Observations on the various ways of measuring angular positions (of double stars). Opinion on JH publishing his catalogue of nebulae. Remarks on the low standard of astronomical observations in England compared with the Continent.
Showing 1–10 of 10 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.
Observations on the various ways of measuring angular positions (of double stars). Opinion on JH publishing his catalogue of nebulae. Remarks on the low standard of astronomical observations in England compared with the Continent.
Will observe transit [of Mercury] hoping it will provide good meridian data. Encloses sketch of telescope in Bedford.
Regarding instructions for James Dunlop at Parramatta Observatory. Richard Copeland has been reappointed to the Meteor, now renamed Beacon.
Is proposing to visit the continent after the Oxford meeting to make observations and intends taking some meteorological instruments. Would like JH's advice on some points regarding the large thermometer filled with a blue liquid.
Has heard that JH is publishing an attack on JS's double star observations made in France. Is this correct?
In preparation for foreign travel, asks JH about instruments and method for measuring radiation.
Giving the dates of the visitation day. Also the date of the next meeting of the R.A.S. Has been experimenting with pendulums.
Is sending letters from Thomas Henderson, the Cape Astronomer, also observations from St. Helena.
Sends Gamma Virginis observations. Devotes time to nautical astronomy; experiments with formulae for calculating occultations. Takes interest in eclipse of Jovian satellites.
Is grateful for JH's letter and offer of assistance. Will come to London earlier than expected so that he can call on him and discuss his problems before foreign travel. Would be glad of an introduction to Mario Gemmellaro and other scientists JH thinks would help him in his studies.