Lowell Observatory
1400 W. Mars Hill Rd., Flagstaff, AZ, 86001
Lowell Observatory is 1 mi. w. of downtown via Santa Fe Ave. to 1400 W. Mars Hill Rd., following signs. The observatory was founded in 1894 by Percival Lowell. Discoveries made here include Lowell's observations about the planet Mars, the basis for the theory of the expanding universe and the discovery of Pluto in 1930. The Putnam Collection Center houses equipment and archives. Traveling exhibits change every few months. Daytime tours explore the Rotunda Museum and the Pluto Discovery Telescope, the instrument used when Pluto was first identified here in 1930. At night, you can use the observatory's telescopes to catch a glimpse of planets, the moon and other celestial wonders. Research continues at the observatory with the operation of seven modern telescopes, including the Discovery Channel Telescope. Guided tours are available.
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