Wonders Await

For more than 125 years, Lowell Observatory has connected people to the universe, through education, exploration and discovery.

Lowell Observatory is an independent, non-profit research institution founded in 1894 by mathematician and astronomer Percival Lowell. Today, our mission is to pursue the study of astronomy, conduct research, and bring astronomical education to the public.

More About Us

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.

Stargazing, Reimagined

Discover the Giovale Open Deck Observatory

Named for longtime Lowell Observatory philanthropists John and Ginger Giovale.

The Giovale Open Deck Observatory at Lowell Observatory features one of the finest collections of telescopes available for public observing. This public observing plaza features six advanced telescopes that collectively give you a viewing experience that goes far beyond seeing faint smudges of light. From rich star fields and planets full of color, to nebulae and galaxies that reveal obvious structure, the famously dark skies of Flagstaff are abundant in celestial treasures for you to discover.

The Giovale Open Deck Observatory also features daytime exhibits that highlight the science of spectroscopy, the types of telescopes astronomers use and how to preserve dark skies in Arizona and beyond. A set of six plinths along the perimeter of the observing plaza align to the locations of the Sun during sunrise and sunset on the equinoxes and solstices.