Astronomy
Subject
Subject Source: UK Archival Thesaurus
Found in 204 Collections and/or Records:
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.
File
'ROG History 1914-1918, First World War', 1918 or later
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 107/1/6
Scope and Contents
Typescript recounting the work of remaining ROG staff during the First World War in the cleaning and adjustment of binoculars as part of the war effort. Author unknown [Philip S. Laurie?].
Dates:
1918 or later
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
ROG/RGO Photographic Registers, Measures and Observations, 1890 - 1968
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 156
Scope and Contents
Registers of photographic plates taken with the Thompson Equatorial Group of Telescopes (series RGO 156/1) and 13-inch Astrographic Telescope (series RGO 156/2). Both series list the photographs taken in order of plate number, and have two separate plate number runs, representing first the Greenwich plates and then plates taken when the instruments were moved to Herstmonceux. The objects imaged are listed, along with right ascension and declination, the initials of the observer, and other...
Dates:
1890 - 1968
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 and RGO Solar Eclipse expedition records, 1896 - 1954
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 169
Scope and Contents
A set of files relating to British expeditions to observe solar eclipses. The record is incomplete and mainly consists of notebooks and correspondence re equipment and supplies. Included are notebooks listing photographic plates for the solar eclipses of 1900, 1901, 1905, 1912 and 1914 [RGO 169/1], notebooks listing equipment for the 1905 and 1932 eclipses [RGO 169/2 and 5], and correspondence regarding preparations for the UK-based observation of the 1927 eclipse [RGO 169/4]. The 1940...
Dates:
1896 - 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).
Series
Royal Observatory and RGO Staffing: Records, 1925 - 2021
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 171
Scope and Contents
An incomplete set of record cards, telephone directories, organisational charts, lists, and retirement and death notices for staff of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, RGO Herstmonceux and Nautical Almanac Office.The class includes the following official staff records: photocopied card indexes of staff from 1676-1964; staff lists for 1965-1966 and 1971-1983; nominal rolls for 1983-1985 and 1988; organisational charts for 1973-1979, 1982-1983, 1991, and 1993-1997; and distributed...
Dates:
1925 - 2021
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
Royal Observatory Greenwich Miscellaneous Astronomical Computation Ledgers, c.1901-1906, 1915 - 1921
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 160
Scope and Contents
Two sets of volumes of handwritten computations on printed Royal Greenwich Observatory forms.
The first set, comprised of six volumes of 'Forms No. 281', contain computations of standard coordinates, c.1901-1905. Most appear to relate to star maps compiled by astronomer Thomas John Hussey.
The second set, comprised of two volumes of 'Forms No. 6', contain computations of apparent right ascensions and corrections of the Fundamental Stars, 1915-1921.
Dates:
c.1901-1906; 1915 - 1921
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
Royal Observatory Observations of Sun and Planet Groupings: records, 1860 - 1949
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 159
Scope and Contents
Registers of Royal Observatory Greenwich observations of sun and planet groupings, in two sets. The first set (covering 1860-1861 and 1864-1875) takes the form of notebooks with handwritten data, often in tables. From 1876 there was a new format: handwritten registers on bound printed Royal Observatory, Greenwich 'Forms No. 225'. Data on the printed forms is arranged under the following column headings: day of observation in R.A., number of observation in R.A.,...
Dates:
1860 - 1949
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
Royal Observatory Social and Sports Club and RGO Club: Papers, 1893 - 1998
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 80
Scope and Contents
Records of the Royal Greenwich Observatory Club (RGO Club), formerly called the Royal Observatory Social and Sports Club. The collection includes records from club meetings, financial papers, records of the sporting and social activities of the club, newsletters produced by the club, correspondence files, and photographs, among other records.The collection also includes records of the Royal Observatory Hockey Club and Royal Observatory Lawn Tennis Club. These sports clubs...
Dates:
1893 - 1998
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
Royal Observatory Tercentenary Celebration: papers, 1972 - 1976
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 79
Scope and Contents
The Tercentenary of the Royal Greenwich Observatory was celebrated in 1975. The Royal Observatory was founded in Greenwich in 1675, but problems with light, magnetic, and atmospheric pollution so close to central London led to the relocation of various departments to other locations. By 1957 the institution had reconsolidated at Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex. Once it left Greenwich it was known as the Royal Greenwich Observatory, while its original site in Greenwich was termed the Old...
Dates:
1972 - 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
Scheme of Observations Recommended to a Traveller, c 1665-c 1727
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.4005.10: 51-52
Scope and Contents
Under the subject headings: astronomy, geography, navigation, mechanics and minerology.
Dates:
c 1665-c 1727
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
Sir George Augustus William Shuckburgh-Evelyn: Astronomical Observations
Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.4523-4534
Dates:
1774-1797
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
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
Sunspot drawings of H.S. Schwabe, 1869 - 1880
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 58
Scope and Contents
RGO 58 contains copies of drawings by H.S. Schwabe showing the location and grouping of sunspots during 5 November 1825 to 29 December 1867. The copies were made at the Kew Observatory, February- April 1880. They were traced by several different people and indexed and checked by H. McLaughlin and the Superintendent, G.M. Whipple. Each volume includes notes recording poor weather conditions, days when observations were not made and other information. There are also tables summarising the...
Dates:
1869 - 1880
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
Tabulated data from Algiers: Declinations, 1930 - 1931
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 81/30
Scope and Contents
From the Series:
Records for the 1930-1931 parallax programme of the Royal Observatory Greenwich and Cape Observatory to determine the solar parallax (distance to the Sun) by observations of the minor planet Eros and comparison stars. The records comprise tabulated data sets based on photographic observations taken at Greenwich and at various international observatories (RGO 81/2-48), along with 20 volumes of micrometric measurements of photographic observations of Eros and comparison stars from...
Dates:
1930 - 1931
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
Tabulated data from the Allegheny 30-inch Refractor, 1930 - 1931
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 81/33
Scope and Contents
From the Series:
Records for the 1930-1931 parallax programme of the Royal Observatory Greenwich and Cape Observatory to determine the solar parallax (distance to the Sun) by observations of the minor planet Eros and comparison stars. The records comprise tabulated data sets based on photographic observations taken at Greenwich and at various international observatories (RGO 81/2-48), along with 20 volumes of micrometric measurements of photographic observations of Eros and comparison stars from...
Dates:
1930 - 1931
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
Testamonial to David Gregory for the position of Astronomy Professor at Oxford, 27 July 1691
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.4005.5: 16
Scope and Contents
From the Fonds:
Papers either in Newton's hand or concerning his life and work. Subjects covered include the Royal Society, education, cosmography, mechanics, mathematics, astronomy and shipbuilding.
Dates:
27 July 1691
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
The Papers of Jack Ratcliffe
Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0014/RACL
Scope and Contents
Papers relating to physics, including articles, lectures, research notes and correspondence.
With biographical material, 1987-9.
Dates:
1920 - 1986
Conditions Governing Access:
The collection is open for consultation by researchers using Churchill Archives Centre, Churchill College, Cambridge.
Found in:
Churchill Archives Centre
Fonds
The Papers of Professor Antony Hewish
Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0014/HWSH
Scope and Contents
Comprising pulsar discovery charts; lecture notes, laboratory notebooks and logbooks, and correspondence and memorabilia, mainly about the award of the Nobel Prize.
Dates:
1949 - 2013
Conditions Governing Access:
The collection is open for consultation by researchers using Churchill Archives Centre, Cambridge.
Found in:
Churchill Archives Centre
Fonds
The Papers of Sir Hermann Bondi
Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0014/BOND
Scope and Contents
The papers include: material relating to Bondi's Mastership of Churchill College; personal material; some correspondence on scientific matters; texts and other papers from Bondi's lectures, speeches and seminars; papers relating to Bondi's position as Chief Scientist for the Department of Energy; publications by Bondi and others; research papers on topics including the Thames Barrage/London Flood Barrier, British Rail, and the Severn Barrage; papers relating to Bondi's membership of various...
Dates:
1923 - 2007
Conditions Governing Access:
The collection is open, with some restrictions, for consultation by researchers using Churchill Archives Centre, Churchill College, Cambridge.
Found in:
Churchill Archives Centre
Fonds
The Papers of Sir Martin Ryle
Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0014/RYLE
Scope and Contents
The scientific papers and correspondence relate to Ryle's work both as an individual and his international interests. The material includes: papers on Ryle's wartime work for the Telecommunications Research Establishment; material from the Radio Astronomy Group at the Cavendish Laboratory, particularly on the development of Cambridge Radio Observatories; research notes and papers; papers relating to Ryle's anti-nuclear activism and interest in alternative forms of energy; publications and...
Dates:
1924 - 1998
Conditions Governing Access:
The collection is open for consultation by researchers using Churchill Archives Centre, Churchill College, Cambridge.
Found in:
Churchill Archives Centre
Series
'The Seattle Korean (?) Planisphere', 1974 - 1984-10-13
Series
Reference Code: GBR/1928/NRI/SCC2/77
Scope and Contents
The documents relate to Joseph Needham's purchase of a 'Chinese-style planisphere manuscript written in colour on silk' from the Wolbert family of Bellingham near Seattle, U.S.A.
Dates:
1974 - 1984-10-13
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Needham Research Institute. For further details on conditions governing access please contact the Librarian at library@nri.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours is available from the Institute's website https://www.nri.cam.ac.uk/the-archive.