Astronomical observatories
Subject
Subject Source: UK Archival Thesaurus
Found in 119 Collections and/or Records:
Sub-Series
Philip Taylor's souvenirs of the Royal Inauguration, Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, La Palma, June 1985
Sub-Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 99/1
Scope and Contents
Souvenirs donated by Philip Taylor. Taylor was one of a group of RGO staff who were invited to a royal banquet by the King of Spain but could not turn up. According to Taylor, the logistics and administration of the weekend overlooked the fact that many participants were on a different Canary Island to the royal party, with no means of transport to the other.
Dates:
June 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).
Fonds
Records of Cambridge University Astronomical Society, 2008 - 2011
Fonds
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 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).
Series
Requests for Astronomical Information: celestial phenomena and unidentified flying objects, 1968-1975, 1978
Series
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).
File
'RGO History 1939-1945 Second World War (Bomb Damage Reports)', 1939 - 1945
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 107/1/8
Scope and Contents
Includes: reports of H.W. Newton, Head of the Solar Department, to the Astronomer Royal following bomb damage at RO Greenwich on the nights of 15th, 19th and 21st October 1940, including a message from Newton to the Astronomer Royal that the Altazimuth building had been hit and the instrument wrecked; reports of minor bomb damage on 8 December 1940 and of a bomb drop on 27th December 1940; correspondence concerning repairs; report of air raids/incendiary bombs on March 19th-20th, 19th-20th...
Dates:
1939 - 1945
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)
Series
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 (many in albums), various sets of publications relating to telescopes and instruments, and a small set of press cuttings.In 1969, a sub-committee of the Astronomy, Space and Radio Board (ASRB) of the Science Research Council was established to examine the SRC’s future...
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
RGO Time Department: Papers, 1872 - 1989
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 43
Scope and Contents
Catalogue in progress. Further records will be uploaded over the coming months.
Dates:
1872 - 1989
Conditions Governing Access:
Part restricted. Much of this collection is as yet unprocessed. Requests to view unlisted material should be sent to els57@cam.ac.uk. Access to files RGO 43/78-81 is restricted until 80 years from the date of creation under the terms of the Data Protection Act 2018.
Series
RO and RGO Solar Plates, 1918 - 1979
Series
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
Series
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).
Unprocessed Material
Royal Greenwich Observatory 350th Anniversary Commemorative Stamp Presentation Pack
Unprocessed Material
Reference Code: GBR/0180/2025/001
Dates:
2025
Found in:
Cambridge University Library
Item
Royal Greenwich Observatory 350th Anniversary Commemorative Stamp Presentation Pack, 2025
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 97/15
Dates:
2025
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).
Management Group
Royal Greenwich Observatory Archives
Management Group
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO
Scope and Contents
The RGO archives collection is now deposited in the University Library and consists of all the surviving historical paper records of the Royal Observatory from 1675 until circa 1980, though many later records are held and the collection accrues as material is deposited. The records are public records under the 1958 Public Records Act and are subject to the provisions of the 1958 and 1967 Acts, including the 'thirty-year rule'; at present all records created before 1992 January 01 are open...
Dates:
1675 - 2019
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).
Found in:
Cambridge University Library
Series
Royal Observatory, Greenwich and R.G.O. History Papers (including Philip S. Laurie Papers), 1761-c.1982
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 107
Scope and Contents
Files relating to the history of the Royal Observatory Greenwich and RGO, Herstmonceux, compiled and in many cases, created by, Philip Stevenson Laurie. Laurie worked at the ROG/RGO from 1935 to 1977, beginning as a Temporary Computer before going on to become the Head of the Solar Department. While most of his career involved solar work, Laurie also had a passion for ROG/RGO history and became increasingly involved with the RGO’s Archives. On 1 October 1974, he was transferred to full-time...
Dates:
1761-c.1982
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).
Item
Scrapbook relating to the career of Tom Broadbent at Grubb Parsons, compiled c.1982
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 113/4/2
Scope and Contents
Family scrapbook recording Broadbent's career for Grubb Parsons, including photographs, official documents (including travel passes) and handwritten explanatory notes by Broadbent [and a son/daughter]. It covers: 1. Broadbent's 1938 visit to Mount 'Pop Ivan', Poland, and the opening day of the Observatory there. Broadbent had designed the dome and telescope there and was sent by Grubb Parsons to complete the telescope mounting. He personally did the electrical wiring and fitted...
Dates:
compiled c.1982
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
Solar Registers, including Registers of Greenwich Photo-heliograph Results, 1868 - 1979
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 157
Scope and Contents
The photoheliographic programme of the Royal Observatory ran from 1873-1948 at Greenwich and from 1948-1976 at Herstmonceux, when it was ended by Sir Richard Woolley.The main series of the collection (RGO 157/2) is comprised of printed historical volumes of Greenwich Photo-heliographic Results (GPR), which include daily measurements of sunspot positions and the areas of sunspots and faculae observed from 1874 to 1976. Prior to 1948 the GRP volumes were published by the Royal...
Dates:
1868 - 1979
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
Fonds
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).
Found in:
Cambridge University Library
Series
William Herschel Telescope Papers and Records, 1979 - 1995
Series
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
XB: Stevenson Telescope drawings, 1972 - 1983
Sub-Series
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
XC: SAAO Radcliffe, Pretoria instrument drawings, c.1960-1971 (bulk) and 1980
Sub-Series
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
XD: Sierra Nevada People's Photometer, 1969-1976 (bulk), 1978, 1982, 1987
Sub-Series
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).