The month was a little above the average due to a few good nights of about twelve hours each. The twelve-year average for the month shows 14 nights, 92.0 hours and 116 plates. This February shows 16 nights, 102.8 hours and 76 plates.
Approximately 295 persons visited the observatory during the month.
Director J.S. Plaskett remeasured 23 plates for displacement of calcium lines and estimated intensities on 30 plates. Preparation of catalogue of calcium velocities and building up of observation and normal equation for solution of solar motion and galactic rotation. Handle the usual correspondence and administrative work.
[Plaskett gave a talk to the RASC titled “Reminiscences of Famous Astronomers” after which he was ‘warmly applauded’, Ed.]
Assistant Director W.E. Harper observed 3 nights securing 12 plates. measured for radial velocity 30. Compiling velocities of A-type stars and remeasuring same. Gave seminar talk,
Astronomer J.A. Pearce observed 4 nights, securing 16 plates. Measured 17 spectrograms. Engaged on a solution for the elements of the solar motion and galactic rotation from the observations of interstellar calcium. The solution consists of 313 observation equations 1 of 5 unknowns.
[Pearce had a Letter to the Editor on Astrology published on February 28, 1931, Ed]
Sat, Feb 28, 1931 – 4 · The Victoria Daily Times (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) · Newspapers.com
Astronomer C.S. Beals observed 4 night, securing 22 plates. Spent some time on building of new microphotometer. Made tests of color curve of stellar spectrograph collimator. Made investigation of theoretical work on interstellar matter. Gave 1 seminar talk.
Astronomer R.O. Redman worked 5 nights and obtained 22 plates. Measured 27 spectra for radial velocity. Classified about 200 spectra according to special type (sic). Gave 1 seminar talk.
Computer S.N. Hill – preparing reproduction chart showing distribution of calcium clouds with know radial velocities. Computations on periods of stars HD25638 and 35407. Work on least-squares solution for galactic rotation.
Clerk-Stenographer Miss L.M. Blake handled correspondence, accounts, reports and envelopes for spectrograms. Proof reading Volume VI, Number 1. Typing and preparing for printer Volume VI, Number 3. Typing various articles for publication and radio talks
Astronomical Assistant T.T. Hutchison assisted in observing on 12 nights. Made repairs to dome wheels and kept telescope in running order.