Astronomical observations
Date
16/26 March 1667
Creator
Unknown, Artist
Object type
Archive reference number
Manuscript page number
p1
Material
Dimensions
height (page): 304mm
width (page): 210mm
width (page): 210mm
Subject
Content object
Description
A drawing of stars and Venus observed by the Earl of Sandwich on 6 January 1667 in Madrid. He described the phase of Venus as 'horned in that manner as a moone 4 days old'. The set of observations from Madrid in early 1667 was sent to the Royal Society in a letter dated 16/26 March 1667, and read at the meeting on 25 April 1667.
Edward Montagu, an original Fellow of the Royal Society and a relative of Samuel Pepys, was made the Earl of Sandwich in 1660. He was much favoured by the King, and served as his ambassador to Portugal in 1661-62, and then to Spain in 1666-68. Montagu made astronomical observations during both these missions, which he sent to the Royal Society.
There are copies of these figures in LBO/1/407 and LBC/1/481.
Edward Montagu, an original Fellow of the Royal Society and a relative of Samuel Pepys, was made the Earl of Sandwich in 1660. He was much favoured by the King, and served as his ambassador to Portugal in 1661-62, and then to Spain in 1666-68. Montagu made astronomical observations during both these missions, which he sent to the Royal Society.
There are copies of these figures in LBO/1/407 and LBC/1/481.
Object history
At the meeting of the Royal Society on 25 April 1667, ‘Mr. Oldenburg produced several letters and papers come to his hands from abroad. One from the earl of Sandwich to the president dated March 16/26, 1667, at Madrid’ (Birch 2:169).
Related fellows
1st Earl of Sandwich and Viscount Hinchinbroke Edward Montagu (1625 - 1672, British) , Naval officer
Associated place