Lowell Observatory Private Tour
HIGHLIGHTS
In-depth private tours of the observatory, giant telescopes, and stargazing.
WHERE TO CAMP
Verde River RV Resort in Camp Verde
REACH FOR THE STARS ON A PRIVATE TOUR
Our youngest, Peach, has the distinction of having a middle name after a famous American astronomer, planetary scientist, cosmologist, astrophysicist, astrobiologist, author, and science communicator; Carl Sagan. We typically carry a telescope with us in the camper so we can observe the stars on dark nights in remote places. It seemed fitting to visit in our search for interesting and educational opportunities around Camp Verde, AZ to visit the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. Due to COVID, the observatory is only offering private tours of the facilities. We jumped at the opportunity to expose the kids to a world-class observatory with a rich history and impact in the study of the cosmos.
Lowell Observatory is an astronomical observatory and National History Landmark established in 1894 by Percival Lowell. Our tour guide provided an in-depth history of Lowell and his construction of the observatory. We learned that Pluto was discovered here and visited the telescope that took the photos that made it possible to make such a tiny observation and discovery.
Lucio and Peach were particularly excited about doing science experiments with our tour guide using liquid nitrogen and the opportunity to look through enormous telescopes at the Giovale Open Deck Observatory. The open deck observatory houses half a dozen state-of-the-art telescopes mounted to the floor. The entire building moves to reveal the sky, much like a modern football stadium with a retractable roof. The Lowell Observatory is an incredible independent research facility and worthy of a visit and tour for anyone interested in space, astronomy or science in general.