Item I04 - Discovery of Asteroids by N. R. Pogson

Identity area

Reference code

IND-IIA-F025-I04

Title

Discovery of Asteroids by N. R. Pogson

Date(s)

  • 1861-04-18 (Creation)

Level of description

Item

Extent and medium

Observation sheet

Context area

Name of creator

(1829 - 1891)

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 discovery of 5 Asteroids (or minor planets as they were known at that time) Asia, Sappho, Sylvia, Camilla and Vera at Madras. The first was named asteroid 'Asia' as it was the first to be discovered by an observer on this continent. This page from Pogson's log book shows the first observations of Asia made on April 18th and 19th 1861.

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 IIA Archives

Existence and location of copies

The original files are transferred to Bangalore campus, then processed and archived

Related units of description

Related descriptions

Notes area

Alternative identifier(s)

Access points

Subject access points

Place access points

Name access points

Genre access points

Description control area

Description identifier

Institution identifier

IIA Archives

Rules and/or conventions used

Archival description is based on ISAD(G), second edition.

Status

Published

Level of detail

Complete

Dates of creation revision deletion

Language(s)

  • English

Script(s)

  • Latin

Sources

Archivist's note

Processed by IIA Archives

Accession area