[As we start the 1923 reports I want to make a note about the paper on which these reports are typed. Faintly embossed on the paper are the words “Belfast Ledger” with “Made in Canada” underneath. It would seem that ledger refers to the size of the paper. However, today we would refer to the size of the paper as legal size. I am not sure what the word Belfast refers to. A little searching reveals that the Canadian Government expended $3,476.09 on 21,632 lb. of Belfast Ledger paper in 1923.]
The observing weather continued to be very poor during January with only 68 spectrograms being obtained on 2 whole nights and 10 parts of nights. Volume I, Number 30 with index and title page of Volume I have been distributed and Volume II, Numbers 5 and 6 have been received.
[Astronomer, Professor W.J. Luyton of Leyden visited the Observatory, Ed.]
Director J. S. Plaskett was confined to his house by accident of Dec. 18 until Jan. 15. Completed the description of the observatory and telescope for monograph for distribution to visitors and also completed the manuscript of Volume II, Number 9. Measured 30 spectrograms for radial velocity and 15 for wave lengths of emission and absorption lines of Wolf-Rayet stars. Handled the usual correspondence and administrative work.
[A report in the January 9, 1923 Daily Colonist detailed how J. S. Plaskett enlisted the support of the Chamber of Commerce “in his efforts to secure appropriations from the Dominion Government for the erection of additional buildings at the observatory”., Ed.]
Research Astronomer W. E. Harper obtained 32 spectrograms on 6 nights and measured 8 spectrograms for radial velocity and about 200 for absolute magnitude. Spent 3 days measuring Australian eclipse plate for the Einstein shift. Handled administrative duties during the first two weeks.
[This month’s Talks on Astronomy article in the Daily Colonist was written by W. E. Harper on “Theories of World Building“, Ed.]
Astronomer R. K. Young obtained 22 spectrograms on 3 nights and measured 200 spectrograms for absolute magnitude. Measured one of the eclipse plates to scale plate direct and reversed. This involves about 3000 settings of the micrometer and about one quarter of the total measures for the relativity shift.
Assistant Astronomer H. H. Plaskett obtained 14 spectrograms on 3 nights. Made 88 wedge spectra in the laboratory of standard sources of the Nela ribbon lamp, acetylene flames and carbon arc. Measured and reduced 38 of these spectra which served to check the accuracy of the method and verify the calibration of the wedge.
Instrument Maker Foreman T. T. Hutchison assisted with observing on 10 nights. Made stands for Repsold engine and for microphotometer and also performed the necessary repairs and adjustment to the telescope
Clerk-Stenographer Miss H. R. Keay handled the usual plates, correspondence and accounts. Typed the monograph describing the observatory and also Volume II, Number 9. Read the proof of Volume II, Numbers 5 and 6 and prepared publications for distribution. Made out a new catalogue of about 400 stars.