Lowell Observatory

  • Located in Flagstaff, Arizona – U.S.A.
  • Founded by Percival Lowell in 1894
  • Built on top of Mars Hill (7,000 feet in elevation)
  • An astronomical research observatory
  • Original purpose was to study the Planet Mars. Mr. Lowell wanted to prove there was intelligent life on Mars. He thought he saw canals on the surface of Mars (used a 24 inch Clark Telescope)
  • Today there are 8 telescopes in use at the observatory
  • In 1930, the Planet Pluto (9th planet in the Solar System) was discovered from a telescope located at the Lowell Observatory by Clyde Tombaux.
  • Astronomers study comets, asteroids, planetary rings, earth’s sun and moon, Pluto, and Jupiter
  • Astrophysics: research and study the properties and evolution of stars and star galaxies
  • Telescope Size and/or Type at Lowell Observatory: 72”, 42”, 31”
  • Percival Lowell died in 1916 and is buried on the grounds of Lowell Observatory.
  • April-June, at night, is the best time to visit Lowell Observatory and gaze at the stars or visit the museum and interactive astronomy displays.
*Learn more about Lowell Observatory at: www.lowell.edu

© 2005 Copyright All Rights Reserved. No part of this website or works presented may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the Author/Publisher of Islam Rose Books-Muslim Writers Publishing.