Records of the Harvard College Observatory : Observations of zodiacal light and the gegenschein
Overview
The Harvard College Observatory and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (founded in 1890) were merged in 1973 to form The Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. The systematic examination of zodiacal light and the gegenschein, optical phenomena associated with dust in the plane of the planets, began at the Harvard College Observatory in 1877. The records in this collection, including notes, star charts, and sketches, document the study of zodiacal light and the gegenschein by the Harvard College Observatory from 1891 to 1901.
Dates
- Creation: 1891 - 1901
Creator
- Harvard College Observatory (Organization)
Researcher Access
Open for research.
Extent
.95 cubic feet (1 document box, 1 portfolio folder)The records in this collection, including notes, star charts, and sketches, document the study of zodiacal light and the gegenschein, optical phenomena associated with dust in the plane of the planets, by the Harvard College Observatory from 1891 to 1901. The records include observations from astronomers Arthur Searle, William M. Reed, Andrew E. Douglas, Solon I, Bailey, and William H. Pickering.
Historical note on the Harvard College Observatory
The Harvard College Observatory and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (founded in 1890) were merged in 1973 to form The Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. The Center is a research institute that carries on studies in astronomy, astrophysics, earth and space sciences, and science education.
Historical note on the study of zodiacal light and the gegenschein at the Harvard College Observatory
The examination of zodiacal light and the gegenschein began at the founding of the Harvard College Observatory. However, no systematic astronomical work of the phenomena was performed due to a lack of time. Beginning in 1877, a daily record was started, principally under the direction of Arthur Searle. Three main topics received attention: the study of the permanence of the ordinary western zodiacal light, the normal distribution of the light in the zodiac and its vicinity, which affects all observations, and the occurrence of the feeble maximum of light in opposition to the Sun, known as the gegenschein. The daily records charted the visibility of the zodiacal light during the evenings, primarily during October through May, noting the appearance of clouds, moonlight, or twilight, which influenced its appearance.
Inventory update
This document last updated 2022 May 02.
Processing Information
This finding aid was created in November 2021 by Dominic P. Grandinetti.
This collection was created from a record sample taken by the Archives staff in October 1941.
Collection title devised by the archivist. Item and folder titles are transcribed from enclosures.
Alma ID
99155842379403941
Creator
- Harvard College Observatory (Organization)
- Title
- Harvard College Observatory. Records of the Harvard College Observatory : Observations of zodiacal light and the gegenschein, 1891-1901 : an inventory
- Description rules
- dacs
- Language of description
- eng
- EAD ID
- hua82021
Repository Details
Part of the Harvard University Archives Repository
Holding nearly four centuries of materials, the Harvard University Archives is the principal repository for the institutional records of Harvard University and the personal archives of Harvard faculty, as well as collections related to students, alumni, Harvard-affiliates and other associated topics. The collections document the intellectual, cultural, administrative and social life of Harvard and the influence of the University as it emerged across the globe.
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