William Herschel

Revolutionized astronomy by discovering Uranus and advancing telescope technology

William Herschel (1738–1822) was a German-born British astronomer whose groundbreaking work fundamentally changed our understanding of the universe. Best known for discovering the planet Uranus in 1781, Herschel's contributions extended far beyond this singular achievement. His development of powerful telescopes allowed him to catalog thousands of nebulae and star clusters, laying the foundation for modern astrophysics.

Herschel challenged the geocentric models of the cosmos by demonstrating that the Milky Way was a dynamic, disc-shaped structure. His discovery of infrared radiation expanded the study of light beyond visible wavelengths. As a self-taught musician-turned-scientist, Herschel's interdisciplinary approach exemplified innovative thinking during the Enlightenment era.