Uranus Was Originally Named after a British Emperor

All images: NASA, others

Uranus was Not Called Uranus

Uranus, an ice giant, is the seventh planet from the Sun in the solar system. Most of the planet is made up of water, ammonia, and methane. The planet was discovered way back in 1781. However, it was not given the name Uranus.

Uranus was First Named George

Uranus was first named George for around 30 years. After discovering the planet on March 13, 1781, German-British astronomer Sir William Herschel decided to name the planet King George III. However, people outside Great Britain were not satisfied with the name George and different names were suggested.

What Names were Proposed?

Herschel, Astraea, Minerva, and Nepute Great Britain, were some of the names suggested for the ice giant.

Who Suggested the Name Uranus?

In 1782, German astronomer Johann Elert Bode proposed that the planet should be named Uranus, the Latinised version of Ouranos - the Greek god of the sky.