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Brian H. Day - |
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| General Info |
I live in California's Silicon Valley, and have paid my bills by doing software development since the early 1980's. I am also a long-time astronomy enthusiast. Currently, I serve on the Board of Directors of the Peninsula Astronomical Society, and am the Chairman of the Foothill College Observatory. Since the 1991 total solar eclipse in Baja, I've caught the eclipse bug, and now make a point of traveling to remote corners of the world for the chance to stand in the moon's shadow.
| Work and the Web |
I started my programming career at Computerac, a small Silicon Valley firm specializing in writing production control systems for photo mask manufacturers in the chip making industry. From there, I moved to Granite Rock Company (winner of the 1992 Malcolm Baldrige award) where my duties included plant automation, designing and implementing the company's web site, and developing and conducting PC and Internet classes for the company. I then spent two years teaching the JavaScript programming curriculum for San Jose State University's Professional Development Program. Currently I am working as a Multimedia Programmer at NASA Ames Research Center, contracted through Quantum Services Inc. I also do some part-time sales work for Orion Telescopes, and web development for Jasmine's China Adventure Tours.
| Astronomy |
Astronomy (the world's second-oldest profession) has been a long-time passion for me. As a kid, I learned my way around the sky with my first small telescopes. While studying astronomy at UCLA, I worked as research assistant for Dr. Bruce Margon, conducting a photometric study of the BL Lacertae Object Mkn 421.
For many years, I've been serving on the Board of Directors of the Peninsula Astronomical Society (P.A.S.). Under agreement with Foothill College, the P.A.S. operates the Foothill College Observatory. As Observatory Chairman, I conduct and coordinate the weekly public programs at the observatory, conduct training on the observatory equipment, and manage the outstanding staff of P.A.S. volunteers at the observatory.
Solar eclipses are certainly among nature's most spectacular shows. Visit my Solar Eclipse Page to see why eclipse fanatics travel to the remote corners of the world in pursuit of these events.
Photographing astronomical objects presents special challenges and rewards. Here is a selection of some of my astrophotos.
Observing low-orbiting satellites is fun and easy. Check out some tips on my Satellites page.
| Miscellaneous |
My other interists include photography, volcanology (I've seen 4 eruptions to date), wine, skiing, hiking, and just about everything else.
I am frequently a speaker at schools, social clubs, etc., talking about the Internet, eclipses, or astronomy in general.
Members of the Day family's newsletter, the Round Robin, can find the photo album here.
email me at brianday@dacite.com