Galileo
Galileo in 1613 may have seen Neptune, but he probably did not realize what it was. Children could learn more facts at: Neptune.
Jan 282024
Aug 202024
Voyager 2
Voyager 2 was launched in 1977. It traveled near Jupiter in 1979, Saturn in 1981, Uranus in 1986, and Neptune in 1989. It transmitted photographs and data back to earth. It continues in its space travels, sending back weak radio signals. Children can visit an INTERESTING website, including data on the spacecraft’s distance from earth, at: Voyager 2.
Aug 252024
Voyager 2
Voyager 2 made its closest approach to Saturn in 1981 and to Neptune in 1989. Launched August 20, 1977, Voyager 2 investigated Saturn’s atmosphere. It also researched Neptune’s atmosphere and checked out one of Neptune’s moons, Triton. The spacecraft continues to travel and send back data. Children can keep up to date with that data at: http://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/
Sep 232024
Neptune
Neptune was discovered in 1846. In 1841 John Couch Adams had begun work to find the planet. Urbain J. J. Leverrier, unknown to Adams, had also begun making calculations. Astronomer Johann G. Galle used their predictions and located the planet. Children could learn more at: Neptune.