Lowell Observatory
Museums, Historical Sites, and ZoosArizona, United States51-200 Employees
Lowell Observatory is an independent, non-profit research institution based in Flagstaff, Arizona, founded in 1894 by Percival Lowell. Its historical contributions include Pluto's discovery in 1930 and early observations that demonstrated the expanding nature of the universe. Today it maintains the Lowell Discovery Telescope and continues active astronomical research, and in 2024 it opened the Astronomy Discovery Center, which features a rooftop planetarium that lets visitors observe the night sky in its natural setting. In addition to its research mission, the observatory operates as a public-facing museum and science center that serves visitors and students interested in astronomy. Located in Flagstaff and positioned within the museums, historical sites, and zoos sector, it combines educational programming with scientific inquiry and emphasizes real-sky viewing under dark skies.