| RefNo | NLB/12/807 |
| AltRefNo | NLB/12 p448-453 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Copy letter from Michael Foster, to the Secretary, the Admiralty |
| Date | 8 May 1896 |
| Description | Foster reminds the Admiralty of their letter of 14 February in which they responded in the negative to the Royal Society's request for assistance, in the form of a ship of war, for an expedition to observe the solar eclipse in Norway. As a consequence alternative arrangements have been made to convey the observers to the station at Vadso.
Foster states that it now appears that the Astronomer Royal for Scotland will equip an observing station near Vadso, already arranged by the expedition of the Joint Permanent Eclipse Committee of the Royal and Royal Astronomical Societies. This expedition, consists of two parties, and he assures them that the scientific results will be enhanced if, while one occupies the station near Vadso, the other party, under the direction of Joseph Norman Lockyer from the Astronomical Observatory of the Science and Art Department, will be able to occupy a station to the south of the Varanger Fiord. He notes the desirability of separating the three observing stations as far as possible.
He highlights the lack of facilities available at the third station, and the impossibility of occupying the station and carrying out observations there unless the Admiralty allow the use of a ship of War on the south side of the Fiord, with the officers and men of the ship to to assist with the setting up of the instruments and the making of observations. Foster reminds them that such assistance has been granted previously to the advantage of science, and he expresses the hopes of the President and Council that they will assist in the manner outlined. |
| Extent | 6p |
| Format | Carbon |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA8220 | Foster; Sir; Michael (1836 - 1907); physiologist | 1836 - 1907 |