Left to right: Jim McCarthy, Michael Beckage, Jeronimo Vasquez, Wendy Rogers, Jeff Hall, Bill Ahearn, Susan Ahearn, Samantha Gorney, John Giovale, Ginger Giovale, Jamie Coffaro, Nancy Ball, Jeff Zemer, Austin Aslan.
Courtesy of the Lowell Observatoryserv
LOWELL OBSERVATORY
The Lowell Observatory’s vision for its educational program is bold and simple: to be the world’s premier public astronomy destination. The observatory took a critical step towards that goal on Saturday by laying the foundation stone for a new 40,000-square-foot, $ 37.5 million discovery center.
The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation’s Astronomy Discovery Center (ADC) will be six times the size of Lowell’s current visitor facility and, according to a press release, will enable a greatly increased annual participation in Lowell’s outreach programs.
A few raindrops could not dampen the enthusiasm of the speakers and spectators. The 60-minute ceremony included speeches by Flagstaff Mayor Paul Deasy, Coconino County Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez, and Arizona State Senator Wendy Rogers, followed by a groundbreaking ceremony.
The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation is the main sponsor of the ADC, and trustee Nancy Ball shared how her colleagues’ love for astronomy drove the organization’s support for the project. She added, “This project will inspire and educate people of all ages for generations to come about the beauty and wonders of astronomy.”
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W. Lowell Putnam, the sole trustee of the Lowell Observatory, confirmed this passion for the universe and the inspiration that resulted from it. He said, “Percival Lowell spoke of the importance of ‘co-discovery’ that scientists should communicate their findings in a way that engages and engages others. The new ADC will allow us to share our research and understanding of the universe with visitors in a unique and inspiring way. “
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