Percival Lowell
Astronomer and mathematician with Mars theories

Born
March 13th, 1855
170 years ago
Died
November 12th, 1916
108 years ago — 61 years old
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
United States
Links & References
An American astronomer and mathematician pursued the study of Mars in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Lowell founded the Lowell Observatory in Arizona in 1894, where he conducted extensive observations of Mars, leading to his theory of Martian canals. These ideas spurred public interest in the possibility of life on Mars and fueled science fiction. Additionally, Lowell contributed to the understanding of celestial bodies and was instrumental in promoting the search for Planet X, which later led to the discovery of Pluto. His advocacy for planetary science left a lasting legacy in the field.
Founded Lowell Observatory in 1894
Proposed the existence of canals on Mars
Contributed to the search for Planet X
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