Lowell Observatory Research

Pluto and the Kuiper Belt

Pluto was discovered at Lowell Observatory in 1930, and the outer solar system is a essential part of Lowell research today. Lowell astronomers are leading discoverers of Kuiper Belt objects (you can learn more about this on our Deep Ecliptic Survey pages), and astronomer Will Grundy is a member of the New Horizons mission to Pluto and the Kuiper Belt.

Of course, we're well aware of the question on everyone's mind: Is it a planet? From a scientific perspective, the definition of planet has nothing to with "status" or "demotion," but is rather a well-considered classification scheme that can accommodate bodies orbiting the Sun as well as other stars. In this light, Lowell astronomer and Pluto expert Marc Buie discusses the general definition of a planet. Within this framework, Marc argues that yes, Pluto is a planet.

Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy

Thanks in part to the generosity of our donors, Lowell Observatory has an exceptionally well equipped instrument shop. Our astronomers are presently developing instrumentation for the SOFIA mission.

A Survey of Stars in the Local Group

Lowell astronomer Phil Massey and his colleagues are surveying the stellar content of several galaxies in the Local Group, including the giant Andromeda Galaxy (pictured at right). The team will catalog about one million stars in these galaxies, answering key questions about star formation rates, galactic populations and galactic structure, and late stages of stellar evolution. Visit Phil's detailed Web site to learn more.

Near-Earth Asteroids

In a long-term and ongoing program at Lowell Observatory, funded by NASA, astronomers Ted Bowell and Bruce Koehn search for and discover near-Earth asteroids on every clear night.