Percival Lowell
American astronomer (1855-1916)
Percival Lawrence Lowell (/ˈloʊəl/; March 13, 1855 – November 12, 1916) was an American businessman, author, mathematician, and astronomer. He founded the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. He started the effort that led to the discovery of Pluto 14 years after his death.
Percival Lowell | |
|---|---|
 Percival Lowell during the early-20th century | |
| Born | March 13, 1855 Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | November 12, 1916 (aged 61) Flagstaff, Arizona, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Noble and Greenough School |
| Alma mater | Harvard University |
| Known for | Martian canals, Asteroids discovered: 793 Arizona (April 9, 1907) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Astronomy |
His reputation was damaged by his belief in canals on Mars.[1] This idea was counter-attacked by Alfred Russel Wallace.[2]
References
change- ↑ Chambers, Paul 1999. Life on Mars; the complete story. London: Blandford. ISBN 978-0-7137-2747-0
- ↑ Wallace, Alfred Russel 1907. Is Mars habitable?: a critical examination of Professor Percival Lowell's book 'Mars and its canals', with an alternative explanation. London: Macmillan.