Lowell Observatory Flagstaff, Arizona

About Lowell Observatory Lowell Observatory is an independent, non-profit research institution Established in 1894 by Percival Lowell Location: Atop a mesa overlooking downtown Flagstaff, Arizona Mission: The mission of Lowell Observatory is to pursue the study of astronomy, especially the study of our solar system and its evolution

Who was Percival Lowell? Percival Lawrence Lowell  (March 13, 1855 – November 12, 1916) American author, mathematician, and astronomer Percival graduated from the Noble and Greenough School in 1872 and Harvard University in 1876 (with a distinction in mathematics) Lowell became determined to study Mars and astronomy as a full-time career  Founded the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona Formed the beginning effort that led to the discovery of Pluto  14 years after his death He powered speculation that there were canals on Mars

Lowell Observatory Telescopes Lowell’s has state-of-the-art research telescopes that keep Flagstaff at the forefront of astronomical discovery. Lowell’s original research instrument, 24-inch refracting telescope designed and built by Alvan Clark & Sons, is still used today for public education. Mars Hill campus is the historic 13-inch telescope used by Clyde Tombaugh to discover Pluto in 1930. List of telescopes used: 4.3-meter Discovery Channel Telescope 1.8-meter Perkins 1.1-meter Hall 0.9-meter NURO telescope 0.6-meter Schmidt Navy Precision Optical Interferometer Titan Monitoring Telescope

Lowell’s research station at Anderson Mesa, in continuous operation since 1960. Lowell’s 4.3-meter Discovery Channel Telescope, at 7,800′ elevation near Happy Jack, AZ

Lowell Observatory Fun Facts Lowell Observatory was the place where the planet Pluto was discovered in 1930 Is considered one of the oldest observatories in the United States Measured as a National Historic Landmark.  The three largest known stars were discovered at Lowell Was the location where evidence of water vapor in the atmosphere of an extra solar planet was found. Houses a Discovery Channel Telescope Lowell Picked Flagstaff, Az as the location, believing that the high altitude and thin atmosphere would be ideal for observing Mars.

If you wish to visit the Lowell Observatory… HOURS Monday-Saturday: 10am - 10pm Sunday: 10am - 5pm ADMISSION Covers day and evening programs; reservations not needed. Adults: $12 Seniors, AAA, Military, College: $11 Ages 5–17: $6 Under 5: Free Members: Free You can also learn more at: https://lowell.edu/ https://www.facebook.com/lowellobservatory/ https://www.instagram.com/lowellobservatory/

Referenced information from: https://lowell.edu/