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Royal Astronomical Society Collection

The Royal Astronomical Society, established in 1820, has a rich history that spans centuries

Background imageRoyal Astronomical Society Collection: Mary Somerville

Mary Somerville
3585934 Mary Somerville; (add.info.: Portrait of Mary Somerville (1780-1872) a Scottish science writer and polymath. Dated 19th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageRoyal Astronomical Society Collection: Sir John Frederick William Herschel, 1867 (b / w photo)

Sir John Frederick William Herschel, 1867 (b / w photo)
2598227 Sir John Frederick William Herschel, 1867 (b/w photo) by Cameron, Julia Margaret (1815-79); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sir John Frederick William Herschel (7 March 1792 - 11 May 1871)

Background imageRoyal Astronomical Society Collection: Sir John Frederick William Herschel, 1867 (albumen print)

Sir John Frederick William Herschel, 1867 (albumen print)
1197674 Sir John Frederick William Herschel, 1867 (albumen print) by Cameron, Julia Margaret (1815-79); 37.4x28.6 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageRoyal Astronomical Society Collection: Sir John Frederick William Herschel, 1867 (albumen print)

Sir John Frederick William Herschel, 1867 (albumen print)
495469 Sir John Frederick William Herschel, 1867 (albumen print) by Cameron, Julia Margaret (1815-79); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageRoyal Astronomical Society Collection: Sir Frederick William Herschel (1738 - 1822) pub. 1867 (photo)

Sir Frederick William Herschel (1738 - 1822) pub. 1867 (photo)
5055721 Sir Frederick William Herschel (1738 - 1822) pub. 1867 (photo) by Cameron, Julia Margaret (1815-79); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageRoyal Astronomical Society Collection: Sir John Frederick William Herschel, 1867 (b / w photo)

Sir John Frederick William Herschel, 1867 (b / w photo)
STC64676 Sir John Frederick William Herschel, 1867 (b/w photo) by Cameron, Julia Margaret (1815-79); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sir John Frederick William Herschel (7 March 1792 - 11 May 1871)

Background imageRoyal Astronomical Society Collection: Sir Frederick William Herschel (1738 - 1822) pub. 1867 (photo)

Sir Frederick William Herschel (1738 - 1822) pub. 1867 (photo)
5055720 Sir Frederick William Herschel (1738 - 1822) pub. 1867 (photo) by Cameron, Julia Margaret (1815-79); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageRoyal Astronomical Society Collection: Bust of Edward Riddle, Esquire, FRAS, late Head-Master of the Royal Naval School

Bust of Edward Riddle, Esquire, FRAS, late Head-Master of the Royal Naval School, Greenwich Hospital (engraving)
1607491 Bust of Edward Riddle, Esquire, FRAS, late Head-Master of the Royal Naval School, Greenwich Hospital (engraving) by English School

Background imageRoyal Astronomical Society Collection: Sir Frederick William Herschel (1738 - 1822), pub. 1867. Creator: Julia Margaret Cameron

Sir Frederick William Herschel (1738 - 1822), pub. 1867. Creator: Julia Margaret Cameron
Sir Frederick William Herschel (1738 - 1822) pub. 1867 (photograph). Sir John Frederick William Herschel (1792 ? 1871); English polymath, mathematician, astronomer, chemist, inventor

Background imageRoyal Astronomical Society Collection: Charles Babbage, caricature C015 / 6701

Charles Babbage, caricature C015 / 6701
Charles Babbage (1791-1871). Caricature of the English mathematician Charles Babbage. Babbage is best known for his pioneering work on programmable computers

Background imageRoyal Astronomical Society Collection: Portrait of Sir Frederick William Herschel (1738- 1822), 1785. Creator: Lemuel Abbott (1760-1802)

Portrait of Sir Frederick William Herschel (1738- 1822), 1785. Creator: Lemuel Abbott (1760-1802)
Portrait of Sir Frederick William Herschel (1738- 1822), 1785 (oil on canvas). Sir John Frederick William Herschel (1792)

Background imageRoyal Astronomical Society Collection: Fred Hoyle, caricature C015 / 6705

Fred Hoyle, caricature C015 / 6705
Fred Hoyle (1915-2001). Caricature of the British astronomer Sir Fred Hoyle. Hoyle is most famous for his adoption of the steady-state theory of the universe

Background imageRoyal Astronomical Society Collection: Observations of the Sun, 1870

Observations of the Sun, 1870. Series of photographs of the Sun made in March and April 1870 by US astronomer Lewis Morris Rutherfurd (1816-1892)

Background imageRoyal Astronomical Society Collection: Burlington House, 1873

Burlington House, 1873
Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, England. The original buildings on this site date from around 1665. This is the new building in 1873, five years after extensive rebuilding had started in 1868

Background imageRoyal Astronomical Society Collection: Arthur Cayley, caricature C015 / 6699

Arthur Cayley, caricature C015 / 6699
Arthur Cayley (1821-1895). Caricature of the English mathematician Arthur Cayley. Cayley was instrumental in establishing the British school of pure mathematics

Background imageRoyal Astronomical Society Collection: Sir William Herschel, British astronomer

Sir William Herschel, British astronomer
Sir William Herschel (1738-1822), German-born British astronomer. Herschel constructed several telescopes and used them to extensively study the night sky

Background imageRoyal Astronomical Society Collection: George Biddell Airy, British astronomer

George Biddell Airy, British astronomer
George Biddell Airy (1801-1892), British astronomer, 19th century engraving. During his career, Airy was elected president to the Royal Astronomical Society

Background imageRoyal Astronomical Society Collection: George Airy, British astronomer

George Airy, British astronomer
George Biddell Airy (1801-1892), British astronomer. During his career, Airy was elected president to the Royal Astronomical Society

Background imageRoyal Astronomical Society Collection: William Herschel, astronomer

William Herschel, astronomer
Frederick William Herschel (November 1738 - 25th August 1822) steel engraving 1833 " Gallery of Portraits" by Schriven after J. Russel 1790


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The Royal Astronomical Society, established in 1820, has a rich history that spans centuries. One of its notable members was Sir John Frederick William Herschel, whose contributions to astronomy are still revered today. In this captivating black and white photo from 1867, we catch a glimpse of the esteemed scientist himself. His piercing gaze and distinguished demeanor reflect his dedication to unraveling the mysteries of the universe. Another remarkable image showcases Sir Frederick William Herschel (1738 - 1822), captured in a stunning albumen print also from 1867. This photograph serves as a testament to his pioneering work in astronomy and highlights his significant impact on our understanding of celestial bodies. The society's commitment to honoring its members is evident through an engraving depicting Edward Riddle, Esquire, FRAS—the late Head-Master of the Royal Naval School at Greenwich Hospital. This bust immortalizes Riddle's contribution to education within the field of astronomy. Julia Margaret Cameron's artistic prowess shines through her portrayal of Sir Frederick William Herschel (1738 - 1822) in another photograph from 1867. Her unique perspective captures not only his physical features but also hints at the depth and complexity behind his scientific mind. Charles Babbage, known for his groundbreaking work on early computers, is humorously depicted in caricature C015 / 6701. This lighthearted illustration adds a touch of whimsy amidst all these serious scientific endeavors. Lemuel Abbott's portrait from 1785 portrays Sir Frederick William Herschel (1738-1822) with elegance and grace befitting one who made significant astronomical discoveries during their lifetime. The attention to detail brings forth an air of reverence for this influential figure. Lastly, Fred Hoyle appears in caricature C015 /6705—a playful representation that captures both his brilliance as an astrophysicist and his charismatic personality.