Register of nebulae by William Herschel and Caroline Herschel

Description

List of nebulae and star clusters, numbered 1-499, arranged in order of discovery, with all subsequent observations, descriptions of the astronomical objects and some drawings.

A fair copy and collated version of information gathered during telescopic sweeps of the night sky, made at Slough, Berkshire, England, generally with a reflecting telescope of 20 feet diameter. These records were transcribed directly from the sweep books, usually on the day following the original sighting.

Generally written on the recto sheets only. The wooden front board has a label: 'Sir William Herschel's nebulae No.1 - ... - 499'.

With a letter from John Frederick William Herschel, Collingwood, 16 October 1863, to Edward Sabine, describing his father's nebulae manuscripts, forwarded to [George Gabriel] Stokes at the Royal Society.

Reference number

MS/339/1

Earliest possible date

28 October 1783-11 April 1787

Physical description

On paper. Originally pressed between wooden boards, which have been removed and retained separately.

Page extent

510 pages., and 3 pages.

Format

Manuscript