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Lowell Observatory

Learn about this cause: Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 860098918 ✦ Flagstaff, AZ ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Observatory continues to operate smaller telescopes at its Anderson Mesa site and is in the process of replacing its outdated 31" telescope with a modern 1-meter telescope.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

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.

Here 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:

    Hall Jeffrey (Executive Director)
  • Compensation: $189,691
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $24,136

    • Keller Christoph (Director Of Science)
  • Compensation: $183,459
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $20,491

    • Massey Philip (Astronomer)
  • Compensation: $171,961
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $16,634

    • Hunter Deidre (Astronomer)
  • Compensation: $166,871
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $20,563

    • Actor Ann (Chief Philanthropy Officer)
  • Compensation: $166,065
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $17,576

    • Labruzzo Anne (Chief Financial Officer)
  • Compensation: $156,024
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $21,843

    • West Michael (Astronomer)
  • Compensation: $167,600
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $9,618

    • Levine Stephen (Astronomer)
  • Compensation: $158,502
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $17,386

    • Bosh Amanda (Chief Operations Officer)
  • Compensation: $151,518
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $21,136

    • Sawyer David (Technical Project Manager)
  • Compensation: $151,340
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $15,955

    • Putnam W Lowell (Trustee)
  • Compensation: $6
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $12,486


  • Official website here: www.lowell.edu

    Where can I find the form 990 for Lowell Observatory?

    The 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.

    Impact

    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.




    Thursday, August 15, 2024

    Lowell Observatory's impact is significant in the field of astronomy. The observatory's researchers conduct cutting-edge research in various areas such as the Sun, our solar system, exoplanets, stars, galaxies, and cosmology. In 2022 alone, Lowell researchers published 114 peer-reviewed papers in leading scientific journals and gave numerous presentations at scientific conferences and public outreach events. They are actively involved in major scientific missions using top telescopes globally and in space.

    Additionally, Lowell Observatory has a strong track record of obtaining grants from prestigious agencies like NASA and the National Science Foundation to support its research endeavors. The 4.3-meter Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT) plays a pivotal role in enabling groundbreaking research, facilitating approximately 277 science nights used by Lowell staff and partner institutions. The LDT's state-of-the-art instruments, including the high-precision spectrograph EXPRES, support research across multiple fields, including exoplanet discovery.

    Moreover, Lowell Observatory operates smaller telescopes at its Anderson Mesa site and is in the process of upgrading its infrastructure, such as replacing an outdated telescope with a modern 1-meter telescope. The observatory's expansion plans on Mars Hill, including a new technical services building, aim to enhance its instrumentation and engineering capabilities. Lowell is also involved in research and development initiatives to pioneer new technologies benefiting its observing facilities and the wider astronomical community.

    In summary, Lowell Observatory's impact is evident through its groundbreaking research contributions, active engagement in advancing astronomical knowledge, and commitment to public education and outreach in the field of astronomy.





    Financials

    This financial information is from Propublica.

    Revenue
    Expenses
    Efficiency

    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
  • 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

    Principal Officer

    Jeff Hall

    Main Address

    1400 W MARS HILL ROAD, FLAGSTAFF, AZ, 860014470

    NTEE Category

    Code: U31Z - Science research

    If you are a representative of Lowell Observatory and wish to learn more about how Give Freely can help you raise funds, please click here: https://givefreely.com/nonprofits/. Our services are offered at no cost to your organization.