In order to keep employees and visitors safe during this process, Lowell is adhering to CDC guidelines for hygiene, physical distancing and facial coverings, as well as covering telescope eyepieces with clear petri dishes that can be easily disinfected between people without obscuring the views.

“Their new Giovale Open Deck Observatory, which is completely outside and offers multiple telescopes, is a perfect feature to kick-off the reopening of Lowell to visitors,” said Debbie Johnson, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism.

While not encouraging large groups of people to come to Flagstaff at this time, the plan offers a unique stargazing experience to cohabitating or co-traveling groups of less than 10.

“Lowell Observatory’s well-conceived plan for safely reopening reinforces the observatory’s place as a respected leader in the Flagstaff community,” Mayor Evans said. “Their practice of making decisions based on careful, data-driven analysis is a model for others to follow.”