1642 in science
# 1642 in science

The year 1642 in science and technology involved some significant events.

## Astronomy

* Rundetårn astronomical observatory for the University of Copenhagen is completed, as is also the Panzano Observatory.

## Computing

* 19-year-old Blaise Pascal begins to develop the Pascaline, the first practical mechanical calculator, initially to help with the recording of taxes.

## Exploration

* November 24 – Abel Tasman, Dutch explorer, is the first European known to sight Tasmania, which he names Anthoonij van Diemenslandt.
* December 13 – Tasman is the first European known to sight New Zealand.

## Technology

* Opening throughout of the Briare Canal in France, the first summit level canal in Europe built using pound locks.
* The printmaking process of mezzotint is developed by Ludwig von Siegen.

## Births

* March (possible date) – Seki Takakazu, Japanese mathematician (died 1708)
* December 25 (OS) – Isaac Newton, English polymath (died 1727)

## Deaths

* January 8 – Galileo Galilei, Italian astronomer (born 1564)
