Nevil Maskelyne to Edward Pigott comparing Pigott's observations of lunar transits to his own.

In this letter, Maskelyne compares Pigott's observations of lunar transits to his own and recommends that they both use the same stars. Maskelyne recommends that great care should be taken in adjusting the telescope to the eye of the observer. Maskelyne mentions that he has heard about Mr Mechain's comet and he hopes to see it when it emerges from behind the Sun. In a postscript, Maskelyne advises that the ephemerides of the 'Georgian planet' [Uranus] will be added as a supplement to the Nautical Almanac for 1786, copies of which can be purchased from Mr Elmsley.

Record Details

Item reference: LBK/85/12; REG15/000535.11
Catalogue Section: Manuscript volumes acquired singly by the Museum
Level: ITEM
Extent: 1 Letter
Date made: 19th November 1781; 9th April 1781 1781 - 1799 18th October 1783 8th April 1784 12th July 1785 8th July 1785 1786- 02-08 8th February 1786
Creator: Maskelyne, Nevil
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London