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Astronomy

 Subject
Subject Source: UK Archival Thesaurus

Found in 169 Collections and/or Records:

 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

Derek Justin Shove Papers, 1770 - 1970, bulk: 1935-1970

 Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 105
Scope and Contents The Derek Justin Schove Papers relate primarily to his research on Chinese chronologies and on the dating of eclipses and other notable historical events. The bulk of the Chinese section is comprised of a set of 30 volumes of a 7500-year Chinese calendar compiled by Schove. There is also research material on China and its history, both published material and Schove’s own notes, and a large set of notes and calculations on lunations and Chinese chronologies. The series...
Dates: 1770 - 1970; Majority of material found within 1935-1970
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

Desmond King-Hele: papers

 Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS King-Hele
Scope and Contents The collection comprises professional correspondence with scientists, publishers and colleagues in Britain and abroad, papers relating to King-Hele's career at the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE), particularly research into satellite orbits and observations of the Sputnik satellites in the late 1950s, committee papers, draft versions of various publications, literary and scientific, and papers relating to lectures, conferences and events. The collection covers all of King-Hele's...
Dates: 1945 - 2003
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).
 File

Diary of 'Nautical Almanac' work, 1767 - 1817

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/324
Scope and Contents

A diary of work performed on the 'Nautical Almanac' and arrangements for its compilation and publication.

Dates: 1767 - 1817
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

Dictata Mathematica

 Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.8458
Scope and Contents

A manuscript comprising Computus Ecclesiasticus, Introductio ad Geographiam, Tractatus de Sphoera, Epitome Astronomia, and Astrolabium sev. Plani-Sphaerium.

Dates: 1631
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).
 File

Draft letters to Ewart, Canelas, Dollond, Crosley and Inman, 1794 - 1808

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/185
Scope and Contents

Miscellaneous draft letters.

Dates: 1794 - 1808
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

Edmund Leigh: Commonplace book

 Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.102
Scope and Contents

Contains notes and extracts on philosophy, astronomy, natural history and medicine. fo. 2: 'Edmundus Lëus 1607'.

Dates: 1607
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).
 Fonds

Edward Hubert Linfoot: Correspondence and Papers

 Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.8726
Scope and Contents

The collection is comprised of biographical papers, wartime and post-war research files (including research papers relating to work on Meniscus Schmidt and related optical systems), papers concerning work for consultancies on the design of optical systems for commercial and other organisations, and drafts and related correspondence regarding publications, lectures and conferences.

Dates: 1920-1980 (Circa)
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

Edward Walter Maunder and Annie Scott Dill Maunder: papers, 1877 - 2008

 Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 205
Scope and Contents

The collection primarily consists of the Maunders' published works both on their research and explanatory works on astronomy for a more popular audience. Some of these publications bear annotations. There are also some notes on a variety of subjects, a pin-hole camera, a planisphere and some items of correspondence. There is supporting material in the form of obituaries, letters of condolence and subsequent published works on the Maunders and their work.

Dates: 1877 - 2008
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

Engineering Workshop and Engineering Department Papers, 1920, 1947-1976

 Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 91
Scope and Contents The Engineering Workshop at RGO, Herstmonceux was situated at the north of the West Building complex. Some of the machines of the Engineering Workshop were transferred from Greenwich to the huts at Herstmonceux before the final transfer to the West Building began in January 1958. In January 1956, the foreman, Mr Wescott retired after 42 years' service and Michael (Mick) Dermody was appointed in September 1956 to replace him, with John Pope selected by the Astronomer Royal, Woolley, to...
Dates: 1920, 1947-1976
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

Ernest C. Atkinson Papers, 1906 - 1954

 Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 68
Scope and Contents

A collection of papers concerning horology and clockmaking. It includes correspondence between Ernest C. Atkinson and a range of people connected with horology and timekeeping, including Humphry Smith and other members of the RGO’s Time Department. The collection also includes pamphlets, leaflets, papers and booklets, brochures for watch sales, admiralty notices to mariners re time signals, sets of notes, graphs and calculations, and a small number of photographs of clock parts.

Dates: 1906 - 1954
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

Errors in lunar distances, 1765 - 1766

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/292
Scope and Contents

'To clear the distance of the Moon from a star from the effects of refraction and parallax', February 1766. The envelope includes copies of reports made to the Board of Longitude by John Howe, undated, and M. Raper of Thorley Hall, 9 July 1765, on the method of Israel Lyons and George Witchell for correcting observed distances. There are also a number of tables on the Sun's parallax.

Dates: 1765 - 1766
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

Family letters to Hilda Routh (née Airy) on her honeymoon, 1-23 September 1864

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10450/1
Scope and Contents

A set of letters sent to Hilda Routh, George Airy's eldest daughter, during her honeymoon in September 1864 by George Airy, his wife Richarda, Hilda’s sisters, Christabel and Annot, and brother Hubert. The letters are of a personal nature and are originally tied together with string.

Dates: 1-23 September 1864
 Fonds

Family papers of George Biddell Airy

 Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10214
Scope and Contents

Contains material relating to family history (MS Add. 10214/1) and letters (MS Add. 10214/2) including:
hints for an excursion letter to Monsieur Verrier, 1864; letters to Professor Sedgwick, 1846-1847; letters to daugther and son-in-law, Mr and Mrs Routh 1866-1884; notes written by Hilda Routh 1898; postcard to S.W. Coles 1940.

Dates: 1846-1940
Conditions Governing Access: Open
 Fonds

Family papers of George Biddell Airy

 Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10450
Content Description A set of Airy Family papers passed down through the family by Hilda Routh (née Airy), daughter of Astronomer Royal, George Biddell Airy.It includes a set of letters sent to Hida Routh on her honeymoon (from George, her mother Richarda, and sister Christabel Airy), newspaper cuttings primarily relating to George B. Airy, and miscellanea. It also includes three framed items: a photograph of George B. Airy on his 90th birthday and two lithographic prints showing Airy and the Airy...
Dates: 1860 - 1875
 Fonds

Family Papers of George Biddell Airy

 Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10452
Content Description

A set of papers relating to George B. Airy and his family, particularly Wilfred Airy. Includes correspondence, obituaries of George Airy, items relating to the erection of an obelisk at Playford, miscellaneous historical papers, and a substantial set of family photographs.

Dates: c.1812-1925; 1671
 Series

Finding charts for optical counterparts to first radio detection of pulsars, 1968 - 1969

 Series
Reference Code: GBR/0014/MISC 109
Scope and Contents

As a young researcher in Astronomy at the University of Cambridge, Craig Mackay was tasked with trying to observe the optical counterparts to detected radio pulses from space.

Dates: 1968 - 1969
Conditions Governing Access: The collection is open for consultation by researchers using Churchill Archives Centre. Researchers wishing to publish excerpts must obtain prior permission the copyright holder.
 File

Game of Zodiac: Directions

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.6326
Scope and Contents

Directions on how to play an astronomical game for children called Zodiac, for the most part in verse, 19 folios. A letter is pasted to fo. 19 to an undesignated addressee from J. Wallis [publisher], Strand, 16 April 1808. On fo. 1 is the title 'The Zodiac', beneath which in another hand is written the date 1804. The correct date is not earlier than 1809, as is shown by the watermark. Inside the front cover appear the bookplate and signature of D.W. Smith.

Dates: 1809
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).
 Fonds

Halley to Newton About Comets' Orbits, c 1695-c 1725

 Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.3982
Scope and Contents From the Fonds:

The Portsmouth Collection is the principal collection of Isaac Newton's scientific and mathematical papers, including early drafts of the Principia, and his correspondence with Oldenburg, Halley Flamsteed and many of the other most prominent scientists of his day.

Dates: c 1695-c 1725
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Due to the fragile nature of the material access to the collection is restricted. It is available to view in the Cambridge University Digital Library at https://cudl.lib.cam.ac.uk/collections/newton/1 with the exception of MS.Add.4007, which is open for consultation by holders of a Reader's Ticket valid for the Manuscripts Reading Room.
 Fonds

Herschel Manuscript Catalogue of Stars

 Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.10234
Scope and Contents

A fair copy of a Catalogue of Stars Visible on the Horizon of Calcutta, drawn up by J. W. F. Herschel to accompany the ten feet reflecting telescope sent to his relations including medical doctor, Duncan Stewart, eldest brother of Lady Margaret Herschel, employed by the East India Company, 1825-1855.

Dates: c.1860
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

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).
 File

John Couch Adams: Catalogue of his Library

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.4185-4186
Dates: 1894
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).
 Fonds

John Parnther: Notes and transcripts of lectures

 Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.589
Scope and Contents

Notes by John Parnther of Peterhouse College on a series of lectures given at Cambridge University. Lectures by N. Saunderson and Robert Smith on hydrostatics, sounds, optics, mechanics, astronomy, the tides, technical chronology, dioptrica and catoptrica.

Dates: 1727-1729
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).