FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., March 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, TIME recognized Lowell Observatory in its annual list of the World’s Greatest Places, which highlights 100 extraordinary destinations to visit and stay.
“Each year, TIME solicits nominations of places—including hotels, cruises, restaurants, attractions, museums, parks, and more—from its international network of correspondents and contributors, as well as through an application process, with an eye toward those offering new and exciting experiences,” describes the introduction to the list. “The result: 100 extraordinary destinations to stay and to visit this year.” Special consideration is given to new experiences.
Lowell Observatory, included in the “Places to Visit” section of the list, is highlighted in the introduction, “In Flagstaff, Ariz., The Lowell Observatory—famous as the site of Pluto’s discovery—now features an open-air planetarium, where visitors can get live commentary on that night’s sky from the comfort of heated seats.”
Lowell Observatory has been a leading center of astronomical research and education since its founding in 1894. The open-air planetarium is part of Lowell’s new public education facility, the Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center, which opened this past November.
This recognition from TIME comes on the heels of Lowell Observatory also being voted as Newsweek’s Best Science Museum on March 6.
“Congratulations to Lowell Observatory for being named by TIME as one of the world’s 100 greatest places this year,” said Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. “For more than a century, Lowell Observatory has been at the forefront of space exploration and scientific discovery, inspiring generations of astronomers and deepening our understanding of the universe. This well-deserved honor reflects its lasting contributions to science and education. I am proud that Arizona is home to this world-class institution, and I look forward to seeing Lowell Observatory continue to push the boundaries of discovery.”
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs said, “Congratulations to Lowell Observatory on this well-deserved recognition. For over 130 years, Lowell has led the way in astronomical research and education. It stands as a crown jewel of Arizona, yet its impact reaches far beyond, shaping science, education, the economy, and culture worldwide.”
Lowell Observatory was the first permanent scientific organization established in Flagstaff and laid the groundwork for the community to grow into a major center for astronomical research and education that now includes Northern Arizona University, the United States Geological Survey Flagstaff Science Campus, the Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station, and Coconino Community College, as well as the Flagstaff Dark Sky Coalition.
“The world will now know what Flagstaff has known for more than 100 years,” said Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett. “Planetary scientists and astronomers at Lowell Observatory are not only conducting innovative research, but the observatory’s education team is translating it into thrilling firsthand programming. The new Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory guarantees that future planetary scientists and astronomers will be created right here in Flagstaff.”
TIME’s announcement comes on the 170th anniversary of the birth of Lowell Observatory founder Percival Lowell, who was born on March 13, 1855, and the announcement of Lowell Observatory’s discovery of Pluto on March 13, 1930.
“We are honored to be named as one of the world’s greatest places,” said Lowell Observatory Executive Director Dr. Amanda Bosh. “We think of Lowell Observatory as a portal between our world and other places in our solar system, galaxy, and universe. Our research brings space closer to us through our understanding of it, and we invite the public to join us in exploring the wonders of our universe as well.”
Links:
Lowell Observatory: lowell.edu
TIME Listing for Lowell Observatory: time.com/collections/worlds-greatest-places-2025/7263157/lowell-observatory
TIME World’s Greatest Places Full List: time.com/worldsgreatestplaces
Newsweek Announcement: newsweek.com/readerschoice/best-science-museum-2025
Flagstaff, Arizona: discoverflagstaff.com
About Lowell Observatory
Founded in 1894, Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, is a renowned nonprofit research institution. It is the site of historic and groundbreaking discoveries, including the first evidence of the expanding universe and the discovery of Pluto. Today, Lowell’s astronomers utilize global ground-based and space telescopes, along with NASA spacecraft, for diverse astronomical and planetary science research. The observatory hosts more than 100,000 visitors annually for educational tours, presentations, and telescope viewing through a suite of world-class public telescopes.
About Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff is a four-season destination that provides an ideal home base for visitors to explore some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, including the Grand Canyon and other national parks and monuments, Route 66, a charming historic downtown with trains, shopping, art galleries, events, music, restaurants and nightlife. This mountain town is the world’s first international dark-sky city and is also in the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest and surrounded by Native American culture. Please stay and play responsibly.
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