Exploring new horizons during annual Flagstaff Festival of Science

Kid rides a tinkered with bike

The annual Flagstaff Festival of Science returns Friday, Sept. 18, with 10 days of activities for science lovers throughout the community.

Adventurers of all ages are invited to the Exploring New Horizons festival from Sept. 18-27, featuring more than 90 free events around the city that will explore the Pluto flyby mission and the dark skies of northern Arizona. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend stargazing events, a hike through the Lava River Caves, Science in the Park and more.

The festival kicks off with a keynote presentation by Alan Stern, planetary scientist and Pluto mission boss, at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, in NAU’s Ardrey Auditorium. Stern will share updated findings from the mission and information about the historic journey.

The annual NAU Science and Engineering Day will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the High Country Conference Center. The whole family can tour the state-of-the-art Imaging and Histology Core Facility, see how to participate in wind and water energy generation, tour the Center for Science Teaching and Learning in the brand new Science and Health Building, learn how to make 3D art and see the CocoNuts FIRST Robotics team in action.

The Campus Sky Viewing will take place from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Sept. 18-20 and 25-27 at the NAU Atmospheric Research Observatory, building 47. View a campus map here. Attendees will explore the night sky through the 20-inch Barry Lutz Telescope for Education and Training.

All events are free and open to the public. For a complete schedule and to print out the passport brochure, click here.