The observing weather was good during the month, 155 spectra being obtained on 24 nights or parts of nights. The large mirror was resilvered in the early part of the month but failure to secure a good coat necessitated a repetition of the work. A good coat was secured on May 26 without the loss of observing time.
Director J. S. Plaskett obtained 24 spectrograms on 2 nights before leaving for the East on May 10th to attend the Royal Society in Quebec and in connection with departmental business in Ottawa. Details next month of office work during the 10 days here.
[Plaskett urged the Chamber of Commerce to lobby the Government for $6,000 to bring scientists attending the British Science Association in Toronto later in the year to Victoria. His request to the BC Government had been denied. The scientists visited Victoria so it appears Plaskett’s efforts were successful, Ed.]
Research Astronomer W. E. Harper worked 4 nights obtaining 22 spectra. He measured 9 for radial velocity. Assisted in silvering the mirror twice. He spent time preparing illustrations for publication of Volume III, Number 1. Summarizing work on masses of double stars. He performed administrative duties in absence of the Director.
[Harper was elected to the Royal Society of Canada, Ed.]
Astronomer R. K. Young obtained 56 spectra on 8 nights. Assisted in silvering the mirror twice. Most of day work was spent in experimenting with the new wedge method of getting intensities of lines for absolute magnitude work.
[Young was appointed Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, Ed.]
Astronomer H. H. Plaskett worked 5 nights obtaining 22 spectra. Made the final measures in triplicate on the microphotometer of the two interferometer plates. Measured the comparison plates for the night of Feb. 29. Determined the plate constant and the fractional order of interferences for the spectrum obtained on that night.
Computer d S. N. Hill measured 20 B-type spectra. Transformed 90 right ascensions and declinations into longitudes and latitudes. Entered type and magnitude on 250 cards.
Observing Assistant W. H. Christie observed on 5 nights obtaining 30 plates. Measured and reduced 39 spectra for radial velocity.
Senior Clerk Typist Miss H. R. Keay handled the usual accounts, correspondence, plates and reports. Typed the Index and Table of Contents for Volume II. Prepared the mailing list, etc., for Volume II, Number 15 and read the proof for Volume II, Number 16.
Instrument Maker Foreman T. T. Hutchison assisted in observing on 19 nights. Prepared the telescope for silvering twice and replaced the mirror. Cleaned the measuring engines and made the usual minor repairs.
[The May 17, 1924 edition of the Vancouver Sun had a full-page article titled “World Stirred by Canada’s Scientific Discoveries — Flowering of Intellect“. J. S. Plaskett and his work were included in this article. Ed.]