The Lowell Observatory is a private, nonprofit, research institution founded in 1894 by Percival Lowell. Since then, Lowell astronomers have conducted fundamental research that has led to the discovery of Pluto, the first evidence of the expanding Universe, and exhaustive measurements of the motions and basic properties of stars, among other achievements!
Image Credit: Photo Courtesy of Len Bright, Lowell Observatory
The Clark Telescope (pictured here) is the first permanent telescope at Lowell Observatory, a legendary research tool since 1896, and now the main attraction on open evenings when weather permits celestial viewing.
Image Credit: Photo Courtesy of Mike Thompson, Lowell Observsatory
Percival Lowell was the first to conduct research with the Clark Telescope (pictured here), closely examining the surface of Mars; his books about this research helped popularize the "Red Planet" and astronomy as a whole among the general public. Here, some of Lowell's youngest visitors are encouraged to explore using the very same telescope!
Image Credit: Photo Courtesy of The Lowell Observatory Archives
Percival Lowell inspired millions with his tireless advocacy of astronomy in the public eye, and Lowell continues this commitment today! Check out the Clark Telescope as it glows in the night!
Image Credit: Photo Courtesy of Mike Thompson, Lowell Observsatory
The Rotunda Museum (pictured here) houses Lowell Observatory's original library and is now home to some of its most famous artifacts, including equipment from the discovery of Pluto in 1930 and much more.
Image Credit: Photo Courtesy of Tom Vitron, Lowell Observatory
Housing some of the most precious artifacts of Lowell Observatory's history, the Rotunda Museum was completed in 1916 and served as the institution's library until the mid-1970s. The Rotunda is also home to Lowell's interactive space show, which is in operation during their open evenings.
Image Credit: Photo Courtesy of Mike Thompson, Lowell Observsatory
The Pluto Discovery Telescope (pictured here) is the purpose-driven telescope that Lowell added to its campus for finding what Percival Lowell called "Planet X." Clyde Tombaugh discovered it (we know it as Pluto) with this telescope in 1930.
Image Credit: Photo Courtesy of Mike Thompson, Lowell Observsatory
Here is the Pluto Discovery Telescope pictured from the outside during the day! I wonder what else the Lowell astronomers will discover next!
Image Credit: Photo Courtesy of the Lowell Observatory Archives
The 4.3-meter Discovery Channel Telescope will be among the most technically sophisticated ground-based telescopes of its size. The telescope, expected to be the fifth largest telescope in the continental United States, is under construction at a dark sky site on the Coconino National Forest approximately 45 miles SSE of Flagstaff.
Image Credit: Photo Courtesy of the Lowell Observatory Archives
Want to know more about the amazing work at Lowell Observatory? Check out our Curiosity.com interviews with Lowell Observatory Director Dr. Jeff Hall and his fellow Lowell astronomers, Dr. Lisa Prato, Dr. Evgenya Schkolnik, and Dr. Gerard van Belle!
Now that you've seen our Lowell Observatory Pictures, check out our Kepler Telescope Pictures!
Image Credit: Photo Courtesy of Mike Thompson, Lowell Observsatory
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