This object consists of a rectangular cardboard box with the word “LASER” written on it; this has been crossed out. There are bits of dried tape hanging off the box. The lid of the box flaps open.
Inside the box, there is a cardboard folder containing files related to student Clarence T. Hay, completing a fourth year of a degree in Astronomy at the University of Toronto, under Donald MacRae, in 1976-1977. The folder includes correspondence, Hay’s student records and student work by Hay over the course of the year 1976-1977. Hay’s work focused on spectral classifications.
Also in the box are a large number of images of celestial objects, such as galaxies on glass plates in paper envelopes. There are also a small number of spectrographic images, also on glass plates in envelopes.
Accession Number: 2019.ast.238
Alternative Name:
Primary Materials: Cardboard, Paper, Glass
Written on the exterior of the box: “LASER”
Written on the top of the box: “Fragile, Please Handle With Care” and on the side: “GLASS”
On a sticker stuck on the side of the box: “Vertical transfer case
Boite de transfert verticale
No. L60
No L60
ANTHES BUSINESS FORMS
341 HEART LAKE RD. S.
BRAMPTON ONTARIO L6W 3K8”
Each envelope has the New General Catalogue (NGC) number of the object written on pencil on the outside.
Box: Length = 40.5, Width = 12.5, Height = 28
This is the work and completed paper of Astronomy student Clarence Hay, who worked on the “A-star project” under David Dunlap Observatory astronomy professor Donald MacRae, in 1976-1977, for the course AST425H. Some of the spectroscopic slides are dated to 1966, suggested they are perhaps examples or comparisons provided by MacRae.
Very Good: The box, which has been reused at least once, is damaged. The lid and sides have been taped back together. There are dark spots on a strip of tape on the side, perhaps mould. In places, the tape has dried and peeled away, leaving either residue marks or dangling pieces of tape. A sticker stuck to the side of the box is wrinkled. There are other dark marks, suggesting damp.
The folder of papers on the inside is in good condition, although a little bent. The slides are in excellent condition, although some glass plates have become separated from their original envelopes.
Associated Instruments:
Manufacturer: Clarence T. Hay, Donald MacRae
Date of Manufacture: 1966, 1976-1977
This artifact was kept at the David Dunlap Observatory until 2009, probably among the possessions of Donal MacRae. Upon the sale of the Observatory in that year, it was moved to the University of Toronto’s Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics at the St George Campus. In 2017 it was moved to a new storage location in McLennan Physical Laboratories.
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