James Challis | |
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Born | Braintree, Essex, England | 12 December 1803
Died | 3 December 1882 Cambridge, England | (aged 78)
Known for | Not discovering Neptune |
Scientific career | |
Fields | Astronomy |
Institutions | Cambridge Observatory |
James Challis FRS (12 December 1803 – 3 December 1882) was an English clergyman, physicist and astronomer. Plumian Professor of Astronomy and Experimental Philosophy and the director of the Cambridge Observatory, he investigated a wide range of physical phenomena though made few lasting contributions outside astronomy. He is best remembered for his missed opportunity to discover the planet Neptune in 1846.