Encourages WS to spend time observing nebulae and double stars, especially the latter, 'since [James] South has given up observing, and [W. R.] Dawes is in habitual ill health.'
Showing 21–40 of 200 items
Encourages WS to spend time observing nebulae and double stars, especially the latter, 'since [James] South has given up observing, and [W. R.] Dawes is in habitual ill health.'
Received WS's note about G. B. Airy's action regarding new warrant for Board of Visitors. Feels that Airy's cooperation is necessary in light of anomalous position of one board member. Recommends referring matter to Admiralty.
Prof. Barlow's paper on 'fluid refractor' leaves WS doubting JH's report of Beta Capricorni.
Extract from observations of 70 Ophiuchi by F. W. Bessel. Results agree with WS's measurements by different method and increase WS's confidence. Hopes for more information on Gamma Virginis before finalizing WS's manuscript.
JH's theory of orbits of Castor and Gamma Virginis. Observations of Gamma Virginis by W. R. Dawes and by WS.
Problems with computation of Gamma Virginis.
Thanks for inspecting WS's [manuscript] and noting errors. Computations by Mr. Hinde [J. R. Hind?] from observations of Gamma Virginis by WS.
Encloses copy of 29 July 1846 letter from G. B. Airy, who refuses to act on any further recommendations from Board of Visitors so long as James South is member of Board. Insinuations by South in R. H. Inglis's motion before House of Commons are deemed malevolent by Airy, who no longer considers South competent to guide scientific inquiry.
Excellent weather for observations of variable colors [in stars].
Discusses WS's comparison of results with transit circle and Astronomical Society catalogue.
Apologizes for incident at meeting; feels partially at fault for encouraging WS to speak on the subject. Advises WS on his microscope order. Stays at Slough because of good observing conditions.
Suggests that phenomenon in observing Jupiter satellite was an optical illusion. Asks WS to observe spots on Mars to confirm observations of William Pearson. Asks WS to contribute to W. S. Stratford memorial.
Thanks WS for excerpt from Niccolo Cacciatore's letter; comments on the awarding of medals for merit, and points out some necessary conditions which must be considered if the observations of the satellites of Jupiter are to be used in determining the constant of aberration.
Advises WS on best ways to make a 'darkening glass' for solar observations. Also suggests method for delineating sunspots. Hopes WS will attend Nautical Almanac meeting and support his points. Completes two telescope mirrors and observes Uranian satellites. Asks WS to look for a double star between Beta1 and Beta2 Capricorni.
Discusses WS's observations of double stars and method of averaging positional determinations. Believes he has verified the two Uranian satellites observed by William Herschel.
Sends double star observations and periods. Asks WS if he has met W. R. Dawes. JH believes JH's eyes to be lacking in light sensitivity.
Notes that 36 Ophiuchi and 30 Scorpii have parallel proper motion; believes that James South overestimates the importance of this fact. Suggests double stars for WHS to observe.
Recommends WS pay attention to planetary nebulae, solid clusters, and double stars in his observations. JH lists some of each.
Returned from Hanover visit. Observed the star WS had discovered between 36 Ophiuchi and 30 Scorpii. Requests WS to observe a nebula in which JH has spotted a triple star. H. C. Schumacher is recovering from illness, while H. W. M. Olbers is very ill and not expected to recover.
Sends positions of Biela's Comet. Has much success with repolished telescope mirrors and collimator. Designs equatorial revolving roof for Cape observations; sends sketches. Compares WS's, W. R. Dawes's, and JH's observations of Gamma Virginis.