M66 joins the LMI image gallery! M66 (NGC 3627) is a relatively nearby spiral galaxy, located at a distance of 9.8 Mpc (32 million light-years). M66 is a member of the “Leo Triplet” of galaxies, which include M65 and NGC 3628 (Stay tuned for pictures of the other two!). M66 is highly asymmetrical due to gravitational interactions with the other members in the triplet. This image was not photoshopped (or Instagram filtered) in any way. Credit: Massey/Neugent/Lowell Obs./NSF
Some locals brought their kids to visit the observatory this morning. #lowellobservatory #lowell #observatory #flagstaff #flagstaffaz #arizona #science #space #astronomy #deer
From 1961 to 1969 the Aeronautical Chart and Information Center (ACIC), a branch of the U.S. Air Force, set up shop at Lowell to use the Clark Telescope to create lunar maps. These maps were critical for understanding the nature of the lunar surface and some were used by the Apollo astronaut program for determining landing sites. A talented young artist, Patricia Bridges (pictured), served as the primary illustrator. She used an airbrush to record artistic yet accurate renderings of mountains, craters, valleys, and other features of the moon. #flashbackfriday #fbf #lowellobservatory #lowell #observatory #flagstaffaz #flagstaff #arizona #moon #moonmapping #science #space #astronomy #clarktelescope #airbrush
Arizona nonprofits do some of the most important work in our state.That’s why we’re asking you to invest in Arizona today on #AZGivesDay by supporting outreach, science, and history at Lowell Observatory. Our goal is to reach 100 donors in 24 hours! Can you help us hit that goal? You don’t even have to live in Arizona to donate. Find our Arizona Gives Day link in our bio.
Lowell Observatory astronomer Phil Massey and his graduate student research assistant Kathryn Neugent recently captured this spectacular image of a beautiful spiral galaxy known as M108 using the Discovery Channel Telescope. This image has not been photoshopped in any way; all that has been done is balancing the three colors to provide a close match to what would be seen by eye.
The dark splotches visible in the galaxy are regions of gas and dust silhouetted by the light of stars that lie behind them. Future generations of stars will be born from this material.
Because M108 is 50 million light years away it’s impossible to see individual stars in this galaxy, we see only their collective glow. The stars you see sprinkled across the image are actually in our own Milky Way galaxy. Like raindrops on a windowpane, these stars get in the way when we look out at more distant objects.
Happy Birthday to observatory dog Lucky who turns four years old today! As you can see here he takes his job of guarding the Clark Telescope very seriously. #lowellobservatory #lowell #observatory #flagstaffaz #flagstaff #arizona #happybirthday #dog #clarktelescope #telescope #science #space #astronomy
Happy Pi Day and Happy Birthday Albert Einstein! Both Pi and Einstein are very important in the fields of astronomy and science. #piday2016 #piday #lowellobservatory #lowell #observatory #science #space #astronomy #flagstaffaz #flagstaff #arizona
Congratulations Director Jeffrey Hall on your #Viola Award for Excellence in Leadership. It is very well deserved. #violaawards #flagstaffaz #flagstaff #arizona #lowellobservatory #lowell #observatory
This view should be recognizable to anyone who is familiar with Flagstaff. Can you spot the Clark Telescope? #MarsHill #lowellobservatory #lowell #observatory #flagstaff #arizona #flagstaffaz #route66 #science #space #astronomy #telescope #clarktelescope
Happy 110th birthday Clyde, we wouldn’t be the Home of Pluto without you. #lowellobservatory #Lowell #observatory #flagstaffaz #flagstaff #arizona #marshill #clydetombaugh #pluto #science #space #astronomy #happybirthday
The entry road to the observatory, which is not the same route as you would take today, was certainly different a hundred years ago. The gate house built for Harry Hussey, custodian of the 24" Clark Telescope premises, can be seen in the shadows to the left. The house is no longer on Mars Hill however, it burned down in 1936. #flashbackfriday #lowellobservatory #lowell #observatory #marshill #flagstaffaz #flagstaff #arizona #FBF #science #space #astronomy
Snow makes it tricky to get to, but beautiful to look at. Thanks to our Deputy Director for Science, Dr. Michael West, for this great photo of the DCT. #lowellobservatory #lowell #observatory #northernarizona #arizona #happyjack #snow #discoverychanneltelescope #dct #telescope #science #space #astronomy
Sidewalks are clear after the big snowstorm so come up and visit! #lowellobservatory #Lowell #observatory #flagstaffaz #flagstaff #arizona #snow #science #space #astronomy
Just because, here is a picture of the Clark Telescope Dome in the snow for your viewing pleasure. #lowellobservatory #lowell #observatory #flagstaff #arizona #flagstaffaz #clarktelescope #telescope #science #space #astronomy #snow Photo Credit: Sarah Conant
Guests to Lowell continue to impress with their great shots of our Mars Hill campus. Here is a beautiful picture from back in May of the 16-in McAllister Telescope Dome by Michelle Williams of Newcastle upon Tyne, England. You can see more pictures she took on our Facebook page. Thanks Michelle for passing these along! #lowellobservatory #lowell #observatory #flagstaff #arizona #flagstaffaz #marshill #mcallistertelescope #telescope #science #space #astronomy
This photo of M42, otherwise known as the Orion Nebula, comes courtesy of one of our board members, Mike Beckage. Mike shares his love of astronomy by organizing outreach programs to the community and is extensively involved with amateur astronomy clubs in Southern California. #lowellobservatory #lowell #observatory #flagstaffaz #flagstaff #arizona #astrophotography #m42 #orionnebula #nebula #science #space #astronomy
Wanna take a peek at the Sun? We have you covered. With our special solar telescope we are able to allow guests to stare directly at the Sun! Come visit and see the Sun like never before. #lowellobservatory #lowell #observatory #flagstaff #arizona #flagstaffaz #solarviewing #solar #sun #snow #science #space #astronomy