Homolovi State Park’s Visitor Center Museum and Observatory in Winslow has become an essential destination for both stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts in the area. Between April and November 2023, the park, in collaboration with the Little Colorado River Valley Astronomy Club, is offering a series of enthralling astronomy events. Attendees can participate in guest speaker events, telescope viewings of the night sky, and learn from renowned experts in the field.
The series commenced on April 22 with a fascinating talk by cultural astronomer Dr. Danielle Adams, entitled “Lions, Vultures and Gazelles, Oh My!” Dr. Adams delved into the various constellations and stories in Arabic astronomy. As a specialist in the development and transformation of indigenous Arabian astronomy through pre-Islamic poetry and Arabic historical literature, she shared her personal journey to become an expert in this field. “In science one of the things you look for is a control. If you want to do an experiment the next time you do it, all the conditions are controlled so you understand what’s really changing. In cultural astronomy the stars in the sky are the control, they remain the same. So, when we have different stories popping up from different locations around the world that’s pure culture.”
Dr. Adams earned her PhD in 2018 from the School of Middle Eastern and North African Studies at the University of Arizona, with a minor in cultural anthropology from the School of Anthropology. Fluent in Arabic, she lived in Beirut, Lebanon, for three years while studying Arabic poetry and Arabian astronomical texts. Her research presents for the first time Arabian stars within their own cultural contexts.
Dr. Adams took those specializations to become the cultural astronomer that she is today. As Dr. Adams put it, “Cultural astronomy is basically the anthropology of astronomy. I study how people connect to the night sky, how they connect the dots between the stars, how they tell stories about the stars, how the stars play various roles in human culture.”
Dr. Adams is currently serving as the chief marketing and revenue officer at Lowell Observatory, and is responsible for leading the strategic marketing and branding efforts of the institution. As part of her presentation she spoke to the kind of work that happens at Lowell Observatory, which involves discovering Pluto, tracking meteors on collision courses with Earth, and providing the public with the opportunity to witness the deep universe firsthand.
The observatory’s series will continue to feature an array of distinguished guest speakers, such as Dr. Kyler Kuehn, PhD, from Lowell Observatory, who will be at the park on May 20, and astronaut Nicole A. Mann, who will be at the park on June 17.
On Oct. 14, the Winslow Public Library will host a special event for a solar eclipse viewing, expected to draw a large crowd from across the state and beyond.
The Winslow Homolovi Observatory first opened its doors in June 2018 and was established with the support of the park, the city, and the Hopi Tribe. Its operation relies on generous donations from various individuals and groups, allowing the observatory to function at no cost to taxpayers.
In addition to the captivating astronomy events, Homolovi State Park offers a variety of other activities for visitors to enjoy, such as hiking, picnicking, and camping. The park’s trails allow guests to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Little Colorado River Valley, while the picnic areas present a perfect spot for family outings or relaxing afternoons. Camping at the park offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the beauty of the night sky, far from the city lights.
Furthermore, the park provides an assortment of educational programs for children and adults, including guided tours, workshops, and hands-on activities. These programs aim to enrich visitors’ understanding of the park’s natural and cultural resources and emphasize its significance for the local community and the state.
This series of astronomy events, featuring renowned experts in the field, is just one of the many attractions offered by the park. For more information on upcoming events, visit the park’s website.
