1792 in science

The year 1792 in science and technology involved some significant events.

Astronomy

* Franz Xaver, Baron Von Zach publishes "The Tables of the Sun", an essential early work for navigation.
* The first Royal Astronomer of Ireland is appointed: the post is combined with the position of Director of the Dunsink Observatory in Dublin.

Exploration

* George Vancouver explores Puget Sound, and becomes first European to see Mount Rainier.

Technology

* Claude Chappe (1763-1805) successfully demonstrates the first semaphore line, between Paris and Lille, constituting an optical telegraph.
* William Murdoch invents gas lighting.
* George Anschutz constructs the first blast furnace in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Awards

* Copley Medal: Benjamin Thompson

Births

* January 12 - Johann Arfvedson, chemist (died 1841)
* February 17 - Karl Ernst von Baer, naturalist (died 1876)
* March 7 - John Herschel, mathematician and astronomer (died 1871)
* May 21 - Gaspard-Gustave Coriolis, mathematician, discoverer of the Coriolis effect (died 1843)

Deaths

* October 28 - John Smeaton, civil engineer (born 1724)
* October 28 - Paul Möhring, German physician and scientist (born 1710)