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.
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.
Sends apologies to William Lassell for omission of discovery credit.
Will miss R.A.S. meeting; asks WS to take chair. William Lassell announces discovery of Hyperion; believes he may have also observed an eighth satellite of Saturn.
Asks WS opinion of attaining a civil pension for N. R. Pogson in honor of his astronomical accomplishment.
Devises and suggests mode of micrometric measurement of angles.
Has heard WS is publishing an English translation of François Arago's astronomical writings. Urges against including Arago's lectures if the Italian translation is indicative of their level of accuracy. Lists numerous errors in that edition. [Marked 'not sent.' Note added to CDraft (RS:HS 25.13.13) states: 'A letter differently worded but noting some of these points, but not all (for particular reasons) if I remember right was sent.'
Comments on WS's publication on sidereal chromatics. Believes validity of doctrine of three primary colors proved.
Reaches conclusion about Gamma Virginis. States in regard to shape of orbit, 'We are all wrong.' Believes the orbit is less than 150 years. Claims that many errors exist in British measurements made between 1829 and 1834.
Suggests Mr. Rüppell apply to Council of R.A.S. for copy of medal. Mentions the head on the medal is [Isaac] Newton's, not William Herschel's.
Sends calculations of Gamma Virginis and determines its eccentricity. Believes the orbit is highly elongated, like that of a comet.
Doubtful over WS's angle for Gamma Virginis; urges precision in measurement. Hopes to obtain moon map from R.A.S. during next visit to London. Unable to solve Aristarchus puzzle.
Sends JH's 1817 observations; cannot locate any he made in 1811. Tells WS Gamma Virginis measurements will take more time.
Sends paper by F. W. A. Argelander, which G. B. Airy wishes to have published. Revising chapter on perturbations in his Treatise Astr. Will include theory of motions of the apsides and the variations of the eccentricities.
Sends data concerning double stars and new form for making observations of them.