[Before we get to the March 1922 report, I should mention that while 72-inch telescope started operation in May 1918, the office building was not completed until 1924. Until then, the staff had to work in makeshift spaces on the ground floor of the dome. I am sure that Plaskett, aware of the impact of daytime heating on the nighttime observations, kept the space unheated. So for six years, the staff worked in an unheated space. Ed.]
Observing weather rather poor during March but progress of work excellent. Obtained a total of 124 spectrograms on 18 nights or parts of nights,
Director J. S. Plaskett obtained 28 spectrograms on 4 nights and measured 36 plates for radial velocity. Designed a comparison arc and holder for guiding telescope ultra-violet spectrograph. Tested new type of camera lens for use with two and three prism spectrograph. Usual correspondence. Absent for four days.
[Plaskett gave a talk in New Westminster at the St. Mary’s Parish Hall. Plaskett’s brother, Reverend Canon Frank Plaskett had been rector at the church since 1912]
[Plaskett’s mother died in Osoyoos this month. Plaskett’s still live in Osoyoos., Ed]
Research Astronomer W. E. Harper obtained 28 spectrograms on 3 nights and measured 23 plates for radial velocity. Measured 60 standard plates for absolute magnitude. Re-estimated about 550 spectra for absolute magnitude. Also investigated 115 M-type spectra.
[W. E. Harper published an article in the March 19, 1922 edition of the Daily Colonist. The link shows only part of the article but look at the image used as the header., Ed.]
Astronomer R. K. Young obtained 42 spectrograms on 5 nights and measured 10 spectrograms for radial velocity. Measured 400 plates for absolute magnitude. Examined M-type stars with a view to obtaining new lines to show absolute magnitude effect.
Assistant Astronomer H. H. Plaskett obtained 29 spectrograms on 6 nights. Measured and computed the curvature corrections to be applied to one, two and three prism spectrograms which involved solution of some 150 observation equations. Prepared tabular matter for PDAO, Volume I, Number 30. Finally he prepared and delivered a paper on Saha’s Ionization Hypothesis.
Clerk-Stenographer Miss H. R. Keay filed, entered and typed correspondence for the month, attended to accounts and typed two Colonist articles. Also read the proof of Volume I, Numbers 27, 28, 29 and Volume II, Number 2. Spent some time in filing back correspondence
Instrument Maker Foreman T. T. Hutchison assisted in observations on 9 nights. Maintained telescope and dome in working condition. Tested circuits and placed additional wiring on telescope for ultra-violet spectrograph.