Discover Lowell Observatory

The universe is an awe-inspiring place

Public Telescopes and Exhibits

Astronomy Discovery Center

Coming Soon: Astronomy Discovery Center

From its rooftop observing plaza to the Curiosity Zone, the Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center will be the place where curious visitors come to be awed by the cosmos.

Astronomy Discovery Center
Giovale Open Deck Observatory (GODO)

Giovale Open Deck Observatory

In the shadows of where Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto, you can explore the cosmos for yourself with this collection of six advanced telescopes. Experience stargazing reimagined!

Giovale Open Deck Observatory (GODO)
24" Clark Refractor

24-Inch Clark Refractor

Discover the universe with the same telescope that inspired Percival Lowell to search for life on Mars, revealed the expanding universe, and gave Apollo astronauts early views of the Moon.

24" Clark Refractor
24" Dyer Telescope

24-inch Dyer Telescope

Lowell Observatory’s newest telescope offers state-of-the-art technology for out-of-this-world views of the cosmos.

24" Dyer Telescope
Pluto Discovery Telescope

13-inch Pluto Discovery Telescope

See where the Pluto story began… Clyde Tombaugh used this ordinary instrument to make one of history’s most extraordinary discoveries–the planet Pluto in 1930.

Pluto Discovery Telescope
Rotunda Museum

Rotunda Museum

Check out historic tools of the trade in our museum of wonder. See the blink comparator Clyde Tombaugh used to discover Pluto, handmade instruments for measuring the temperature of the planets, and more.

Rotunda Museum
Putnam Collection Center

Putnam Collection Center

History, science, and culture all come together in this unique exhibit space that features Percival Lowell’s 1911 automobile, Moon mapping for the Apollo missions, and a unique peek at the observatory’s archival vault.

Putnam Collection Center
Virtual Exhibits

Virtual Exhibits

Explore the history of Lowell from the comfort of your home with these virtual exhibits. Learn about important women astronomers, delve into the diaries of longtime astronomer Carl Lampland, and more.

Virtual Exhibits

Areas of Research

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Solar System

Planetary scientists continue a long tradition of studying bodies in the solar system, including the Sun, planets, moons, comets, meteors, asteroids, and Kuiper belt objects.

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Stellar Astrophysics

Another longstanding tradition at Lowell is the study of stars, from supermassive Wolf-Rayet stars to low-mass M-dwarf varieties.

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Exoplanetary Systems

Lowell astronomers search for distant worlds around other stars and characterize their nature.

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Galactic & Extragalactic Astronomy

V. M. Slipher’s observations of the redshifts of galaxies a century ago were the first evidence for the expansion of the universe. Research on structures of galaxies and of the universe continues at Lowell today.

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Cultural Astronomy

Researchers not only study how the universe works, but also how humans perceive it and integrate these interpretations into culture.

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Instrumentation Research & Development

Our instrumentation team carries out a variety of work in support of research instrumentation, outreach telescopes, and historic preservation projects.

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Lowell Observatory is an independent, non-profit research institution founded in 1894 by mathematician and astronomer Percival Lowell. Today, our mission is to pursue the study of astronomy, conduct research, and bring astronomical education to the public.

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Listen To Our Podcast

New episodes every week! Star Stuff: A Space Poddity is a 45-minute podcast that aims to make astronomical science and space exploration fun and accessible to wide audiences using humor, facts, and casual banter.

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Read Our Blog

‘Oumuamua: The Extrasolar Asteroid… Or Alien Craft

In this Episode of Star Stuff, Cody and Hailey chat with astrophysicist and returning guest Dr. Martin Elvis about ‘Oumuamua, an interstellar object with unknown origins. Is it a space […]

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Discover Lowell Observatory

Public Telescopes and Exhibits

Coming Soon: Astronomy Discovery Center

Giovale Open Deck Observatory

24-Inch Clark Refractor

24-inch Dyer Telescope

13-inch Pluto Discovery Telescope

Rotunda Museum

Putnam Collection Center

Virtual Exhibits

Areas of Research

Lowell Observatory is an independent, non-profit research institution founded in 1894 by mathematician and astronomer Percival Lowell. Today, our mission is to pursue the study of astronomy, conduct research, and bring astronomical education to the public.

Listen To Our Podcast

Read Our Blog

‘Oumuamua: The Extrasolar Asteroid… Or Alien Craft

‘Star Stuff: A Space Poddity’ Ranked Among Top Astronomy Podcasts

“Big Red” will carry grand marshal in Flagstaff’s July 4th Parade

“My Other Vehicle Explored Pluto” – We Talk To Dr. Alan Stern

#TeamPluto Documentary on Discovery Go

Star Stuff Podcast Nominated for a 2023 Viola Awards

How Realistic Were These Popular Sci-Fi Movies? A Scientist’s Review

5 Reasons Why Flagstaff is an Astrotourist Destination

5 Reasons Why the 2022 Total Lunar Eclipse is a Must-See

8 Things to Do at Lowell Observatory During the Daytime