Edward Emerson Barnard Papers
Abstract
The Edward Emerson Barnard Papers, 1880-1923, contains the papers of astronomer and professor Edward Emerson Barnard, 1857-1923.
Dates
- Creation: 1880 - 1923
Conditions Governing Access
This collection may be viewed only in the reading room of Special Collections in the Jean and Alexander Heard Library. Collections should be requested 2-3 days prior to visiting in order to facilitate easier access. For questions or to request a collection, contact specialcollections@vanderbilt.edu.
Biography
Edward Emerson Barnard (1857-1923), son of Reuben Barnard and Elizabeth Jane Barnard, was born on 16 December 1857 in Nashville, Tennessee. He was a student and instructor of astronomy at Vanderbilt University from 1883-1887, and is still the only person to have received an honorary degree from Vanderbilt. While at Vanderbilt, Barnard discovered 7 comets and a new nebula. Students at Vanderbilt liked Barnard so much that they named the yearbook, “The Comet” in honor of his discoveries. Barnard Hall on Vanderbilt’s campus is named after him. Barnard was a professor of practical astronomy at the University of Chicago from 1895-1923. He is best known for his discovery of the high proper motion of Barnard’s Star in 1916, which is named in his honor. Barnard died in Williams Bay, Wisconsin on 6, February 1923.
Chronology:
1857 December 16: Born in Nashville, Tennessee
1879-1883: Nashville at Poole’s Studio
1881: Married Rhoda Calvert; discovered first comet
1883-1887: Student and instructor at Vanderbilt University
1888: Took position at Lick Observatory in California
1889: Discovered 4 comets, several new nebulae, first photographs of Milky Way, eclipse of one of Saturn’s moons
1890: First to observe return of d’Arrest’s comet
1892 September 2: Discovered Jupiter’s Fifth Satellite
1892: Lalande gold medal, Paris Academy of Sciences
1893: Arago gold medal, Paris Academy of Sciences
1895-1923: Professor of Practical Astronomy at University of Chicago
1897: Gold medal, Royal Astronomical Society
1900: Janssen gold medal, Paris Academy of Sciences
1917: Bruce gold medal, Astronomical Society of the Pacific
1923 February 6: Death in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. Internment in Nashville, Tennessee
Full Extent
31.66 Linear Feet (1 legal Hollinger, 41 letter Hollingers, 1 letter half-Hollinger, 19 slide boxes, 1 oversize box, 1 oversize folder)
Language of Materials
English
General
An addition to this collection was formerly designated as MSS.0756. That addition has since been incorporated into MSS.0031.
- Title
- Finding Aid for the Edward Emerson Barnard Papers
- Status
- In Progress
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Vanderbilt University Special Collections and University Archives Repository
Special Collections Library
1101 19th Ave. S.
Nashville TN 37212 United States
specialcollections@vanderbilt.edu
About this Site
This site contains collection guides, or finding aids, to the archival collections held by Vanderbilt University Special Collections and University Archives, the History of Medicine Collection, and the Scarritt Bennett Center. Finding aids describe the context, arrangement, and structure of archival materials, allowing users to identify and request materials relevant to their research.
Requesting Materials
Each finding aid contains a link to request materials from the collections. Collections can also be requested by emailing the repository directly through the library website. Each repository has its own location, hours, and contact information. Please consult the repository with questions about using the materials. Collections are non-circulating and must be used in the repository’s reading room. In many cases, the collections are stored off-site and require advance notice for retrieval.