Flagstaff Science Center

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Flagstaff Science Center Building 1, 1965 (600 x 500, 22 kilobytes)

The USGS Flagstaff Science Center was established in 1963 to provide lunar geologic mapping and assist in training astronauts destined for the Moon. Building 1 was constructed northeast of downtown Flagstaff on McMillan Mesa. There were a number of important factors in choosing Flagstaff as a location for the Science Center. For instance, the excellent atmospheric conditions for astronomical observations of the Moon. A telescope was built here specifically to support a USGS program of lunar geologic mapping in addition to the topographic maps of the Moon that were being made at Flagstaff's Lowell Observatory. Another important factor was Flagstaff's location near volcanic craters, Meteor Crater, and the Grand Canyon, which provide natural laboratories for field studies and astronaut training on terrains similar to the surface of the Moon.

The Astrogeology Research Program was the first occupant of the Flagstaff Science Center. The campus now has five buildings housing over 150 science, research, technical, and administrative staff members from several USGS and Department of the Interior programs. For additional information about the Science Center, visit the USGS Flagstaff Science Center home page.

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