Percival Lowell detail in mid-1896 soon after the Alvan Clark & Sons refracting telescope was installed at his new Flagstaff, Arizona observatory. Lowell observed the planet high in the daytime sky with the telescope's lens stopped down to 3 inches in diameter to reduce the effect of the turbulent daytime atmosphere. Lowell observed spoke-like surface features including a central dark spot, contrary to what was suspected then (and known now): that Venus has no surface features visible from Earth, being covered in an atmosphere that is opaque. It has been noted in a 2003 "Journal for the History of Astronomy" paper and
Lowell Livezey has simply been a blessing to NYTS. Lowell helped us all understand the life and work of the churches and especially the intellectual task of preparation for ministry more clearly." Dr. Peter Paris, Professor of Christian Social Ethics Emeritus, Princeton Theological Seminary and NYTS Trustee, stated that "Lowell Livezey had a great passion for all matters pertaining to human rights and social justice and especially the many and varied ways that religious institutions inspire and initiate those endeavors." Dr. Craig Dykstra, Senior Vice President, Religion, Lilly Endowment, stated that "Lowell Livezey’s work on religion and urban culture is path-breaking—a permanent