Programs to Support

Astronomical Exploration

As an independent research facility, Lowell Observatory can leverage private donations for the greatest impact on astronomical discovery.

Slipher Society

Jump-start astronomical research with annual investments that fill critical gaps between research grants and other formal funding sources.

Endowed Research & Exploration Funds

Ensure funding in perpetuity for researchers and their research, instrumentation, and specific astronomical studies via the Lowell Observatory Foundation.

Instrumentation for the New One-Meter Telescope

Lowell Observatory is planning to acquire a new robotic 1-meter telescope at our Anderson Mesa research site. The new telescope will replace the now-defunct 31-inch facility that served Lowell astronomers for more than 50 years.

Prize Postdoctoral Fellowship

Lowell Observatory has established the Prize Postdoctoral Fellowship to begin in 2022. The purpose of this fellowship is to attract and support early-career scientists to pursue independent research of their choosing. The program will support four new PhD recipients and bring some of the brightest minds to the Lowell Observatory science research team.

Native American Astronomy Outreach

Astronomers and educators from Lowell Observatory partner with classrooms in Native American communities in northern Arizona each school year.

North Star Society

Membership to the North Star Society supports partnerships with tribal nation schools around Arizona to provide STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) educational enrichment.

Orbits Curiosity Camp

Ignite a child’s love of science with STEM camp activities that develop children’s observational skills and foster their ability to think critically.

Endowed Education & Outreach Funds

Ensure funding in perpetuity for STEM education and community outreach from Mars Hill to schools in native lands via the Lowell Observatory Foundation.

Astronomy Discovery Center

Opening by 2024, the Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory will be a place where curious visitors come to be awed by the cosmos and learn about astronomy.

ADC Endowment Fund

Enable in perpetuity the ongoing operation, maintenance, and upgrades of the Kemper & Ethel Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center via the Lowell Observatory Foundation.

GODO Endowment Fund

Assure in perpetuity the ongoing care and maintenance of the Giovale Open Deck Observatory structures, telescopes, and exhibits via the Lowell Observatory Foundation.

Archive Digitization

Preserve the rich history of Mars Hill through the digitization of archival records to make them accessible to researchers online.

Endowed Historic Preservation Fund

Ensure funding in perpetuity for the preservation of historic papers, correspondence, research materials, and instruments via the Lowell Observatory Foundation.

Annual Fund

Support the areas of greatest need in our day-to-day mission of astronomical research and science education, as well as general operating needs.

Director's Opportunity Network

Join an inner circle of observatory investors who  give our director the flexibility to fund new ideas, programs or opportunities that enhance our mission.

Millenium Fund

Support priority projects to provide funds for the observatory’s ever-changing needs, as identified by the observatory’s director.

Endowed Mars Hill Fund

Ensure funding in perpetuity for the ongoing enhancement, maintenance, and repair of the facilities and campus on Mars Hill via the Lowell Observatory Foundation.