The windy ice giant
Neptune
Neptune was the first planet found by mathematics rather than a telescope. It still holds the solar system’s strongest winds — supersonic.
- Type
- Ice giant
- Distance
- 30.1 AU
- Diameter
- 49,244 km
- Orbit
- 165 Earth years
- Moons
- 16, including Triton
- Model size
- 1.3 m
- On the Drive
- 118 km from the Sun
- Found
- 1846 — predicted by Adams & Le Verrier, observed by Galle
Missions
Voyager 2 flyby 1989 — Great Dark Spot, winds near 2,400 km/h, Triton orbiting backwards.
Country around the board
Gunnedah is home of the Red Chief (Gambu Ganuurru), a Kamilaroi warrior-leader of the late 1700s. His story of strategy, defence and law is told in Ion Idriess’s classic. Warriors used the stars for night guidance in battle and hunt.
Where to look
Search Google Maps for the planet plus the road or town. Boards are large, dark blue, and sit on the five approach roads — then Timor Road and Observatory Road for the inner worlds.
- DunedooOpen in Maps
- GunnedahRed Chief / Gambu Ganuurru country · Oxley Highway near the Rural MuseumOpen in Maps
- BellataOpen in Maps
- GilgandraOpen in Maps
- GulgongOpen in Maps
No service just now. This board is on your phone. Open in Maps when you next have signal.