Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center set to open in 2024.
A few raindrops didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the speakers or onlookers. The 60-minute ceremony included remarks by Flagstaff Mayor Paul Deasy, Coconino County Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez and Arizona State Senator Wendy Rogers, followed by a ceremonial sod-turning.
The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation is the lead sponsor of the ADC, and Trustee Nancy Ball spoke about how her colleagues’ love of astronomy drove the organization’s support of the project. “This project will inspire and educate people of all ages, for generations to come, on the beauty and wonder of astronomy,” she said.
Lowell Observatory Sole Trustee W. Lowell Putnam echoed this passion for the universe and the inspiration it generates. “Percival Lowell spoke of the importance of ‘co-discovery,’ that scientists should communicate what they find in ways that excite and engage others,” he said. “The new ADC will allow us to share our research and understanding of the universe with visitors in a unique and inspiring way.”
“Lowell Observatory embodies the soul of Flagstaff,” said Mayor Deasy. “Flagstaff is STEM City. Flagstaff is the world’s first Dark Skies City. Flagstaff is a pillar of education in the state.”
Key Features
The Universe Theater is an immersive, interactive experience where live presenters will lead guests on a journey through space against the backdrop of a two-story, 165-degree main screen and 30-foot overhead screen.
The Dark Sky Planetarium is located on top of the three-floor ADC and will use Flagstaff’s famously dark skies as a natural dome. Coconino County Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez addressed the importance of dark skies, saying, “Coconino County is committed to dark skies, and we want future generations to also be able to enjoy the skyline the way we do and the stars the way we do.”
The Curiosity Zone is an exhibit hall designed specifically for children, to encourage their natural curiosity about science and math with hands-on experiments such as a rocket-launching station.
The Diverse Universe Exhibit is designed to inspire children to see themselves as future scientists by showing the human side of scientists from around the world – their unique life stories, challenges they have overcome and more. Just as no two planets, stars or galaxies are alike, neither are the people who study them.
- L. Gore & Associates is the sponsor of the Diverse Universe Wall. “Sponsorship of the Diverse Universe Wall dovetails nicely with Gore’s STEM community focus in Flagstaff, as well as our focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. We believe diverse views, ideas and people help strengthen our Enterprise and our ability to innovate and improve lives across the globe,” said Gore Northern Arizona Community Relations Leader Jana Kettering.
In speaking about the importance of the ADC to Northern Arizona, Lowell Observatory Director Jeff Hall said, “The ADC will be a huge leap forward in our ability to inspire young and old alike about science and astronomy, and we hope it will be an outstanding resource for Flagstaff and Northern Arizona residents as well as the many visitors to our region.”
“This groundbreaking is simply groundbreaking. State-of-the-art technology that will become not just a local but a national treasure,” said Deasy. “And with our sacred mountain and dark skies, [the ADC will] bring people from around the globe to enjoy what Flagstaff has to offer.”
The ADC represents the second phase of Lowell Observatory’s expansion of its visitor experience, following the opening of the Giovale Open Deck Observatory two years ago. For more information about the ADC, including floor plans and exhibit descriptions, visit lowell.edu/astronomy-discovery-center/. FBN
By Kevin Schindler, FBN
