Questions and Answers
When was Neptune first discovered?
September 23, 1843
Who was the first to observe Neptune?
Johann Gottfried Galle
How long does it take Neptune to make a complete orbit around the sun?
Neptune is the _____ planet in our solar system.
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What is the average wind speed on Neptune?
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Neptune was the first planet discovered through direct observations.
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What range of temperatures can Neptune experience?
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Study Notes
Discovery of Neptune
- Discovered on September 23, 1843, by Johann Gottfried Galle.
- First planet found through mathematical predictions rather than direct observation.
Naming and Classification
- Named after Neptune, the Roman God of the Sea.
- Known as "The Last of the Gas Giants."
Orbital Characteristics
- Located 4.55 billion kilometers from the Sun.
- Takes approximately 164.79 Earth years to complete one orbit around the Sun.
- First full orbit since its discovery occurred on July 12, 2011.
Atmospheric and Weather Conditions
- Temperature ranges from -223 °C to 480 °C, highlighting extreme weather conditions.
- Winds can reach speeds of about 2100 kilometers per hour.
- Most detailed observations of Neptune's atmosphere come from the Voyager spacecraft, including cloud patterns and temperature variations.
Historical Context of Discovery
- After Uranus' discovery, scientists predicted another planet's existence due to anomalies in Uranus' orbit.
- Predictions made by French astronomer Leverrier and English astronomer John Couch Adams led to the discovery by Galle.
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Description
Test your knowledge about Neptune, the eighth planet of our solar system. Discover its distance from the sun, unique characteristics, and its historical discovery by Johann Gottfried Galle. Learn why it's also known as The Last of the Gas Giants!
