FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Stargazers will soon be able to search the skies over Flagstaff once again when the Lowell Observatory reopens to the public on Nov. 15.
If you're planning on visiting the observatory, we have all the information you need to know before going.
"There are so many great astronomical events we’ve had between eclipses and close approaches of planets," said historian Kevin Schindler.
Guests of Lowell observatory in Flagstaff can look through state-of-the-art telescopes, learn about the stars and Earth’s place in the universe.
“Looking at Jupiter and Saturn through Percival Lowell’s telescope that he used 100 years ago is really spectacular," he said.
As Schindler explains, the experience of visiting the observatory is like no other.
"We have this new observing plaza that has six telescopes. It’s like star party every night," he said.
But sadly, the observatory had to close its doors to the public, to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in March of last year.
"We tried to do what’s best for both our staff and visitors of course," Schindler said.
Now after more than a year and a half, where the facility was either closed or offered limited programming, he’s happy to announce they plan to reopen to stargazers on Nov. 15.
"I think I can speak for everybody at Lowell when we threw up our hands and said huzzah,” he said. “Because moving forward, this is a job for all of us, but we’re here because we love it and to be able to share the excitement of space with people, that’s what we do."
While visitors look at the planets and stars, Schindler says they have a plan in place to keep everyone safe from COVID.
"Everybody will have to wear a mask when they first get inside the visitor center and then everybody that comes in has to either show a negative covid test in the last 72 hours or vaccination record,” he said.
Schindler said every member of the public-facing staff is fully vaccinated against the virus.
As soon as the Delta numbers subside, they will reopen fully without restrictions.
"There’s even more that we can do now and we’re just busting at the seams to start doing it," he said.
Face masks are also required for children between the ages of 2 and 11 as part of this next reopening phase.
A negative test is not required for children within that age group.
For more information about Lowell Observatory, go to: https://lowell.edu
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