The observatory is affiliated with the University of North Carolina system through the Pisgah Astronomical Research and Science Educational Center (PARSEC).

PARI is located at the site of the former Rosman Satellite Tracking Station, which was established by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1962.

Its collection of about 100 meteorites, valued at at least $80,000 and with specimens weighing up to 80 pounds (36 kg), was stolen, along with about $100,000 worth of TVs, monitors, projectors, microscopes, and other scientific equipment.

The PARI site has hosted several professional astronomy meetings, including the Small Radio Telescope Conference in August 2001, the Gamma-Ray Bursts Today and Tomorrow Conference in August 2002 and the Workshop on a National Plan for Preserving Astronomical Photographic Plates in November 2007.

An Exhibit Gallery displays a collection of rare meteorites and minerals, as well as NASA Space Shuttle artifacts.