The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Based on the provided text, the best evaluation is: The facts are intended to emphasize the importance of a scientist’s journey.
Explanation
The passage is structured as a narrative about the nature of scientific discovery. The author begins with a thematic statement, “Sometimes you don’t find what you’re looking for, but you find something even more remarkable.” This sentence immediately frames the story of Percival Lowell not as a simple success or failure, but as a journey with an unexpected and valuable outcome.
The details about Lowell’s initial search for “Planet X” are crucial to establishing this central theme. This was his original goal, his intended destination. By including this information, the author sets up the classic narrative of a quest. However, the quest does not end as planned. Lowell did not find Planet X, but his efforts paved the way for the discovery of Pluto. This twist highlights the importance of the scientific process itself. The journey of exploration, even when based on a premise that turns out to be incorrect, can lead to significant and unforeseen discoveries.
The passage concludes by describing the story as one of “scientific innovation and serendipity,” further reinforcing the idea that the journey is key. Serendipity is the act of finding something good without looking for it. Lowell’s story is a perfect example.
Therefore, the inclusion of the Planet X details is not primarily about scientific error, although that is an element of the broader scientific story. Instead, it serves to emphasize that the process of investigation and the persistence of a scientist are profoundly important, often yielding results that are different from, and sometimes greater than, the original intention. The journey led to a discovery that shaped astronomy for decades.
