The public will get a chance tonight to review a proposal to build a football-field-sized primitive observatory on the eastern edge of Buffalo Park.

The brainchild of local illustrator Steve Nelson and astronomer Chris Luginbuhl, Starhenge would feature massive blocks of chiseled granite up to 21 feet tall arranged as both a primitive observatory and a work of art. The pair is expected to give a brief overview of the project to the Flagstaff City Council during their work session tonight.

The project proposes arranging large granite stones so that they would track movements of the sun and moon, display annual solstice and equinox events and align with the North Star each night.

Luginbuhl said he chose the specific location at the far eastern end of Buffalo Park because the area has no nearby structures, low amounts of ambient light and relatively unobstructed views of the horizon.

Paired with the council presentation, the city's Beautification and Public Art Committee has recommended spending $6,000 for a feasibility study of the project. The money will come out of revenue from the city's Bed, Board and Beverage tax specifically set aside for beautification.

The proposal already has the endorsement of the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition as has been reviewed by several citizen commissions.

The pair will give the City Council an overview of the project at about 5 p.m.

Assuming the project's backers get city permission to build it in Buffalo Park, then pair said they will raise the money to actually build Starhenge with private donations.

Joe Ferguson can be reached at jferguson@azdailysun.com or 556-2253.

On the Web:

http://starhenge.net/

If you go

What: Starhenge proposal

Where: Flagstaff City Hall, 211 W. Aspen Ave.

When: Today, 5 p.m.