Life and Background:
- Born: January 11, 1873, Norwich, Connecticut, United States
- Died: July 6, 1936 (aged 63), Georges Mills, Sunapee, New Hampshire, United States
- Education: Trinity College, Hartford (Connecticut) and law school in New York (although he never practiced law)
- Spouse: Clara Hyde (married in 1902)
Career Shift:
- While Olcott obtained a legal education, he never pursued a law career.
Passion for Astronomy:
- His interest in astronomy sparked during a vacation in Rhode Island in 1905, when a friend of his wife introduced him to the stars and constellations.
Published Works:
- A Field Book of the Stars (1907): This was his first book and a testament to his newfound passion for astronomy. It was likely a user-friendly guide for amateur stargazers.
- Several other books on astronomy: The exact titles are difficult to pinpoint without further research, but they likely aimed to popularize astronomy for a general audience.
Contribution to Astronomy:
- Co-founded the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) in 1911: This organization is still active today and plays a significant role in the field of amateur astronomy, particularly in the observation and study of variable stars.
- Promoted variable star astronomy among amateur observers: Through his writings and likely his involvement with the AAVSO, Olcott likely encouraged citizen science participation in astronomical research.
Legacy:
- William Tyler Olcott is remembered as an American lawyer who became a passionate amateur astronomer.
- His contributions include popularizing astronomy through his publications and co-founding the AAVSO, which continues to be a valuable resource for astronomers today.
Limitations of Knowledge:
- Further research might be needed to identify the specific titles of his other astronomy books and delve deeper into his contributions to the AAVSO.
Additional Points:
- It's important to note that while Olcott was a key figure in the AAVSO's founding, the organization's success is due to the collective efforts of many dedicated individuals.
