Plaskett Report for January 1929


The observing weather was above  the average as 95 plates were secured on 12 nights with a total exposure time of 95.1 hours. The ten-year average for the month shows 10 nights, 76 plates and 57.4 hours observing. A heavy fall of snow featured the last week of the month.

Correction. September 1928 Report. The number of plates should have been 113 not 133 as given.

Mon, Jan 28, 1929 – 1 · Times Colonist (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) · Newspapers.com

Director J. S. Plaskett obtained 32 spectrograms on 3 nights and measured 14 for radial velocity. The collection and revision of the velocities of the B stars and their arrangement into groups for the purpose of galactic rotation with a preliminary solution for the constants occupied the remainder of the available time. Handled the usual correspondence and administrative work.

Assistant Director W. E. Harper measured 8 plates for radial velocity. Worked on changing velocity of system of HR 5472. Sorting and checking ever [sic] plates and cards of approximately 1,000 A-type stars. Wrote review of astronomical progress of 1928. Gave 2 lectures and 1 seminar talk.

Astronomer J. A. Pearce observed 5 nights obtaining 42 plates. Measured for radial velocity 68. Worked on orbit of HD 44701. Gave one address.

Astronomer C. S. Beals observed 2 nights securing 7 plates. Compiled wave-length table with laboratory identifications for Wolf-Rayet bands. Investigated data on Wolf Rayet spectra in relation to gaseous nebulae. Investigated spectrum of Nova Aquilae on Victoria plates for purpose of establishing similarities with Wolf Rayet stars. Searched the literature on subject of later stages of Novae. Constructed new nickel plates for use with comparison arc of stellar spectrograph. Gave one seminar talk

Assistant Astronomer R. O. Redman obtained 14 plates on 2 nights. Measured 8 plates of Y Cygni. Computed orbit of Y Cygni. Gave one seminar talk

Computer S. N. Hill computed sundial angles for latitude of 48° 31′. Computational and other related work on B-type programme.

Clerk-Stenographer Miss L. N. Blake handled the usual correspondence, accounts and reports. Envelopes for 95 plates. Typing seminar talks, addresses, etc. Proof-read Volume IV, Numbers 12 and 13.

Instrument Maker Foreman T. T. Hutchison assisted in observing on 8 nights. Kept telescope in running order.