1779 in science

The year 1779 in science and technology involved some significant events.

Astronomy

* March 23 - Edward Pigott discovers the Black Eye Galaxy (M64).
* May 5 - The spiral galaxy M61 was discovered in the constellation Virgo by Barnabus Oriani.

Technology

* The Iron Bridge was completed across the River Severn in Shropshire; the first all cast-iron bridge ever constructed.
* Bry Higgins issued a patent for hydraulic cement ("stucco") for use as an exterior plaster.
* The spinning mule was invented by Samuel Crompton.

Births

* January 5 - General Zebulon Pike, explorer (died 1813)
* August 7 - Jöns Jakob Berzelius, chemist (died 1848)
* August 7 - Louis de Freycinet, explored coastal regions of Western Australia (died 1842)

Deaths

* February 14 - James Cook, explorer (born 1728)
* November 16 - Pehr Kalm, botanist (born 1716)