AAVSO Observer Code
BSEA
Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Full Name
Spence Blakely
Location
Portsmouth, RI, US
Background/Interesting Fact
Hello fellow stargazers of the inconstant yet interesting kinds,
I've dabbled in variable star observing since about the time David Levy's book on the subject came out. I'm now looking to get much more involved with visual observing and maybe some data reduction.
I reside in Rhode Island and I am now retired. I hope to connect with other members who may want to share some observing time or chat about experiences with AAVSO or astronomy in general.
I served as secretary of the Astronomical Society of Southern New England (assne.org) for some 20 years. But that was likely because the other officers and I typically ran unopposed at elections, until we eventually stepped down. ASSNE has close ties with U. Mass Dartmouth and professor and author Alan Hirshfeld. I enthusiastically recommend his books, but only because they are such a pleasure to read.
I've also written the manuscript for a naked-eye stargazing guide and related astronomy book for young adults, Being an amateur, I was lucky to have it critiqued by some astro pros, including James Kaler whose books and articles were my inspiration. I'm looking to donate it to an astronomy-based educational institution in hopes of getting younger people interested. Any tips or advice would be much appreciated.
I've dabbled in variable star observing since about the time David Levy's book on the subject came out. I'm now looking to get much more involved with visual observing and maybe some data reduction.
I reside in Rhode Island and I am now retired. I hope to connect with other members who may want to share some observing time or chat about experiences with AAVSO or astronomy in general.
I served as secretary of the Astronomical Society of Southern New England (assne.org) for some 20 years. But that was likely because the other officers and I typically ran unopposed at elections, until we eventually stepped down. ASSNE has close ties with U. Mass Dartmouth and professor and author Alan Hirshfeld. I enthusiastically recommend his books, but only because they are such a pleasure to read.
I've also written the manuscript for a naked-eye stargazing guide and related astronomy book for young adults, Being an amateur, I was lucky to have it critiqued by some astro pros, including James Kaler whose books and articles were my inspiration. I'm looking to donate it to an astronomy-based educational institution in hopes of getting younger people interested. Any tips or advice would be much appreciated.
