A Brilliant Brain

William Herschel

1738–1822 — Germany/England

Era: Modern

Brilliance: 9/10 | Stewardship: 7/10 | Composite Index: 63

A musician who discovered a planet.

"I have looked further into space than ever human being did before me."

Biography

German musician who became greatest observational astronomer of his century. Discovered Uranus and infrared radiation. Built largest telescopes by hand.

Key Facts

  • Discovered Uranus
  • Discovered infrared radiation
  • Built largest telescopes by hand
  • Sister Caroline first woman to discover comet
  • From military oboist to astronomer

He played the oboe. Then he discovered a planet.

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