Lowell Observatory

Lowell Observatory is an astronomical research facility in Flagstaff, Arizona, that spreads across Mars Hill with several buildings housing telescopes and scientific instruments for studying planets and distant galaxies. The site includes both historic domes with original equipment and modern viewing areas where visitors can observe the night sky through working telescopes.

Percival Lowell founded the facility in 1894 to study Mars and search for canals on its surface. Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto here in 1930, which was considered the ninth planet of the solar system at that time.

Mars Hill takes its name from the period when Percival Lowell built his facility here specifically to observe the red planet. Today, guided tours through the historic domes and telescopes show how astronomers studied the night sky more than a century ago.

The facility sits on the western edge of Flagstaff at an elevation of around 2200 meters (about 7200 feet), offering clear views of the night sky with minimal light pollution. Opening hours vary by season, so checking current visiting times before arrival is helpful.

Astronomers here created detailed maps of the lunar surface that NASA later used for planning Apollo landing sites. The facility also operates a larger telescope at Happy Jack, about 65 kilometers (40 miles) southeast, taking advantage of Arizona's dark skies.

Location: Flagstaff

Inception: 1894

Website: http://lowell.edu

GPS coordinates: 35.20278,-111.66444

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:56