Percival Lowell – Visionary Astronomer and Mars Observer:
Early Life and Childhood:
Percival Lowell was born on March 13, 1855, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, into a wealthy and distinguished family. His father, Augustus Lowell, was a successful businessman, and his mother, Katherine Bigelow Lowell, came from a prominent Boston family. Percival was the youngest of five siblings. Tragedy struck early in his life when his mother died of tuberculosis in 1864, and his older sister, Augusta, passed away shortly afterward.
Lowell attended the Noble and Greenough School in Boston, where he displayed an early interest in science. He later enrolled at Harvard University, where he studied mathematics and astronomy. Despite the family’s wealth, Lowell was not particularly diligent in his studies and often clashed with professors. After graduating in 1876, he continued his education in Europe, studying mathematics at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
Travels and Exploration:
After completing his studies, Lowell embarked on extensive travels, exploring Asia, the Far East, and the Middle East. These travels greatly influenced his perspectives on culture, philosophy, and science. Lowell’s exploration of different civilizations and landscapes fueled his interest in a wide range of subjects.
Interest in Mars:
In 1893, Percival Lowell turned his attention to astronomy, inspired by the work of Italian astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli, who had observed what he termed “canali” (meaning “channels” in Italian) on the surface of Mars. Schiaparelli’s observations sparked speculation about the possibility of intelligent life on Mars, and Lowell became determined to investigate further.
Founding of the Lowell Observatory:
In 1894, Lowell founded the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. He chose the location for its favorable astronomical conditions, including high elevation and clear skies. The observatory was initially focused on the study of Mars, and Lowell invested his personal fortune in the construction of state-of-the-art telescopes.
Mars Observations and Controversy:
Lowell dedicated himself to observing and mapping Mars, producing intricate maps that depicted a network of canals. He interpreted these features as evidence of an advanced Martian civilization capable of constructing artificial channels to transport water. Lowell’s claims were met with skepticism from some astronomers who questioned the validity of the observations and suggested that the canals might be optical illusions or artifacts.
Contributions to Astronomy:
Despite the controversy surrounding his Mars observations, Lowell made significant contributions to astronomy. He conducted extensive studies of the outer planets, including Jupiter and Neptune. He also predicted the existence of a ninth planet beyond Neptune, hypothesizing its presence based on irregularities in the orbits of Uranus and Neptune. This prediction ultimately influenced the later search for Pluto.
Legacy and Death:
Percival Lowell passed away on November 12, 1916, in Flagstaff, Arizona, at the age of 61. While some of his ideas and theories about Mars were later debunked by more advanced observations and spacecraft missions, Lowell’s dedication to the exploration of the cosmos and his establishment of the Lowell Observatory remain significant. The observatory continues to be a respected institution for astronomical research and education.
