| RefNo | MS/119/2/102 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from Joseph Henry Kay, Magnetic Observatory Rossbank to Humphrey Lloyd, Trinity College, Dublin |
| Date | 12 November 1840 |
| Description | Kay gives an account of the work that is being conducted at the Rossbank observatory, and the work being conducted by Captain James Clark Ross and the ship of the British Antarctic expedition. The Rossbank observatory was operational from 1st October, and Kay has sent Lloyd the results for the month. Kay is confident that the results will be satisfactory, as the magnetometer observations are complete, and Kay intends to have all the meteorological instruments in their place by the end of the month. Kay informs Lloyd his two assistants have now arrived. The ship they arrived in intends to keep the November term at the Auckland islands, and then proceed south [referencing Captain Ross's British Antarctic expedition]. Kay notes that the endeavour to have simultaneous observations that are pre-concerted together will result in a plethora of facts and knowledge.
Kay discusses their decision to change two hourly observations to hourly observations at the Rossbank observatory, and the extra work this entails. This will add value to the observations from this observatory as well as make them comparable with observations made by the ship [the British Antarctic expedition]. Kay intend to continue the triple observations as well. Discussion on the infeasibility of checking all three magnetometers simultaneously, and Kay fears this will not be possible at the Rossbank observatory, though John Franklin insists on it.
Discussion on the effects of the aurora australis.
Kay along with his assistants Dayman and Scott are keen to produce good results from the observations made at Van Diemen's Land [Tasmania; Lutruwita or Truwana], but notes the challenges of three people keeping hourly observations.
Discussion on the vertical force. |
| Extent | 4p |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper
The letter has two holes where presumably the wax seal has been broken. The wax seal has been removed |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA4898 | Kay; Joseph Henry (1814 - 1875) | 1814 - 1875 |
| NA8252 | Lloyd; Humphrey (1800 - 1881) | 1800 - 1881 |