Posted by: Lori Reinhold

Is there anything quite like spending a clear evening gazing up at the stars? If you like to spend a few hours looking into space and you’ve never been to the Lowell Observatory, it’s time to book your trip!

The Lowell Observatory is located in Flagstaff, Arizona, and was originally built in 1894 by Percival Lowell. Lowell was born into an affluent and well-known Boston family – his brother was the president of Harvard for 24 years and one of his sisters was a poet. Lowell studied mathematics as an undergraduate at Harvard, and then spent a few years working for his grandfather and traveling the world. When he returned home to the States, he decided to build an observatory so that he and his fellow astronomers and mathematicians could study the planet Mars.

The observatory has a long history of planetary study, in fact. In 1930, astronomer Clyde Tombaugh was working at the facility and discovered a small planetoid at the outer edge of the solar system, according to the observatory’s page on Pluto. This planet was given a name – Pluto – and last year, the Lowell Observatory celebrated the “Year of Pluto.”

The Lowell Observatory is located almost 7,200 feet above sea level, and benefits from the city of Flagstaff’s focus on preserving the visibility of the night sky. Flagstaff, in fact, was the first International Dark Sky Community, as certified by the International Dark-Sky Association. These two factors – in addition to an overall good location that provides many clear nights and rare cloudy weather – make this observatory one of the best in the country. According to the Lowell Observatory’s history page, the facility was named one of the 100 most important places by Time magazine in 2011.

For both budding astronomers and experts in the field, the observatory offers plenty of special events, like talks for science-lovers of all ages, as well as viewing sessions held during meteor showers. They Guests can also take guided tours and viewings.

The Lowell Observatory is just one of the many activities and sites to take in during a stay at the Alma de Sedona Inn. Our scenic bed and breakfast offers guests incredible Red Rock views, comfortable rooms and much more to create the perfect getaway – whether for a week or a weekend. We’re a short drive away from the Lowell Observatory, and if you don’t feel like worrying about the details, our front desk can arrange a tour and all your travel arrangements for you.

Learn more about our room packages online now and be sure to take advantage of our Wonderful Winter special running from Jan. 3 to March 4, 2017. To learn more or for questions, call the inn today at 928-282-2737.