%0 Journal Article
%T Revealing observatory networks through object stories: Introduction
%A Rebekah Higgitt
%D 2023
%V 
%N Autumn 2023
%K astronomy
%K collections
%K networks
%K object biography
%K object itineraries
%K object stories
%K observatories
%K observatory sciences
%K observatory sites
%K scientific instruments
%K Time
%X This paper introduces a group of three articles that bring together object stories relating to observatory history and networks. The three articles (‘Instrumental networks’, ‘Object itineraries’ and ‘Observatory audiences’) each bring together three object stories by different authors that contribute to the article theme. Here the genesis of the collection at the workshops of the Observatory Sites and Networks project is discussed, along with the approaches taken and the kind of insights that studies of material culture can shed on histories of observatories and the observatory sciences. The arrangement of the stories into three themes is outlined while common threads and recurring motifs that create connections and synergies across the thematic sections are highlighted. Together the collected papers make an argument for the use of objects in research, demonstrating the fruitfulness of investigating their histories and showing how they can expand our understanding of the networks of people, organisations and objects that were interested in or essential to the successful functioning of observatories. They also demonstrate the breadth and variety of interests and resources that were drawn into these networks, offering new ways of understanding and interpreting both observatory sites and museum objects.
%Z These object stories do not reflect the content of the prepared papers given at these workshops, outlined in the programmes and abstracts available at https://www.rmg.co.uk/collections/research/observatory-sites-networks-1780 (accessed 31 March 2023). Some of these, and other work inspired by the workshops, will, we hope, be published in the future.
%Z Institutional histories include Forbes, Meadows and Howse (1975) and Dick (2003); nationally focused histories include Poppi, Bonoli and Chinnici (2003) and Razaullau Ansari (2011).
%Z On the term ‘observatory sciences’, which includes sciences that share sites and techniques with astronomy, such as cartography, geodesy, meteorology and earth sciences such as seismology and geomagnetism, see Aubin, Bigg and Sibum (2010, pp 2–8).
%Z We had originally intended to hold a workshop at Cambridge University Library, where the archives of the ROG and its successor institution, the Royal Greenwich Observatory (Herstmonceux), are held. However, because of the University and College Union strikes, we moved the planned Cambridge workshop in spring 2022 to Greenwich (a site we had missed when we turned online).
%Z The ROG is fully part of Royal Museums Greenwich, while the ROE is a multi-institutional working site, with a library, archive and some historic objects (others have transferred to National Museums Scotland or Museums and Galleries Edinburgh). Armagh Observatory is still a working site but includes the public-focused Planetarium and displays and collections of historic instruments and other material. It is currently applying for World Heritage Status, along with Dunsink and Birr Observatories: https://www.armagh.space/heritage/armagh-observatory/world-heritage-aspirations (accessed 31 August 2023). Internationally, the picture is similarly mixed. 
%Z The stories by Chinnici and Raposo focus on one of the objects that each chose for this workshop. Devoy’s piece is an alternative to the objects she discussed originally. 
%Z Fleming (1974) is a classic model of object analysis that, together with its extensions and applications by curators, remains a useful checklist of object properties and the analytical operations that can be applied to them.
%Z Physical and geographical isolation (within secure sites, removed from vibration and pollution) is important for creating reliable observations, but that is only achieved through collaborative and networked activity, including site control, travel and robust communication. See e.g. Aubin (2003), Lane (2005) and Johnston (2021).
%Z The museum objects are from Royal Museums Greenwich, the National Air and Space Museum, Washington DC, the Museum of Edinburgh and the Adler Planetarium, Chicago. The others are still part of observatory collections. 
%Z The Network launched an email discussion list: https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?A0=OBSERVATORY-NETWORKS (accessed 31 March 2023). 
%I The Science Museum Group
%@ 2054-5770
%B eng
%U https://journal.sciencemuseum.ac.uk/article/revealing-observatory-networks-through-object-stories-introduction/
%J Science Museum Group Journal