Astronomy in the Special Collections

Our October spotlight exhibition continues in the Reading Room, with a look this week at Sir John F. W. Herschel (1792-1871) and his Treatise on astronomy (London : Longman, Brown, Green & Longmans, 1851). A tireless and esteemed exponent of the science, Herschel served as the foreign secretary of the Astronomical Society from 1820-1827, and later as its president. He was awarded the Lalande prize by the French Academy of Sciences and a gold medal by the Astronomical Society for his pioneering work in collaboration with James South (1785-1867) in the field of double stars. His output included the recording of double and multiple stars and nebulae in the northern and southern skies. His observations of Halley’s Comet during his time in South Africa provided valuable insight into the dynamics of the object. This Treatise was for a time deemed the authoritative text in the field of astronomical science.

You can also view the spotlight exhibition in its entirety on the digital display wall in the Hardiman Foyer during the month of October.

If you would like to view this item, please contact the staff of the Special Collections Reading Room in the Hardiman Research Building at specialcollections@nuigalway.ie.