Giovale Open Deck Observatory (GODO), Flagstaff

About Giovale Open Deck Observatory (GODO)

The Giovale Open Deck Observatory at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff features six advanced telescopes ranging from 5.5 to 32 inches in diameter, each designed to reveal different areas of the night sky. Visitors look through the 5.5-inch TEC Wide-Field Refractor for sweeping views of star fields, the Victorian-style Moonraker refractor for close-up views of the Moon and planets, and the 32-inch Dobsonian reflector for detailed observations of nebulae and galaxies. One telescope includes a live color video camera that captures deep-sky objects in real time, revealing color and structure invisible to the human eye alone. The 4,300-square-foot open-air plaza operates day and night under Flagstaff's notably dark skies. Daytime exhibits explore spectroscopy, telescope types, and dark sky preservation, while an interactive planisphere enhances the experience. The observatory suits visitors interested in astronomy and celestial observation across all experience levels.