Lowell Observatory

It's a one-of-a-kind fusion of research and outreach, a 4.3-meter telescope rising seven stories above the top of a cinder cone forty miles from Flagstaff. Lowell Observatory and Discovery Communications are building this $44 million facility to push the frontier of knowledge – and to bring the marvels of the cosmos to millions. In advanced stages of construction, the DCT will see first light in 2011, with exciting science to follow. Learn more about the DCT here.

High-resolution astronomy with the Navy Prototype Optical Interferometer

NPOI The Navy Prototype Optical Interferometer (NPOI) is a collaborative project between the United States Naval Observatory, the Naval Research Laboratory, and Lowell Observatory. The interferometer stretches across half a kilometer of Lowell's dark-sky site at Anderson Mesa near Flagstaff, and can measure the positions of stars with extraordinary precision. Read more at the NPOI home page or take an interactive tour to learn how it works.

During the day explore the Observatory's history and current research by joining guided tours. In the evening, view through a variety of telescopes including Percival Lowell's 24" Alvan Clark refractor and experience interactive live presentations with our mini-planetarium.

NPOI Enjoy wide-screen multimedia programs, exhibit hall and gift shop throughout the day and evening.

See information about hours of operation, admission rates, and scheduling private programs. Learn more about tours, programming, and other things to do while visiting Lowell.