JOURNAL ARTICLE

E. E. Barnard and the Nebula That Wasn’t.

  • Published In: Sky & Telescope, 2026, v. 151, n. 1. P. 22 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Sheehan, William 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on Edward Emerson Barnard's observations of Nova Aurigae (T Aurigae) in 1891, which sparked a significant mystery in astronomical history. Barnard, a prominent astronomer known for his discoveries of comets and dark nebulae, initially observed the nova and reported seeing a nebulous shell around it. However, later research revealed that the apparent nebula was likely an optical illusion caused by chromatic aberration in the telescope he used. The article also highlights Barnard's challenging early life and his rise to prominence in the field of astronomy, emphasizing the importance of T Aurigae in the study of novae and its classification as a recurrent nova system. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sky & Telescope. 2026/01, Vol. 151, Issue 1, p22
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:0037-6604
  • Accession Number:190869330
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