The year 1779 in science and technology included many events, some of which are listed here.

See also: 1778 in science, other events of 1779, 1780 in science and the list of years in science.

Astronomy

• May 5 - The spiral galaxy M61 was discovered in the constellation Virgo by Barnabus Oriani

Technology

• The Iron Bridge was completed across the Severn river 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)