Alexis Bouvard | |
|---|---|
 Alexis Bouvard | |
| Born | (1767-06-27)27 June 1767 |
| Died | 7 June 1843(1843-06-07) (aged 75) Paris |
| Nationality | French |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | astronomy |
| Institutions | Paris Observatory |
Alexis Bouvard (French pronunciation:[alɛksibuvaʁ], 27 June 1767 – 7 June 1843) was a Frenchastronomer.[citation needed] He is particularly noted for his careful observations of the irregularities in the motion ofUranus and his hypothesis of the existence of an eighth planet in theSolar System.
Born inContamines,Duchy of Savoy, Bouvard's achievements included the discovery of eightcomets and the compilation of astronomical tables ofJupiter,Saturn andUranus. While the former two tables were eminently successful, the latter showed substantial discrepancies with subsequent observations. This led Bouvard tohypothesise the existence of an eighthplanet responsible for the irregularities in Uranus'orbit.[1] The position ofNeptune was subsequently calculated from Bouvard's observations byUrbain Le Verrier after his death.[1]
Bouvard was eventually director of theParis Observatory after starting there as a student astronomer in 1793 and working underPierre-Simon Laplace.[2] He died in Paris.[1]
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| People | |
| Other | |
