Carter Observatory, George Vernon Hudson's Astronomical Observation Books

Descriptive Data

Archives IdentifierAJ007Date Range1890-1946DescriptionThis series consists of astronomical observations recorded by George Vernon Hudson from his home-built observatory at his Messines Road property. There are 16 volumes and a folder of loose papers. The earliest book starts in September 1890, and the last recorded entry is from 3 April 1946 (George passed away on 5 April 1946).

It is thought the books were gifted to Cecil Hayes, Director of the Carter Observatory, following George's death in 1946, and added to the collections held by the Carter Observatory. George was never officially involved with the Carter Observatory but struck up a good friendship with Hayes. They got to know each other during the visit of Halley's comet (when Hayes was a schoolboy) and maintained the friendship.

There are no books covering the 1910s. It is not known whether George did not make any observations during these times, or those books are not held. There is also a set of sunspot observations from the early 1930s; these are loose sheets clipped together, so do not look to be part of his set of books.

Entries in the book record the date and time the observations took place. They also often refer to the weather at that time, in so much as it affected observations. As well as a written description there is often an image representing the night sky pinpointing objects of interest, and sometimes pasted in are small sketches of specific detail. The observations recorded in the earlier books are less frequent, particularly the second book - although it covers 1897-1904 there are many gaps between entries.Quantity (Linear Metres)0.25MediumFileSystem of ArrangementThe books are in date order, however within each book however there are often multiple sections each referring to a different type of observation.

Each of the books has a 'Log Book #' penciled on the front page - the handwriting does not match the books suggesting it was added later. The numbers do not appear to be in any order. Collection TypeWellington Museums Trust

Astronomical Observation Book, September 1890 - April 1894

Astronomical Observation Book, March 1897 - August 1904

Astronomical Observation Book, March 1905 - November 1906

Astronomical Observation Book, January 1907 - December 1909

Astronomical Observation Book, January 1920 - December 1925

Astronomical Observation Book, January 1926 - January 1930

Sunspot Observations, 1930-1933

Astronomical Observation Book, February 1930 - May 1931

Astronomical Observation Book, March 1934 - April 1935

Astronomical Observation Book, May 1935 - February 1937

Astronomical Observation Book, March 1937 - August 1938

Astronomical Observation Book, September 1938 - November 1939

Astronomical Observation Book, December 1939 - June 1941

Astronomical Observation Book, June 1941 - September 1943

Astronomical Observation Book, September 1943 - September 1944

Astronomical Observation Book, October 1944 - January 1946

Astronomical Observation Book, February 1946 - April 1946

Event

Daylight Saving

Access Information

Restriction StatusOpen

Related Agencies

Controlling or Creating AgencyCarter ObservatoryRelationship Date RangeUnknown

Relationships

Related EventDaylight SavingRelated PersonGeorge Vernon Hudson

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Carter Observatory, George Vernon Hudson's Astronomical Observation Books