As constant as the rings of Saturn, the volunteer members of the Coconino Astronomical Society (CAS) have been quietly making Flagstaff shine as they’ve shared the wonders of the universe with locals and visitors and worked to keep night skies dark for more than three decades. “We strive to help maintain this fragile natural resource that is gradually disappearing around the country due to light pollution,” said Klaus Brasch, a CAS board member and retired bioscientist. CAS was founded more … [Read more...] about Coconino Astronomical Society Vigilantly Watches the Night Sky
Dark skies
Neighborhood Sets Example for Soft, Focused Light and Dark Starry Skies
Avid hiker Andrea Michaels has long enjoyed watching the Perseids meteor showers from the banks of Laurel Lake, a duck pond on the edge of Walnut Canyon Village in east Flagstaff. However, her view is even better now, she says, because community members have largely changed their outdoor light fixtures to meet dark-sky standards. “If you’re a camper or a backpacker, one of the greatest thrills when you’re out is looking into the endless depths of the universe,” she said. “It was frustrating … [Read more...] about Neighborhood Sets Example for Soft, Focused Light and Dark Starry Skies
Celebrating 125 Years of Stargazing
It is the place where Pluto was discovered, but began out of an obsessive interest in Mars. On May 28, 1894, Percival Lowell arrived in Flagstaff, Arizona Territory, to commence astronomical studies. This marked the official opening of Lowell Observatory, the first scientific establishment in Arizona and home of one of America’s most storied astronomical observatories. To celebrate its 125th anniversary, the observatory hosted a ceremony on June 6, attended by government officials, scientists … [Read more...] about Celebrating 125 Years of Stargazing
Dark Skies Developer Setting Standards That Make Flagstaff Shine
Walter Crutchfield is not trying to deliver the universe to Flagstaff. It is already here. But those working with him say he is doing a stellar job solving city problems while preserving community values. “He’s an expert at doing what’s best for Flagstaff,” said Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Julie Pastrick. “His intuitiveness is authentic from his many years of blending development with the values of the community he serves. He listens to what’s important to citizens … [Read more...] about Dark Skies Developer Setting Standards That Make Flagstaff Shine
Canyon by Day and Universe at Night
Pilgrims to the Grand Canyon are mesmerized as they peer into the depths of the rocky chasm. But thanks to a legion of dedicated stargazers, they are beginning to realize that looking upward toward the heavens at night can be as rewarding as the daytime downward gaze. In June, these amateur astronomers gathered on the ramparts of the big ditch for the Grand Canyon Star Party, a festive celebration of dark skies in which dozens of volunteers set up telescopes and share … [Read more...] about Canyon by Day and Universe at Night
