Events at Meteor Crater

 

9:00 AM | Full Rim Tour

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Meteor Crater by taking a guided hike around its stunning rim. As you walk along the edge, you'll be treated to breathtaking views and fascinating insights into the crater's formation and its significance in Earth's history. ​​

12:00 PM | Asteroid Update with Scott Manley

Join science communicator Scott Manley for a fascinating talk about current asteroids research. 

1:00 PM | Rusty Schweickart and Prize winner

Join Apollo astronaut Rusty Schweickart and the winner of the 2025 Schweickart Prize for a fascinating talk at Meteor Crater. 

2:00 PM | Meteor Crater and the Moon with Space Historian Bill Shehan and Lowell Historian Kevin Schindler

Meteor Crater is analogous to impact craters on the Moon, making it an excellent place to learn more about our nearest celestial neighbor. In fact, every astronaut who walked on the Moon trained for their missions at Meteor Crater and modern-day astronauts are back in preparation for future missions. This program will explore how scientists proved the impact origins of Meteor Crater and then look at why astronauts past and present have visited Meteor Crater and other areas in northern Arizona in preparation for their Moon voyages.

3:00 PM | When Rocks Get Hot with Dr. Qicheng Zhang

Arizona rocks can get pretty hot—but imagine hurling them toward the Sun. In this sizzling talk, Lowell postdoctoral fellow Dr. Qicheng Zhang will dive into the wild lives of asteroids that swing closer to the Sun than any planet. Discover how these scorching space rocks evolve, what happens when they heat up, and why their journeys matter here on Earth.

4:00 PM | Event Concludes

 

Additional activities from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM will include:​

• Staged science demonstrations

• Face painting 

• Food truck 

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Events at Lowell Observatory

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5 PM - 6 PM | Asteroid Day Proclamations & Asteroid Update

Join us in the Lowell Universe Theater at the Astronomy Discovery Center for a special Asteroid Day celebration! The program includes official Asteroid Day proclamations from Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett and a representative from Coconino County, followed by an exciting asteroid update from renowned science communicator Scott Manley. Don’t miss this stellar opportunity to learn more about near-Earth objects and how our community is helping shine a light on space science.

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6 PM - 7 PM | Rusty Schweickart Prize Ceremony

Meet the winner of the 2025 Schweickart Prize who will discuss their winning proposal with Apollo 9 Astronaut Rusty Schweickart. Following the conversation, attendees may ask their questions to our visiting astronaut and winning student! The Schweickart Prize, established in 2023, recognizes innovative student ideas for planetary defense. It was created to honor Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweickart and his work in space exploration and planetary defense​.

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7 PM - 8 PM | Lady Astronaut Program & Book Signing with Mary Robinette Kowal

Join award-winning author Mary Robinette Kowal in the Lowell Universe Theater for a special program on her acclaimed Lady Astronaut of Mars book series. Hear how she blends science fiction and space history, then stick around for a Q&A and book signing.

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8 PM - 9 PM | The Anatomy of a Comet with Dr. Qicheng Zhang

Comets light up our skies with vivid colors, glowing tails, and mysterious forms—but what do those features actually reveal? Join Dr. Qicheng Zhang, astronomer at Lowell Observatory, in the Lowell Universe Theater to uncover the science behind a comet’s appearance. From icy origins to dramatic solar encounters, this talk dives into what makes each comet unique—and what they’re trying to tell us.

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Additional activities from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM will include:​

• Discovery Station 

  • Enjoy this hands-on, interactive science demonstration with a Lowell educator.

• Face painting

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