Posted in Arizona January 04, 2021 by

This Open-Air Observatory Is The Best Way To Stargaze In Arizona

From the discovery of Pluto to the largest telescope in the world, Arizona is no stranger to astronomical genius. A more recent achievement is the Giovale Open Deck Observatory at Lowell Observatory, which offers an outdoor stargazing experience that’ll forever change how you see the cosmos.

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Known as the place where Pluto was discovered in 1930, Lowell Observatory has once again revolutionized the act of observing the cosmos.
Google/Lowell Observatory
You'll find the observatory on West Mars Hill Road in Flagstaff.
Having recently opened, the Giovale Open Deck Observatory provides a socially-distanced stargazing experience perfect for anyone who loves the night sky.
Lowell Observatory website
With six advanced telescopes, this public observation plaza showcases a vast array of celestial bodies.
Ranging from 5.5 to a whopping 32 inches in diameter, each telescope serves a unique and individual purpose.
lowell.edu
Look through them all to run the gamut of viewing opportunities—you'll see nebulae and galaxies, star fields, planets, and so much more!
Day and night, the Giovale Open Deck Observatory features captivating exhibits that teach visitors all about astronomy.
lowell.edu
Learn how telescopes gather and focus light, observe constellations, and marvel at the breathtaking astrophotography on the donor wall.
Fully outdoors, the observation deck is an ideal attraction when indoor activities are limited.
Facebook/Lowell Observatory
Even better, the sessions are private, so nobody outside of your group (and staff members) will be there.
The 90-minute time slots are available from 8:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. until 12 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
Facebook/Lowell Observatory
The flat rate is $725, and booking can be done online.
If you can't visit the observatory in person, livestream videos are regularly featured on the Lowell Observatory YouTube channel.
Facebook/Lowell Observatory
There's also a webcam that updates every couple of minutes. So many options!

Visit the observation deck website to learn more, or click here for the Lowell Observatory Facebook page.

Have you visited the Giovale Open Deck Observatory? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section! For more on the largest collection of telescopes on earth hiding right here in Arizona, check out our previous article. 

Address: 1400 W Mars Hill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA