Plaskett Report for August 1922


The weather for the first half of the month still continued bad for observing owing to the continued smokiness due to forest fires. Conditions have improved during the latter part of the month.

Director J. S. Plaskett obtained 34 spectrograms on 4 nights and measured 30 spectrograms for radial velocity. Experimental work with the ultraviolet spectrograph. Wrote an article for the JRASC on the massive star and popular description of the observatory and its work.

Thu, Aug 3, 1922 – 10 · The Victoria Daily Times (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) · Newspapers.com

Research Astronomer W. E. Harper obtained 35 spectrograms on 2 nights and measured 14 spectra for radial velocity. Determined the spectroscopic orbit of Boss 3793 (Following) and wrote it up for publication. On leave for 11 days.

Astronomer R. K. Young absent in Australia on the eclipse expedition.

Assistant Astronomer H. H. Plaskett obtained 15 wedge spectra and 4 ordinary spectra on 5 nights. Preliminary work on calibration of the wedge. Focussing and adjusting laboratory spectrograph. Construction of apparatus for purification of acetylene used as a standard temperature source. He was on leave for 5 days.

Research Assistant S. L. Boothroyd obtained 7 spectrograms on 1 night in July and 56 spectrograms on 5 nights during August. Measured 46 spectra for radial velocity. Worked on the provisional elements of Boss 4870 and phase of Boss 5150.

Research Assistant J. W Campbell obtained 30 plates on 3 nights and measured 34 plates for radial velocity. Computed the orbit of HR 6532

Research Assistant D. Buchanan read up on the theory of least-squares solution of a spectroscopic orbit and performed solution for the star BD +44 3639. Absent 5 days.

Instrument maker Foreman T. T. Hutchison assisted ib observing on 15 nights. Made some adjustments at upper end of telescope to facilitate the use of the ultraviolet spectrograph.

Clerk-Stenographer Miss H. R. Keay handled the usual correspondence , plates, and accounts. Proof read Volume I, Number 30, typed “Colonist” articles, article for the JRASC and part of popular description of observatory and telescope.