Percival Lowell Quotes

A collection of quotes by Percival Lowell.

Percival Lowell (1855-1916) was an American astronomer, mathematician, and author, best known for his studies and observations of Mars. He was born on March 13, 1855, in Boston, Massachusetts, into a prominent and wealthy family. From an early age, Lowell displayed a keen interest in astronomy and received a proper education in the sciences.

In 1894, Lowell established the observatory known as Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. One of his primary focuses was the study of Mars, and he believed that the planet's surface featured man-made canals. Despite this controversial claim, Lowell's observations and calculations added valuable information to the field of planetary science, such as his theories about the Red Planet's polar ice caps.

Besides his work on Mars, Lowell also researched and discussed other astronomical topics. He proposed the existence of an undiscovered ninth planet beyond Neptune, which he termed "Planet X." Although the existence of Planet X was not confirmed until years after his death, later named Pluto, Lowell's calculations and predictions contributed to its eventual discovery.

In addition to his scientific endeavors, Lowell penned several books on astronomy and related topics to make scientific concepts more accessible to the general public. He died on November 12, 1916, in Flagstaff, Arizona, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the field of planetary astronomy.