Tucked away in a star-forming region in the Taurus constellation, a pair of circling stars are displaying some unexpected differences in the circumstellar disks of dust and gas that surround them. A new study led by researchers at Lowell Observatory, combining data from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and Keck Observatory, has unveiled intriguing findings about planet formation in this binary star system, known as DF Tau, along with other systems in this region. DF Tau … [Read more...] about Double the Disks, Double the Discovery: New Insights into Planet Formation in DF Tau
Lowell Observatory
Lowell Observatory Puts Space Discovery at the World’s Fingertips
Marley Foundation CFO Nancy Ball nailed it when she said, “If I were 6 years old, I would definitely spend the day here!” As if to prove her point, 6-year-old Brooks Sedlak of Scottsdale was one of the first to settle in at the Orbits Curiosity Zone of the Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center. “He wants to be an astronaut,” explained his mom, Stephanie. Likewise, hundreds of supporters, businesspeople, community leaders and space enthusiasts of all ages eagerly waited under light … [Read more...] about Lowell Observatory Puts Space Discovery at the World’s Fingertips
A Multi-Sensory Cosmic Connection to the Universe is Forming
With power tools and the precision of master craftspeople, the final gems are being meticulously set into what is being called the crown jewel of Northern Arizona. The Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center is scheduled to reveal its majestic science artistry and high-tech interactive exhibits Saturday, Nov. 16, in a grand opening with a grand view. On the rooftop of the three-story building, chairs are lined up like moonstones, ready to be positioned into place to connect guests with … [Read more...] about A Multi-Sensory Cosmic Connection to the Universe is Forming
Could Pluto Become Arizona’s State Planet?
The rattlesnake is Arizona’s official state reptile, petrified wood is the state fossil, and the bola (or bolo) tie is the state neckwear. Now, if Arizona lawmaker Justin Wilmeth gets his way, Arizona will become the first state to boast an official planet: Pluto. Wilmeth, a republican state representative for District 15, introduced the bill into the House on Jan. 17. Last April, he was part of a legislative delegation that toured the construction site of Lowell Observatory’s … [Read more...] about Could Pluto Become Arizona’s State Planet?
Diana Gabaldon to Headline Lowell Observatory’s I Heart Pluto Festival
“Outlander” series author Diana Gabaldon has been named as the keynote speaker for Lowell Observatory’s 2024 I Heart Pluto Festival’s Night of Discovery event. Gabaldon is an award-winning author and the great-granddaughter of Stanley Sykes, a pivotal figure in Lowell’s history. The event will be at the historic Orpheum Theater in downtown Flagstaff on Feb. 17. Gabaldon will share her insights and reflect on this unique familial connection, bridging her creative world with the scientific … [Read more...] about Diana Gabaldon to Headline Lowell Observatory’s I Heart Pluto Festival
Lowell Observatory Presents Great Conjunction Virtual Event
Jupiter and Saturn will appear closer to each other on December 21 than they have in nearly 400 years, and Lowell Observatory will be covering this great conjunction with a free interactive livestream program. Beginning at 5 p.m. MST/7 p.m. EST on the 21st, Lowell astronomers and educators will share spectacular live views of Jupiter and Saturn through observatory telescopes while discussing the nature of conjunctions. The winter solstice also happens on the 21st and the Lowell … [Read more...] about Lowell Observatory Presents Great Conjunction Virtual Event
Lowell Scientists Help Characterize a Second Known Minimoon
Astronomers using data collected with the Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT) have helped to characterize only the second known minimoon of Earth, a newly discovered asteroid with the designation 2020 CD3, or CD3 for short. The LDT observations helped to clarify both the rotation rate and the orbit of this diminutive body, the latter of which helped prove that CD3 is a natural body and not some relic piece of human-made space junk. Minimoons are small asteroids temporarily captured … [Read more...] about Lowell Scientists Help Characterize a Second Known Minimoon
Lowell Observatory Commences a Science-Based COVID-19 Reopening Plan in Alignment with CDC Guidelines
Employing a cautious and scientifically rigorous approach, Lowell Observatory is implementing a COVID-19 reopening plan that is aligned to the gating criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The phased reopening plan’s alignment with CDC guidelines places staff, guest, and community safety first and may serve as a model for other cultural organizations and science centers. “As a Flagstaff community leader who makes space exploration and education … [Read more...] about Lowell Observatory Commences a Science-Based COVID-19 Reopening Plan in Alignment with CDC Guidelines
World-Class Astronomical Facilities Collide
Effects of the collaboration between Lowell Observatory and the Jim and Linda Lee Planetarium at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) are going to be “astronomical,” said Planetarium Director Eric Edelman. Edelman is referring to the recently-formed partnership between the two world-famous scientific facilities. In brief, Lowell Observatory and ERAU are going to partner in sharing research and public programs about the cosmos. Edelman says he has met several times with … [Read more...] about World-Class Astronomical Facilities Collide
Historic Telescope Reaching for Stars Again
Lowell Observatory’s iconic Clark Telescope is returning to action after a 20-month renovation project. In early September, the instrument and dome that has punctuated Flagstaff’s skyline since 1896 became available for public daytime tours. Next month, the telescope will be back in full operation as nighttime viewing commences. The Clark had been a mainstay of the visitor experience to Lowell for decades, but the continual heavy use wore its parts out. By 2013, the instrument was in danger … [Read more...] about Historic Telescope Reaching for Stars Again
