Lowell Observatory Faces Funding Cuts, Focuses on Key Research Areas

Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff is scaling back due to funding cuts, focusing on exo-planetary research and defense.

November 2, 2025

The Legacy of Lowell Observatory Faces a New Chapter Amid Financial Challenges

Established in 1894, the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff has been a cornerstone of astronomical exploration. However, financial constraints are prompting significant changes at this historic facility.

Lowell Observatory recently announced a reduction in its operations due to a substantial decrease in grant funding, which has dropped by over 30% annually for the past three years. “The resources we had just aren’t available anymore,” explained Kevin Schindler, a spokesperson for Lowell.

Moving forward, the observatory will concentrate its efforts on two primary research areas: exo-planetary studies and planetary defense. Schindler elaborated on the latter, stating, “Planetary defense is essentially things from space that can hit Earth, like asteroids or comets … so-called near-Earth objects.”

Despite the funding challenges, the observatory will retain two permanent scientists dedicated to its core missions. While independent researchers will still have access to the facilities, they will no longer receive financial support from Lowell.

PHOTOS: Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory

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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

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Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett explores the Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory on its inauguration on Nov. 16, 2024.

Michel Marizco/KJZZ

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A display of the Earth from the upper heights of the Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory on Nov. 16, 2024.

Michel Marizco/KJZZ

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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

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A tactile exhibit explains the surfaces of stellar bodies at Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory on Nov. 16, 2024.

Michel Marizco/KJZZ

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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

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A symphony performance marks the debut of Lowell Observatory’s Astronomy Discovery Center in Flagstaff on Nov. 16, 2024.

Michel Marizco/KJZZ

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Visitors gather inside the Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory on Nov. 16, 2024.

Michel Marizco/KJZZ

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“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

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William Lowell Putnam says Lowell Observatory founder Percival Lowell would have welcomed the Astronomy Discovery Center.

Michel Marizco/KJZZ

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