Observing weather was below the average considerably for the month. The Meteorological station shows a total of 85 hours sunshine as against an average of 135. On 15 nights, with a total of 100.6 hours observing, 81plates were secured. About 10 of these were of objects requiring long exposures. The nine-year average for the month shows16 nights, 126.2 hours and 139 plates.
Approximately 718 persons visited he observatory during the month.
[Plaskett’s son, Harry Hemley Plaskett, resigned from the staff to take a permanent position at Harvard, Ed.]
Fri, Oct 12, 1928 – 6 · Times Colonist (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) · Newspapers.com
Director J. S. Plaskett measured 21 spectrograms for radial velocity, completing the velocities of a number of B stars. Discussed research and other problems with members of the staff after my return. Handled the usual administrative work and correspondence.
[J. S. Plaskett had been ill and on leave before his extended visit to Europe. This article celebrated his return to Victoria, Ed.]
Fri, Oct 12, 1928 – 15 · Times Colonist (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) · Newspapers.com
Assistant Director W. E. Harper observed on 2 nights securing 12 plates. Measured for radial velocity 33. Determined orbit of HR 7338 and wrote up same for publication. Also wrote up revision of orbit of Boss 809. Gave one seminar talk on “New Observatories”. Handled the correspondence and administrative duties for the first half of the month.
Astronomer J. A. Pearce observed on 5 nights, securing 39 spectrograms. Measured 54 plates for radial velocity. Worked on the orbit of HD 208095. Gave one seminar talk on “Counting the Stars”
Astronomer C. S. Beals worked on 3 nights securing 7 spectra requiring practically 19 hours observation. Organized the work on Wolf-Rayet stars, studying the intensity of excitation as represented by their spectra. Gave one seminar talk.
Astronomer R. O. Redman obtained 23 plates on 5 nights. Tried to obtain detached sodium D lines in B stars, using either one or two prisms. Little success. Measured 14 plates for radial velocity. Drew up programme of K stars between 7.0 and 7.5 and situated near galaxy. The radial velocities of these stars are to be investigated statistically, principally in order to study galactic rotation. Gave on seminar talk on “Emission Lines”
Computer S. N. Hill computed τ and υ components, checking angular distance (D) and position angle χ, for B-type stars. Deriving galactic latitude and longitude for K stars. Computing phases for binary stars HD 208095, 25638 and 25639
Clerk-Stenographer Miss L. M. Blake handled the usual correspondence, accounts, reports and envelopes for spectrograms. programme of K and B stars and other astronomical articles.
Instrument Maker Foreman T. T. Hutchison assisted on observing on 12½ nights. Some work repairing generator and other parts of telescope.