By Kevin Schindler and Lauren Amundson
From 1939 to 1956, Lowell Observatory astronomer E.C. Slipher carried out three separate astronomical expeditions to the Lamont-Hussey Observatory in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Each of these was specifically designed to make photographic and visual observations of the planet Mars during favorable oppositions. In total, Slipher captured more than 60,000 images on film, including by many accounts the first color picture of Mars. This work resulted in much new insight about the atmospheric and surficial features of the Red Planet, including atmospheric belts, dark markings, polar ice caps, and the supposed canals. If you’d like to know more about these expeditions, here’s an article by Lowell Observatory’s Historian, Kevin Schindler: sliphersouthafrica
The Lowell Observatory Archives houses negatives and photos from Slipher’s trips, many of which document people, buildings, and wildlife in the area.
Two weeks ago, the mount and tube of the Lamont Telescope were re-installed at the Lamont-Hussey Observatory after nearly 45 years. Check out the video here.
A Signal from Mars 