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Percy LowellAmerican astronomer
Date of Birth: 13.03.1855
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Percival Lowell: A Visionary Astronomer
- Astronomical Pursuits
- Observations of Mars
- The Search for Planet X
- Legacy
Percival Lowell: A Visionary Astronomer
Early Life and EducationPercival Lowell was born on March 13, 1855, in Boston, Massachusetts. From a young age, he had a keen interest in astronomy. After graduating from Harvard University in 1876, Lowell briefly pursued business before traveling to Japan in 1883, where he spent a decade.
Astronomical Pursuits
In 1893, Lowell's passion for astronomy reignited. He established Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, specifically designed for studying planets. He particularly focused on observations of Mars.
Observations of Mars
During the great opposition of Mars in 1894, Lowell conducted extensive visual observations of the planet. He became convinced that he had discovered evidence of intelligent life on Mars. Lowell believed that the mysterious straight lines, known as "canals," that he observed through his telescope were vegetation growing along artificial waterways. He presented his theories in his book "Mars as the Abode of Life" (1908).
The Search for Planet X
In 1905, Lowell calculated the position of a ninth planet beyond Neptune based on irregularities in Uranus's motion. He independently discovered this planet, which was later named Pluto by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930 and discovered at Lowell Observatory.
Legacy
Percival Lowell passed away in Flagstaff on November 12, 1916. His work and theories had a significant impact on astronomy. While some of his ideas, such as the existence of canals on Mars, have been disproven, his contributions to the search for Pluto and his promotion of planetary science remain notable. Lowell Observatory continues to operate and carries on his legacy as a center for astronomical research.
