Historical Events tagged with "naval observatory"
Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.
Discovery of Charon, Pluto's First Satellite
Charon, the first satellite of Pluto, was discovered by astronomer James W. Christy at the United States Naval Observatory. Utilizing a 12-inch telescope, Christy detected Charon through a photographic plate taken of Pluto. The discovery marked a significant milestone in planetary studies and improved understanding of Pluto's characteristics. Christy observed a slight elongation in Pluto's image, prompting his investigation that led to the recognition of this largest moon of Pluto.
Continue ReadingAsaph Hall Discovers Mars's Moon Phobos
American astronomer Asaph Hall discovered Phobos, one of the two moons of Mars, while conducting detailed observations of the planet at the US Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C. Hall undertook this groundbreaking work to deepen understanding of celestial bodies, using a telescopic method that allowed him to meticulously track the movements of Mars and its surroundings. The discovery was significant as Phobos is one of the largest and nearest moons to Earth and provided essential insights into the characteristics of Martian satellites.
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