Observing Site
Anderson Mesa
The astronomers of Lowell Observatory perform most of their
observations through the telescopes on Anderson Mesa. This large
plateau about twelve miles southeast of Flagstaff provides skies much
darker than those available on Mars Hill. With the 1961 addition of the
Perkins 69 inch (soon to become the Perkins 72 inch), it
became clear that a site was needed that would be more immune to the
growing light pollution of Flagstaff. Anderson Mesa was a logical
choice for several reasons. It is in the Coconino National Forest so
it cannot be developed (hopefully); it is on the south edge of the
Colorado Plateau at an altitude of 2200 m.; it is easily accessible
via good roads from Flagstaff. So, in 1961, Anderson Mesa became
Lowell's dark site. For those with an eye for detail, the Anderson
Mesa site is at -111 deg. 32.2 min. east longitude and 35 deg. 05.8
min. latitude.
The LONEOS Dome
In 1970, funds from the Lowell endowment were used to construct a
new 24 foot diameter dome on Anderson Mesa. This dome housed the
A. Lawrence Lowell
Astrograph, the 13 inch camera used to discover Pluto. The instrument
was moved to Anderson Mesa because the bright lights of the growing
city of Flagstaff had made the it ineffective in its original
location. Between 1970 and 1992, the Astrograph was used initially
by Dr. Henry Giclas for a proper motion survey of the stars. Later
it was used by Dr. Ted Bowell to search for asteroids. Beginning in
1993, the dome has been undergoing rennovations to accept the LONEOS
telescope. The astrograph has been moved back to its original site
on Mars hill. The southern-most concrete pier has be modified to
accept the LONEOS Schmidt. The lower level of the dome now has a
warm room to house the astronomers, computers
and other contol gear. It also has a vented equipment room which
houses the camera refigerator and other equipment that produce
large amounts of unwanted heat. Electrical and communications
lines are being upgraded to handle increased demands.
Last updated 12 Feb 1996
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