Summary

Second Melbourne General Catalogue of Stars, for the Epoch 1880, Melbourne Observatory, 1889.

The published catalogue of 1211 stars is based on observations primarily undertaken by Edward. J. White, First Assistant Astronomer at Melbourne Observatory, between 1871 and 1884.

Presentation copy to E. J. White, with Melbourne Observatory bookplate.

Physical Description

Printed softcover large format book.

Significance

Edward J. White (1831-1913) was First Assistant Astronomer at Melbourne Observatory. White joined Williamstown Observatory as assistant astronomer in 1860, moved to Melbourne Observatory when it was established in 1863, and remained as First Assistant Astronomer until his retirement in 1892.

White was responsible at the Observatory for the main transit observations, both to establish local standard time, and for preparation of star catalogues of southern hemisphere stars. He also undertook most of the detailed mathematical work required to reduce each observation and determine its precise position for the star catalogues.

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