William Herschel

Profession: Astronomer

Nationality:

Why Famous: Starting in 1774, he spent nine years carrying out thorough sky surveys. In 1781, he realized that one celestial body he had observed was not a star, but a planet, Uranus. This was the first planet to be discovered since antiquity. As a result of this discovery, George III appointed him 'Court Astronomer'.

Born: November 15, 1738
Birthplace: Hanover, Brunswick-Lüneburg, Holy Roman Empire
Star Sign: Scorpio

Died: August 25, 1822 (aged 83)