Percival Lowell

American astronomer (1855-1916)

Percival Lawrence Lowell (/ˈləl/; 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(1855-03-13)March 13, 1855
DiedNovember 12, 1916(1916-11-12) (aged 61)
NationalityAmerican
EducationNoble and Greenough School
Alma materHarvard University
Known forMartian canals, Asteroids discovered: 793 Arizona (April 9, 1907)
Scientific career
FieldsAstronomy

His reputation was damaged by his belief in canals on Mars.[1] This idea was counter-attacked by Alfred Russel Wallace.[2]

References

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  1. Chambers, Paul 1999. Life on Mars; the complete story. London: Blandford. ISBN 978-0-7137-2747-0
  2. 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.