Discovery · 1846 CE
The Prediction and Discovery of Neptune
History of Astronomy
Overview
From tiny irregularities in the orbit of Uranus, Le Verrier (and, independently, John Couch Adams) predicted an unseen planet; Galle found Neptune within a degree of the prediction on 23 September 1846.
Why it matters
A planet discovered 'at the tip of a pen' — a spectacular confirmation of Newtonian gravity.
Credit
Objects & facilities
Bearing on theory
Knowledge connections
- Predicted byUrbain Le Verrier
- First observed byJohann Galle
- Part ofModern Astronomy
- Related toNeptune
- ConfirmedUniversal Gravitation
Sources & references
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- BritannicaEncyclopaedia Britannica
General reference for the history of astronomy, biographies, and cultural context.
- IAUInternational Astronomical Union
Official naming, definitions, constellation boundaries, and astronomical nomenclature.