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John Couch Adams (1819-1892), Artist Unknown
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John Couch Adams (1819-1892), Artist Unknown
Oil on canvas, English School, 19th century. John Couch Adams was born in 1819 on a farm in Laneast, near Launceston. From an early age he was fascinated by astronomy and by the age of 14 he was drawing his own star maps. He was also a brilliant mathematician and went on to study at Cambridge University. His interest in maths and astronomy lead him to work on a problem that had baffled astronomers for decades. After the discovery of Uranus in 1781, astronomers noticed that the planet was being pulled slightly out of its normal orbit and was not moving like the rest of the planets in the solar system. Working for 2 years on the problem, John Couch Adams devised a mathematical model to predict that it was the gravity from another planet beyond Uranus that was affecting the planets orbit. His model also predicted this planets size and mass. At the same time French astronomer, Urbain Le Verrier, was making similar calculations. All that was needed now was for each mathematician to find an astronomer with a telescope powerful enough to find this new planet, based on their calculations. For Adams, this proved difficult but Le Verrier was able enlist the help of Johann Galle at the Berlin Observatory who, using Le Verriers calculations, was able to observe the planet in the sky for the first time in 1846. This new planet, later named Neptune, was the first to be discovered using mathematics. Although Neptune was discovered using Le Verriers work, it was widely recognised by the astronomy community that the calculations carried out by Adams were also worthy of accolade. Both Adams and Le Verrier were awarded the Copely Medal by the Royal Astronomical Society in 1848 for the co-discovery of the planet Neptune
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TRURI : 1948.35
Media ID 19013150
© RIC, photographer Mike Searle
Artwork Black Brown Gentleman Painting Portrait Suit White Astronomer Celestial Mathematics Shirt
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the enigmatic figure of John Couch Adams, an influential astronomer and mathematician from the 19th century. Despite being painted by an unknown artist, this oil on canvas portrait captures Adams' intellectual prowess and unwavering dedication to his craft. Born in 1819 on a humble farm near Launceston, Adams displayed a remarkable fascination with astronomy from a young age. His passion for the stars led him to create intricate star maps at just fourteen years old. Later, he pursued higher education at Cambridge University where his brilliance in mathematics flourished. Adams became renowned for tackling one of astronomy's greatest mysteries: Uranus' irregular orbit. After two years of relentless work, he devised a groundbreaking mathematical model that predicted the existence of another planet beyond Uranus influencing its trajectory. Simultaneously, French astronomer Urbain Le Verrier was also making similar calculations. The final step required astronomers with powerful telescopes to locate this elusive planet based on Adams and Le Verrier's calculations. While Adams faced difficulties finding such assistance, Le Verrier successfully collaborated with Johann Galle at Berlin Observatory who observed Neptune in the night sky for the first time in 1846. Although Neptune's discovery is often attributed to Le Verrier's work, it is widely acknowledged within the astronomical community that both men played crucial roles in its identification. In recognition of their achievements, both Adams and Le Verrier were honored with the prestigious Copely Medal by the Royal Astronomical Society in 1848. This extraordinary photograph immortalizes John Couch Adam's significant contribution to science and serves as a reminder of how mathematics can unlock secrets hidden among celestial bodies.
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