Plaskett Report for September 1925


The observing weather has been exceptionally goof for the month though towards the end considerable smoke from forest fires filled the air and necessitated increased exposure times. A total of 221 spectra was obtained on 21 nights as compared with an average of 167 on 20 nights for the past six years.

Director J. S. Plaskett obtained 26 spectrograms on 2 nights and measured 41 spectrograms for radial velocity. Some work on three binary orbits. Prepared two addresses for local organizations. Handled the usual correspondence and administrative work.

[Plaskett returned from a lengthy trip to England, Belgium and France, Ed.]

Tue, Sep 1, 1925 – 9 · The Victoria Daily Times (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) · Newspapers.com

[A lengthy article on Plaskett’s second talk appeared in the September 26, 1925 edition of the Daily Colonist. Ed.]

Piece the Sept. 6, 1925 newspaper announcing J.S. Plaskett’s upcoming talk to the Victoria Canadian Club

Assistant Director W. E. Harper worked on 4 nights obtaining 60 spectra. Measured 8 for radial velocity. Determined the orbits of HR 8257 and HR 5472 and wrote up for publication.

Research Astronomer H. H. Plaskett obtained 3 long exposure spectra and 8 ordinary plates on 3 nights. A careful discussion was completed of the extra-axial aberrations in the telescope and spectroscope as a source of error in the wedge observations. A number of high dispersion solar spectra were obtained.

Assistant Astronomer J. A. Pearce obtained 40 spectrograms on 5 nights and measured 21 spectrograms, mostly double lined. Usual clock corrections. Translated 1 German article. Preliminary elements of HD 1337. He computed new table for 1-prism spectroscope.

Astronomical Computer S. N. Hill computed new tables for 1M and 1S cameras. Measured and reduced 31 spectrograms for radial velocity.

Engineering Clerk (temporary) W. H. Christie observed on 5 nights obtaining 69 spectra. Measured 48 spectra for radial velocity and 3 for determination of wave lengths. Worked on the orbit of HR 5752 and obtained the period and preliminary elements.

Junior Engineering Clerk (temporary) R. M. Petrie worked 2 nights securing 15 spectrograms. Worked 3 nights as observing assistant. Measured 36 spectrograms for radial velocity.Entered on cards apical distances of 180 stars. Checked the constants for λ and β of 115 stars. Worked on a least-squares solution of orbits of HR 8257, HR 5472 and σ2 Coronae Borealis.

Senior Clerk Typist Miss H. R. Keay handled the usual accounts, correspondence, plates and reports. Typed the orbits of 63 Gem and HR 5472 for Mr. Harper. Prepared Volume III, Numbers 5, 6, 7, and 8 for distribution.

Instrument Maker Foreman T. T. Hutchison assisted in observing on 9 nights. Making repairs to wind screens in dome.