The planet Neptune was discovered by means of:
A) careful observations of its motion by one astronomer in England (done over most of his lifetime)
B) observations of its motion performed over many years by astronomers all over the globe
C) radio observations of its large magnetic field
D) mathematical calculations of how it was perturbing the motion of a neighbor planet
E) discrepancies in the horoscopes of famous actors and actresses; errors in the horoscopes showed astrologers that there must be another cosmic influence on their love lives

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The planet Neptune was discovered through mathematical calculations of how it was perturbing the motion of a neighbor planet, Uranus. In the early 19th century, astronomers noticed that Uranus was not moving in the predicted path, and they theorized that the gravity of another planet was affecting its orbit. Based on these calculations, French mathematician Urbain Le Verrier predicted the position of Neptune, and it was subsequently observed and confirmed by astronomers.

The Planet Neptune Was Discovered by Means Of