Like the previous month July, the month of August 1932 was abnormally cloudy, being exceeded only that of August 1918. The dome was opened on 22 nights with a total observing of 101.0 observing hours, as compared with the 13 year average of 24 nights – 150.3 hours, 149 plates were secured, of which 44 were spectrograms ad 105 were direct photographs (4″ x 4″), at the Newtonian focus. Approximately 4200 persons visited the observatory during the month.

A party of 20 English and European astronomers, including Sir Frank and Lady Dyson visited the observatory. Unfortunately the 2 hours devoted to observing with the 72-inch reflector were cloudy. A symposium was held at the observatory one afternoon at which brief addresses were given by Sir Frank Dyson, Astronomer Royal, Dr. F. Aston, FRS, Paul Helbronner and > Th. Neithheiner. The Director gave an account of the work accomplished at the observatory, and the 4 astronomers discussed the research which they are at present engaged.

[Sir Frank Dyson gave a public lecture on 15 Aug, 1932, Ed.]

Mon, Aug 15, 1932 – 13 · Times Colonist (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) · Newspapers.com

Director J.S. Plaskett completed the reduction of the observed proper motions of O and B-type stars to the parallactic and peculiar components for the determination of the mean parallaxes. Usual correspondence and administration.

Assistant Director W.E. Harper observed on 4 nights securing 11 plates. Measured 15 spectrograms for radial velocity. Revised period of HR 6290, and effected least-squares solution of orbital elements.

Astronomer J.A. Pearce completed the computations (with JSP) of the τ and υ components of approximately 850 O and B-type stars. Observed on 5 nights secured 20 spectrograms and measured 16 spectrograms for radial velocity. Completed the spectroscopic orbit of the eclipsing variable HD 93033. Work on the spectroscopic orbit of the eclipsing variable HD 216014.

Astronomer C.S. Beals observed on 5 nights obtaining 10 plates. Continued spectrophotometric investigations of intensities of Wolf-Rayet emission bands.

Astronomer F.S. Hogg observed on 8 nights, obtaining 3 spectrograms and 105 direct photographs at the principal focus. Measured 4 plates for radial velocities. Worked on the variable stars in clusters. Measured 4 sensitometer plates on the microphotometer.

Computer S.N. Hill measured 5 spectra of Z Ursa Majoris for radial velocity. Worked with Dr. C.S. Beals on the measurement and reduction of the spectrophotometric intensities of the emission bands of Wolf-Rayet stars. Prepared some diagrams in connection with this photometric work. On leave of absence (sickness) from Aug. 25th.

Astronomical Assistant T.T. Hutchison assisted in observing on 10 nights.

Clerk-Stenographer C. Martin handled accounts, reports, correspondence, typing and filing.