Overview
What is Lowell Observatory?
Lowell Observatory, based in Flagstaff, Arizona, is a renowned nonprofit organization with a rich 125-year legacy in astronomical discovery. With a team of dedicated researchers, planetary scientists, and staff, they conduct groundbreaking research in various branches of astronomy, from our solar system to exoplanets, stars, galaxies, and cosmology. In 2022, they published 114 peer-reviewed papers and another 82 papers in leading scientific journals and other platforms. Their accomplishments include numerous presentations at scientific conferences and public outreach events, as well as collaborations on major scientific missions utilizing world-class telescopes around the globe and in space. The 4.3-meter Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT) served approximately 277 science nights for Lowell staff and partner institutions, resulting in 59 scientific or technical publications. The LDT's advanced instrumentation, such as the High-Precision Spectrograph EXPRES, enables cutting-edge research across multiple fields, including the search for exoplanets. Lowell Observatory continues to operate smaller telescopes at its Anderson Mesa site and is in the process of replacing its outdated 31" telescope with a modern 1-meter telescope. Access to local telescopes equipped with world-class instruments has facilitated scientific advancements impossible elsewhere. The observatory is also undertaking a substantial expansion of its main campus on Mars Hill, including preliminary design work for a new Technical Services Building that will significantly enhance the instrumentation and engineering capabilities of its technical staff. Additionally, Lowell Observatory is dedicated to research and development aimed at new technologies to benefit its observing facilities and the broader astronomical community. Ultimately, Lowell Observatory's mission is to pursue the study of astronomy and share the results with the public.
Official website here: www.lowell.edu
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Rating from Charity Navigator: 85% (Three-Star out of Four Star rating)
Lowell Observatory has earned a respectable three-star rating based on a strong accountability and finance score of 85%. This reflects solid organizational practices, particularly in financial oversight, where they scored full marks on items such as financial statements and audit processes. The observatory demonstrates a commitment to transparency and ethical governance, showing that they have comprehensive policies in place, including conflict of interest and whistleblower policies.
The observatory's financial health appears to be stable, with a low liabilities to assets ratio of 29.61%, indicating a good balance between assets and obligations. Additionally, the high program expense ratio of 80.22% suggests that a significant portion of their budget is directed toward fulfilling their mission rather than administrative costs.
While the overall rating is positive, it's important for potential donors and stakeholders to recognize that this score is solely derived from accountability and finance metrics. There may be other factors to consider, such as program effectiveness or community impact, which are not reflected in this rating. Nonetheless, Lowell Observatory shows a strong foundation in financial health and governance.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
Is Lowell Observatory legitimate?
Lowell Observatory is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Lowell Observatory submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:
Executive Compensation: $369,702
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $8,813,558
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.lowell.edu
What is the mission statement of Lowell Observatory?
Lowell Observatory is dedicated to the pursuit of astronomy and sharing the results with the public. Its primary mission is to conduct frontline research in various astronomical fields, from the solar system to exoplanets, stars, galaxies, and cosmology. In 2022, Lowell researchers published 114 peer-reviewed papers and gave numerous presentations at scientific conferences and public outreach events. They also participated in major scientific missions using world-leading telescopes across the globe and in space. The observatory's scientific staff has been successful in obtaining grants to support their research from various agencies. The 4.3-meter Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT) delivered approximately 277 science nights for Lowell researchers and their partners, contributing to 59 scientific or technical publications. The LDT's growing suite of state-of-the-art instruments, such as the High-Precision Spectrograph EXPRES, enables cutting-edge research across multiple fields, including the search for exoplanets. Lowell Observatory is undergoing a significant expansion of its main campus, which includes the preliminary design of a new technical services building to increase its instrumentation and engineering capabilities. Additionally, the observatory is engaged in a research and development program aimed at new technologies to benefit its observing facilities and the larger astronomical community.
Official website here: www.lowell.edu
Who is the CEO of Lowell Observatory?
Jeff Hall is the Principal Officer of Lowell Observatory.
Official website here: www.lowell.edu
What is the revenue of Lowell Observatory?
Lowell Observatory's revenue in 2022 was $20,035,165.
Official website here: www.lowell.edu
Who are the executives of Lowell Observatory and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Lowell Observatory during 2022 was $45,238. There are 203 employees and 53 volunteers at Lowell Observatory.
Here are 11 key members and their salaries:
- Compensation: $189,691
- Related: $0
- Other: $24,136
- Compensation: $183,459
- Related: $0
- Other: $20,491
- Compensation: $171,961
- Related: $0
- Other: $16,634
- Compensation: $166,871
- Related: $0
- Other: $20,563
- Compensation: $166,065
- Related: $0
- Other: $17,576
- Compensation: $156,024
- Related: $0
- Other: $21,843
- Compensation: $167,600
- Related: $0
- Other: $9,618
- Compensation: $158,502
- Related: $0
- Other: $17,386
- Compensation: $151,518
- Related: $0
- Other: $21,136
- Compensation: $151,340
- Related: $0
- Other: $15,955
- Compensation: $6
- Related: $0
- Other: $12,486
Official website here: www.lowell.edu
Where can I find the form 990 for Lowell Observatory?
Lowell Observatory's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.lowell.edu
Learn more at the official website: www.lowell.edu
Mission Statement of Lowell Observatory
Lowell Observatory, a pioneering institution in the field of astronomy, is dedicated to the pursuit of astronomical knowledge and the dissemination of its findings to the public. Established over a century ago, the observatory has made significant strides in the study of the solar system and its evolution, as well as in various areas of astronomical phenomena.
In recent years, Lowell researchers have published numerous peer-reviewed papers in leading scientific journals and presented their results at scientific conferences and public outreach events. They have also collaborated on major scientific missions using world-leading telescopes across the globe and in space. The observatory's scientific staff have been successful in obtaining grants from reputed organizations like NASA and the National Science Foundation to support their research.
Additionally, Lowell Observatory continues to operate smaller telescopes at its Anderson Mesa site and has begun the process of replacing its antiquated 31" telescope with a modern 1-meter telescope. Access to local telescopes equipped with world-class instruments has enabled groundbreaking research that could not be done elsewhere. Moreover, the observatory is undertaking a dramatic expansion of its main campus, including preliminary design work for a new technical services building that will significantly enhance the instrumentation and engineering capabilities of its technical staff. Furthermore, Lowell Observatory is engaged in a robust research and development program aimed at new technologies to benefit its observing facilities and the larger astronomical community.
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Impact
October, 2024
Lowell Observatory has a significant impact on the field of astronomy and the broader scientific community through its sustained commitment to research and public education over more than 125 years. The facility is at the forefront of astronomical discovery, with researchers engaged in a wide range of studies, from our solar system to cosmology. In 2022 alone, Lowell astronomers published 114 peer-reviewed papers, contributing vital findings to leading scientific journals and presenting their work at numerous conferences.
The observatory's 4.3-meter Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT) plays a crucial role in facilitating advanced research, offering approximately 277 nights of scientific observation. Partner institutions, including Boston University and Yale University, benefit from access to this state-of-the-art telescope, which has featured prominently in 59 scientific publications. The LDT's advanced instruments, like the high-precision spectrograph EXPRES, enhance the search for exoplanets and foster cutting-edge research across various fields.
Furthermore, Lowell Observatory is committed to expanding its capabilities, with plans for a new technical services building and the replacement of older telescopes to ensure the continued delivery of high-quality astronomical research. The observatory's integration of innovative technologies and focus on public outreach signifies its ongoing dedication to making astronomical knowledge accessible, inspiring the next generation of scientists, and engaging the public in the wonders of the universe.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Lowell Observatory. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.
Financials
This financial information is from Propublica.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.
- Investment Income: $395,184
- Program Service Revenue: $5,903,798
- Gross Receipts: $20,356,870
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $78,976,661
- Total Liabilities: $23,388,279
- Net Assets: $55,588,382
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
RESEARCH - GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS
Revenue
$2,511,002
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Revenue
$1,742,401
TELESCOPE ACCESS FEES
Revenue
$1,650,395
Organization Details
Founding Year
1946
Phone
(928) 774-3358Principal Officer
Jeff Hall
Main Address
1400 W MARS HILL ROAD, FLAGSTAFF, AZ, 860014470
Website
www.lowell.eduNTEE Category
Code: U31Z - Science research
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