Voted one of Time Magazine's 100 Greatest Places and Best Science Museum by Newsweek, Lowell blends unforgettable visitor experience with cutting edge research. Lowell Observatory is a leading astronomical and planetary science research institution, National Historical Landmark, and one of the most popular nighttime destinations in Arizona. Our staff of astronomers and planetary scientists work to reveal our universe with unparalleled academic freedom and access to advanced instrumentation, including the observatory’s own 4.3-meter Lowell Discovery Telescope, which is the 5th-largest optical telescope in the continental US. Our state-of-the-art public telescopes provide incredible views of the cosmos, and our historical telescopes offer a look into our history of scientific progress. General Admission includes constellation tours, historical exhibits, and access to our Giovale Open Deck Observatory. Established in 1894, Lowell Observatory boasts a long history of astronomical research and discovery, including VM Slipher’s revolutionary recessional velocity measurements and Clyde Tombaugh’s discovery of Pluto. Our historical exhibits include exhibits on our founder, Percival Lowell; how Pluto was discovered; our current avenues of astronomical research; and more. Explore our beautiful scenic grounds atop Mars Hill, which overlooks historic downtown Flagstaff, and see why we are recognized as the world’s first International Dark Sky destination.
