Percival Lowell
Percival Lawrence Lowell (/ˈloʊəl/; 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 | March 13, 1855 Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | November 12, 1916 (aged 61) Flagstaff, Arizona, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Noble and Greenough School |
| Alma mater | Harvard University |
| Known for | Martian canals, Asteroids discovered: 793 Arizona (April 9, 1907) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Astronomy |
His reputation was damaged by his belief in canals on Mars.[1] This idea was counter-attacked by Alfred Russel Wallace.[2]
Percival Lowell Media
Craters on the Mars surface (frame 11) imaged by Mariner 4 as it flew by Mars in 1965
The astronomical symbol for Pluto is a ligature combining the letters P and L.