Flagstaff, AZ (AZFamily) — Lowell Observatory has made significant contributions to astronomy tourism in Arizona, and hopes the opening of its new Astronomy Discovery Center will help even more people connect with the stars.

Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Centre It will officially open Nov. 16. Lowell historian Kevin Schindler said talks about expanding have been going on for more than a decade.

“It's become more and more popular,” Schindler said. “The current visitor center was designed to hold 60,000 to 70,000 visitors, but we've had over 100,000.”

The new building is three stories and 400,000 square feet, and cost more than $53 million to build, but Schindler said every penny of the money was worth it.

“We wanted to inspire people all over the world,” he said. “You don't have to have a PhD in astronomy or physics to enjoy and connect with space.”

New Attractions

• Lowell Universe Theatre: The 180-seat theatre, with a two-storey 160° curved 16K LED screen, a ceiling LED screen and a stage for interactive presentations, combines planetarium elements with live shows to create an immersive experience.
• Rooftop Dark Sky Planetarium: On a circular rooftop deck equipped with heated seating and an A/V component, Lowell educators will guide guests through the visible stars, constellations and planets, further enhanced by built-in audiovisual elements, creating an unforgettable experience of Arizona's dark skies.
• Orbital Curiosity Zone: This is a two-story experiential exhibition hall that can be enjoyed by children aged 0 to 8.
• Astronomy Gallery – Stardust Lab: Aimed at visitors aged 9 and up, this thought-provoking exhibit offers interactive ways to learn about astronomy, including sending a message into space and tracing atoms back to the Big Bang.
• Origins Gallery: It features a suspended artistic centerpiece depicting the evolution of the universe from the Big Bang to life.

Outreach manager Samantha Christensen is especially excited about the Curiosity Center because she knows what it means for kids to get closer to the stars.

“I started going to Lowell when I was probably about 5 years old,” Christensen said, “and I still remember looking through the Clark Telescope for the first time. It was a turning point in my life.”

According to Night Sky TravelerAstrotourism is expected to bring $5.8 billion to the Colorado Plateau over the next decade and create tens of thousands of jobs over the next decade.

Schindler said he hopes the expansion will benefit not only the observatory but all of Northern Arizona.

“Lowell was founded in 1894, 18 years before Arizona became a state,” Schindler said. “Lowell, Flagstaff and Arizona have grown together, and we all work together as a community to provide a great experience for the people who live here and those who visit from around the world.”

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