Details sighting of Halley's Comet; sends chart of dates, times, right ascension, and declination. Receives letter from Niccolo Cacciatore, which 'gives hopes of a new planet.'
Showing 81–100 of 181 items
Details sighting of Halley's Comet; sends chart of dates, times, right ascension, and declination. Receives letter from Niccolo Cacciatore, which 'gives hopes of a new planet.'
W. R. Dawes observes sub-division of Saturn's rings. WS continues observing double stars recommended by JH.
Asks JH for description of JH's 'little sweeper' telescope; plans to give a sketch of it in WS's book.
Receives report on poor state of Paramatta Observatory. Encloses letter from Thomas Brisbane, who believes James Dunlop should be removed from his post of authority there.
Sends copy of J. R. Hind's observations of Gamma Virginis; believes they are 'too slow.' Also sends report of the Charter Committee of the R.S.L. Believes R.S.L. not selective enough. Has difficultly using JH's method of magnitude determination.
Asks JH to recommend C. P. Smyth for R.S.L. fellowship. Will avoid R.S.L. meetings due to declining health. Considers a second edition of Cycle of Celestial Objects.
Thanks JH for discovering an important error in a work WS asked him to proof read. Asks JH about a variable in Canis Minor over which there is some debate.
Discusses magnitude determination. Refers to incident in which one of WS's sons will be removed from his position but not given poor references. W. S. Jacob sends double star measurements.
Elaborates on JH's questions concerning the Mediterranean. Refers him to Capt. [T. A. B.] Spratt.
Refers to a discovery made at the R.S.L., which, despite being based on 'circumstantial evidence,' convinces WS of its truth.
Gratitude for [Cape Results]. Feels JH 'let off [James] Dunlop in a softer stile than he deserves.'
Thanks WS on behalf of JH's brother-in-law [Peter Stewart?] for acting on [Peter Stewart's?] behalf to make him a member [?]. Comments on some comet sightings.
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.
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.