Meteor Crater opens science-themed store.
Tucked into downtown Flagstaff at 109 N. Leroux St., Planet Science was the brainchild of Matt Kent, president and CEO of Meteor Crater Enterprises. “In working with science organizations around town and also serving on the board of the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition, I realized there was this need for a science store downtown, a central hub that promotes the really great science we have here in Flagstaff.”
About a year ago, Kent and his team began planning the store in earnest. Perhaps their biggest challenge was finding a suitable space from which to operate. They found the Leroux location to be ideal because it is conveniently located downtown and easy to access.
While Planet Science is a Meteor Crater operation, it will also involve other scientific partners around Northern Arizona. Lowell Observatory, for instance, has products in the store and customers will soon be able to purchase admission tickets to Lowell (Meteor Crater tickets are already available).
“Lowell was the first to join and we look forward to engaging with more organizations that have science or space connections,” he said.
The 1,700-square-foot space is packed with telescopes, microscopes, clothing, games, puzzles, science kits, NASA memorabilia, books and so much more, including alien and science fiction souvenirs. And that’s just the merchandise part. An interactive kids’ area has tables and chairs where young people can sit and tinker with science kits and experiments, color space worksheets and figure out puzzles. “It’s an area where kids come and relax and have fun, and it’s all related to science,” said Kent.
Planet Science expects to attract astrotourists, students and families – anyone with an interest in science, especially geology and space. “This store promotes astrotourism, and we think visitors will be inspired to want to learn more and visit Northern Arizona’s many great science organizations.”
Store hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday through Sunday. Times will be periodically extended during downtown special events. FBN
By Kevin Schindler, FBN
Photos by Kevin Schindler: Planet Science offers NASA gear, a kids’ activities area, souvenirs, games and other science-themed items.