Continued poor observing weather was the rule. On 10 nights 37 plates were secured with a total exposure time of 44.3 hours. The nine-year average for April is 18 nights, 147 plates and 107.4 hours
Approximately 912 persons visited the observatory during the month. Professor H. N. Russell, an outstanding astronomer of America, spent a few days, giving an address to the staff.
[Dr. Herman Zanstra, who was visiting the Observatory gave a public talk, Ed.]
Director J. S. Plaskett was obtaining the final velocities of some B stars. Prepared Seminar Talk on “Structural Features of the Galactic System”. Handled the usual correspondence and supervision. Away from office through illness from the 14th.
[Henry Norris Russell was visiting Victoria and the Lieutenant-Governor arranged a luncheon which Plaskett attended, Ed.]
Assistant Director W. E. Harper worked 4 nights obtaining 11 spectra. Measured for radial velocity 23. Gave one Seminar Talk on “Measurement of Absorption Line Intensities”. Completed orbit of A Persei and wrote up for publication. Some administrative work.
Astronomer J. A. Pearce observed 2 nights obtaining 15 spectra. Measured 38 plates for radial velocity. Found periods for 3 binaries. Compiled programmes of B8 stars in HD and C stars. Prepared one Seminar talk on “Characteristics of the Carbon Stars – Class R and N”
Astronomer C. S. Beals observed 4 nights securing 11 plates. Calculated complete velocity reduction table for new setting of ISS Camera. Completed measurement of oxygen grating plates in the region λ3880, H 375. Searched literature on hydrogen emission stars. Began work on design of new grating spectrograph.
Astronomical Computer S. N. Hill was computing total proper motion and applying Boss-Jenkins correction to same. Computing position angle of proper motion vector, galactic latitude and longitude for B-type stars.
Senior Clerk-Stenographer Miss L. M. Blake handled the usual correspondence, accounts, plates and library assistance. Type seminar talks and other astronomical addresses. Proof-reading.
Instrument Maker Foreman T. T. Hutchison arranged electrical connections for new spectrograph. Repaired dome motor.