uranus88Snificant Events. March 13, 1781: British astronomer William Herschel discovers Uranus – the first new planet discovered since ancient times – while searching for faint stars. 1787-1851: Four Uranian moons are discoveredUranus passed between Earth and a distant star this month — and NASA caught the rare event. By Julian Dossett published 27 April 25 NASA researchers got a rare chance to