| RefNo | MS/928/2/92 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from Alexander Stewart Herschel, Observatory House, Slough, to Charles Vernon Boys |
| Creator | Herschel; Alexander Stewart (1836-1907); British astronomer |
| Recipient | Boys; Sir Charles Vernon (1855-1944); British physicist and inventor |
| Date | 3 December 1892 |
| Description | After re-examining his notes from years ago, he has found the memorandum on the speed of the overtaking sound of a bullet, written in Newcastle in 1887. Provides some details of what was written then before stating the result at 1,230 feet per second, agreeing pretty well with the experimental finding of 1,350 feet per second. Provides an amended transcript of the old note so that Boys may judge if he was taking the right approach. Discusses how he considered the problem five years ago and the calculation of 3.3 times the ordinary speed of sound. He has decided that it was not necessary to compare bullets with meteors and shooting stars as even the relatively low speeds of bullets would be sufficient for the effect. Discusses the effects of small specks of material at speed on ripple cones. |
| Extent | 4p. |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | On paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA6670 | Herschel; Alexander Stewart (1836 - 1907); astronomer | 1836 - 1907 |