The Royal Observatory, Greenwich, 1881-1939: Astronomy, Astronomers and Heritage in a Changing World - Hardcover

by Lee T. MacDonald (Author)

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 Using a wealth of archival material--much of which was previously unpublished--Lee T. Macdonald's narrative brings the day-to-day operations of the Observatory to life and reveals how its mission in positional astronomy, combined with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.

Author Biography

Lee T. Macdonald is a librarian and archivist at the History of Science Museum, University of Oxford.