We were favoured with good weather for observing the first week of the month but poor for the second week due to heavy smoke. Rain came and cleared away the smoke and a few good nights were had in the broken weather of the last half of the month.

A total of 204 plates were secured on 22 nights as compared with a seven-year average for this month of 183 plates on the same number of nights. It should be stated that 53 of the plates secured this month were of a fairly bright star upon which a run of observations was being secured.

[August is the time of the annual Perseid Meteor Shower. In 1926 the view was spoiled by smoke from forest fires on the Mainland, Ed.]

Wed, Aug 11, 1926 – 1 · Times Colonist (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) · Newspapers.com

[Observatory Hill was declared a Game Reserve in 1926, Ed.]

Sat, Aug 14, 1926 – 11 · Times Colonist (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) · Newspapers.com

Director J. S. Plaskett measured 10 spectrograms for radial velocity. Made enlargements of spectra for illustration. Correspondence and accounts as usual. Absent for two weeks on leave and busy for several days with astronomical visitors.

Assistant Director W. E. Harper worked 3 nights securing 22 plates. Measured 43 spectra for radial velocity. Wrote up the orbit of Boss 5579 for publication. Working on the orbit of HR 8169. Prepared a short paper for AAS meeting. Prepared radio talk on “Shooting Stars”.

Research Astronomer H. H. Plaskett worked parts of 3 nights securing 11 spectra. Considerable time was spent in experimenting with and adjusting the spectroscope to eliminate a very large amount of flexure which made long exposures impossible. The balance of the time has been spent in discussing the spectrum of Z Andromedae and working on the theory of radiative equilibrium. On leave for 4 days.

Assistant Astronomer J. A. Pearce observed on 3 nights obtaining 32 spectrograms. Measured 28 spectra for radial velocity. Worked on orbit of HD 209481. Prepared orbit of HD 19820 for the press. Prepared and sent paper on HD19820 to AAS meetings. On leave 4 days.

Astronomical Computer S. N. Hill made least-squares solution of κ Draconis and wrote up orbit of same. Measured 12 spectra for radial velocity. Worked on the period of HD 214240. Prepared short paper for AAS meeting. Work in conjunction with the library.

Temporary Assistant W. H. Christie worked on 7 nights obtaining 84 plates, 33 of which were of 12 Lacertae. Measured and reduced 10 plates. Worked on 12 Lacertae. Completed orbit of HR 5702. Prepared two papers for AAS meeting.

Temporary Assistant R. M. Petrie observed on 6 nights securing 55 spectrograms. Measured 59 plates to determine radial velocity. Completed the orbit of HR 4535. Prepared short paper for AAS meeting.

Senior Clerk Typist  Miss H. R. Keay handled the usual correspondence, plates, reports, and accounts. Typed Volume IV, Number 1, “Three Peculiar Spectra” by J. S. Plaskett. Typed other astronomical articles. Read the proof of Volume III, Number 12.

Instrument Maker Foreman T. T. Hutchison assisted in observing on 17 nights. Painted telescope. Made some additions to enlarging camera.