Observatory celebrates discovery of Pluto

  • 2022-01-04
To commemorate the 92nd anniversary of the discovery, the Lowell Observatory will present its 3rd Annual I Heart Pluto Festival in mid-February.

Headlining the festival will be astronaut Dr. Nancy Currie-Gregg, planetary scientist Dr. Alan Stern, and paleoanthropologist Dr. Donald Johanson.

The 10-day event will include an in-person International Association of Astronomical Artists’ space art show with a reception on February 12, tours of the observatory and a “Worlds Revealed Science” speaker series.

Orpheum Theater will take part on February 18 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, with the keynote presentation, “Night of Discovery.” A panel composed of distinguished scientists will be discussing the human fascination with discovery and exploration.

Many Flagstaff businesses will be joining in the festivities during the month of February. Mother Road Brewery will offer Lowell Observatory Lager, Fratelli’s Pizza will sell Pluto-themed items, and Pluto rolls will be offered at Karma Sushi. A Find Planet X an ace-throwing game will be at FlagTag AZ, custom Pluto cocktails will be served at Historic Brewing Company, and a special radio contest will be hosted by Northern Arizona DX Association.

Pluto was discovered by at Flagstaff’s Lowell Observatory by Clyde Tombaugh back on February 18, 1930. In 2006, it was reclassified as a dwarf planet by the International Astronomical Union, making it no longer one of the planets of the Solar System, but this remains a contentious point among astronomers.

The 3rd Annual I Heart Pluto Festival will take place at the Lowell Observatory, 1400 W Mars Hill Road from February 12 to 21. I Heart Pluto T-Shirts sporting the event’s graphic design are also available online.

Get a Free Quote for T-Shirts