Publication date: 2 March 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14324/111.9781806550456
Number of illustrations: 48
The Royal Observatory, Greenwich, 1881–1939
Astronomy, astronomers and heritage in a changing world
Lee T. Macdonald (Author)
Between the late nineteenth century and the outbreak of the Second World War, astronomy underwent a radical change, from a science centred on the positional measurement of stars to the study of astrophysics and the universe. This book tells the story of the Royal Observatory at Greenwich from 1881 to 1939, charting a hitherto under-researched period of its history and bringing its management to life.
Using a wealth of primary-source research in the Royal Observatory’s archives and elsewhere, Lee T. Macdonald describes and analyses how the Observatory, originally founded in 1675 to tackle the problem of finding longitude at sea, branched out into areas at the cutting edge of astronomical research, including photographic mapping of the sky and the study of solar eclipses. He shows how the Observatory remained committed to the traditional missions in navigational and positional astronomy, and how its work became increasingly challenged by the growth of London, culminating in relocation. The story is a valuable exemplar of how a working observatory gradually transformed into a heritage institution, which thrives to this day.
The Royal Observatory, Greenwich, 1881–1939 will be essential reading for astronomers and historians of science, and important for heritage professionals, particularly those working in historic scientific institutions.
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The Royal Observatory, Greenwich, 1881–1939
Astronomy, astronomers and heritage in a changing world
Publication date: March 2, 2026
Open Access PDF ISBN: 9781806550456
Paperback ISBN: 9781806550449
Hardback ISBN: 9781806550432
Trim size (hardback): 23.4cm x 15.6cm
Trim size (paperback): 23.4cm x 15.6cm
Between the late nineteenth century and the outbreak of the Second World War, astronomy underwent a radical change, from a science centred on the positional measurement of stars to the study of astrophysics and the universe. This book tells the story of the Royal Observatory at Greenwich from 1881 to 1939, charting a hitherto under-researched period of its history and bringing its management to life.
Using a wealth of primary-source research in the Royal Observatory’s archives and elsewhere, Lee T. Macdonald describes and analyses how the Observatory, originally founded in 1675 to tackle the problem of finding longitude at sea, branched out into areas at the cutting edge of astronomical research, including photographic mapping of the sky and the study of solar eclipses. He shows how the Observatory remained committed to the traditional missions in navigational and positional astronomy, and how its work became increasingly challenged by the growth of London, culminating in relocation. The story is a valuable exemplar of how a working observatory gradually transformed into a heritage institution, which thrives to this day.
The Royal Observatory, Greenwich, 1881–1939 will be essential reading for astronomers and historians of science, and important for heritage professionals, particularly those working in historic scientific institutions.
