Find the flag staff, the world's first international dark skiing city

Few cities have a powerful space heritage as Flag Staff, Arizona. This highland mountain town -No, arizona is not all the desert -is the place where the UT royalus was discovered, so astronauts trained to walk the moon for the moon -like landscape. A thousand people are staring at the world -class telescope at the Lowell Observatory. In the flag staff, the sky is the true star of the show.

Therefore, it is appropriate that the flag staff is the world's first international dark skies. Every day, local people and visitors can enjoy the playground of the joy of Wild West all year round, from the Grand Canyon National Park to the historic route 66. This is what the flag staff needs to know to spend the time of “stars”.

Why are flag staff so good for Stargazes?

The dry climate and high altitude of the flag staff have always contributed to the fine weather. In 1958, the city implemented the world's first outdoor lighting ordinance. As a result, strict regulations have been introduced to reduce light pollution outdoors. A specific lighting zone, timing restrictions, and restrictions on the type of outdoor lighting allowed throughout the city have been enforced to help protect the opportunities for the dark sky starry sky. For the past half a century, the city has only dedicated to this mission. When you visit, you'll find a soft, lower -faced streetlight that shines in tangerine. If you look further, you can see much more stars than you saw on the street of the city. In the downtown flag staff, you can even see the Milky Way.

Where is the best place to focus on the flag staff?

Flag staff is known as the “city of Seven Wonders”. Because there are seven national parks and monuments within 10 to 80 miles from the city, it is a magnificent place to explore and see the stars at night. The Lowel Observatory is also located in the flag staff, the epicenter of Arizona's heavenly scene. There are many exhibits on the observatory, where visitor can check the famous telescopes that use cutting -edge technology.

There is an area surrounding Sunset Crater Volcano National Park in the town and other excellent starry sky in the town. This is an incredible burning conical shape in the San Francisco Volcanic field, where the wooden forest is located. It is an impressive lava flow that you can hike next to you. The protection area of ​​WUPATKI National Park is another interesting place with the ancient native American archeological sites. In fact, if you head north, you will pass many native Americans in Havas pie, Navajo, and Hopi. The reservation of Navajo here is the largest native American settlement in the United States.

When is the perfect time to focus on the flag staff?

Flag staff has a good Stargaze opportunity throughout the year. But come during the new moon to witness the absolute brightest sky. This month, the moon is not the brightest. In other words, the universe is clear in human eyes. You can also calculate your visit based on the star you want to see. For example, Orion shows his belt in winter, but the Milky Way is most common in summer.

What are the must -see attractions of Stargazing's flag staff?

Start from the flag staff visitor center on the historic route 66. Here you can get a monthly legacy passport. This provides a list of nearby spots, such as the Lowell astronomical stand, the USGS astrogy Science Center, and the Cinder Lake Crater Field.

There are many things to discover beyond the limits of the city. By driving for 40 minutes, you can be in Meteor Crater, a 0.75 miles of 0.75 miles, from the impact of changing the landscape about 50 or 00 years ago. The Grand Canyon National Park is only 80 miles from the flag staff. The above sky is as spectacular as the following scenery.

Top hints: Lowell Astronomical Observatory provided a new astronomical discovery center. As one of the best education centers in North America, it offers a “universe” theater, an outdoor planetarium with heating seats, curiosity of exhibits, and a gallery.

Is there a special Stargaze event for the flag staff?

Flag staff holds a Stargaze event throughout the year. The PL Royal Festival will be held in mid -February. The Flag Staff Science Festival will be held in the city site for 10 days in September. And the birthday of the American astronomer Persivar Lawel is marked by a large -scale celebration on March 13. Lowell ObservaTory operates a calendar throughout the Star regulation event, and the flag staff Sky Party is provided throughout the year by the Flag Staff Dark Sky Alliance in various cities, such as Buffalo Park. 。

How to spend 3 days to discover flag staff

Day 1: Route 66
Free self -guide route 66 “Walk This Talk” Tour, grab a cold pint with a mother road bruing company, sample milk snakes with a retro galaxy diner, searches for vintage vibes at museum clubs. Masu. 2026 is a 66 -centennial route to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the historic road.

Day 2: World Wys
Explore the North Arizona Museum and find the Colorado Plateau, indigenous people, and special exhibitions. After that, head to the Grand Canyon National Park to explore only 80 miles and viewpoints from flag staff. Return to the city for more than 200 restaurants to blow off historic downtown. When the night falls, access the Giovar Open Deck Observatory, part of the Lowell Observatory.

Day 3: Tall peak and deep canyon
The flag staff's southeast 10 miles will be moved to the monument of Walnut Canyon, a surprising archeological place that preserves the archeological site of the ancient cliff residence. Next, for the refreshing zip line and the afternoon of obstacles, we will head to the flag staff extra adventure course. Go up the 12,633 feet hamfrey peak and ride the gondola to finish the day after enjoying the scenery from the highest score of Arizona.