Plaskett Report for May 1926


The observing weather during the month has been poor and uncertain, 88 spectrograms only being obtained on 22 nights and parts of nights

Announcement of RASC meeting at the Observatory in May 1926

Director J. S. Plaskett measured 18 spectrograms for radial velocity, 4 for wave length and identification of wave length. Computed wavelength tables for additional metallic lines in stellar spectra now under investigation. Prepared papers and abstracts for various purposes. Handled the usual correspondence and administrative work.

[Plaskett gave a talk to the RASC on how the telescope came to Victoria, Ed.]

Sat, May 22, 1926 – 18 · Times Colonist (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) · Newspapers.com

Assistant Director W. E. Harper obtained 5 spectrograms on 1 night of observing and measured 10 for radial velocity. Reading and referring to recent publication in connection with spectroscopic parallax work. Left for Royal Society meetings on May 12.

Research Astronomer H. H. Plaskett obtained 9 spectra on parts of 3 nights. Measured line intensities in a number of spectra of Vega and the Sun. Prepared and gave a talk to staff on Origin of Spectra. Further preparation including review of thermodynamics for paper on structure of matter

Assistant Astronomer J. A. Pearce obtained 5 spectrograms on 2 nights. Measured 25 spectrograms for radial velocity. Worked on the orbit o HD 209481 with some work on a survey of literature on B-type stars.

Computer S. N. Hill measured and reduced for radial velocity 30 B-type spectrograms. Work on the orbit of κ Draconis including a review of previous publications. Library work in addition.

Summer Assistant W. H. Christie obtained 36 spectrograms on 8 nights and measured 20 for radial velocity. Preliminary work on periods of three binaries and completed the preparation of HR 3752 for publication. Work on card catalogue of radial velocities.

Summer Assistant R. M. Petrie obtained 33 spectrograms on 9 nights and measured 34 spectrograms for radial velocity. Preliminary work on spectroscopic binaries.

Senior Clerk Typist Miss H. R. Keay handled the usual correspondence, plates, accounts and reports. Typed 2 binary orbits and finished typing Volume III, Number 12. Some work in library.

Instrument Maker Foreman T. T. Hutchison assisted with observing on 17 nights. Repairs and adjustments to shutter, also to limit switch declination slow motion.