Thanks WS for C. P. Smyth drawings of Cape monument and Gamma Virginis observations. Notes J. H. Mädler's work on double stars and the doubt that they obey the inverse square law. Discusses use of photography in astronomy.
Thanks WS for C. P. Smyth drawings of Cape monument and Gamma Virginis observations. Notes J. H. Mädler's work on double stars and the doubt that they obey the inverse square law. Discusses use of photography in astronomy.
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.
Sends comet observations from W. S. Jacob. Obtains 'another excellent epoch of Gamma Virginis.'
Francis Beaufort to publish comet information; also wants JH's opinion as to what data should be sent to Cape Observatory. James South will lecture at Royal Institution. South's requests for several historical astronomical instruments refused.
Requests copy of JH's observations made in 1811. Asks latest opinion of JH on Gamma Virginis before the publication of his Cycle of Celestial Objects for the Use of Naval, Military, and Private Astronomers.
Will review all Gamma Virginis observations before revising orbit. Catalogue of major nebulae complete; will work on minor nebulae next.
Sends JH's 1817 observations; cannot locate any he made in 1811. Tells WS Gamma Virginis measurements will take more time.
JH's theory of orbits of Castor and Gamma Virginis. Observations of Gamma Virginis by W. R. Dawes and by WS.
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.
Agrees with JH opinions of Gamma Virginis orbit. Sends JH a drawing by C. P. Smyth of Halley's Comet.
Sends calculations of Gamma Virginis and determines its eccentricity. Believes the orbit is highly elongated, like that of a comet.
Pleased with JH's Gamma Virginis results. Mr. Visconti made head of Military Geographical Institute at Naples.
Devises and suggests mode of micrometric measurement of angles.
Problems with computation of Gamma Virginis.
Offers condolences to Ann Smyth. WS's calculation of Gamma Virginis orbit surprises JH. Concerned about accurate methods of calculation. Remarks on excavation of Chelsea mammoth.
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.
Sends diagram of the 'little sweeper,' which is now at Hanover with 94-year-old Caroline Herschel.
Thomas Henderson discovered a comet on 2 December. Thanks JH for diagram of JH's comet-sweeping telescope.
Skeptical of reports of seeing Jupiter's satellites with the naked eye.