RM
Caroline Herschel's first comet discovery, 1786
Notes and drawings recording the discovery of a comet on 1st August 1786 by Caroline Herschel (1750-1848). Herschel noted that the object was 'like a star out of focus' and later correctly identified it as a comet. Herschel noted the location of the comet relative to stars in the constellations of Ursa Major and Coma Berenices. The three circles show the second night of observations. This comet, now known as Comet C/1786 P1 (Herschel), was the first of eight comets discovered by Caroline while working at Slough with her brother William. For the full two pages of notes see C059/0413., by ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
More
Top Categories