History of discovery of Cerer
Preprints of IAA RAS, № 188 (2012)
Keywords: asteroid, observatory, Cerer, von Zach, Piazzi, Gauss
Abstract
On January 1st, 1801 G. Piazzi discovered the first asteroid named as Cerere Ferdinandea (Cerer). The history of this discovery, and also the previous and consequent events is given in details. The destiny of observatories in Gotha and Palermo, and also their founders, baron F. von Zach ahd G. Piazzi is described. The method of determination of orbit of Cerer on three observations, developed by C. F. Gauss in 1801, is considered.