`While the local Meteorological statistics show a five per cent increase for the year in the amount of sunshine over the yearly average, our own night record shows that seeing conditions were slightly below average.
Including figures for this year the thirteen-year average shows that on 205 nights with 1265.2 hours observing, a total of 1471 plates were secured. The corresponding figures for this year 1931 are 196 nights, 1179.6 hours and 923 plates.
The month of December was below the average. On 7 nights with 43.5 hours observing 29 plates were secured. The average is 10 nights, 59.4 hours and 68 plates.
Approximately 180 persons visited the observatory during the month. For the total approximated 24,840 a decrease from last year when 33,318 visitors were here.
Director J.S. Plaskett – some 150 plates were remeasured for the intensity of the K line and the dispersions calculated. These and other dispersions were used to determine the rotational constant from the mean parallaxes and the text relating to this written for publication. Usual correspondence, administrative duties, etc.
[Plaskett received notice that he had been awarded the Bruce Gold Medal of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, Ed.]
Assistant Director W.E. Harper observed 2 nights securing 14 plates. Measured for radial velocity 40, making a total for the year of 575. Some checking of α, δ into λ,β coordinates and some trials for periods. Gave one seminar talk.
Astronomer J.A. Pearce observed 2 nights, securing 5 spectrograms. Worked on Volume V, Number 3 paper on interstellar calcium, computing revised value for A, Galactic Rotation coefficient. Further work on the orbit of HD 698
Astronomer C.S. Beals did no observing due to cloudy weather. Completed reduction of results on spectrophotometric measures of Wolf Rayet bands. Began paper on Aurora Borealis. Began work on calibration of Zeiss step wedge., using photo-electric microphotometer.
Astronomer F.S. Hogg observed 3 nights, securing 10 plates. Measured 5 radial velocity plates. Statistical work on stellar distribution. Assisted Dr. Beals with calibration of photometer.
Computer S.N. Hill computed table of wave lengths for reduction of band spectra. Computing total proper motion and position angle for southern stars. Preparing table for reduction of stellar spectra, IM and IS prisms. Checking proper motion calculations.
Clerk-Stenographer Miss L .M. Blake handled correspondence, envelopes for 29 plates, accounts, reports and typing o articles for public. Proof reading. Commenced typing Volume V, Number 3
Astronomical Assistant T.T. Hutchison assisted in observing 5 nights. Kept telescope in working order.
[It was announced that J.S. Plaskett’s son, Harry Hemley Plaskett was the new Savilian Chair of Astronomy at Oxford University, Ed.]
