Astronomical observatories
Subject
Subject Source: UK Archival Thesaurus
Found in 99 Collections and/or Records:
Fonds
Maps, Plans and Technical Drawings, c.1715-1998
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 101
Scope and Contents
Cataloguing and conservation of this class is still in progress. For all queries and requests for access, please contact the RGO Archivist, Dr Emma Saunders, at els57@cam.ac.uk.A large collection of technical drawings and plans of telescopes, instruments and buildings of the Royal Observatory Greenwich and RGO Herstmonceux.The largest series (RGO 101/1) comprises drawings made internally by the RGO's Drawing Office, and later, 'Drawing and Design Offices', based at...
Dates:
c.1715-1998
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).
Series
Newspaper cuttings on the RGO and astronomy, 1922 - 1998
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 190
Scope and Contents
A set of press cuttings on the subjects of astronomy, the RGO, its move to Herstmonceux Castle and later to Cambridge, and its subsequent closure. Significant cuttings include coverage of the Moon landings (1968), the Space Race, the Apollo 13 disaster (1970), Halley's Comet (1986), images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope, Comet Shoemaker-Levi’s collision with Jupiter (1994), Comet Hale-Bopp (1997), and the Galileo mission to Jupiter.Early coverage is sporadic, with cuttings...
Dates:
1922 - 1998
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
Observations and correspondence, 1786 - 1829
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/48
Scope and Contents
Observations and correspondence regarding miscellaneous astronomical matters.
Dates:
1786 - 1829
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).
Organization
Series
Overseas Observatories including Saudi Arabian Telescope Project Papers, 1963 - 1985
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 135
Scope and Contents
Files concerning RGO advisory work with overseas observatories, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Most concern the RGO's involvement with the Saudi Arabia Telescope Project, a project to set up a new National Observatory in Saudi Arabia and a proposed large radio telescope for Riyadh University. There are also two files relating to RGO advisory work with Helwan Observatory and Kottamia Observatory in Egypt, including an inspection of instruments carried out in 1965. The final file...
Dates:
1963 - 1985
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).
Series
Papers of 'The Observatory' magazine, 1922 - 1983
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 84
Scope and Contents
The collection comprises an incomplete archive of the business papers of ‘The Observatory’ from 1922 to 1983 (mostly covering 1939-1975). The papers are arranged in four series: financial records, general correspondence and business files, reprints files, and miscellaneous print material. The bulk of the collection consists of editorial correspondence with contributing authors, mainly concerning submissions for publication (RGO 83/2) and reprints (RGO 83/3). Some files include...
Dates:
1922 - 1983
Conditions Governing Access:
The provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998 apply to many of these records.
File
Papers on an observatory for Chile, 1961 - 1962
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 10/921
Scope and Contents
Correspondence regarding a proposed observatory in Chile to be run as a joint European establishment, with minutes of meetings, a drawing and specification of a 40-inch telescope, and a short letter from A. Hunter stating that British participation has been withdrawn.
Dates:
1961 - 1962
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
Papers on British and Empire observatories, 1874 - 1910
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 7/156
Scope and Contents
Papers relating to the appointment of the Radcliffe Observer at Oxford, 1897.Papers relating to the appointment of the Director of the Dunsink Observatory, 1897, including applications from the Royal Observatory staff.Correspondence with Professor Aldis concerning the establishment of the Magnetic and Meteorological Observatory at Auckland, New Zealand, 1890.Papers relating to Bidston Observatory, Liverpool, 1890-1893, including suitable work, 1890; the appointment of...
Dates:
1874 - 1910
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
Papers on Indian observatories, 1892 - 1902
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 7/158
Scope and Contents
(1) General papersEnvelope containing memorandum and correspondence on the Indian observatories committee meetings, 1892-1899, with plans for new observatories at Kodaikanal and Bombay and a memorandum.Envelope containing undated micrometer sketches.(2) Papers relating to the Indian Government ObservatoryCorrespondence and memoranda relating to the supply of two 18-foot domes for the Kodaikanal Observatory, including plans and estimates,...
Dates:
1892 - 1902
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
Papers on observatories, 1896 - 1913
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 7/160
Scope and Contents
(1) Papers on appointments at various observatoriesAssistant at Helwan, 1907.Mechanical Assistant at Helwan, 1908.Ceylon Survey Department, Assistant Astronomer, 1908.Government Astronomer, New South Wales, 1911-1912.First Assistant at Hong Kong, 1912.Candidacy of A.C.D. Crommelin for the Directorship of the Dunsink Observatory, 1912.Appointment of J.E. Evans as Second Assistant at Ceylon, 1912.Appointment of Assistant...
Dates:
1896 - 1913
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
Papers on overseas observatories, 1909 - 1927
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 7/157
Scope and Contents
(1) Papers regarding various overseas observatoriesPapers relating to the closure of Perth Observatory, Western Australia, 1912-1913, including letters from the Royal Society, the Royal Astronomical Society and Sir David Gill and correspondence with Downing Street and the Agent General for Western Australia.Papers relating to the comparison of Greenwich and Helwan Observatory photographs on the introduction of the new telescope at Helwan, 1909-1912.Correspondence with...
Dates:
1909 - 1927
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
Papers on overseas observatories, 1891 - 1908
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 7/161
Scope and Contents
Correspondence with the Colonial Office and various individuals concerning the post of Chief Assistant at the Hong Kong Observatory and a request for the loan of an altazimuth, 1891.Correspondence with Dr Dobeck concerning the Directorship of the Melbourne Observatory, 1892.Correspondence with the Colonial Office concerning the use of the Hong Kong Observatory, 1892.Correspondence with the Tekhtasingi Observatory, Poona, 1895-1901.Article from the 'Town and...
Dates:
1891 - 1908
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
Papers on the Indian Observatories Committee, 1890 - 1935
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 7/159
Scope and Contents
(1) General papersPapers and correspondence with the Indian Office, 1893-1901, including annual reports from observatory directors and a report by the Astronomer Royal on the reorganisation of Indian observatories.Correspondence with members of Indian Observatories Committee, 1894-1899.Correspondence concerning the meeting of 9 December 1903.Correspondence concerning the meeting of 16 May 1905.Correspondence concerning the meeting of 7 February...
Dates:
1890 - 1935
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
Papers on the Sydney and Johannesburg Observatories, 1903 - 1925
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 7/162
Scope and Contents
(1) Papers relating to the Sydney Observatory, New South WalesCorrespondence with W.E. Cooke concerning the depressed state of the observatory and his ideas for improvements in the transit of observations, 1913-1914; the Report of the Board of Visitors, 1916; and a report of an investigation into the staff and work in 1917, with a reply from the Director.Correspondence with W.E. Cooke concerning alterations to astrographic charts, 1924-1925.Letter from W.E. Cooke...
Dates:
1903 - 1925
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
Records of Cambridge University Astronomical Society, 2008 - 2011
Reference Code: GBR/0265/UA/SOC.111
Scope and Contents
Comprise: agenda for committee meeting on Oct. 2010; minutes of committee meetings, Apr. 2008 and May 2011; Chairman's annual report, Apr. 2011; print-out of Chairman's e-mail communications to the membership, 2010-11; calendars of society events, 2009-10, 2010-11; almanac, 2009-10; observing guide, 2009; posters advertising talks, 2009-11; dinner menu, Mar. 2011; design for society T-shirt and sweatshirt, n.d.
Dates:
2008 - 2011
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
The University Archives are generally freely available to the holder of a reader's ticket for the Department of Archives and Modern Manuscripts, 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).
Fonds
Requests for Astronomical Information: celestial phenomena and unidentified flying objects, 1968-1975, 1978
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 83
Scope and Contents
This class consists of requests for astronomical information sent to the Royal Greenwich Observatory between 1968 and 1975. It includes letters from the public, both in the UK and worldwide. Both incoming letters and carbon copies of official responses are preserved, with replies generally signed by Humphry Smith or William (Bill) Nicholson who were joint Press Officers from 1968.The first nine files are letters from the UK, deemed ‘general’ or ‘special’, and each organised in...
Dates:
1968-1975, 1978
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).
Series
RGO La Palma Operations Division and the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory: Papers and Records, c.1980-2015 (mainly to 1998)
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 100
Scope and Contents
Papers, records and photographs for the RGO La Palma Operations Division and the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory. Includes paper files recording day to day administration, a large series of photographic records in albums, various sets of publications relating to telescopes and instruments and a small set of press cuttings.
Dates:
c.1980-2015 (mainly to 1998)
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).
Series
RO and RGO Solar Plates, 1918 - 1979
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 50
Scope and Contents
RGO 50 is the product of a solar observation programme begun in 1873 at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich and continued, from 1953 to 1979, at Royal Greenwich Observatory, Herstmonceux. It primarily consists of a sequence of glass plate negatives of daily observations. Where no plate was produced at Greenwich or Herstmonceux the gap has been filled by sourcing plates from observatories elsewhere around the world, particularly the Indian observatories at Kodaikanal and Dehra Dūn. Observation...
Dates:
1918 - 1979
Conditions Governing Access:
N.B. THIS SERIES IS NOT STORED AT CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY. Requests for access may be directed to the Royal Greenwich Observatory Archivist by sending an email to mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Items RGO 50/747a, 1155a, 50/14971 and 22230 are marked as missing in the original manuscript listing.
Series
RO and RGO Solar Plates Contact Prints, 1873-06-02 - 1972-08-02
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 51
Scope and Contents
The 1873-1917 prints in this class were made from glass plate negatives which are no longer extant. The plates were the product of a solar observation programme begun in 1873 at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich but are thought to have been destroyed in the First World War. The sequence of images is a continuation of RGO 67: Kew Observatory solar photographs (1858-72) and is itself continued by RGO 50: Royal Observatory Greenwich and Royal Greenwich Observatory, Herstmonceux Solar Plates...
Dates:
1873-06-02 - 1972-08-02
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
St John's College, Cambridge: Observatory Notes
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.6229
Scope and Contents
Notes of observations made in the observatory of St John's College, Cambridge, compiled by a member of the college, probably Thomas Catton.
Dates:
1823
Conditions Governing Access:
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).
Series
William Herschel Telescope Papers and Records, 1979 - 1995
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 106
Scope and Contents
Papers and photographs recording the planning and manufacture of the William Herschel Telescope for La Palma Observatory. A series of photograph albums provides a record of the manufacture of the telescope. These include photographs recording the preparation of the 4.2m mirror, and manufacturers' photographs of the mount, tube, mechanical drives and control panels. Paper records include review panel papers (including papers on costs and specifications, etc.),...
Dates:
1979 - 1995
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 — Multiple Containers
XB: Stevenson Telescope drawings, 1972 - 1983
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 101/1/XB
Scope and Contents
A set of technical drawings of the Steavenson Telescope (spelled ‘Stevenson’ on the drawings). These were originally held in two rolls labelled 'XB Stevenson Telescope' and include drawings of sheet sizes V, W, X, Y and Z, V being the largest. The Steavenson Telescope was named after its original owner, W.H. Steavenson, who donated it to the RGO in c.1960/61 for use at the Cape Observatory. It returned to the RGO Herstmonceux in 1972 and was set up in Dome C where various...
Dates:
1972 - 1983
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 — Multiple Containers
XC: SAAO Radcliffe, Pretoria instrument drawings, c.1960-1971 (bulk) and 1980
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 101/1/XC
Scope and Contents
A set of 101 technical drawings of instruments for the South African Astronomical Observatory, Radcliffe Pretoria. Originally in two rolls labelled 'XC SAAO Radcliffe Pretoria'. Includes drawings of sizes V, W, X, Y and Z.
Dates:
c.1960-1971 (bulk) and 1980
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 — Multiple Containers
XD: Sierra Nevada People's Photometer, 1969-1976 (bulk), 1978, 1982, 1987
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 101/1/XD
Scope and Contents
A set of 254 technical drawings of the People's Photometer for the Sierra Nevada Observatory, Granada, Spain. They were originally housed in three rolls labelled 'XD S Nevada People's Photometer' and include drawings of sizes V, W, X, Y and Z, mixed size sheets, and parts lists.
The People’s Photometer was designed in the 1970s by Richard Bingham of the RGO and five were built for various observatories throughout the world, including Sierra Nevada.From 1976, the Institute of...
Dates:
1969-1976 (bulk), 1978, 1982, 1987
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).