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Smyth, Charles Piazzi, 1819 - 1900 (astronomer)

 Person

Found in 80 Collections and/or Records:

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Astronomical methods, 1851 - 1859

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/169
Scope and Contents Miscellaneous astronomical methods concerned primarily with the altazimuth and equatorial telescopes and the construction of piers for the transit circle, and mentioning mirrors, lenses and barrel and pendulum clocks. The correspondents include T. Barnaby, W.C. and G.P. Bond, I.K. Brunel, W. De La Rue, C.P. Smyth, C.A.F. Peters, J.T.R. Robinson, C. Wheatstone, J. Challis, E. Dunkin, M. Faraday, T. Grubb, W. Lassell, O.M. Mitchel, Lord Rosse and W. Simms. The volume includes a photograph of a...
Dates: 1851 - 1859
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Cards of visitors, 1835 - 1852

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/712
Scope and Contents

Personal and business cards of visitors to the Royal Observatory, including B. Donkin, J.V. Lamont, C.V. Walker, W. Siemens, W.H. Smyth, A. d'Abbadie, R.C. Carrington, G.P. Bond, B.A. Gould, W. Cassell and C. Brennicke. A large proportion of the cards belonged to foreign visitors.

Dates: 1835 - 1852
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Comparisons of north polar distances, 1878 - 1879

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/199
Scope and Contents

Comparisons of north polar distances in the first and second seven year and nine year star catalogues and for circumpolar stars, with corrections to those comparisons. There is a catalogue of 384 transit stars and a short paper by A.M.W. Downing on refraction. The correspondents include W.H.M. Christie, A. d'Abbadie, J.R. Hind, A.V. Auwers, C.P. Smyth, T.H. Safford, E. Dunkin and O. Struve.

Dates: 1878 - 1879
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Computations to find the constant of refraction, 1857

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/202
Scope and Contents

Computations by R. Main in order to find the constant of refraction. The papers include a catalogue of stars from 1836-1854 suitable for determining refractions; corrections; errors in the constants of refraction; and comparisons of T. Maclear's Cape of Good Hope observations with those undertaken at Greenwich. There is one letter from C.P. Smyth.

Dates: 1857
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Correspondence, notes and computations, 1835 - 1850

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 15/31
Scope and Contents Miscellaneous correspondence, notes and computations in sixteen sections:(1) (i) Lists of papers; (ii) a note on the transmission of papers to R. Sheepshanks; (iii) a list of papers belonging to F. Fallows, written by Samuel Johnson, 20 June 1835; and (iv) a letter to G.B. Airy from T. Henderson regarding the reduction of Fallows's observations.(2) Correspondence with G.B. Airy, 12 December 1845 - 29 October 1849, regarding the printing and reduction of F. Fallows's...
Dates: 1835 - 1850
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Correspondence on chronometer errors and rates, 1849 - 1854

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/598
Scope and Contents

Correspondence on errors and rates of chronometers, including the foundation of time balls at Demerara and C.P. Smyth's account of the Time Ball at the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh. There are also enquiries on various chronometers, including those used on the 'Bounty'. The correspondents include F. Beaufort, C.P. Smyth and E. Sabine.

Dates: 1849 - 1854
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Correspondence on galvanic time, 1855 - 1858

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/613
Scope and Contents Correspondence and related papers on the communication of time by the Post Office telegraph. There are papers on the trials, costs and tests of clocks on the network; the regulation of clocks; proposals for time signals to be sent to naval dockyards from Greenwich; time balls at Portsmouth, Devonport, Sheerness, Glasgow, Hamburg, Liverpool and the City Observatory, London; and a report by Airy on the workings of the Devonport Time Ball and sketches of its galvanic arrangement. The...
Dates: 1855 - 1858
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Correspondence on instruments, 1853 - 1854

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/166
Scope and Contents Correspondence on new techniques, requests for advice and new instruments. There are requests for transit circles from the Portuguese government, Upsala, Sweden, and Albany, U.S.A.; a description by Airy of the Greenwich transit circle; experiments with mercury and photography, including two early pictures of the Sun; improved sextants and clocks; a 'universal instrument'; and an account of the instruments used by the ancient Chinese astronomers. The correspondents include E. Dunkin,...
Dates: 1853 - 1854
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Correspondence on meteorological instruments, 1880 - 1909

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 7/120
Scope and Contents *This item is currently restricted for health and safety reasons.*Correspondence with J.F. Campbell concerning sunshine recordings, including traces on green card from a solar-recording instrument and diagrams, 1881-1883.Correspondence with D. Winstanley, 1881, concerning his instrument for recording the duration and intensity of sunshine, including:1. 'A facsimile of a record of the duration of sunshine made by the Apparatus Winstanley'.2. 'Winstanley's...
Dates: 1880 - 1909
Conditions Governing Access: This item is currently restricted for health and safety reasons.
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Correspondence on new techniques and discoveries, 1850 - 1851

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/163
Scope and Contents Correspondence concerning new techniques and discoveries, including O.M. Mitchel's method of recording transits and north polar distances; a paper on J. Locke's electro-chronograph for the House of Representatives; conducted experiments and newspaper articles; the velocity of the galvanic current through telegraph wires, from 'The Daily Evening Traveller'; a clock for uniform motion by W.H. Miller, with drawings; a paper by Sir W. Siemens, in French, on telegraphs; M.J. Johnson's heliometer;...
Dates: 1850 - 1851
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Correspondence on observatories, 1834 - 1847

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/140
Scope and Contents Correspondence and requests for advice relating primarily to the establishment of observatories in various localities, including in North America. There are also letters concerning University Chairs and correspondence with the Treasury on financial matters. The correspondents include the Duke of Northumberland, M.J. Johnson, S.H. Christie, R. Sheepshanks, Sir T.M. Brisbane, W.S. Stratford, W.H.C. Bartlett, J. Glaisher, J.P. Nichol, J.W. Lubbuck, J.Q. Adams, J.M. Gillis, J.D. Forbes, C.P....
Dates: 1834 - 1847
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Correspondence on solar eclipse, 1850 - 1852

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/119
Scope and Contents A book devoted to the total solar eclipse of 28 July 1851, comprised mainly of correspondence on preparations and issuing instructions to professional and amateur astronomers. The correspondence includes letters to J. Challis, E.J. Cooper, J.F. Encke, H. Fox-Talbot, H.A.E.A. FayƩ, J.D. Forbes, J.F.W. Herschel, W. Lassell, Sir J.W. Lubbock, R. Stephenson, H.U. Addington and Lord H.E. Stanley of Alderley. There are a considerable number of requests from many amateur astronomers.The...
Dates: 1850 - 1852
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Correspondence on the Cape Observatory, 1845 - 1848

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 15/92
Scope and Contents Correspondence entitled 'Cape Observatory and Survey 1845 to 1848. Printing 1839-1848', divided into ten sections:'Fallows's Observations and Henderson's Observations': correspondence between G.B. Airy, T. Maclear and the Admiralty, including a list compiled by C.P. Smyth of Henderson's Cape manuscripts, dated 24 July 1847.Papers relating to assistants at the Cape Observatory, 1846.'Instruments for the Cape Observatory': correspondence, 6 March 1846 - 19 April 1848,...
Dates: 1845 - 1848
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Correspondence on the Cape Observatory, 1827 - 1845

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 15/28
Scope and Contents Correspondence and some related papers regarding different aspects of the work and the instruments at the Cape Observatory, together with the Cape Survey, divided into five sections:N1. Cape Observations, General:Official Instructions to the Cape Astronomer, containing letters of instruction to F. Fallows and T. Maclear.Observations of Mauvais' Comet by Maclear at the Cape of Good Hope, August-October 1844.General correspondence with Maclear, including letters...
Dates: 1827 - 1845
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Sub-Series

Correspondence on the Edinburgh Equatorial, 1871 - 1876

 Sub-Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/178
Scope and Contents

Correspondence (chiefly copies) between C.P. Smyth and Sir H. Grubb on the Edinburgh Equatorial Telescope and a spectroscope. The letters cover the contract for the work, its construction and specification, and disagreement between the two parties as to whether the contract had been adequately fulfilled. Airy was the initial arbitrator, but W.H.M. Christie was finally appointed to resolve the controversy. There are also plans for the spectroscope.

Dates: 1871 - 1876
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Correspondence on the Southern Telescope, 1852 - 1853

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/165
Scope and Contents Correspondence on the establishment of a 'Southern Telescope', including a resolution for establishing a large southern telescope; the foundation of the Southern Telescope Committee; printed correspondence with the Southern Telescope Committee, including drawings, mounting of the telescope and posts for observers; and letters from W. Cubitt, Sir W. Denison, T. Maclear, J. Nasmyth, the Earl of Rosse, E. Sabine, W.H. Smyth, C.P. Smyth (with his report for the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh) and...
Dates: 1852 - 1853
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Correspondence on time balls and signals, 1875 - 1878

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/618
Scope and Contents Correspondence and related papers on the time signal and time ball service, including the failures of the Greenwich time signal; notes and a report on the time signals at Portsmouth Dockyard; questions and answers on the Edinburgh time signals; a list of British time signal stations; enquiries from various individuals and the Norwegian and Swedish governments on time signals; time balls proposed for Calcutta and the West Indies; errors and corrections in the Westminster and Post Office...
Dates: 1875 - 1878
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Correspondence on time balls and signals, 1861 - 1866

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/615
Scope and Contents Correspondence and related papers on the time signal and the time ball service. There are various papers on the signalling of time by a falling ball or by cannon fire at Birmingham, Cardiff, Devonport, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Madras, Newcastle, Nice and the Palais Royale, Paris; proposals for time balls at Wellington (New Zealand), Ipswich, and Port Elizabeth; proposals for clocks and bells in Worcester; details of local time signals in 'The Scotsman', 'Daily Review', 'Glasgow Daily Herald',...
Dates: 1861 - 1866
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Correspondence with scientific societies, 1857 - 1858

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/407
Scope and Contents Correspondence with various scientific societies, with related papers. The papers include notices, agendas, minutes and proceedings for the British Association and the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society; H. Lloyd's presidential address to the British Association; reports on magnetism and meteorological observatories and the Kew Committee; R. Owen's address to the British Association; Airy's lecture and demonstrations on astronomy to the Bury St Edmunds Athenaeum, with a poster and...
Dates: 1857 - 1858
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Correspondence with telegraph companies, 1860 - 1866

 Sub-Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/630
Scope and Contents Correspondence with various telegraph companies concerned mainly with the failure of time signals, the refurbishment and repairs of wires, the connections with the Royal Observatory, and the trials of overhead wires. There are papers regarding tests on the Dartford Earth current wires; the damage and restoration of telegraph wires due to snowstorms; Airy's details of telegraphic equipment and methods employed at the Royal Observatory, found in 'Description of the galvanic connexions'; a...
Dates: 1860 - 1866
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Discussion of star places, 1849 - 1855

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/194
Scope and Contents

Correspondence on the positions of stars, observations of stars mentioned in catalogues, corrections to star positions, and examination and formulation of star tables for catalogues. The correspondents include W.H. Smyth, E.J. Cooper, A. Graham, J.C. Adams, T. Maclear, H.C. Schumacher, J.R. Hind, U.J.J. Le Verrier, R.C. Carrington, G.P. Bond, E. Dunkin, N.R. Pogson, O. Struve, M.J. Johnson, E. Heis and J.C. Miller.

Dates: 1849 - 1855
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Discussion of star places, 1755 - 1862

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/195
Scope and Contents Correspondence on the position and identity of stars; requests for star catalogues; parts of star catalogues, including Maskelyne's star ledgers, 1755-1816; and some computations. There are brief papers by R.C. Carrington on 20 circumpolar stars; works on variable stars by N.R. Pogson; drawings of the ring and dumb-bell nebulae by W. Lassell; and treatments of the Great Nebula in Orion by G.P. Bond and O. Struve. There is also a piece on variable stars from the 'Aberdeen Free Press' and a...
Dates: 1755 - 1862
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Discussion of star places, 1847 - 1868

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/196
Scope and Contents Correspondence on the position and identity of stars, variable motions of stars, computations of star's positions, lists of stars and comparisons of stars and nebula. There are brief papers by G.P. Bond on a companion star to Sirius and a list of new nebulae and star clusters, 1847-1863, as observed at Harvard Observatory, U.S.A. There are also French circulars on nebulae, a list of stars observed on the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India, and French ephemerides of fundamental stars. The...
Dates: 1847 - 1868
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Discussion of star places, 1864 - 1874

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/197
Scope and Contents Correspondence on the formulation of star catalogues, listings of stars, observations of circumpolar stars, corrections to star positions, double stars and work on nebulae and star clusters. There is a paper of nebulae and star clusters as observed at Bangalore, India, and a piece by R.A. Proctor from the 'Scientific Review' on the Great Nebula in Orion. The correspondents include F.W.A. Argelander, A. Wagner, A.R. Clarke, A.V. Auwers, W.H.M. Christie, E. Dunkin, F.A.T. Winnecke, S. Newcomb,...
Dates: 1864 - 1874
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Discussion of star places, 1874 - 1878

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/198
Scope and Contents Correspondence on the position and identity of stars, requests for star places, lists of stars and references to previous works on star positions. There are observations of clock stars, comparisons of stars, determination of the Greenwich latitude from observing circumpolar stars, two pictures representing zodiacal light, a paper on observing lists of stars, and a piece on double stars in 'English Mechanic' and 'World of Science'. The correspondents include A.V. Auwers, R. Copeland, Sir D....
Dates: 1874 - 1878
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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