Lowell Observatory was established in 1894 by Percival Lowell atop a mesa overlooking downtown Flagstaff, Arizona. In 1960, a dark-sky research site was established at Anderson Mesa, 10 miles southeast of Flagstaff. Today, the 180-acre use permit area on the Coconino National Forest hosts several telescopes and the Navy Precision Optical Interferometer. In 1994, in celebration of the centennial year, the Steele Visitor Center was opened. As of 2015, well over a million people have passed through its doors. Some 100,000 visitors each year enjoy tours, telescope viewing, exhibits, multimedia shows, and more. Percival Lowell inspired millions with his tireless advocacy of astronomy in the public eye, and his observatory continue this commitment today.

In 2012, Lowell Observatory embarked on its greatest adventure yet with the completion of the 4.3-meter Discovery Channel Telescope (DCT). This new facility, in full science operations as of 2015, vastly expands the breadth of research capabilities for Lowell astronomers and those of its institutional partners. Even more exciting, partnership with Discovery Communications provides an avenue to bring research results and breathtaking images to hundreds of millions worldwide. In December of 2017, Lowell Observatory announced a major expansion to the Mars Hill Campus that included an Open Deck Observatory, Universe Theatre, and Open Sky Planetarium.

The Giovale Open Deck Observatory is expected to ‘break ground’ in Summer of 2018. Our Mission The mission of Lowell Observatory is to pursue the study of astronomy, especially the study of our solar system and its evolution; to conduct pure research in astronomical phenomena; and to maintain quality public education and outreach programs to bring the results of astronomical research to the general public.