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Lowell Observatory Cuts Researchers Amid Funding Crisis

11/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, announced that the historic institution will reduce its paid researchers from 14 to 2.
The remaining funded research will focus on planetary defense and exoplanet research.
The observatory cited a 30% annual decline in grant funding as a key factor in this decision.
Operations will be maintained and independent researchers will have access to its facilities.
Leadership urged private contributions to support its scientific mission.

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Story summary

Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, announced that the historic institution will reduce its paid researchers from 14 to 2.
The remaining funded research will focus on planetary defense and exoplanet research.
The observatory cited a 30% annual decline in grant funding as a key factor in this decision.
Operations will be maintained and independent researchers will have access to its facilities.
Leadership urged private contributions to support its scientific mission.