Flagstaff Lowell Observatory to reopen general admission next month

PHOENIX — Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff is set to reopen for general admission on Nov. 15 after a 20-month period where the facility was either closed or offered limited programming due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The reopening of general admission is the third and final phase of a reopening plan developed by the observatory and will occur in two parts, with anyone over the age of 12 initially needing to show results from a negative COVID-19 lab test within 72 hours of the visit or proof of vaccination.

“Phase 3A allows us to return to general admission now in a manner that is safe for our guests and staff alike,” Lowell Observatory Director Dr. Jeff Hall said in a press release.

“We look forward to Phase 3B, when we are once again fully open. As soon as the Delta numbers subside to the endemic level that all of us will live with for the rest of our lives, we will reopen fully without restrictions.”

Face masks are also required for children between the ages of 2 and 11 as part of the phase. A negative test is not required for children of that age group.

The observatory added in the release that every member of the public-facing staff is fully vaccinated against the virus.

Lowell Observatory closed in March of last year to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The facility would reopen five months later on a limited basis with a small number of private observing experiences, according to the release. In April, the observatory moved to the next phase of reopening with limited guided tours.

Guests of the observatory can look through state-of-the-art telescopes, learn about the stars as well as Earth’s place in the universe.

More information can be found online.

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