VLT observes a passing double asteroid hurtling by Earth at 70 000 km/h

The unique capabilities of the SPHERE instrument on ESO’s Very Large Telescope have enabled it to obtain the sharpest images of a double asteroid as it flew by Earth on 25 May. While this double asteroid was not itself a threatening object, scientists used the opportunity to rehearse the response to a hazardous Near-Earth Object (NEO), proving that ESO’s front-line technology could be critical in planetary defence.

The International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) coordinated a cross-organisational observing campaign of the asteroid 1999 KW4 as it flew by Earth, reaching a minimum distance of 5.2 million km [1] on 25 May 2019. 1999 KW4 is about 1.3 km wide, and does not pose any risk to Earth. Since its orbit is well known, scientists were able to predict this fly-by and prepare the observing campaign.

NEW: Guide to the Planets by Richard Pearson FRAS

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Up to date, and full of fascinating information about the worlds of our Solar system. The book focuses on water-worlds and the search for life.

The night sky is a wonder, from the fixed and almost changeless stars to the brief appearances of comets it offers a universe of fascinating objects to view. With little more than a pair of binoculars or a small telescope millions of light years of space are available to all. Guide to the Planets has been written by Richard Pearson with amateur astronomers in mind. This book will guide you through space and introduce you to the pleasures of amateur astronomy.

The history of Nottingham Castle by John Hicklin

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In this volume John Hicklin describe the history of Nottingham Castle from the Danish invasion to the destruction by rioters. On the evening of Monday 10 October 1831, people gathered by the banks of the River Leen to watch the spectacular sight of Nottingham Castle, ablaze, sparks flying.

Thoroton’s History of Nottinghamshire Volume 1

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This book is the first volume of Thoroton's History of Nottinghamshire. Dr. Robert Thoroton (4 October 1623 – c. 21 November 1678) was an English antiquary, mainly remembered for his county history, The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire (1677). In 1667 Thoroton, aided by a band of helpers, began to work upon his great county history, The Antiquities of Nottinghamshire. This was published in London in 1677; it was dedicated to the eminent antiquarian William Dugdale and was illustrated by engravings by W. Hollar. It was Dugdale who had urged Thoroton to complete the work of history begun by Thoroton's father-in-law.

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Thoroton’s History of Nottinghamshire Volume 2

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ROBERT THOROTON (1623–1678), historian, was son of Robert and Anne Thoroton, née Chambers. His ancestors had long held considerable property in Nottinghamshire. This volume published in 1797 was extended by John Throsby Thoroton commenced his ‘Antiquities of Nottinghamshire’ in 1667. He first worked on some transcript notes from ‘Domesday Book’ which were made by his father-in-law Gilbert Boun of Newark, and were made over to Thoroton by Gilbert Boun's son-in-law, Gervase Pigot of Thrumpton. Thoroton did not conduct all his researches personally, but employed paid assistants at great expense to himself. The magnificent result of his labours appeared in the folio volume of ‘Antiquities’ printed in London in 1677, and illustrated with engravings by Hollar after Richard Hall.

Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece & Rome

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This fascinating book contains the legends of the best known constellations, and more besides.
an excellent read …

A Myth is a folklore genre consisting of narratives or stories that play a fundamental role in a society, such as foundational tales or origin myths. The main characters in myths are usually gods, demigods or supernatural humans. Stories of everyday human beings, although often of leaders of some type, are usually contained in legends, as opposed to myths.

Myths are often endorsed by rulers and priests or priestesses, and are closely linked to religion or spirituality.In fact, many societies group their myths, legends and history together, considering myths and legends to be true accounts of their remote past. In particular, creation myths take place in a primordial age when the world had not achieved its later form. Other myths explain how a society's customs, institutions and taboos were established and sanctified. There is a complex relationship between recital of myths and enactment of rituals.

Full biography of John Flamsteed with documents, letters and observations

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The Rev.d John Flamsteed was the first British Astronomer Royal

This volume is a rare addition for those with a keen interest in the history of Astronomy. It contains an Account of the life of the Rev.d John Flamsteed FRS., compiled from his own manuscripts, and other authentic documents by Francis Baily Esq. As Astronomer Royal, Flamsteed spent some forty years observing and making meticulous records for his star catalogue, which would eventually triple the number of entries in Tycho Brahe's sky atlas.

The Rev.d James Bradley including letters, documents and observations

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The Rev.d james Bradley was the 3rd Astronomer Royal.

Through observations he is best known for the discovery of the aberration of starlight (1725–1728), and the nutation of the Earth's axis (1728–1748).

The publication of Bradley's observations was delayed by disputes about their ownership; but were finally published in two folio volumes (1798, 1805). The. Rev.d James Bradley was an English astronomer and priest who served as Astronomer Royal from 1742, succeeding Edmond Halley.