Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1861-1891 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
1 Photo
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Norman Robert Pogson, CIE (1829 –1891), was an English astronomer who significantly contributed to astronomy. He worked at the Madras Observatory in India and made several important discoveries, including the finding of minor planets and observations on comets. Pogson introduced a mathematical scale of stellar magnitudes, known as Pogson's ratio, which is still used today in astronomy. Pogson discovered numerous stars, variable stars, and possible supernovae. He also made important spectrometric studies and observations of a total solar eclipse. He was recognized for his work and received the Lalande Prize in 1856.
Repository
Archival history
The collection was transferred from Kodaikanal Solar Observatory to IIA Archives
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
The documents were acquired from Kodaikanal Solar Observatory
Content and structure area
Scope and content
This item was about the Norman Robert Pogson in 1861. N.R. Pogson was appointed the government astronomer at Madras, India. When he arrived he had to work under harsh conditions. He found the instruments in a bad shape and there were no proper staff to assist him. In spite of all these he began a series of observations which terminated with his death 30 year later. He as credited with 50,000 observations most of which were published by Michie Smith after Pogsons death. During his stay in Madras he discoverd several minor planets and detected large number of variable stars. He named his daughters after the minor planets he discovered. He was also well known for his work in comets and solar eclipses.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
The documents were transferred to the IIA archives and have been preserved
Accruals
Further accruals are not expected
System of arrangement
Arranged roughly by events
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Researchers must sign IIA Archival access agreement
Conditions governing reproduction
Copyright is retained by IIA Archives
Language of material
English
Script of material
Latin
Language and script notes
The document is typed in English
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
The document is in good condition, and the texts are clear and readable
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
The originals were located in the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory
Existence and location of copies
The original files are transferred to Bangalore campus, then processed and archived
Related units of description
Notes area
Alternative identifier(s)
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Pogson, Norman Robert (Subject)
Genre access points
Description control area
Description identifier
Institution identifier
Rules and/or conventions used
Archival description is based on ISAD(G), second edition.
Status
Level of detail
Dates of creation revision deletion
Language(s)
English
Script(s)
Latin
Sources
Archivist's note
Processed by IIA Archives