Visitors to the Lowell Observatory can now see a mural highlighting Navajo and Hopi cosmology, with contributions from UniSource and our educational mission.

The new Indigenous Cosmos Mural, unveiled in September, is an extension of UniSource’s support of Lowell’s role in Flagstaff as an educational venue, visitor destination, and an economic development driver. UniSource also supports initiatives and events throughout the year, including the I Heart Pluto festival in February.

UniSource contributed $5,000 toward the mural initiative with funding through company resources, not customer rates. In September, UniSource sponsored a mural unveiling event and volunteers assisted with the set-up and break-down for lunch. Attendees included leadership from the Diné and Hopi Nation, local government officials, and students from the Native American Astronomy Outreach program.

UniSource District Manager Richard Perez provided opening remarks for the unveiling. The event also included talks from the mural’s artists and a cultural blessing with ceremonial songs and dancers.

“UniSource is committed to supporting initiatives that honor the rich heritage of the people who have called this region home for generations,” Perez said. “We’ve been long-standing community partners with Lowell Observatory, and moments like this are why we are so proud to continue that partnership.”

In February, UniSource plans to continue our assistance of the I Heart Pluto festival, which celebrates Lowell as the place where Pluto was discovered in 1930.

This year’s theme will reflect on the 20-year anniversary of Pluto’s reclassification to a Dwarf Planet. The Feb. 12-16 festival will feature a pub crawl, talks from scientists at the historic Orpheum Theater in Downtown Flagstaff, celebrations of the Centennial of Route 66, and family activities at Lowell’s new Astronomy Discovery Center.

Previously, UniSource was a major partner in the expansion that was complete in November 2024.