Astronomical observatories
Subject
Subject Source: UK Archival Thesaurus
Found in 110 Collections and/or Records:
File
Correspondence with U.K. and Irish institutions, 1968-10-28 - 1971-10-23
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 10/576
Scope and Contents
Correspondence with various United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland observatories and universities, including P.A. Wayman of the Dunsink Observatory, Co. Dublin; H.A. Brück, Astronomer Royal for Scotland, of the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh; S.F. Dermott of the Royal Military College of Science, Shrivenham, Wiltshire; D.W.N. Stibbs of the University Observatory, St Andrews; J. Darius of the University of London Observatory; S.Y. Haeri of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and...
Dates:
1968-10-28 - 1971-10-23
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 U.S. institutions, 1962-10-05 - 1967-01-20
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 10/569
Scope and Contents
Correspondence with American observatories and universities, including Donald H. Menzel of the Harvard College Observatory, Cambridge, Massachusetts; A.R. Sandage of the Mount Wilson and Palomar Observatories, Pasadena, California; Mrs J. Wardlaw of the University of Texas, Austin; R. Zander of the John Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland; Professor S.W. McClusky of the Warner and Swasey Observatory, East Cleveland, Ohio; John R. Isbell of the Case Institute of Technology, Cleveland,...
Dates:
1962-10-05 - 1967-01-20
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 U.S. institutions, 1969-07-10 - 1972-08-03
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 10/577
Scope and Contents
Correspondence with United States observatories and universities, including P. van de Kamp of the Sproul Observatory, Swartmore, Pennsylvania; Mrs H.F. Czaplicki of the Hale Observatories, Pasadena, California; Miss P. Hughes and T. Thomas of the Institute of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Florida; G.E. Kron of the United States Naval Observatory, Flagstaff, Arizona; A.A. Hoag of the Kitt Peak National Observatory, Tucson, Arizona; C.B. Waff of the John Hopkins...
Dates:
1969-07-10 - 1972-08-03
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
David V. Thomas Papers, 1956 - 1979, 2023
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 147
Scope and Contents
The papers of David Thomas cover the years 1956-1979. They include correspondence files, draft articles for publication, administrative papers, and a selection of digitised slides. The administrative papers date from Thomas’s time as Chairman of the RGO section of SRC branch of IPCS. They give an important insight into RGO staff concerns about the future of the organisation and of British Astronomy in general. Particularly significant are the files on the separation of the posts of...
Dates:
1956 - 1979; 2023
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
Ely Observatory Solar Plates Contact Prints: from Canon William Selwyn's observatory, 1863-02-11 - 1874-02-25
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 202
Scope and Contents
The prints span an eleven year period ostensibly to record a whole solar or sunspot cycle. That the purpose of the exercise may have been to investigate the supposed effect of planetary configuration on the abundance of solar spots is indicated by the presence of charts of planetary positions pasted on the verso of the mount boards and corresponding in date precisely to the prints.
Dates:
1863-02-11 - 1874-02-25
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
Equatorial Telescope Records: 13, 26 and 28-inch Refractors and 30 and 36-inch Reflectors, 1891 - 1982
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 163
Scope and Contents
Telescope records for the following instruments at Royal Observatory at Greenwich and Herstmonceux: the 13, 26 and 28-inch Refractors and the 30 and 36-inch Reflectors. The 13-inch Astrographic Refractor was commissioned specifically for the Carte du Ciel. Photography for the project began at Greenwich in 1892 and took 13 years. The precise positions of 179,000 stars were measured from the 1153 photographic plates exposed on the 13-inch refractor. The 26-inch Refractor was...
Dates:
1891 - 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).
File
Fair minutes, 1765 - 1828
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/4
Scope and Contents
From the Series:
The first part of collection is comprised of papers concerning the internal affairs of the Board of Longitude, including the granting of awards, accounts, minutes, committee papers, petitions and memorials, the loan of instruments, publications and the payment of staff. These are followed by a wide range of papers relating to the Board's work, concerning clocks, chronometers and other instruments; longitude and latitude; magnetic variation; schemes and inventions; tables; pendulum...
Dates:
1765 - 1828
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
Greenwich Magnetical and Meteorological Observations, 1840 - 1933
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 155
Scope and Contents
Printed volumes of magnetical and meteorological observations and results made at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. Volumes from 1926 onwards also include observations taken at the Abinger Magnetic Station. The volumes here cover the years 1840-1846, 1848-1860, 1864-1880, 1884-1905, and 1913-1932, with a number of gaps in the sequence.From 1840-1847 the results of the magnetical and meteorological observations were published as separate volumes. From 1848-1874 they were published...
Dates:
1840 - 1933
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
Grubb Parsons Papers, 1857 - 1982, bulk: 1920 - 1982
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 113
Scope and Contents
The Grubb Parsons Papers include papers on instrumentation for observatories, company publications, and items relating to the history of the company, including two personal albums by former employees.Series 1 is comprised of instrumentation papers. They include an article by Sir Howard Grubb Parsons and Company on the 36 Inch Reflecting Telescope for the Royal Observatory, Greenwich; a technical drawing and report on the 74” reflector built for the Radcliffe Observatory,...
Dates:
1857 - 1982; Majority of material found within 1920 - 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
Humphry Smith Papers and Photographs, 1928 - 1999
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 220
Dates:
1928 - 1999
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
Isaac Newton Group, La Palma: Technical Notes, 1984 - 1998
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 200
Scope and Contents
An incomplete series of ING Technical Notes.
Dates:
1984 - 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
Isaac Newton Group, La Palma: User Manuals, 1984 - 1993
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 199
Scope and Contents
20 volumes of typed or photocopied texts bound with green covers, with 14 duplicate copies. The following abbreviations are used in the titles: ISIS: Intermediate Dispersion Spectroscopic Imaging System; LDSS: Low Dispersion Survey Spectrograph; WHT: William Herschel Telescope; INT: Isaac Newton Telescope; MPF: Multi Purpose Fotometer; ADAM: Astronomical Data Acquisition Monitor; and CCD: Charge-coupled device.
Dates:
1984 - 1993
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
Kew Observatory papers, 1829 - 1911
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 66
Scope and Contents
The bulk of RGO 66 comprises the incoming and copy correspondence of the chief assistant, later superintendant, George Mathews Whipple during 1871-5. Much of it is with the chemist and astronomer Warren De La Rue whose photoheliograph was moved to and used at Kew in the early 1870s. The correspondence is largely concerned with solar photographs and the practicalities of their production. There are a few financial papers and some records of solar and lunar observations made both at Kew and...
Dates:
1829 - 1911
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
Kew Observatory solar photographs, 1858 - 1872
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 67
Scope and Contents
RGO 67 largely consists of a good run of contact prints from glass plate negatives of the sun produced between January 1862 and January 1872. The most significant breaks are December 1862-May 1863 and August-September 1872. Additionally there are a handful of glass plate negatives and contact prints produced in 1858-9, and one further negative dated 1866. The sequence of images is essentially continued by RGO 51: RO and RGO Solar Plates Contact Prints.
Dates:
1858 - 1872
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
Kew Observatory sunspot observations, 1858 - 1897
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 57
Scope and Contents
RGO 57 contains drawings of sunspots showing their development, size and grouping, with tables recording the number of sunspots for each year.
Dates:
1858 - 1897
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
Klaxon warning notice, 1939 - 1945
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 107/1/9
Scope and Contents
Handwritten notice giving orders for dome watchers in the event of flying bombs.
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).
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, 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).
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, 1861 - 1865
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/148
Scope and Contents
Letters from various British and international observatories on filling vacancies at Sydney; requests for new instruments from Madras and other places; and the possible establishment of new observatories at Bristol and other locations. The correspondents include C.P. Smyth, J.C. Adams, R. Grant, N.R. Pogson, R.L.J. Ellery, O. Struve, W. De La Rue, F.A.T. Winnecke, Sir F. Galton, R.C. Carrington, A. de Morgan, J.C. Maxwell and T. Maclear. There is also a photograph of Fletcher's Observatory;...
Dates:
1861 - 1865
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, 1864 - 1869
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/149
Scope and Contents
Letters from various British and international observatories on filling vacancies, requests for new instruments at Sydney, and covering letters to reports. Approximately half the correspondence is concerned with the possible closures and alternative uses of the Madras, Bombay and Colaba observatories; reports on the Madras and Colaba observatories and their history; and governmental recommendations for the Indian observatories. The correspondents on these matters include E.B. Eastwick,...
Dates:
1864 - 1869
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).