Skip to main content

Astronomy

 Subject
Subject Source: UK Archival Thesaurus

Found in 177 Collections and/or Records:

 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).
 Series

Joseph Needham's contribution to a festschrift for F. J. M. Stratton of Cambridge Observatories, 1951 - 1956-03-09

 Series
Reference Code: GBR/1928/NRI/SCC2/74
Scope and Contents

The festschrift is 'Vistas in Astronomy' edited by Arthur Beer of Cambridge Observatories.

Dates: 1951 - 1956-03-09
 File

Journal 1, 1897 - 1906

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 75/1
Scope and Contents

This journal is fully indexed. It contains Franklin-Adam’s work and memoranda from June 1897 to 23 June 1906. Readings and observational data form the main content. It also includes detailed accounts of adjustments and corrections to the Equatorial Telescope, Transit Circle, Azimuth, Cape Town Instruments, chronometers and clocks. A preface describes his observatory and instruments.

Dates: 1897 - 1906
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

Journal 2, 1905 - 1909

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 75/2
Scope and Contents No index is included in this volume. The journal contains tables of plates in groups dated 1855-1875 (20 years), 1955-1900 (45 years), and 1855-1925 (70 years), catalogues of spare and duplicate plates, remarks and comparisons, verification of Kapleyn’s results, a meteorological record from Jan. 1905 to July 1908, and memoranda. It also includes mention of Franklin-Adams’ machines for counting stars and drawing precision lines, from lists of books published and cut out and entered into this...
Dates: 1905 - 1909
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

Lady Margaret Clive's letters, 1762 - 1917

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 218/9
Scope and Contents

This series comprises four folders of letters sent by Lady Clive to her brother Nevil Maskelyne, her niece Margaret Maskelyne, and to other family members. The letters span 55 years, from 1762 until Lady Clive's death on 28 Dec. 1817. Many mention astronomy, including sightings of the great comet of 1811.
The series also includes a set of copies of family letters (including some written by Nevil Maskelyne), and notes by Theresa Story-Maskelyne on the letters of Lady Clive.

Dates: 1762 - 1917
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

Lady Margaret portrait displayed, 19730807

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/1849/FP/272/1/xliv
Scope and Contents

There was a Richard III exhibition in London at which the Lady Margaret potrait was displayed. Peck observed the planet Venus.

Dates: 19730807
 File

Letter book containing outgoing correspondence, 1782 - 1810

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/9
Scope and Contents Outgoing correspondence regarding many astronomical and nautical subjects, including accounts with printers, the production of the 'Nautical Almanac', expeditions to Australia, a reward for a method of making glass of a sufficient quality for instruments, the trial of various timepieces and their employment on board Royal Navy vessels, replies to projectors proposing various methods of finding longitude at sea, and instructions for astronomers (including William Gooch on board the Daedalus...
Dates: 1782 - 1810
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

Letter from Edmund Halley to King James II, 1687

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Ff.05.38
Scope and Contents

The letter accompanied a copy of Newton's 'Principia'. It explains the nature of the work, and especially the theory of tides. It begins 'May it please, &c. I could not have presumed ...', and concludes 'I doubt not but if your Majestie shall please to suffer me to be admitted to the honour of your presence I may be able to give such an account thereof as may be to your Majesties full content. I am, &c., Edmond Halley'.

Dates: 1687
Conditions Governing Access: From the Collection: 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

Letter from John Flamsteed to the Bishop of Worcester, William Lloyd, 1703-11-27

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 1/77
Scope and Contents

Concerning calculations of the time of the lunar eclipse of 3 April [AD] 33 [and its identification as eclipse recorded as occurring on the day of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ].

Dates: 1703-11-27
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 Maskelyne to Henry Andrews, 1768 - 1811

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/149
Scope and Contents

The letters are primarily from Nevil Maskelyne but include three sent to Andrews by Margaret Maskelyne, following the death of her father.

Dates: 1768 - 1811
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, Memoranda, and Journal, containing the History of Mr William Gooch [Fellow of Caius College], Astronomer of the Daedalus Transport, 1786 - 1835

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Mm.06.48
Scope and Contents 'Letters, Memoranda, and Journal, containing the History of Mr William Gooch [Fellow of Caius College], Astronomer of the Daedalus Transport: from the time of his entering College in 1786, to his premature end in 1792.' These letters, the greater portion of which are in Gooch's own writing, and written to his parents, give a complete history of his life, the assistance he met with in enabling him to come to College, the examination for his degree (1791), his appointment as Astronomer, and...
Dates: 1786 - 1835
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

List of ‘Permanent Staff of the Royal Observatory for the Hundred Years 1811-1910 and from 1910 to date’ [c.1936], 1910 - 1936

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 171/6/3
Scope and Contents Manuscript list with typed cover and table of contents. Includes a note by W.W. Burkett dated 1911. The list is organised by Astronomers Royal, First (Chief) Assistants, Assistants, Clerical Assistants, Established Computers, Staff of the Magnetic and Meteorological Department 1850-1910, General arrangement of staff 1811-1910, Belgian Refugees temporarily employed during the [First World] War, and industrial staff.Staff are listed in alphabetical order, with date of birth,...
Dates: 1910 - 1936
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

Log book, observations and memoir of the HMS Investigator, 1795 - 1805

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/64
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: 1795 - 1805
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

Log book of HMS Adventure, 1772 - 1774

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/56
Scope and Contents

The log book of HMS Adventure compiled by W. Bayly during his passage to the South Seas as part of the expedition led by Captain James Cook in HMS Resolution.

Dates: 1772 - 1774
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

Log book of HMS Resolution, 1772 - 1775

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/58
Scope and Contents

The log book of HMS Resolution compiled by William Wales during the passage to the South Seas under the command of Captain James Cook.

Dates: 1772 - 1775
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

Long: the papers of Roger Long

 Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/1058/LON
Scope and Contents

The collection consists of Roger Long's Commonplace Books and notebooks as well as posthumous material collected by the College.

Dates: 1698-1951 and undated
 File

Lunar tables, 1778

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/86
Scope and Contents

Lunar tables in longitude and latitude according to the Newtonian law of gravity, by Charles Mason, 1778. The volume includes a disapproval of Mason's fee from the Board of Longitude [RGO 4/86: 2]; an example of computing the Moon's longitude and latitude; annual equations of the Moon's anomaly and ascending node; and computed longitude and latitude compared with observed longitude and latitude, with corrections, 13 September 1750 - 2 November 1760 [RGO 4/86: 14r].

Dates: 1778
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

Manuals for RGO Instruments, Computers and other Technical Apparatus, 1972 - 1995

 Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 145
Scope and Contents

Mainly ex-RGO Library copies of RGO manuals. Many are photocopied manuals with original RGO library reference numbers on the cover. Includes some duplicates of manuals held elsewhere in the RGO archives. Arranged in chronological order.

Dates: 1972 - 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).
 Fonds

Maps, Plans and Technical Drawings, c.1715-1998

 Fonds
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).
 File

Maskelyne notebook: rough drafts of solutions of various astronomical problems, 1750 - 1772

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/66
Scope and Contents

Various rough drafts of the solution of astronomical problems.

Dates: 1750 - 1772
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

Memoir by David V. Thomas titled, 'Twinkle, Twinkle - Measuring the Stars, and Subsequent Adventures', 2023

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 147/6
Scope and Contents From the Series: 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: 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).
 File

Miscellaneous correspondence, 1765 - 1809

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/187
Scope and Contents

Note that there is no letter numbered 14.

Dates: 1765 - 1809
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

Nathy O'Hora Papers, 1913 - 1927, bulk: 1946 - 2014

 Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 219
Scope and Contents

The Nathy O'Hora papers include the research, publications, and presentations of himself, others, and the RGO. This research notably includes eclipses, a topic to which O'Hora devoted considerable time after retiring. The collection also includes papers and correspondence relating to the Time Department where he worked, his notebooks on various scientific theories and practices, ledgers that he used to record weather data, newspaper clippings, and photographs.

Dates: 1913 - 1927; Majority of material found within 1946 - 2014
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).