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Route 66: A Cosmic Journey Through Time
12 May
Summary
- Route 66, celebrating 100 years, spans 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica.
- Arizona's Route 66 features Meteor Crater, a well-preserved meteorite impact site.
- Flagstaff was a hub for astronomy, with Lowell Observatory discovering Pluto.
U.S. Route 66 commemorates its centennial, marking 100 years as an iconic American byway. This historic road, stretching 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, California, was officially decommissioned in the mid-1980s. However, its rich history is preserved by dedicated organizations in towns and states across its path.
The American Southwest, a significant portion of Route 66, offers extraterrestrial landmarks. Meteor Crater in Arizona stands as one of the world's best-preserved meteorite impact sites. In the 1950s, reports of a UFO crash also surfaced in Kingman, Arizona.
Flagstaff, Arizona, positioned midway along the state's Route 66, is known as a gateway to both the Grand Canyon and outer space. Astronomer Percival Lowell established an observatory there, believing in extraterrestrial life. His work laid the groundwork for future discoveries.
In 1930, astronomer Clyde Tombaugh, working from Flagstaff, discovered Pluto, then considered the ninth planet. The Lowell Observatory still uses the telescope for Pluto's discovery for educational purposes. Furthermore, Flagstaff's unique terrain was utilized by NASA in the 1960s for Apollo astronaut lunar training, simulating the moon's surface for testing equipment.
