Plaskett Report for July 1930


The month was an average one for observing with 138 spectra secured on 25 nights, with a total observing time of 132.0 hours. The 11 – year average for the month shows 193 spectra on 26 nights with 135.0 hours observing. The fewer plates this month is accounted for by increased exposure time required for nebulae and faint stars.

Approximately 11,515 persons visited the Observatory during the month

Director J.S. Plaskett returning from England via Ottawa, Stratford, London, Winnipeg with addresses at the last three places. Administrative work and correspondence with writing of three miscellaneous articles.

[Plaskett’s return from his extended trip was covered in the July 23, 1930 Victoria Daily Times. The headline noted that Plaskett was “Laden with Highest Honors”, those being the Rumford Medal and the Gold Medal of  the Royal Astronomical Society, Ed.]

Look for other sources for additional talksLook for other sources for additional talks Tue, Jul 22, 1930 – 7 · The Victoria Daily Times (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) · Newspapers.com

Assistant Director W.E. Harper worked three nights securing 16 plates. Measured for radial velocity 60 plates. Correspondence and administrative duties up to 20th when Director returned.

Astronomer J.A. Pearce observed 3 nights, obtaining 22 spectrograms. Measured 20 spectrograms for radial velocity. Determined preliminary elements for spectroscopic binary HD 698. Worked on catalogue of Radial Velocities of O and B type stars. Gave one seminar talk.

Astronomer C.S. Beals observed 3 nights, obtaining 6 plates. Rebuilt vacuum tube and obtained 5 grating plates of oxygen spectrum for wave length measurement. Had alterations made in old Brashear spectrograph in preparation for calibration of wedge for short wave lengths.

Astronomer R.O. Redman worked 5 nights, obtaining 37 plates. Photographed and measured series of spectra for calibration of optical wedge. Measured 38 plates for radial velocity. Assisted investigation into flexure of stellar spectrograph.

Clerk-Stenographer Miss L.M. Blake handled envelopes for spectra, correspondence, accounts and reports. Typing of numerous articles.

Astronomical Assistant T.T. Hutchison assisted in observing on 20 nights and kept telescope in running condition.

Astronomer H.H. Plaskett observed 5 nights, securing 11 plates with 22 spectra. Gave one colloquium. Fixing up details for standardizing plates in visible and ultra violet spectrum, determining reflectivity of 72“ mirror and placing standardizing exposures on above plates.

Astronomer P. ten Bruggencate observed 4 nights, obtaining 21 plates. Standardizing experiments, standardized 19 plates for line intensities. 9 plates measured for radial velocity. Theoretical investigation on elliptical nebulae, to be published in Zeitschrift fur Astrophysik.

Astronomical assistant A. McKellar observed one night, obtaining 7 plates. Assisted on two other nights and reduced 26 plates for radial velocity. Computed reduction tables for 1M and 1S spectrum plates. Transformed equatorial coordinates into galactic coordinates for a number of stars and plotted these stars on a map of a projected sphere.,

Astronomical Assistant D.W. Macdonald observed 3 nights, obtaining 7 plates. Measured 8 plates for radial velocity. Transformed equatorial coordinates into galactic. Assisted in checking, filing, etc. and in orbit work. Computed reduction tables.