Biography of Famous Scientist Percival Lowell
Percival Lowell: Astronomer and Mars Observer
Early Life:
Percival Lowell was born on March 13, 1855, in Boston, Massachusetts, into the prominent Lowell family. He was the brother of the poet Amy Lowell and the president of Harvard University, Abbott Lawrence Lowell. Percival’s early education took place at Noble and Greenough School in Boston, followed by Harvard College, where he graduated in 1876.
Travels and Experiences:
After completing his education, Lowell embarked on extensive travels, visiting countries such as Japan, Korea, China, India, and the Middle East. His interest in various cultures and civilizations influenced his later writings, and he gained a reputation as an author and public lecturer.
Professional Life and Business Ventures:
Percival Lowell initially worked as a foreign affairs advisor to the Japanese government, and later, he turned to business ventures. In the early 1890s, he inherited a significant fortune from his deceased brother, Abbott Lawrence Lowell. With this financial backing, Lowell was able to pursue his lifelong passion for astronomy.
Astronomical Research:
Lowell’s interest in astronomy was sparked during a visit to the observatory of the French astronomer Étienne Léopold Trouvelot. In 1894, he founded the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, with the primary goal of studying Mars. He built the observatory at an elevation of 7,200 feet to minimize atmospheric interference.
Mars Observations and Canal Speculations:
Percival Lowell dedicated a substantial portion of his career to the study of Mars. He made detailed observations of the Martian surface, noting what he believed to be a network of canals. Lowell’s interpretations led him to hypothesize that these canals were evidence of an advanced Martian civilization, potentially constructed to transport water from the polar ice caps to the equatorial regions.
His canal theories gained significant attention and sparked both public fascination and skepticism. Many astronomers, including some of Lowell’s contemporaries, were skeptical of the existence of the canals as evidence of intelligent life on Mars.
Other Contributions:
Apart from Mars, Lowell made contributions to the study of the outer planets, particularly Jupiter and Saturn. He conducted extensive research on the atmospheres and satellites of these planets.
Personal Life:
Percival Lowell never married and dedicated his life to his astronomical pursuits. He passed away on November 12, 1916, at the age of 61, in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Legacy:
While Percival Lowell’s canal theories were later debunked by more advanced observations and understanding of Mars, his legacy lies in his role in popularizing astronomy and inspiring public interest in the cosmos. The Lowell Observatory continues its research, and advancements in astronomy have provided more accurate insights into the Martian landscape. Though his canal theories were largely discredited, Lowell’s impact on the field of astronomy remains significant.