Observing weather in December very poor. Obtained 18 spectra on 5 parts of nights. Office work, however, proceeding very satisfactorily and good progress has been made on the preparation of two important publications.
[Dr Otto Julius Klotz died December 1928 in Ottawa. He was connected with Canadian astronomical and surveying work for over 50 years, Ed]
Director J. S. Plaskett did no observing during the month. All time but that required for correspondence and administrative work was occupied in computation of results and preparation for publication of Volume II, Number 16 – The O-type Stars
[Plaskett was elected Honorary President of the Victoria Centre of the RASC, Ed]
Research Astronomer W. E. Harper obtained 7 spectrograms on one night. All day time occupied in finishing remeasuring of the Boss stars for new lines. Finished a revision of tables.
Astronomer R. K. Young did no observing during the month. All time was occupied in investigation of absolute magnitudes and preparation of manuscript for publication.
Astronomer H. H. Plaskett obtained 11 spectrograms on 4 nights, 4 of which were long exposure on the Orion nebula. In day time made 7 long exposure carbon arc spectra for calibrating nebular spectra. Work continued on nebular spectra by careful study Sommerfeld, Atombau and Einstein on the derivations of Planck’s law from quantum consideration.
[The ‘quantum consideration’ referred to in H. H. Plaskett’s work for the month, is not modern quantum mechanics. It refers to the old quantum theory which is now understood to be a semi-classical approximation to modern quantum mechanics. Ed.]
Assistant Computer S. N. Hill spent time compiling tabular matter for Harper and Young’s publication on Absolute Magnitude and also on computation of constants.
Clerk-Stenographer Miss H. R. Keay compiled the observing list of about 900 B-type stars. Prepared the mailing list for distribution of Volume II, Number 12. Handled the usual accounts, correspondence, plates and reports.
Instrument Maker Foreman T. T. Hutchison assisted with observations on 5 nights. Made necessary repairs and adjustments to the dome shutters and attended to other repairs.