger and John Giovale, who made a lead gift for the project.

The Observatory is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit lowell.edu.