ike William Herschel, I share his interest in Astronomy, so it was easy for me to focus my research on Herschel’s discovery of Uranus, the seventh planet from the Sun, in 1781. There are two unique aspects to this discovery: first, this was the first planet to be discovered with the use of a telescope, and second, it was discovered by Herschel who began his career in Astronomy as an amateur. Influenced and inspired by others around him who were interested in astronomy, Herschel began building
Discovery of Uranus William Herschel started as a musician who composed several symphonies. Later he found an interest in mathematics and astronomy. Because of this interest, he eventually found a planet that became known as Uranus. As a quick background, William Herschel was born in Germany November 15, 1738. As stated above, William was interested in music and composed several symphonies. Later in life, he found an interest in astronomy and mathematics. “He acquainted with great English astronomer
The discovery of Uranus is quite interesting because it wasn’t something that people were expecting. The known planets at the time were Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. Williams Herschel had a strong interest in astronomy. He was a firm believer that there was life out in the universe besides just on Earth. He was a very smart man who studied astronomy in unconventional ways. Other astronomers were interested in studying the positioning of stars and orbits. Herschel was searching
Astronomy: Discovery of Uranus by William Herschel in 1781 What was the motivation that led to the discovery? William Herschel was a musician/composer who like to track stars as a hobby. He constructed his own personal telescope and would track the location and movements of the stars around him. In 1781 he saw what he was a comet for multiple nights. He thought it was a comet because it changed its place in the night sky. What questions were asked? He had his telescope set at a certain power
with his sister Caroline, he discovered Uranus and several of moons around other gas giants. While he was alive, he compiled a catalogue of 2,500 celestial objects that are still being used in today’s society. While in his early life he mainly studied music with his sister. His sister, Caroline was the first women to discover a comet, and the first women to get given a paid scientific position and to receive an honorary membership into the Royal Society. William Herschel will come up with the Theory
from hindering, does but cement, the frank and brotherly friendship of those who cultivate it.” (Le Verrier, 1846a). To this, Herschel had responded saying that, “The prize (the discovery of Neptune) was by all rules accredited to Le Verrier since his research was documented and brought to light before Adams discovery”. Almost seeming to assure the people of France that Le Verrier was sure to be given credit to the discovery, however Herschel meant nothing of the sort. He himself wrote directly to the
Caroline Herschel “was a pioneer of her time! She was an educated woman who would catalogue stars and nebula, and discover comets. She would be the first woman astronomer to earn a salary, acquire honors, and be accepted into scientific organizations” (AmazingSpace). She became an instrumental figure in the study of astronomy. Her work and achievements has broken monumental barriers and has expanded our knowledge of astronomy. Some of her work and documentation is still used today, approximately