Solar System: Uranus

Uranus is the seventh planet from the Sun and third largest planet in the solar system. It is named after the ancient Greek deity of the sky (Uranus, Οὐρανός, the father of Kronos (Saturnus) and grandfather of Zeus. Uranus was the first planet discovered in modern times. Although, like the five classical planets, it is visible to the naked eye, its dimness and slow motion across the sky meant that it was never recognised as a planet by ancient observers. It was not until Sir William Herschel announced its discovery on March 13, 1781 that Uranus came to the world's attention, expanding the known boundaries of the solar system for the first time in modern history. Uranus was also the first planet discovered using technology (a telescope) rather than with the naked eye.