Record

RefNoMS/272/2
Previous numbersMS 273
LevelFile
TitleNebulae sweep book of William Herschel
Date13 February-13 April 1784
DescriptionRecords of telescopic sweeps of the night sky, made at Slough, Berkshire, England, generally with a reflecting telescope of 20 feet diameter. The sweeps were made to observe nebulae, with notes on stars and other objects of interest. The volume contains astronomical sweeps numbered 142-191, with the dates and times of each observation. Several sweeps might be undertaken in one night of observation. Herschel provides a commentary on many objects and these are occasionally supplemented by later pencil inscriptions: for example, on sweep 170, March 14 1784, he sees 'a beautiful cluster of st. one of the most beautiful objects I have seen', to which has been appended, in pencil, 'M.53' [Messier 53, a globular cluster in Coma Berenices].

A note on the inside front cover states that: 'Sw 187 used tenths of minutes'.

The volume contains a loosely inserted scrap with a manuscript list of observations [extracted from Philosophical Transactions?] headed '1800', but in a later script.

The front cover is inscribed in ink: 'Sweeps. No.2. 142...191. From February 13, 1784. To April....13, 1784.'
Extent96p and 1p.
FormatManuscript
PhysicalDescriptionOn paper, sewn into a pasteboard cover.
Dimensions215x170mm.
Digital imagesView item on Science in the Making
AccessStatusOpen
Add to My Items

    Collection highlights

    Browse the records of some of our collections, which cover all branches of science and date from the 12th century onwards. These include the published works of Fellows of the Royal Society, personal papers of eminent scientists, letters and manuscripts sent to the Society or presented at meetings, and administrative records documenting the Society's activities since our foundation in 1660.

    The Royal Society

    The Royal Society is a Fellowship of many of
    the world's most eminent scientists and is the
    oldest scientific academy in continuous existence.
    Registered charity number 207043

    Website design ©CalmView



    CONTACT US

    + 44 207 451 2500
    (Lines open Mon-Fri, 9:00-17:00. Excludes bank holidays)

    6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG

    Email Us →

    SUBSCRIBE

    Subscribe to our newsletters to be updated with the
    latest news on innovation, events, articles and reports.

    Subscribe →

    © CalmView