Background
Lowe was born in Highfield House, University Park, Nottinghamshire, into a wealthy family. The son of Alfred J. Lowe, he began his scientific observations at the age of 15.
Lowe was born in Highfield House, University Park, Nottinghamshire, into a wealthy family. The son of Alfred J. Lowe, he began his scientific observations at the age of 15.
Lowe was affectionately known as "The Big Snowflake" because of his beard. His interest in ferns led to his studying them. The bookplates of which were drawn by A. F. Lydon and engraved by Benjamin Fawcett.
He collaborated on observations of luminous meteors with Professor Baden Powell of Oxford.
Lowe invented the dry powder test for ozone in the atmosphere. He was one of the founders and original Fellows of the Meteorological Society and a Fellow of the Royal, the Geological, the Linnean, the Royal Astronomical and other learned Societies.
His candidature citation for the Royal Society read: The Author of "A Treatise on Atmospheric Phenomena" "Prognostications of the weather or signs of atmospheric changes." "a paper on 278 thunderstorms" & the Conchology of Nottingham, & various Papers on zodiacal light, meteors, "Solar spots, Lana & Freshwater shells &c published in the Transactions of the British Association, Royal Astronomical Society, Zoological Society- &c - The discoverer of a new method of propagating cuttings of plants by the application of collodium. Distinguished for his acquaintance with the sciences of Meteorology & Natural History.
Eminent asa Meteorologist - Having Published works on that Science.
- and being actively employed in the cultivation of it
He died at home, Shirenewton Hall, near Chepstow, Monmouthshire, on 10 March 1900.
Royal Society]
Alfred was a member of many national and local astronomical societies and was particularly interested in meteorology and astronomy.