Lowell Observatory Opens New Public Telescope Plaza

By Nicholas Gerbis
Published: Thursday, October 3, 2019 - 3:23pm
Updated: Thursday, October 3, 2019 - 3:49pm

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Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff will open its new open-deck observatory on Saturday, Oct. 5.

The Giovale Open Deck Observatory includes educational exhibits and six telescopes, ranging from a 5.5-inch wide-field refractor to a 32-inch reflector.

Visitors can view objects in space through eyepieces or on large screens.

When not in use, the deck is covered by a retractable building.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and will include tours, viewings, a ribbon cutting and a scavenger hunt for kids.

The plaza marks the latest development in the observatory's master plan.

The next phase will involve the completion of the $29 million, three-story Astronomy Discovery Center in 2023. 

Lowell Observatory.
Front view of Lowell Observatory's new Giovale Open Deck Observatory.
Lowell Observatory.
The deck includes six telescopes ranging from a 5.5-inch wide-field refractor to a 32-inch reflector.
Science