Paper, 'Note on the spectrum of the rings of Saturn' by J [Joseph] Norman Lockyer

Description

Lockyer writes: 'The acknowledged meteoritic constitution of the rings of Saturn rendered it important to obtain a photograph of their spectrum, in order that it might be determined whether collisions there were of sufficient intensity to produce incandescent vapours. It has long been known that the rings appear much more luminous than the planet, and the magnificent photographs obtained by the Brothers Henry show that this is truer for the blue light than for the visual rays. The weather has been so bad that only one long exposure photograph has been taken. Although the instrument was not in perfect adjustment, owing to a recent accident, I submit it to the Society because there appears to be evidence of bright lines in the photograph. It is altogether too early to announce this as an established fact, but I think it well to send in this note, in order that other observers with more powerful optical appliances and a better climate than that of London may investigate the question.'

Annotations in pencil and ink.

Subject: Astronomy / Spectroscopy

Received and read 7 February 1889.

Written by Lockyer at the Astronomical Laboratory at Kensington [London].

A version of this paper was published in volume 45 of the Proceedings of the Royal Society as 'Note on the spectrum of the rings of Saturn'.

Reference number

PP/13/14

Earliest possible date

07 February 1889

Physical description

Ink and graphite pencil on paper

Page extent

2 pages

Format

Manuscript