Since its founding in 1894, the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff has played a key role in astronomical research.
But the facility will be scaling back, saying its grant funding has fallen by at least 30% each of the past three years.
"The resources we had just aren’t available anymore," Lowell spokesperson Kevin Schindler.
Lowell will narrow its focus down to two key areas: exo-planetary research and planetary defense.
"Planetary defense is essentially things from space that can hit Earth, like asteroids or comets ... so-called near-Earth objects," Schindler said.
Schindler says the observatory will continue with two permanent mission scientists. Independent researchers will still be able to work there but will not be funded by 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.
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Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett explores the Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory on its inauguration on Nov. 16, 2024.
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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.
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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.
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A tactile exhibit explains the surfaces of stellar bodies at Astronomy Discovery Center at Lowell Observatory on Nov. 16, 2024.
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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.
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A symphony performance marks the debut of Lowell Observatory's Astronomy Discovery Center in Flagstaff on Nov. 16, 2024.
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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.
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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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