# Alexis Bouvard

> French astronomer (1767-1843)

**Wikidata**: [Q318601](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q318601)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexis_Bouvard)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alexis-bouvard

## Summary
Alexis Bouvard was a French astronomer (1767–1843) known for his contributions to celestial mechanics and the precise calculation of planetary orbits. He served as a professor at the Paris Observatory and was awarded the Legion of Honour for his work.

## Biography
- Born: June 27, 1767
- Nationality: French
- Education: Studied at the Collège de France and the Paris Observatory
- Known for: Improving the calculation of planetary orbits, particularly Uranus
- Employer(s): Paris Observatory, PSL University; Collège de France; Bureau des Longitudes
- Field(s): Astronomy, celestial mechanics

## Contributions
- **Improved planetary orbit calculations**: Bouvard refined the methods for determining planetary positions, particularly for Uranus, contributing to more accurate astronomical predictions.
- **Published astronomical tables**: He compiled and refined astronomical tables used for navigation and timekeeping.
- **Legion of Honour recipient**: Awarded the Officer of the Legion of Honour in 1824 for his scientific achievements.

## FAQs
**What was Alexis Bouvard's primary field of work?**
Bouvard specialized in astronomy and celestial mechanics, focusing on improving the calculation of planetary orbits, particularly for Uranus.

**Where did Alexis Bouvard work?**
He was affiliated with the Paris Observatory, PSL University, the Collège de France, and the Bureau des Longitudes.

**What awards did Alexis Bouvard receive?**
He was awarded the Officer of the Legion of Honour in 1824 for his contributions to astronomy.

## Why They Matter
Alexis Bouvard's work in celestial mechanics significantly improved the accuracy of planetary orbit calculations, particularly for Uranus. His refined methods were crucial for navigation and timekeeping, influencing future astronomical research. His contributions to astronomical tables and his recognition through the Legion of Honour highlight his impact on the field of astronomy.

## Notable For
- **Officer of the Legion of Honour**: Awarded in 1824 for his scientific achievements.
- **Improved planetary orbit calculations**: Refined methods for determining planetary positions, particularly for Uranus.
- **Published astronomical tables**: Compiled and refined tables used for navigation and timekeeping.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Alexis Bouvard was born on June 27, 1767. He studied at the Collège de France and the Paris Observatory, where he developed his expertise in astronomy and celestial mechanics.

### Career and Research
Bouvard worked at the Paris Observatory and PSL University, where he focused on improving the calculation of planetary orbits. His work on Uranus' orbit was particularly notable, contributing to more accurate astronomical predictions. He also compiled and refined astronomical tables used for navigation and timekeeping.

### Awards and Recognition
In 1824, Bouvard was awarded the Officer of the Legion of Honour for his contributions to astronomy. This recognition highlighted his significant impact on the field.

### Legacy
Bouvard's refined methods for planetary orbit calculations and his published astronomical tables remain influential in astronomy. His work continues to support navigation and timekeeping, demonstrating the lasting value of his contributions.

## References

1. MacTutor History of Mathematics archive
2. www.accademiadellescienze.it
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Find a Grave
5. Complete List of Royal Society Fellows 1660-2007
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. Léonore database
9. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
10. SNAC
11. La France savante
12. [Geographicus Rare Antique Maps biographical dictionary of cartographers](https://www.geographicus.com/P/RareMaps/bouvardalexis)
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. CERL Thesaurus
15. Library of Congress Control Number