Zainteresowania obserwacjami astronomicznymi Braci Polskich na początku XVIII w. W świetle źródeł rodziny Kirchów

Abstract

The Polish Brethren’s Interest in Astronomical Observations at the Beginning of the 18th Century – In the Sources of the Kirch Family The article resumes the discussion of the astronomical interests of the Polish Brethren, instigated by Tadeusz Przypkowski. Focusing on the first two decades of the 18th century, it presents their participation in research conducted by Gottfried Kirch and his family. Reconstructed from the journal entries of the first astronomer of the Royal Prussian Society of Sciences, this area of the Socinian activity included various forms of participation in astronomical observations – as spectators, students, assistants or co-observers. The source material left by the Kirch family confirms that the astronomical interests of this community did not expire at the beginning of the 18th century and were maintained by the next generation of Arians.