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Become a Member

Enjoy free general admission, members‑only events, discounts in the Starry Skies Shop, and reciprocal access to 350+ science centers worldwide, all while directly supporting Lowell’s mission of astronomy research, education, and discovery.

Observatory buildings and telescopes illuminated under a starry sky with moonlight.

Pay Annually

Lowell offers convenient ways to pay for your ticket to the universe. Take advantage of monthly payments by clicking Monthly Membership or to renew your membership click Renew Now.

Sign up for your Lowell Membership Annually below!

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Membership Benefits

Free Admission

Every member receives free General Admission to Lowell Observatory—for up to 4 adults and all minor children, depending on membership level—and to Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) Passport Program-participating science centers when you travel outside of your local area, while their membership is current. Circle-level members and above also receive up to 4 guest passes per year, depending on membership level.

Members also get one free Dark Sky Planetarium or Lowell Universe Theater short film per visit, per person included in their membership level. Pluto Circle members and above get free admission to all shows.

Member Discounts

Lowell Observatory members of all levels receive a 10% discount at the Starry Skies Shop, both in store and online, while their membership is current. Members can call the Visitor Center at (928) 774-3358 for assistance with online orders.

All members also receive a 20% discount on Private Group Stargazing experiences. To reserve a group stargazing experience, please contact our membership office at membership@lowell.edu or by calling (928) 255-5059.

Special Events

All members enjoy access to member-only events, such as Member Meteor Madness, an after-hours program that occurs at the peaks of some meteor showers. We also have events around planet oppositions, astronomer research updates, and first peeks at new attractions. Pluto Circle members and above are invited to annual Pluto Circle Events.

Private Tours

Our highest-tier membership levels gain access to exclusive private tours or stargazing sessions, once per year, as part of their memberships.

Galaxy Circle members and above receive a private stargazing session at one of our 24″ telescopes.
Trustee Circle members and above may request one private tour of the observatory’s Anderson Mesa research site, home to the famed Perkins Telescope and the Navy Precision Optical Interferometer.
Discovery Circle members may request one private tour of the 4.3-meter Lowell Discovery Telescope, the 5th largest optical telescope in the continental United States.

Members Only Facebook Group

This is a place to connect with other members of Lowell Observatory, share your experiences and photos, learn about upcoming events, and share your love of Lowell! This group is exclusive to Lowell Observatory Members. Join now to become an engaged part of the Lowell Member Community!

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Friends of Lowell: Puget Sound

Members in the Puget Sound region (Seattle-Tacoma) have formed “Friends of Lowell: Puget Sound,” a group that gets together for Lowell astronomy events and even enjoys group trips to Flagstaff for insider tours of our telescope facilities, including the Lowell Discovery Telescope.

Become a Member

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a member of Lowell Observatory?

Memberships are available for purchase online, in person at Lowell’s Astronomy Discovery Center, or by calling (928) 255-5059.

What are the benefits of my Lowell membership?

See Membership Levels and Benefits.

Do I receive free General Admission?

Yes! As a member, you will receive free general admission to the observatory, which includes All-day access to the Orbits Curiosity Zone, Astronomy Gallery, tours, exhibits, stargazing, and more. If you would like to enjoy General Admission Plus benefits, like Dark Sky Planetarium Shows and exclusive tours, you will only need to pay the $5 plus-up fee.

You will also receive admission to the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) Passport Program-participating science centers when you travel outside of your local area, while their membership is current

Do I need a reservation to visit?

No, you do not need a reservation to visit.

When will my membership expire?

Your membership is valid for one year, from the day you purchased it through the end of the same month in the following year. If you renew early, one year will be added to your current expiration date.

How do I upgrade my membership?

You can pay the difference to upgrade your membership level by calling (928) 255-5059.

Can I use my Lowell Observatory membership at other science centers?

Yes! Visit astc.org/passport to view the list of science centers that participate in the Association of Science-Technology Centers reciprocal program. Don’t forget to bring your Lowell membership card when you travel. Please check each science center’s website for more information about their operations before your visit.

How long does it take to receive my new membership cards?

From time of purchase, you should receive your digital membership cards via email within a few days. If you requested physical copies, they should arrive within 7-10 business days. If you haven’t received your membership cards after 10 business days, please get in touch with us at membership@lowell.edu

How can I replace a lost membership card?

If you lose your card, contact us at (928) 255-5059 or email membership@lowell.edu for a replacement. You can also show identification (ID) at the Lowell Visitor Center to be admitted.

What if I have a change of address?

Please contact us at membership@lowell.edu or call (928) 255-5059 to update your contact information.

How does gifting a membership work?

The recipient will receive their cards within 7-10 business days of purchase. The letter will notify the recipient of the person who gifted the membership. The purchaser will receive a receipt within 7-10 business days.

Can someone else use my membership card?

Memberships are non-transferable. Only the cardholder is entitled to use the card.

Must I name a second adult on my membership (Family Membership and higher)?

There is no need to put a second name on your membership cards, but note that some science centers won’t allow admission if the name on the membership card doesn’t match the member’s other form of ID (driver’s license or other).