Science · Music · 1738–1822
Born: 15 November 1738 · Died: 15 August 1822 · Age at death: 83
William Herschel died aged 83. He was born on 15 November 1738 and died on 15 August 1822.
German-born British astronomer and composer who discovered the planet Uranus in 1781 and detected infrared radiation
Did you know?Before becoming a world-renowned scientist, he worked as a professional musician and composed more than twenty symphonies.
William Herschel discovered a new planet with a telescope he built himself. Born in Hanover, he moved to England as a young man and worked as a musician and composer in Bath. Astronomy became his passion. In 1781 he discovered Uranus, the first planet found since ancient times. King George III made him his astronomer. Working with his sister Caroline, he catalogued thousands of nebulae and star clusters. In 1800 he discovered infrared radiation. He also composed 24 symphonies.
Frederick William Herschel ( HUR-shəl; German: Friedrich Wilhelm Herschel; 15 November 1738 – 25 August 1822) was a German–British astronomer and composer. He frequently collaborated with his younger sister and fellow astronomer Caroline Herschel.
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Profile
German-British astronomer, 1738–1822
William Herschel was born in Hanover on 15 November 1738.
He worked as a musician in Bath.
He discovered Uranus in 1781.
He discovered infrared radiation in 1800.
Career highlights
Did you know?He composed 24 symphonies.
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