Janus: Archives of the University Observatory, its sister body the Solar Physics Observatory, and their successors, the combined Observatories and Institute of Theoretical Astronomy

University contains:
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MPET	Archives of the Department of Mineralogy and Petrology
NC	Newspaper cuttings on Higher Education
NUTAE	Archives of the Nuffield Unit of Tropical Animal Ecology
O	Records relating to the administrative and academic officers of the University
O.Ac.	University officers' financial records
Obsy	Archives of the University Observatory, its sister body the Solar Physics Observatory, and their successors, the combined Observatories and Institute of Theoretical Astronomy
OCBR	Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race records
OCEX	Records of the Oxford and Cambridge Schools Examination Board
ORS	Archives of the Faculty of Oriental Studies
P	Plans and other visual material, chiefly of University property; with related buildings records
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Archives of the University Observatory, its sister body the Solar Physics Observatory, and their successors, the combined Observatories and Institute of Theoretical Astronomy

Title	Archives of the University Observatory, its sister body the Solar Physics Observatory, and their successors, the combined Observatories and Institute of Theoretical Astronomy
Reference	GBR/0265/Obsy
Creator	Cambridge University Observatory
Covering Dates	1818–1999
Extent and Medium	33 linear metres; paper and copper photographic plate
Repository	Cambridge University Archives

Content and context

The first University Observatory, started in 1710, but not completed until 1739, was situated on top of the Great Gate of Trinity College. It seems to have been little used, and was dismantled in 1797. The present Observatory was built on Madingley Road in 1823. The Solar Physics Observatory moved to same site from London in 1913. They combined as the 'Observatories' in 1947 and amalgamated with the Institute of Theoretical Astronomy to form the Institute of Astronomy in 1972. For further background information, see F.J.M. Stratton, 'The history of the Cambridge Observatories' in Annals of the Solar Physics Observatory, Cambridge vol. I, 1949.

The archives comprise the records of internal governance, finance, building and equipment development and astronomical observation, together with several small assortments of personal papers of individuals associated with the University Observatory, its sister and successor bodies, such as G.B. Airy, H.F. Newall and R.O. Redman.

The records were transferred by the Institute of Astronomy in 1998. They are a permanent transfer to the University Archives.

Access and Use

Requests to publish text should be addressed to the Keeper of Manuscripts and University Archives, photographs to the Head of Imaging Services. Both at Cambridge University Library, West Road, Cambridge CB3 9DR.

Please cite as Cambridge University Archives, Archives of the University Observatory, its sister body the Solar Physics Observatory, and their successors, the combined Observatories and Institute of Theoretical Astronomy, Obsy

Further information

See also among the University Archives: CUR 29, 29.2, 29.2.1, 39.12, 39.18; Min.VI.1, 35, 64, VII.60; Misc.Collect.83; P.XXVI.1-87, XXVII.1-38, XXVIII.1-33, XXXVII.1-20; Prem.VI.1. See also: Royal Greenwich Observatory archives within the Manuscripts section of the Department of Manuscripts and University Archives, Cambridge University Library

A catalogue was prepared in hard copy in 1999 and put into digital form in 2000. A hard copy catalogue is available in the Manuscripts Reading Room (ref.: UA In.31).

This online catalogue for Janus was completed in 2002 and emended in Feb. 2005, July 2010 and Sept. 2012.

Index Terms

Astronomical Observatories

Astronomical Telescopes

Cambridge University Observatory

Airy, Sir George Biddell (1801-1892) Knight, astronomer

Newall, Hugh Frank (1857-1944) astronomer

Redman, Roderick Oliver (1905-1975) physicist

University/Obsy contains:

Minute books.
7 volumes.

1818–1971

Reports and memoranda.
3 volumes, 9 folders, 3 packets and 6 loose items.

1863–1971

Accounts.
129 rolls, 5 folders, 18 notebooks, 17 packets and 11 volumes.

1827–1965

Observations and calculations records.
123 volumes, notebooks, exercise books, folders and packets.

1800–1974

Instruments records.
18 folders, 3 volumes, 1 packet and 1 envelope.

1844–1973

Lectures and articles.
6 volumes, 1 notebook, 2 folders and 1 file.

1858–1999

Correspondence.
62 folders, 2 ring binders, 10 volumes and 1 box.

1816–1975

Personal paper collections.
3 volumes, 14 notebooks and 17 folders.

1828–1980

Observatory development records.
23 folders and 1 exercise book.

1887–1972

Buildings records. Cover: Solar Physics Observatory, 1912; site for magnetic survey, 1913; request by Cavendish Laboratory to erect shed, 1937; Madingley Rise boundary, 1944; factory off Madingley Road, 1945; Director's house, 1946; seismological hut, 1946; letter from D.W. Dewhirst to R. Woodward on the history of the Observatory gates, 1995.
23 items in folder.

1912–1995

Library records.
5 volumes and 1 folder.

1828–1885

Funds and prizes records.
3 volumes, 2 folders and 1 item.

1849–1929

Observatory Club records.
1 volume, 1 folder and 3 cards.

1909–1972

Miscellaneous records.
3 folders and 2 booklets.

1839–1999