Trivia
HardWhich Planet Was The First To Be Mathematically Predicted Before Direct Observation?
Answer: Neptune
When it comes to human understanding of our solar system, first came direct sight, then came optically-assisted sight via telescope, and finally we began mathematically predicting the presence of planets based on the laws of physics.
The first such planet to be predicted by math was Neptune. In 1846, calculations by French mathematician Urbain Le Verrier were used to locate the planet Neptune by telescopic observation. The observation was a huge event within the scientific community as it was a dramatic confirmation that Newtonian physics (gravitational theory) and the accompanying field of celestial mechanics could be used to predict the existence and position of planets.
What’s interesting about the “discovery” of Neptune, as it were, is that the observation in 1846 was not the first time that the distant and dim planet had been observed by telescope. There is evidence of multiple observations over the preceding two hundred years, but prior to 1846, no one suspected it was a planet; Galileo himself merely thought it was a fixed star far outside our solar system.
Trivia
HardThe Handkerchief Was Popularized By?
Trivia
Very HardThe Practice Of Firing A Purposefully Inaccurate Shot In A Pistol Duel Is Known As?
Trivia
HardWhat Was Apple’s Code Name For The iPod?
Trivia
HardThe Most Venomous Fish In The World Is The?
Trivia
HardThe Hubble Telescope Runs Off Which Of These CPUs?
Trivia
EasyThe Great Lakes Were Formed By?
Trivia
HardThe Oldest Currency Still In Use Is The?
Trivia
HardLisa Simpson Is A Vegetarian Due To The Influence Of?
Trivia
Very HardDue To Early Industry Limitations, Silent Films Were Recorded In?