Lowell Observatory

The purpose of my trip to Flagstaff was to visit the Lowell Observatory located on Mars Hill at 7,250 feet.  The observatory was founded in 1894 by Percival Lowell to search for evidence of life on Mars.  Discoveries made here include Lowell's observation about the planet Mars, the basis for the theory of the expanding universe, and the discovery of Pluto in 1930.  Research continues today with the operation of seven modern telescopes.  There is also a newly constructed Discovery Channel Telescope at the Lowell Obervatory's Anderson Mesa site.  Admission includes two different tours that depart from the Steele Visitor Center and also an evening telescope viewing.

Meteorite

Slipher Rotunda Museum

 

Pluto Telescope Dome

Tour Guide

Astrograph Telescope used to discover Pluto

Remotely controlled telescope

"Jiffy Pop" Dome

McAllister Telescope

Original Water Tank for fire fighting

Clark Telescope

Special telescope for viewing the Sun

Arcosanti

Architect  Paolo Soleri  designed a prototype urban city called  Arcosanti  based on his philosophy of "arcology"; architecture plus ecology.  The city, which is still under construction (since 1970), is a pedestrian oriented city with a goal of reducing urban sprawl and it's impact on the environment.  I spent around 4 hours there, eating lunch in the cafe and taking the informative guided tour.  I visited Arcosanti  in 1999 and not much has changed since then.  I was told that Paolo Soleri at 92, has recently retired as president of the foundation and that Jeff Stein is now at the helm of the organization and hopes to move the project forward.  A new Cordes Junction interchange ($50 million!) is under construction with a special ramp to Arcosanti.   Paolo Soleri was design consultant for all the concrete bridge (5 new bridges) abutments and landscape walls.  Over the years Arcosanti has become internationally known for it's bronze wind chime bells and pottery.

The gray buildings are completed

Vegetarian Cafe

Foundry where bronze bells are made