Sunspots
Date
3 April 1704
Creator
Unknown, Artist
Object type
Archive reference number
Manuscript page number
p7
Material
Dimensions
height (page): 380mm
width (page): 245mm
width (page): 245mm
Subject
Content object
Description
Sunspots observed by Stephen Gray in January, February and March 1704 at Canterbury. The letter was read to the Royal Society on 12 April 1704 where Edmond Halley was asked to peruse it. At the next meeting, on 19 April 1704, Halley reported that Gray had conducted his observations with care but that it was too short a period to determine the Sun's revolution on its axis from them. Gray was to be thanked and encouraged to further communication.
Object history
12 April 1704, 'A Letter was read from Mr Gray, containing his Observations of the Spots in the Sun, seen in January last. Mr Halley was desired to peruse and give his Opinion of it' (JBO/11/48).
19 April 1704, 'Mr Halley returned Mr Grays Papers concerning the Spots seen in the Sun, January, Febr. & March last, with his Attempt to conclude the period of the Suns Revolution on his Axis. He suppos'd that the said Period could not be well determined by spots of so small duration, but believed that he had taken very good care in what he had done, and deserv'd Thanks & Encouragement for his Communications' (ibid.).
19 April 1704, 'Mr Halley returned Mr Grays Papers concerning the Spots seen in the Sun, January, Febr. & March last, with his Attempt to conclude the period of the Suns Revolution on his Axis. He suppos'd that the said Period could not be well determined by spots of so small duration, but believed that he had taken very good care in what he had done, and deserv'd Thanks & Encouragement for his Communications' (ibid.).
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Associated place