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.
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lowell-observatory-recognized-as-one-of-the-worlds-100-greatest-places-by-time-302401581.html
SOURCE Lowell Observatory
