The Royal Observatory, Greenwich, 1881–1939
Astronomy, Astronomers and Heritage in a Changing World
Distributed for UCL Press
The Royal Observatory, Greenwich, 1881–1939
Astronomy, Astronomers and Heritage in a Changing World
The first detailed history of the Royal Observatory at Greenwich covering the period after the retirement of George Airy, seventh Astronomer Royal, in 1881.
This book charts an under-researched period in the long history of the Royal Observatory at Greenwich. It covers both the scientific and social-political history of the Royal Observatory, focusing on its significance within the history of astronomy and UK history more generally. Using a wealth of archival material—much of which was previously unpublished—Lee T. Macdonald’s narrative brings the day-to-day operations of the Observatory to life and reveals how its mission in positional astronomy, combined with its cutting-edge research in photographic mapping and the study of solar eclipses, continues to expand the frontiers of astronomical research.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1 The Royal Observatory in the late Victorian era, 1881–1900
2 The Royal Observatory and the changing world of astronomy, 1900–14
3 The Royal Observatory and the First World War, 1914–19
4 The Royal Observatory between the two world wars, 1919–39
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index