Worlds Revealed
Lowell Observatory is an independent non-profit research institution that has pursued its mission of astronomical discovery since 1894.
Our team of mission, research, and emeritus scientists, supported by talented research fellows, explores questions that have fascinated humanity for centuries. With a strong heritage in planetary defense and exoplanet research, Lowell scientists are tracking near-Earth asteroids that could one day pose a threat, while also searching for habitable worlds orbiting stars beyond our Sun.
Today, our staff of astronomers and planetary scientists continue the work of revealing our universe with unparalleled access to advanced instrumentation, including the observatory’s own 4.3-meter Lowell Discovery Telescope.
Areas of Research
Exoplanetary Systems
Lowell astronomers search for distant worlds around other stars and characterize their nature.
Planetary Defense
Lowell Observatory plays a critical role in planetary defense by detecting, tracking, and characterizing potentially hazardous asteroids.
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.
Stellar Astrophysics
Another longstanding tradition at Lowell is the study of stars, from supermassive Wolf-Rayet stars to low-mass M-dwarf varieties.
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.
Instrumentation Research & Development
Our instrumentation team carries out a variety of work in support of research instrumentation, outreach telescopes, and historic preservation projects.
"Lowell Observatory—Worlds Revealed"
Percival Lowell began using this seal shortly before his death in 1916. It shows the 24″ Clark Refractor and its dome, one of Lowell’s drawings of Mars, and a formula used to calculate perturbations in a planet’s orbit.
A Tradition of Cutting-Edge Research
Lowell has been at the forefront of astronomical research for well over a century, with critical discoveries made from the inner solar system to the far reaches of the universe. The first detection of the expanding universe and the discovery of Pluto are but two of the foundation blocks upon which Lowell’s legacy of research has been built.
Explore Our Research History
Library Resources
Library & ArchivesQuick Links
Explore our online library resources, including journals and astronomy websites, or access the complete Library & Archives page.