advertisement
1 January 2022
Flagstaff is already an interesting city by itself from its unique land formations to its impressive dedication to the Dark Sky Advocacy. What many are not aware of, however, is that there is more to Flagstaff’s role in the success of space study in the history of space science.
advertisement
Who doesn’t know the name “Neil Armstrong”? The very first man to step foot on the moon in 1969 belongs to the Apollo 11 group. Because the world is too fixated on the historical milestone of a man making it to the moon, the behind-the-scenes of the Apollo 11 were not talked about as much as they deserved.
Before Neil Armstrong and two other astronauts from the Apollo 11—Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins—step foot on the moon, they completed rigorous training at Flagstaff. Yes, Flagstaff served as a training ground for the men who took a giant leap for mankind.
The astronauts’ training, which began in 1963, involved exploration on the sunset and meteor craters on Flagstaff as well as extensive studies on the moon’s map.
The Apollo 11 astronauts were definitely not the last spacemen who will train in the northern part of Arizona. Today, Flagstaff remains to be a great contributor to space study as it continues to serve as a training camp for future astronauts.
In 2019, the astronauts underwent the same training as the Apollo 11 astronauts in Flagstaff to prepare them for visits to the NASA space stations, the moon, or maybe this time, Mars. They were taught how to conduct geological processes, analyze different rock qualities, take field notes, and collect samples. Flagstaff was where the astronauts completed their final geological training session.
advertisement
Founded in 1894 by astronomer and mathematician Percival Lowell, the Lowell Observatory is one of the oldest observatories in the United States. Lowell Observatory houses the Lowell Discovery Telescope which is one of the most versatile in the world. It was originally designed to study Mars and the possibility of intelligent life living on the planet.
The Lowell Observatory has made history frequently. One of the most notable was in 1930, Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto (which we all agree is still considered a planet). Other notable discoveries include discoveries that lead to the understanding that our universe is expanding, rings of Uranus, the three largest known stars, and the first Trogan of Neptune to name a few.
Developed specifically for the search for “Planet X” – an imaginary ninth planet in the solar system that Percival Lowell believed must exist – this telescope is one of the most famous in the history of astronomical research in America. The first sighting of Pluto was made on February 18, 1930, when observatory assistant Clyde Tombaugh reviewed glass negatives.
Henry Giclas used the telescope after discovering Pluto to study the actual motion of celestial objects, not just their apparent motion. The telescope was then moved to the Observatory’s dark-sky site on Anderson Mesa and then returned to Mars Hill in the early 1990s for our visitors to see this historic instrument in person.
This is the impact of Flagstaff not just on local space study but on the history of the world. And the city’s contributions to space science aren’t ending any time soon.
advertisement
Spring Training is drawing closer in Arizona, and that means more than baseball; it’s sunshine, easy day trips, incredible food, and some of the best desert scenery in the country. With 15 MLB teams playing across Greater Phoenix, visitors can catch a game and still have plenty of time for hiking, shopping, museums, and nightlife. advertisement Plan Around the Baseball Schedule Arizona’s Cactus League brings teams and ballparks close together, making it easy to see multiple games (and multiple stadiums) in one trip. Many games start in the daytime, leaving late afternoons and evenings wide open for exploring. Pick a
Flagstaff, Arizona, is internationally recognized for its commitment to protecting the night sky. Long before “dark sky” became a global movement, this mountain town was taking action to preserve its stars. Flagstaff’s dark sky advocacy is a combination of science, community planning, and environmental stewardship that has made it a model for cities around the world. advertisement A City Built Around the Stars Flagstaff’s relationship with the night sky dates back to the late 1800s, when astronomers were drawn to the area’s high elevation, clean air, and minimal light pollution. The founding of Lowell Observatory in 1894 cemented the city’s
Arizona may be best known for deserts and red rocks, but the state has quietly built a thriving wine scene that continues to surprise visitors. Thanks to high elevations, mineral-rich soil, and dramatic temperature swings, Arizona produces award-winning wines with character and depth. From laid-back tasting rooms to scenic vineyard views, these are the best wine tasting destinations in Arizona. advertisement Verde Valley Wine Trail The Verde Valley is Arizona’s most accessible and popular wine region. Set among red rocks, rivers, and historic towns, this area offers a relaxed, scenic wine experience that pairs perfectly with weekend getaways. Why it
If you’ve spent any time researching Sedona, Arizona, you’ve likely come across the term Sedona vortex. Often described as mysterious, spiritual, or even life-changing, Sedona’s vortexes are one of the area’s most talked-about attractions. But what exactly are they, and why do so many people feel drawn to them? advertisement Understanding the Sedona Vortex A Sedona vortex is believed to be a place where the earth’s energy is especially strong. Visitors often report feeling heightened emotions, clarity, inspiration, or a sense of calm while spending time in these areas. Some describe physical sensations such as tingling, warmth, or lightheadedness, while
