Wants WS to make a choice between the several skeleton forms JH has devised for recording astronomical observations. Also comments on orbit of Gamma Virginis and 30 Scorpii, as well as Encke's Comet.
Showing 21–40 of 90 items
The Sir John Herschel Collection
The preparation of the print Calendar of the Correspondence of Sir John Herschel (Michael J. Crowe ed., David R. Dyck and James J. Kevin assoc. eds, Cambridge, England: Cambridge Univ. Press, 1998, viii + 828 pp) which was funded by the National Science Foundation, took ten years. It was accomplished by a team of seventeen professors, visiting scholars, graduate students, advanced undergraduates, and staff working at the University of Notre Dame.
The first online version of Calendar was created in 2009 by Dr Marvin Bolt and Steven Lucy, working at the Webster Institute of the Adler Planetarium, and it is that data that has now been reformatted for incorporation into Ɛpsilon.
Further information about Herschel, his correspondence, and the editorial method is available online here: http://historydb.adlerplanetarium.org/herschel/?p=intro
No texts of Herschel’s letters are currently available through Ɛpsilon.
Wants WS to make a choice between the several skeleton forms JH has devised for recording astronomical observations. Also comments on orbit of Gamma Virginis and 30 Scorpii, as well as Encke's Comet.
As no one seemed to be finding Biela's Comet, JH sat up several nights looking for it and now has located it.
Explains, according to the laws of probability, how the arrows should have been distributed on the archery target at St. Leonard's, and compares that with the actual distribution.
Informs WS that JH located Encke's Comet the previous night, and gives the location.
Discusses contribution of WS's son, C. P. Smyth, as Thomas Maclear's assistant. Discusses observations of Halley's Comet, Gamma Virginis, other celestial objects, and the use of a double image micrometer.
Suggests method to check the effectiveness of James Dunlop's work at Paramatta Obsrvatory..
Believes that Thomas Galloway's paper on solar motion deserves a medal.
Sends WS William Herschel's chromatic observations of Beta Cygni. Completing 'Catalogue of Nebulae.' Works on translating Book IX of Iliad; fears he will not complete translation of Iliad.
Astronomical Society will lend instruments, including a Beaufoy Clock and a transit circle, to WS for his observations.
Agrees to support C. P. Smyth for membership in R.S.L. Objects to C. P. Smyth's statement regarding his discoveries observing at high altitudes. Stresses importance of variable star work.
Success of C. P. Smyth's Teneriffe expedition pleases JH; anxious for declination of nebulae taken from high altitudes. Upset over G. J. Stoney's reproduction of JH's collimating telescope without giving him credit.
Asks WS to take the chair at the next meeting of the R.A.S [probably concerning the Adams-Leverrier dispute].
Suggests John Lubbock's improvements in calculating planetary perturbations be discussed at a R.A.S. meeting. Plans to bring subject before the Council.
Asks WS if possible to enclose a note by Francis Beaufort to John Russell concerning request for pension for Thomas Maclear. Lays aside double star observations; continues work on orbit equation.
Skeptical of reports of seeing Jupiter's satellites with the naked eye.
Thanks WS for having accepted his medal from R.A.S. Finds that the [Thomas] Brisbane Catalogue contains insufficient right ascension information, complicating reduction observations. Observed Halley's Comet.
Concerned over the fact the retiring pension for John Russell does not provide for his wife and children.
Discusses the naming of a Plateau of Brussels. Discusses names to go on list; gives JH's and Michael Faraday's recommendations.
Observed two known satellites of Uranus, confirming William Herschel's observations. States, 'I am sure there are more than two.'
Compliments WS on a written address. Describes how to set up a telescope to avoid unnecessary vibration; includes diagram.