Plaskett Report for October 1926


We were favoured with several good nights for observing towards the end of the month so that the record Is a little above the seven-year average. On 17 nights this month 165 spectra were obtained as against an average of 146 on the same number of nights.

Director J. S. Plaskett obtained 69 spectrograms on 5 nights and measured 39 spectrograms for radial velocity. Obtained period and preliminary elements of HD 193536. Wrote abstract of paper for the Royal Astronomical Society. Handled the usual correspondence and administrative work.

Assistant Director W. E. Harper observed 5 nights securing 40 spectra. Measured 59 spectrograms for radial velocity. Determined the orbit of 33 Piscium and wrote it up for publication. compiling and studying statistics of orbits spectroscopic binaries. Some general reading.

Research Astronomer H. H. Plaskett observed 4 nights obtaining 7 long-exposure spectra and 1 short exposure. Worked principally on the spectrum of Z Andomedae and the theory of photo-electric ionization. Prepared and gave a radio talk on “sunspots”.

Assistant Astronomer J. A. Pearce observed 4 nights obtaining 48 spectrograms. Measured 63 spectrograms for radial velocity.. Six hours work on card catalogue of class B stars. Worked on the period of HD 209481.

Astronomical Computer S. N. Hill measured and reduced for radial velocity 25 B-type spectrograms. Working on period of HD 214240. Work in connection with the library.

Senior Clerk Typist Miss H. R. Keay handled the usual accounts, reports, plates and correspondence. Read the page proof of Volume III, Number 14. Typed two binary orbits for Mr. Harper. Other astronomical typing.

Instrument Maker Foreman T. T. Hutchison assisted in observing on 14 nights. General repair work and fixing measuring machines.