Astronomers Discover the Rings of the Planet Uranus
At a glance:
- Series: Great Events from History II: Science and Technology Series
- Categories: Science
- Subcategories: Scientists, Astronomy, Astronomers, Cosmology
- Curriculum: American History 1951-present
- Geographical Location: United States
- Date: March 10-11, 1977
Article abstract: Elliot’s astronomy team accidentally made the first discovery of a set of planetary rings in more than three hundred years, fueling new speculation on ring characteristics.
Summary of Event
In 1973, Gordon Taylor of the Royal Greenwich Observatory predicted a stellar occultation by the planet Uranus. An occultation, which is similar to an eclipse, occurs when a planet moves to block the view of a star. Occultations are useful to scientists; by closely timing the disappearance and reappearance of the star, the astronomers can measure...
[The entire page is 2193 words long]
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