Arizona Snowbowl is offering even more spectacular views this summer than ever before. From the highest mountain in the state, those enjoying the Scenic Chairlift Ride, the Disc Golf Course or lunch at Peak Side Cafe also will be able to safely view the sun for free as Lowell Observatory will have a telescope with a special filter pointed at our solar system star some 93 million miles away!
Starting at 10 a.m. every Saturday throughout the summer, astronomers will be at Agassiz Lodge for about two hours (depending on the weather) interpreting what can be seen through the telescope.
“Visitors will likely be able to see sun spots and solar prominences, which are related to magnetic activity on the sun,” said Lowell Observatory Public Programs Director Kevin Schindler. “When you think 1.3 million Earths can fit inside of the sun, a sunspot might be the size of our Earth, or bigger.”
While visitors from Phoenix may feel like they are escaping 10-thousand degree heat, astronomers say that is the actual temperature of most of the sun’s surface area, while the core is 27-million degrees because the sun’s energy is derived from nuclear reactions similar to hydrogen bombs.
“We look forward to sharing information about space and what we’re learning at Lowell Observatory,” said Schindler.
“Arizona Snowbowl is all about the visitor experience,” said General Manager J.R. Murray. “The San Francisco Peaks offer wonderful outdoor recreation in the cool pines for all sorts of family activities. We are thrilled that local astronomers are helping us see beyond the earthly wonders of the Grand Canyon and Sedona’s Red Rocks through Arizona’s clear skies.”
Scenic Chairlift Ride tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for juniors (ages 8-13) and seniors (ages 65-69). Those under 7 or over 70 ride for free! For more information, log onto arizonasnowbowl.com.