Want to know it? Who Discovered Uranus
By: Want To Know It
Uranus is the third largest planet in the Solar System named after the Greek deity of the sky- Uranus. But who discovered Uranus? This post will answer that question and then look at a few interesting facts about Uranus.
Who Discovered Uranus?
Uranus was observed by many people throughout history. However, it was generally mistaken as a star. Two people who documented observing Uranus were John Flamsteed and French astronomer Pierre Lemonnier. Both thought it was a star. Sir William Herschel observed Uranus on 13 March 1781 while in his garden but initially thought it was a comet. Analysis showed it was actually a planet. Therefore, Sir William Herschel is credited as official discover of the planet!
Interesting Facts About Uranus
- Uranus has 27 known moons (also called natural satellites)
- Uranus is the coldest planet in the Solar System
- Uranus revolves around the Sun once every 84 years.
- Uranus can easily can seen with binoculars on a dark night- as long as you know where to look!
- Uranus is composed mainly of ices- ice water, ammonia and methane.
- Uranus, like Saturn, has planetary rings. There are 13 distinct rings around Uranus.
- Operation Uranus was the name given to a successful military operation undertaken by the Soviet Army. They successfully took back Stalingrad from the Germans during World War II.
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2 Comments for Who Discovered Uranus
1. ewa | April 24th, 2010 at 4:43 am
who is saturn named after?? i need an answer
2. Want to know it | April 24th, 2010 at 9:29 am
Saturn is named after the Roman god Saturn.
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