Influence Of William Herschel On Astronomy: Discovery Of Uranus
Astronomy: Discovery of Uranus by William Herschel in 1781
William Hershal was a telescope maker and with the invention of the telescope was the motivation that led to the discovery. Because the calculated orbit of Uranus did not compare accurately with the observed orbit, astronomers concluded that a disturbing influence was present. A study of this irregularity led to the discovery of Neptune in 1846. (Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th Edition. Q2 2016, p1-1. 1p.)
At first it was thought that Uranus was a comet. As Herschel’s sister mapped the night sky it was shown that Uranus was a planet. The movement of this planet showed that it had other effect on it than just the sun which lead to the discovery of Neptune and several satellites
William Hershal was a telescope maker and with the invention of the telescope was the motivation that led to the discovery. Because the calculated orbit of Uranus did not compare accurately with the observed orbit, astronomers concluded that a disturbing influence was present. A study of this irregularity led to the discovery of Neptune in 1846. (Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th Edition. Q2 2016, p1-1. 1p.)
At first it was thought that Uranus was a comet. As Herschel’s sister mapped the night sky it was shown that Uranus was a planet. The movement of this planet showed that it had other effect on it than just the sun which lead to the discovery of Neptune and several satellites