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Neptune was first discovered on September 23, 1843, by Johann Gottfried Galle. It was the first planet discovered by mathematical prediction. The unexpected changes in Uranus’s orbit led astronomers to find Neptune.

The planet was named after the Roman God of Sea, Neptune. The planet is also referred to as The Last of the Gas Giant.

The Atmosphere in Neptune is primarily made of hydrogen, helium, methane, and ammonia. The temperature ranges anywhere from -223 °C to 480 °C. The winds, on average, are about 2100 kilometers per hour.

Since Neptune is 4.55 billion kilometers away from the sun, it will take 164.79 Earth years for it to make a complete orbit around the sun. July 12, 2011 will be Neptune’s first orbit since being discovered in 1846. When it makes its complete orbit, it will not be in the exact location it was found in because of the earth being in a different location in its 365.25 day orbit.

Neptune has 13 known moons. Triton, being the largest moon, was discovered only 17 days after Neptune. It orbits Neptune on a circular but opposite direction. Also, Neptune is the coldest object in the solar system at -235°C.

The Giant Dark Spot is the largest dark spot on Neptune among the many others. It is about the size of Earth. The Great Dark Spot is a gigantic storm, similar to the one on Jupiter.

Neptune is not visible to the naked eye. The tilt of its axis is 28.31°, similar to that of earths. The methane in Neptunes atmosphere gives it its blue appearance. Neptune also has six rings and the Great Dark Spot.