The journey trade is experiencing a boom in astrotourism this yr. TravelQuest, a number one company for astronomy-themed adventures, noticed the pattern after receiving a surge of inquiries, simply days following the total eclipse in April 2024. Lately, the cruise line Holland America even began offering solar eclipse tours for 2026.
However there is no want to attend for an additional celestial occasion to benefit from the wonders of the night time sky. Merely make a journey to America’s (unofficial) astrotourism capital: the City of Flagstaff, positioned within the mountains of northern Arizona.
There are various unique things to do in Flagstaff, but it surely’s greatest recognized for its stellar stargazing circumstances, astronomical heritage, and the discovery of Pluto. Here is why night time sky lovers ought to go to the “City of Seven Wonders.”
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Flagstaff, Arizona, Is The USA’s Most “Stellar” Astrotourism Vacation spot
Flagstaff, AZ, is the world’s first Worldwide Darkish Sky Place, recognized for its vital astronomical historical past
Flagstaff, AZ, turned the world’s first International Dark Sky Place in 2001. Town obtained the title resulting from its efforts to fight gentle air pollution and protect the night time sky. In 1958, Flagstaff handed the first-ever out of doors lighting ordinance on the earth.
There are many other areas in Arizona for stargazing, in addition to in neighboring Utah, the state with the most International Dark Sky parks. Nonetheless, Flagstaff is dwelling to a few of the most impactful works in astronomy.
- 1912: Vesto Slipher, an astronomer at Flagstaff’s Lowell Observatory, made the first measurements of galaxy redshifts that led to the invention that the universe is increasing.
- 1930: Pluto was found at Lowell Observatory.
- Sixties: NASA’s Apollo astronauts skilled in Flagstaff’s lunar-like environment, together with the well-preserved Meteor Crater proper exterior town.
Except for its clear air and decreased gentle air pollution, Flagstaff is a good place to look at the night time sky resulting from its location on the spectacular Colorado Plateau (the Grand Canyon additionally lies right here). This area’s arid local weather and excessive elevation add to the pristine stargazing circumstances of town.
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High Stargazing Spots In Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff, AZ, gives varied stargazing experiences, from scenic out of doors websites to Lowell Observatory
The very best locations for stargazing in Flagstaff, AZ, could be its parks and forest areas. For informal and no-cost observations, head to Buffalo Park, which sits on a surprising mesa. Three miles additional south of town, you will discover darker skies and extra open areas in Fort Tuthill County Park.
The Coconino National Forest, which covers each Flagstaff and Sedona, is one other favourite amongst astrotourists. Peaceable nights surrounded by towering Ponderosa pines is a memorable expertise in itself.
The Flagstaff aspect of Coconino can be dwelling to Lake Mary, a twin reservoir the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in some waterfront darkish sky statement. Each the higher and decrease lakes are nice for astrophotography and telescope use.
Stargazing at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona
Astronomy lovers undoubtedly should not miss Lowell Observatory when visiting Flagstaff, AZ. It hosts guided stargazing experiences, together with public star events, rooftop stargazing excursions, and viewing of the Pluto discovery telescope.
They even have astrophotography programs! Outdoor, the Giovale Open Deck Observatory (GODO) permits astrotourists to make use of six superior telescopes for unobstructed darkish sky viewing.
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The Finest Time For Stargazing In Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff, AZ, is a year-round stargazing vacation spot
For the brightest (darkish) skies, it is best to go stargazing in Flagstaff, AZ, throughout the brand new moon. However the timing of your go to primarily is dependent upon what you wish to witness. Winters are good for seeing constellations like Orion, Taurus, and Pleiades, whereas summer time is the season for the Milky Means.
Spring and fall are additionally promising instances for stargazing, due to Flagstaff’s crisp mountain air and constantly clear darkish skies. You may also wish to verify Lowell Observatory’s website for his or her seasonal astronomy occasions.
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Flagstaff gives totally different starry adventures every season, making it an amazing vacation spot for astrotourists of all ranges. You may discover that there are many actions to select from, whether or not you are on the lookout for a easy under-the-dark-skies viewing or a sophisticated astronomical statement.
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