Percival Lowell – Visionary Astronomer and Mars Observer:
Early Life and Education:
Percival Lowell was born on March 13, 1855, in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. He hailed from a prominent and wealthy family; his brother Abbott Lawrence Lowell later became the president of Harvard University. Percival attended the Noble and Greenough School in Boston and later Harvard University, where he studied mathematics and astronomy.
Travels and Exploration:
After completing his education, Lowell embarked on extensive travels, exploring Asia, the Far East, and the Middle East. These experiences fueled his interest in a wide range of subjects, including science, philosophy, and culture. Lowell’s travels greatly influenced his later work as an astronomer.
Interest in Mars:
Lowell developed a keen interest in the possibility of extraterrestrial life, particularly on Mars. He was influenced by the work of Italian astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli, who had observed what he called “canali” on the Martian surface (meaning “channels” in Italian). This observation sparked widespread speculation about the possibility of artificial Martian canals.
Founding of the Lowell Observatory:
In 1894, Percival Lowell founded the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. He established the observatory with the primary goal of studying Mars and searching for evidence of intelligent life. Lowell’s fascination with Martian canals led him to build a sophisticated observatory dedicated to observing and mapping the Red Planet.
Mars Observations and Controversy:
Over several years, Lowell made detailed observations of Mars, producing maps that depicted an intricate network of canals. He interpreted these features as evidence of an advanced Martian civilization. Lowell’s claims were, however, controversial, and many astronomers were skeptical of the existence of the canals, suspecting they 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, which spurred the search for Pluto (though Pluto’s discovery did not occur until after Lowell’s death).
Legacy and Death:
Percival Lowell died on November 12, 1916, in Flagstaff, Arizona. While some of his Martian theories 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.
