Summary
First Melbourne General Catalogue of Stars, for the Epoch 1870, Melbourne Observatory, 1874.
The published catalogue of 1227 stars is based on observations primarily undertaken by Edward. J. White, First Assistant Astronomer at Melbourne Observatory, between 1863 and 1870.
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.
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Karen White, 17 Feb 2009
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Author
Mr. Edward John White - Melbourne Observatory, South Yarra, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1874
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Author
Mr Robert Lewis John Ellery, South Yarra, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1874
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Organisation Named
Melbourne Observatory, South Yarra, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1874
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Inscriptions
Cover inscription: 'First Melbourne General Catalogue of 1227 Stars for the Epoch 1870, deduced from observations extending from 1863 to 1870, made at the Melbourne Observatory, under the direction of Robert L. J. Ellery, Government Astronomer to the Colony of Victoria. Reduced and prepared for publication by Mr E. J. White, First Assistant Astronomer. Melbourne: John Ferres, Government Printer, 1874.'
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Classification
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
257 mm (Width), 10 mm (Depth), 306 mm (Height)
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References
Diary of Edward J. White, 1850-1913, State Library of Victoria, MS 13122. Robert Ellery, Presidential Address, 8 July 1872, Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria, v 10, 1870-73.
