Lowell Observatory was founded in 1894 by Percival Lowell.

Since then, Lowell astronomers have discovered Pluto, collected the first evidence of the expanding Universe, and measured the motions and properties of stars, among many other achievements. Today, we continue to do research in all areas of astronomy and share our discoveries with all.

Because of the significant scientific and cultural heritage of Lowell Observatory, it has been recognized as a Registered National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service, an Arizona Treasure by Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, and included by First Lady Hillary Clinton in her Save America’s Treasures program. In 2011 Time magazine named Lowell one of “The World’s 100 Most Important Places.”

The Clark Telescope is one of seven structures listed in the Observatory’s 1964 Registered National Historic Landmark designation. In 1999, First Lady Hillary Clinton recognized Lowell Observatory and, specifically, the Clark, as a site worthy of preservation as part of her Save America’s Treasures program.

Percival Lowell initially used the telescope to further his legendary theories about intelligent life on Mars, research that brought worldwide attention to Lowell Observatory. Percival’s elegant writings about his research, based on observations made with the Clark Telescope, inspired the work of both scientists, such as rocket expert Robert Goddard, and writers, including science fiction icons H.G Wells and Edgar Rice Burroughs.

Later generations used the Clark Telescope to study double planets, moons, comets, and more. Of particular note, V.M. Slipher revolutionized our understanding of space with his observations of the expanding nature of the universe. He made these fundamental discoveries while using the Clark Telescope in conjunction with an instrument called a spectrograph, a device astronomers use to not only determine the composition of celestial objects, but also detect their line-of-site-motion.

Built in 1928-1929 expressly for the purpose of completing the search for “Planet X” – the name for the hypothetical ninth planet in the solar system that Percival Lowell thought must exist – the Pluto Discovery Telescope, like the Clark, is one of the most famous telescopes in the history of American astronomical research.

In 2014, Lowell Observatory took a major step toward ensuring this heritage is preserved by opening the Putnam Collection Center. This facility will ultimately house the Observatory’s vast collection of documents and artifacts. Some of these treasures include correspondence with such luminaries as Einstein and Hubble, Percival Lowell’s cherished Mars globes, one of the original Pluto discovery plates, and Percival Lowell’s 1911 Stevens-Duryea automobile.

Our beautiful campus sits atop Mars Hill and overlooks the whole of historic downtown Flagstaff, Arizona. We offer daily guided tours of the facilities and solar viewing. At night time, weather permitting, we offer evening telescope viewing of the night sky. We’ll open up the telescopes, including the recently refurbished Clark Telescope, and view planets, the moon, star clusters, and more, all with the assistance of our educators.

We are open 10 am to 10 pm Monday through Saturday, and Sunday 10 am to 5 pm. Special Holiday Hours may apply.

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