The Lowell Observatory, a cornerstone of astronomical exploration since 1894, is experiencing a significant shift. Due to a substantial decline in grant funding, the observatory is compelled to scale back its operations.
Kevin Schindler, a spokesperson for Lowell, stated, “The resources we had just aren’t available anymore.”
Going forward, Lowell Observatory will concentrate its efforts on two primary research areas: exo-planetary studies and planetary defense mechanisms. Planetary defense, which involves the study of celestial bodies such as asteroids and comets that could potentially impact Earth, will be a key focus.
The observatory plans to maintain two permanent mission scientists. However, while independent researchers are still welcome to conduct studies at the facility, they will not receive funding from Lowell.
PHOTOS: Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory
1 of 10
— lowell-observatory-astronomy-screen-20241118.jpeg
A giant LED screen theater is one of the Astronomy Discovery Center’s features at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff on Nov. 16, 2024.
Michel Marizco/KJZZ
2 of 10
— becky-daggett-flagstaff-20241118.jpeg
Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett explores the Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory on its inauguration on Nov. 16, 2024.
Michel Marizco/KJZZ
3 of 10
— lowell-observatory-astronomy-display-20241118.jpeg
A display of the Earth from the upper heights of the Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory on Nov. 16, 2024.
Michel Marizco/KJZZ
4 of 10
— lowell-observatory-astronomy-hydrogen-20241118.jpeg
An exhibit on hydrogen and its relationship to space is just one of the exhibits at the Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory on Nov. 16, 2024.
Michel Marizco/KJZZ
5 of 10
— lowell-observatory-astronomy-tactile-20241118.jpeg
A tactile exhibit explains the surfaces of stellar bodies at Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory on Nov. 16, 2024.
Michel Marizco/KJZZ
6 of 10
— lowell-observatory-astronomy-kids-20241118.jpeg
Oliver and father Scott Barrows experiment with light refraction and lenses at Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory on Nov. 16, 2024.
Michel Marizco/KJZZ
7 of 10
— lowell-observatory-band-20241118.jpeg
A symphony performance marks the debut of Lowell Observatory’s Astronomy Discovery Center in Flagstaff on Nov. 16, 2024.
Michel Marizco/KJZZ
8 of 10
— lowell-observatory-astronomy-center-20241118.jpeg
Visitors gather inside the Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory on Nov. 16, 2024.
Michel Marizco/KJZZ
9 of 10
— david-levy-20241118.jpeg
“My life has been difficult since I lost my Wendee a couple of years ago and there’ve been very bad days and very good days. This is one of the best,” said astronomer David Levy.
Michel Marizco/KJZZ
10 of 10
— william-lowell-putnam-20241118.jpeg
William Lowell Putnam says Lowell Observatory founder Percival Lowell would have welcomed the Astronomy Discovery Center.
Michel Marizco/KJZZ
