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The Royal Society: Science in the Making

Register of nebulae by William Herschel and Caroline Herschel

Reference number: MS/339/2

Date: 12 September 1784-1 January 1807

Description

List of nebulae and star clusters, numbered 500-1000, arranged in order of discovery, with all subsequent observations and descriptions of the astronomical objects.

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 and occasionally a 10 feet diameter instrument. 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.500 - ... - 1000'.

Reference number
MS/339/2
Earliest possible date
12 September 1784-1 January 1807
Physical description
On paper. Originally pressed between wooden boards, which have been removed and retained separately.
Page extent
501 pages.
Format
Manuscript

Creator names

Caroline Lucretia Herschel

Sir William Herschel

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Citation

Caroline Lucretia Herschel, Sir William Herschel, Register of nebulae by William Herschel and Caroline Herschel, 12 September 1784-1 January 1807, MS/339/2, The Royal Society Archives, London, https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/ms_339_2/register-of-nebulae-by-william-herschel-and-caroline-herschel, accessed on 23 April 2025

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https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/ms_339_2/register-of-nebulae-by-william-herschel-and-caroline-herschel

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  • Manuscripts General

    Science in the Making presents selected items from the 'Manuscripts General' series, notably astronomical observations, investigations of discrete topics, and indices and registers of papers read before the Royal Society.

    Dates: 1551 - 1951

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