Again the month was considerably below the average for observing. On 14 nights with 72.6 hours, 68 plates were secured. The fourteen-year average for this month shows 16 nights with 99.6 hours observing time.
Approximately 191 persons visited the observatory during the month.
Director J.S. Plaskett completed solution of 252 O-B5 stars for third and fourth harmonics showing conclusively that only solar motion and galactic rotation like first and second harmonics have appreciable magnitude. Commenced transformation of proper motions from equatorial to galactic coordinates to obtain precessional correction and rotational constant B. Usual administrative duties.
[Plaskett gave a talk on the expansion of the Universe to the Victoria chapter of the RASC, Ed.]
Assistant Director W.E. Harper observed 5 nights securing 41 plates. Measured for radial velocity 40. Ten days spent checking times and Julian dates of observations of about 1000 stars preparatory to publication.
Astronomer J.A. Pearce observed 2 nights, obtaining 6 plates. Month was devoted to the determination of the corrections to Newcombe’s epoch and precessional constant – from the proper motions of the O and B class stars. One popular lecture.
Astronomer C.S. Beals observed 3 nights, obtaining 15 plates. Completed paper entitled “Spectrophotometric studies of Wolf Rayet stars and Novae” for the observatory publications. Gave one seminar talk.
Astronomer F.S. Hogg observed 4 nights, securing 6 plates. Measured 9 plates for radial velocities. Worked on motions and equilibrium in planetary nebulae. Gave on seminar talk.
Computer S.N.Hill did the measurement and reduction of band spectra. Preparing drawings for reproduction in observatory publication. Library work.
Clerk-Stenographer L.M. Blake did secretarial and accounting work. Typing articles for publication and computing data for 68 plates.
Astronomical Assistant T.T. Hutchison assisted in observing on 13 nights. Kept telescope in running order.