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Challis, James, 1803 - 1882 (astronomer and physicist)

 Person

Found in 63 Collections and/or Records:

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 File

Airy's early correspondence, 1819 - 1835

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/802
Scope and Contents

Airy's early correspondence, containing letters from Atkinson, Beddingfield, Buckle, Challis, Crawford, De Morgan, Drinkwater, Guest, Ibbotson, Keeling, Malkin, Marton, Myers, Robley, Rothman, Sutcliffe and Wright, with an index to the correspondents at the end.

Dates: 1819 - 1835
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).
 Fonds

Archives of the University Observatory, its sister body the Solar Physics Observatory, and their successors, the combined Observatories and Institute of Theoretical Astronomy, 1818 - 1999

 Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0265/UA/Obsy
Scope and Contents

The archives comprise the records of internal governance, finance, building and equipment development and astronomical observation, together with several small assortments of personal papers of individuals associated with the University Observatory, its sister and successor bodies, such as G.B. Airy, H.F. Newall and R.O. Redman.

Dates: 1818 - 1999
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: The University Archives are generally freely available to the holder of a reader's ticket for the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library, West Road, Cambridge CB3 9DR. Restrictions on access are imposed on certain categories of sensitive record: financial, governmental and personal, by order of the originating body or under data protection legislation. Access information, including opening hours and how to obtain a reader's ticket, appears as part of the Library's web site (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 File

Astronomical methods, 1851 - 1859

 File
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).
 File

Correspondence on Airy's Ipswich lectures, 1848 - 1851

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/201
Scope and Contents

Correspondence regarding Airy's lectures at Ipswich on astronomy. The initial correspondence concerns the preparations for the lectures, including the provision of apparatus. The later correspondence concerns the publication of the lectures and requests for this work. The correspondents include J. Challis, E. Dunkin, G. Ransome, C. May and R. Sheepshanks. The papers include a proof sheet of the lectures and a syllabus.

Dates: 1848 - 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).
 File

Correspondence on comets, 1832 - 1847

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/92
Scope and Contents Correspondence on comets observed between 1832 and 1847, including Halley's Comet (1835); Encke's Comet (1832, 1835, 1838, 1842); Galle's three comets (1839-1840); Brenniker's Comet (1840); Laugier's Comet (1842); the Great Comet of 1843; Mauvais' three comets (1843, 1845, 1847); Fayé's Comet (1843-44); De Vico's six comets (1844-1846); D'Arrest's Comet (1844); Wilmot's Comet (1844); Colla's Comet (1845 and 1847); Biela's Comet (1845); Brorsen's three comets (1846-1847); and Hind's 1846...
Dates: 1832 - 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).
 File

Correspondence on comets, 1856 - 1858

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/96
Scope and Contents Correspondence on comets, including the Comet of 1556; Comet of 1811; Bruhn's Comet, Encke's Comet; Brorsen's Comet (1857); Klinkerfeus's Comet (1857); the fifth and sixth comets of 1857; the eight comets of 1858; and Fayé's Periodical Comet. The correspondents are a mixture of international astronomers and amateurs, forwarding observations and making requests. They include J.R. Hind, T. Chevallier, G.S.G. Santini, J. Challis, R. Grant, Y. Villarceau, J.J. von Littrow, J.F. Encke and W.C....
Dates: 1856 - 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).
 File

Correspondence on instruments, 1838 - 1849

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/159
Scope and Contents Correspondence concerning improved instruments, new techniques and inventions, and a proposed planetarium and cometarium. The new inventions include improved sextants and sea horizons; a micrometer; a paper on finding Greenwich Time, complete with a drawing; achromatic eyepieces; an improved quadrant; drawings of eye pieces; a heliotrope; and an illuminating process for telescopes. The correspondents include Sir B. Donkin, Sir C. Wood, Sir H.G. Ward, Sir W. Denison, J. Challis, C.B....
Dates: 1838 - 1849
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).
 File

Correspondence on Northumberland's telescope, 1833 - 1841

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/157
Scope and Contents Correspondence on the installation of the Duke of Northumberland's telescope at the University Observatory, Cambridge. The letters covers the initial purchase of the telescope, the refinements made to it, the construction of a new dome to house it, its mounting and its installation. The correspondents include the Duke of Northumberland, Sir F. Beaufort, J. Challis, E.J. Cooper, J. Glaisher, J.F.W. Herschel and many builders and instrument makers. There are various sketches and plans, as well...
Dates: 1833 - 1841
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).
 File

Correspondence on reductions, 1833 - 1847

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/544
Scope and Contents

Correspondence concerning requests for reduced lunar observations, etc.; computation of the geocentric places of the planets; instructions and computations for planetary reductions; Bradley's reduced observations; and reductions of the minor planets. The correspondents include J.W. Lubbock, J.C. Adams, W.S. Stratford, J.F. Encke, F. Baily, J. Challis and P.A. Hansen.

Dates: 1833 - 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).
 File

Correspondence on solar eclipse, 1850 - 1852

 File
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. Fayé, 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).
 File

Correspondence on terrestrial longitude, 1833 - 1848

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/181
Scope and Contents Correspondence on finding terrestrial longitude by testing chronometers at the culmination of Moon and stars. There is material on the longitudes of Chelmsford, Limerick, Port Stephen (Australia), Paris, Edinburgh, Antwerp, Dublin, Armagh, Cambridge, Oxford, Bedford, Hartwell, Portsmouth, Devonport, Hamburg, Liverpool and Regent's Park. The correspondents include E.J. Cooper, J.C. Fremont, P.P. King, W.H.C. Bartlett, Sir F. Beaufort, G. Fisher, E. Sabine, T. Henderson, R. Sheepshanks, J....
Dates: 1833 - 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).
 Sub-Series

Correspondence on transit of Venus, 1869 - 1879

 Sub-Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/277
Scope and Contents Correspondence on instruments used in observing the transit of Venus. The correspondents include J.C. Adams, J. Challis, W. De La Rue, G. Forbes, Messrs C. Frodsham and Co., Messrs Dent and Co., J.H. Dallmeyer and C.J. Corbett. The papers include lists of clocks, with some of their rates; a list of telescopes used in the transit of Venus observations; plans of plate holders for photoheliographs; two photographs of the Corbett 6 1/3" Equatorial Telescope; drawings and a diagram from a...
Dates: 1869 - 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).
 File

Correspondence on visitor admissions, 1855 - 1860

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/708
Scope and Contents Correspondence regarding admissions to visit the Royal Observatory. The volume is divided broadly into requests from the Admiralty to visit the Royal Observatory, introductions on behalf of visitors, personal requests to visit the Observatory, questionnaires for visitors, and instructions to assistants to receive visitors. The correspondents include J. Washington, J. Field, W.H. Sykes, J.W. Lubbock, B.A. Gould, J.C. Adams, J.R. Hind, J.E. Grey, J.A. Brown, J.D. Forbes, R. Fitzroy, J....
Dates: 1855 - 1860
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).
 File

Correspondence with computers, 1855 - 1860

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/553
Scope and Contents

Correspondence with, primarily, lunar computers concerning the engagement of computers, office regulations and the conduct of computers, occasional orders and tasks to be performed, testimonials, leave of absence, and accounts and salaries. The correspondents include Lord Wrottesley, J. Challis, R. Grant, M.J. Johnson, G. Fisher, J. Washington and J. Glaisher.

Dates: 1855 - 1860
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).
 File

Correspondence with Nautical Almanac Office, 1827 - 1848

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/203
Scope and Contents Correspondence with the Nautical Almanac Office, primarily with W.S. Stratford over the 'Nautical Almanac', and including topics such as the minor planets, Jupiter's satellites, Halley's and Encke's Comets, and errors in the 'Nautical Almanac' and Greenwich observations. There is further correspondence with the British Association for the Advancement of Science on the subject of producing a comprehensive star catalogue and reductions. The correspondents include Sir J. Barrow, Sir J. South,...
Dates: 1827 - 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).
 File

Correspondence with scientific bodies, 1836 - 1848

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/401
Scope and Contents Correspondence with various local scientific societies, the Italian and French institutes and the British Association for the Advancement of Science, with related papers. The material includes rules, grants of money, and meetings and lists of members of the British Association, with reports from 'Le Constitutionnel' and the 'Journal of Commerce' on the Association's Congress at Oxford. There is also a map of York (1844) and papers on the Historical Society of Science, the Institution of...
Dates: 1836 - 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).
 File

Correspondence with tradesmen, 1845 - 1847

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/719
Scope and Contents

Correspondence with tradesmen, initials A-M, including letters from instrument makers; oil refiners; coal merchants; and booksellers. There is also correspondence with Cooper, Challis and Brooke. The papers include a catalogue for an auction by Messrs Bullock of telescopes, object glasses, opera glasses and Daguerreotype apparatus. There is also a Penny Red Stamp on folio 45.

Dates: 1845 - 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).
 File

Harton pendulum experiments, 1854 - 1877

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/212
Scope and Contents

Correspondence, letters A-L, regarding pendulum experiments at Harton, including a letter to the Academie des Sciences, correspondence with the Admiralty, and correspondence with, among others, J. Anderson, G.A. Biddell, J.R. Hind, R.C. Carrington, Professor J. Challis, G.S. Criswick, E. Dunkin, W. Ellis, Professor M. Faraday, J. Glaisher, E. Green, Sir John Herschel, Lt Col. James and M.J. Johnson.

Dates: 1854 - 1877
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).
 File

Letters from observatories, 1847 - 1848

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/141
Scope and Contents

Letters from various observatories on filling vacancies, grant testimonials and orders for observations to be performed. The correspondents include W.C. Bond, J. Challis, O. Struve, O.M. Mitchel, C.P. Smyth, Lord Wrottesley, the Earl of Rosse, W.H. Sykes, P.P. King, Sir B. Hawes, R. Sheepshanks, Sir H.G. Ward and C. Pasley. Some of the later names were associated with the government. The volume also includes two copies of a report by C.P. Smyth on the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh.

Dates: 1847 - 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).
 File

Letters from observatories, 1849

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/142
Scope and Contents Letters from various observatories on filling vacancies, requests for information and for advice on instruments, and the formation of new observatories. The correspondents include J.R. Hind, C. Pasley, T. Maclear (a testimonial), J. Challis, W.S. Jacob, R. Sheepshanks, C.P. Smyth, G. Fisher, C. Pritchard, O.M. Mitchel, Captain P.P. King, Sir J.F.W. Herschel, W.R. Dawes and J.P. Nichol. There are communications with J.D. Forbes on the possibility of time balls at Edinburgh; reports by the...
Dates: 1849
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).
 File

Letters from observatories, 1848 - 1852

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/143
Scope and Contents Letters from various observatories on filling vacancies, building new observatories at Blackheath and the West Midlands, and improving existing observatories (e.g. by erecting new time balls in Quebec). The correspondents include R. Sheepshanks, J.F.W. Herschel, J.D. Forbes, C.P. Smyth, Sir B. Hawes, M.J. Johnson, W.H. Miller, J. Challis, Sir F. Beaufort and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. There are reports on the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh, and two reports on Liverpool Observatory...
Dates: 1848 - 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).
 File

Letters from observatories, 1853 - 1855

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/144
Scope and Contents Letters from various observatories on filling vacancies, the construction of time balls at Sydney and New Brunswick (with a plan), and the establishment of new observatories at Nottingham, Bristol and other locations. The correspondents include J. Challis, Sir W. Denison, C.E. Trevelyan, J.R. Hind, R. Stephenson, C.P. Smyth, C. Pritchard and M.J. Johnson. There are also two reports on Liverpool Observatory, a paper on Brussels Observatory, and a piece from 'Le Moniteur Universel' on the...
Dates: 1853 - 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).
 File

Letters from observatories, 1860 - 1863

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/147
Scope and Contents Letters from various British and international observatories on filling vacancies, new equipment and the new observatory at Williamstown, Victoria. The correspondents include C. Todd, R.C. Carrington, J. Challis, C.P. Smyth, R. Grant, W. Lassell, N.R. Pogson, J.M. Gillis, W.S. Jacobs and R.L.J. Ellery. There is also a report on the Glasgow Observatory by R. Grant; a report on the Liverpool Observatory by J. Hartrup; a Spanish account by R.R. de Sousa Pinto on the Madrid, Paris, Brussels and...
Dates: 1860 - 1863
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).
 File

Letters from observatories, 1852 - 1858

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/145
Scope and Contents Letters from various British and international observatories on filling vacancies, explanation of the mechanism and construction of time balls at Copenhagen and Edinburgh, the establishment of an observatory at Quebec, and the purchase of chronometers for the Lisbon Observatory. The correspondents include Admiral Radstock, B.A. Gould, J. Glaisher, J. Challis, C.P. Smyth, M.J. Johnson, J.F.W. Herschel and C. Frodsham. There are reports on the Brussels Observatory, 1852-1853, by L.A. Quetelet;...
Dates: 1852 - 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).
 File

Letters from observatories, 1859 - 1861

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/146
Scope and Contents Letters from various British and international observatories on filling vacancies, plans for new improvements at Madras, and the formation of new observatories at Williamstown, Victoria, and other locations. The correspondents include E. Dunkin, J. Challis, R.C. Carrington, O.M. Mitchel, J.D. Forbes, R. Grant, Sir E. Sabine, Lord Wrottesley, N.R. Pogson, Professor Baden Powell, J.F.W. Herschel and R.L.J. Ellery. There are also tracings for the proposed Adelaide Observatory; a piece from 'The...
Dates: 1859 - 1861
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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Royal Greenwich Observatory (GBR/0180) 62
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Subject
Astronomical observatories 8
Liverpool 7
Astronomical telescopes 3
Australia 3
Brussels 3