Lowell Observatory is instituting a slow reopening plan after being closed to the public since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The observatory’s plan, in the initial reopening phase, offers an open-air stargazing experience that limits on-site guests to groups of less than ten people. Lowell Observatory’s Kevin Schindler says the groups of ten or less is “reservation only.” He adds, “the programming, at this point, is for people who are traveling together or live together, that’s what will consist of the group.” People will get their temperature checked and CDC guidelines will be followed upon arriving to the observatory. The bulk of the program will be the use of Lowell’s telescopes. To ensure safety, they are using petri dishes to cover eyepieces of the equipment. Staff will swap them out after each person uses the telescopes. The observatory does plan on more programs online for fans to check out going forward. For more information on the stages of reopening and more, log onto Lowell.edu.
Dave talked to Kevin Schindler from Lowell Observatory. To listen to the interview, click here:
