Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 26-03-1909 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
1 laminated sheet
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Philip Herbert Cowell (1870–1949) was a British astronomer and mathematician noted for his precision work in celestial mechanics, particularly the computation of planetary and cometary orbits. Educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, he joined the Royal Greenwich Observatory in 1896, where he eventually became Chief Assistant. Cowell is best known for his detailed calculations of Halley’s Comet’s orbit, working with Andrew Claude de la Cherois Crommelin to successfully predict its 1910 return with unprecedented accuracy. His work extended to lunar theory, the motions of minor planets, and improvements in astronomical constants. A fellow of the Royal Society, Cowell’s meticulous computational methods significantly advanced the accuracy of astronomical ephemerides in the early 20th century.
Repository
Archival history
The document 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
The letter is from Astronomer Royal, Royal Observatory, to The Director of Kodaikanal Observatory, acknowledging with thanks the receipt of the seven Sun photographs.
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 chronologically according to the year of 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 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
- Cowell, Philip Herbert (Subject)
- Smith, Charles Michie (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