Dr. Blake's research area is mainly in time-variable phenomena in astronomy including binary and variable stars and active galaxies. Recent efforts include studying the binary star Delta Scorpius. At UNA, Mel is preparing a research project with students to study long-term evolution of stars and variability in star forming regions.

Dr. Blake teaches courses in introductory astronomy and physics.  He is also the editor/publisher of Southern Skies, the journal of the Southeastern Planetarium Association.

Recent Publications

Blake, R. M. and Miller, H., Period Changes of Delta Scuti Stars, 2022, JAAVSO Submitted.

Blake, R. M. and Kain, H., Astrometry of Double Stars In the Hubble Database, 2022, JDSO In Preparation.

Blake, M.m Wildharber, H., "2022, Testing the Consistency of Sky Quality Meters for Citizen Science Projects", 2022, JAESE, in preparation.

M. Blake, Marcus Beasley, Isaiah Clotfelter, Charles Harville, Kaleb Hood, Harris Kain, Hannah Miller, Khushmeet Kathuria, Steve Parrish, Jamie Pothier, Julie Roberts, and Harrison Whittaker, Measurement of Neglected Double Stars as Part of an Observational Astronomy Course, 2021, JDSO, 17, 272.

Blake, R.M., Stenger, C., Jenkins, J., Truitt, S., Stovall, J., “Attack of the Ice Aliens: A transdisciplinary Physics Lesson”, 2020, JAAS, 91, 116.

"Evaluating Strategies to Collect Micrometeorites from Rainwater for Citizen Scientists", Blake, R. M., McKee, J., Statom, R., Qui, C., and Menapace, F., 2018, JAESE accepted for publication, under revision.

"A binary Model for the Emission Line Star FX Vel", Blake, R. M., Hunter M., 2015, JAAVSO, 43, 59.