Jen Willis 💫🎃
@jenwillis.bsky.social
Writer. Editor. @SkyandTelescope columnist.
Chronic illness/pain/optimism. ND. Astronerd. Fangirl of trees, otters, & more. She/her.
jennifer-willis.com
Chronic illness/pain/optimism. ND. Astronerd. Fangirl of trees, otters, & more. She/her.
jennifer-willis.com
Pinned
Jen Willis 💫🎃
@jenwillis.bsky.social
· Nov 28
Everything You Need to Vote - Vote.org
Register to vote. Check your registration status. Get your absentee ballot. Fast, free, easy, secure, nonpartisan.
vote.org
You know what all the cool kids* are doing? Checking their voter registration on a regular basis, and/or registering for the first time.
vote.org
(*I mean, maybe? I am not cool. But voting is super important.)
vote.org
(*I mean, maybe? I am not cool. But voting is super important.)
Reposted by Jen Willis 💫🎃
There is always something to be done, and that something makes a difference.
That is what optimism is: choosing to believe that you can continue to make a difference, and doing so, as much as you can.
That is what optimism is: choosing to believe that you can continue to make a difference, and doing so, as much as you can.
December 13, 2025 at 5:28 PM
There is always something to be done, and that something makes a difference.
That is what optimism is: choosing to believe that you can continue to make a difference, and doing so, as much as you can.
That is what optimism is: choosing to believe that you can continue to make a difference, and doing so, as much as you can.
Reposted by Jen Willis 💫🎃
Well said.
For me, optimism does not mean "everything will turn out okay." Optimism means "a solution exists, and my efforts matter."
Without this kind of optimism nothing gets done, and yeah, that's a guaranteed that things will *not* turn out okay.
For me, optimism does not mean "everything will turn out okay." Optimism means "a solution exists, and my efforts matter."
Without this kind of optimism nothing gets done, and yeah, that's a guaranteed that things will *not* turn out okay.
December 13, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Well said.
For me, optimism does not mean "everything will turn out okay." Optimism means "a solution exists, and my efforts matter."
Without this kind of optimism nothing gets done, and yeah, that's a guaranteed that things will *not* turn out okay.
For me, optimism does not mean "everything will turn out okay." Optimism means "a solution exists, and my efforts matter."
Without this kind of optimism nothing gets done, and yeah, that's a guaranteed that things will *not* turn out okay.
Reposted by Jen Willis 💫🎃
I made a blank one for anyone who wants to make their own based on their local library's special offerings! My own custom card based on things I need/want to utilize at my library for reference.
December 13, 2025 at 2:13 PM
I made a blank one for anyone who wants to make their own based on their local library's special offerings! My own custom card based on things I need/want to utilize at my library for reference.
Reposted by Jen Willis 💫🎃
One of my favorite recent JWST images, Pismis 24, is now available as a free downloadable poster. Perfect for printing and decorating your walls.
It includes the image on the front and a description in both English and Spanish on the back. 🔭🧪
science.nasa.gov/asset/webb/p...
It includes the image on the front and a description in both English and Spanish on the back. 🔭🧪
science.nasa.gov/asset/webb/p...
December 12, 2025 at 9:49 PM
One of my favorite recent JWST images, Pismis 24, is now available as a free downloadable poster. Perfect for printing and decorating your walls.
It includes the image on the front and a description in both English and Spanish on the back. 🔭🧪
science.nasa.gov/asset/webb/p...
It includes the image on the front and a description in both English and Spanish on the back. 🔭🧪
science.nasa.gov/asset/webb/p...
Reposted by Jen Willis 💫🎃
🧵
Here is Messier 106 (or NGC 4258), a true cosmic marvel in the constellation Canes Venatici.
Image Credit: NASA, ESO , NAOJ, Giovanni Paglioli; Assembling and Processing: R. Colombari and R. Gendler
➡️ apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap19031...
🔭 🧪 #science #universe #extragalactic #astronomy
1/5
Here is Messier 106 (or NGC 4258), a true cosmic marvel in the constellation Canes Venatici.
Image Credit: NASA, ESO , NAOJ, Giovanni Paglioli; Assembling and Processing: R. Colombari and R. Gendler
➡️ apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap19031...
🔭 🧪 #science #universe #extragalactic #astronomy
1/5
December 12, 2025 at 5:01 PM
🧵
Here is Messier 106 (or NGC 4258), a true cosmic marvel in the constellation Canes Venatici.
Image Credit: NASA, ESO , NAOJ, Giovanni Paglioli; Assembling and Processing: R. Colombari and R. Gendler
➡️ apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap19031...
🔭 🧪 #science #universe #extragalactic #astronomy
1/5
Here is Messier 106 (or NGC 4258), a true cosmic marvel in the constellation Canes Venatici.
Image Credit: NASA, ESO , NAOJ, Giovanni Paglioli; Assembling and Processing: R. Colombari and R. Gendler
➡️ apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap19031...
🔭 🧪 #science #universe #extragalactic #astronomy
1/5
'Tis the season when the neighbor's packages keep getting mis-delivered to our house on a near daily basis.
December 12, 2025 at 7:53 PM
'Tis the season when the neighbor's packages keep getting mis-delivered to our house on a near daily basis.
This goes for every day, too.
friendly reminder that you didn't waste your year. any moments of happiness or comfort. any small accomplishments, they all matter. this has been a really hard year, and simply surviving is something to be proud of.
December 12, 2025 at 4:36 PM
This goes for every day, too.
We all need these (and all) dogs today.
December 12, 2025 at 3:49 PM
We all need these (and all) dogs today.
Since St. Lucia's Day is tomorrow, here's a piece I wrote for @oregonian.com back in 2008. (Don't know what happened to my byline, though?)
St. Lucia Day greets cyclists with treats - oregonlive.com share.google/jk0NZTNz5TK6...
St. Lucia Day greets cyclists with treats - oregonlive.com share.google/jk0NZTNz5TK6...
Oregon Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather
Get the latest Oregon local news, sports, weather, entertainment and breaking updates on oregonlive.com
oregonlive.com
December 12, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Since St. Lucia's Day is tomorrow, here's a piece I wrote for @oregonian.com back in 2008. (Don't know what happened to my byline, though?)
St. Lucia Day greets cyclists with treats - oregonlive.com share.google/jk0NZTNz5TK6...
St. Lucia Day greets cyclists with treats - oregonlive.com share.google/jk0NZTNz5TK6...
Reposted by Jen Willis 💫🎃
Titan in the Infrared - From Val Klavans (valklavans.bsky.social) - https://flic.kr/p/FXAATj
December 12, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Titan in the Infrared - From Val Klavans (valklavans.bsky.social) - https://flic.kr/p/FXAATj
Finally making plans for a mostly text-based NL/pub I've been thinking about all year. I'm going down multiple deep rabbit holes on Substack v. Patreon v. Medium (v. Ko-fi? v. Buy Me a Coffee?). It's overwhelming.
If you were starting a new property, what platform would you choose? And why?
If you were starting a new property, what platform would you choose? And why?
December 11, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Finally making plans for a mostly text-based NL/pub I've been thinking about all year. I'm going down multiple deep rabbit holes on Substack v. Patreon v. Medium (v. Ko-fi? v. Buy Me a Coffee?). It's overwhelming.
If you were starting a new property, what platform would you choose? And why?
If you were starting a new property, what platform would you choose? And why?
Reposted by Jen Willis 💫🎃
A reviewer on Bookstr says of GIRL IN THE CREEK: "It’s a book that balances hypnotic prose and shocking twists. Wagner is truly merciless but in the best possible way."
bookstr.com/article/fall...
bookstr.com/article/fall...
Falling for New Voices: The Best Debuts of 2025
Looking for your next auto-buy author? Explore our favorite 2025 debuts across fantasy, romance, and more.
bookstr.com
December 11, 2025 at 4:31 PM
A reviewer on Bookstr says of GIRL IN THE CREEK: "It’s a book that balances hypnotic prose and shocking twists. Wagner is truly merciless but in the best possible way."
bookstr.com/article/fall...
bookstr.com/article/fall...
Reposted by Jen Willis 💫🎃
please support writers and artists and musicians and all the people who are doing the actual labor to create interesting, intentional work
December 11, 2025 at 2:40 PM
please support writers and artists and musicians and all the people who are doing the actual labor to create interesting, intentional work
Reposted by Jen Willis 💫🎃
A brief return of the Murderbot Humble Bundle! The charity is still World Central Kitchen.
Unlock and upgrade in the Return to Metroidvania rebundle, read up on exciting Sci-Fi with Matha Wells’ Murderbot & more, and add character to your game environments with the Best of Synty 4 Game Dev Assets rebundles! https://bit.ly/4oxXmjd
December 10, 2025 at 5:15 PM
A brief return of the Murderbot Humble Bundle! The charity is still World Central Kitchen.
I'm up to "Mr. Willis of Ohio," one of my favorite episodes of The West Wing.
December 10, 2025 at 6:44 PM
I'm up to "Mr. Willis of Ohio," one of my favorite episodes of The West Wing.
Reposted by Jen Willis 💫🎃
Jupiter 2023-10-14 - From Ryan Kinnett (rkinnett.bsky.social) - https://flic.kr/p/2pkdWxk
December 10, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Jupiter 2023-10-14 - From Ryan Kinnett (rkinnett.bsky.social) - https://flic.kr/p/2pkdWxk
Reposted by Jen Willis 💫🎃
My new foster dog, Nick, has the best smiles! If anyone is looking for the biggest snuggle bug, wiggly cuddler, most grateful scratch receiver, scardey cat HUGE 85lb dog in existence and near Portland, OR this guy just may be your soul mate. #adoptdontshop #dogsofbluesky #fosterdog
November 27, 2025 at 1:53 AM
My new foster dog, Nick, has the best smiles! If anyone is looking for the biggest snuggle bug, wiggly cuddler, most grateful scratch receiver, scardey cat HUGE 85lb dog in existence and near Portland, OR this guy just may be your soul mate. #adoptdontshop #dogsofbluesky #fosterdog
Reposted by Jen Willis 💫🎃
#apod 2025-12-10
The Horsehead Nebula
Image Credit: George Chatzifrantzis
Web page: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap251210.html
The Horsehead Nebula
Image Credit: George Chatzifrantzis
Web page: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap251210.html
December 10, 2025 at 6:30 AM
#apod 2025-12-10
The Horsehead Nebula
Image Credit: George Chatzifrantzis
Web page: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap251210.html
The Horsehead Nebula
Image Credit: George Chatzifrantzis
Web page: https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap251210.html
And damn. These episodes really hit differently here during Trump 2.0.
"what's the good of being in power if you're not going to haul your enemies in for questioning?"
Intended as a joke then, but reality today.
"what's the good of being in power if you're not going to haul your enemies in for questioning?"
Intended as a joke then, but reality today.
"The West Wing" is back on Netflix. I've begun my first rewatch in several years, and I'm struck by how young everyone looks to my eyes today. Martin Sheen was only a few years old than I am now when he took this role.
December 10, 2025 at 2:07 AM
And damn. These episodes really hit differently here during Trump 2.0.
"what's the good of being in power if you're not going to haul your enemies in for questioning?"
Intended as a joke then, but reality today.
"what's the good of being in power if you're not going to haul your enemies in for questioning?"
Intended as a joke then, but reality today.
Reposted by Jen Willis 💫🎃
An exceptionally good series. Movies and television have a long history of giving a very simplistic and exaggerated view of politics and government. West Wing is not only an excellent drama but often educational. Rated by many critics as one of the best television series of all time.
"The West Wing" is back on Netflix. I've begun my first rewatch in several years, and I'm struck by how young everyone looks to my eyes today. Martin Sheen was only a few years old than I am now when he took this role.
December 10, 2025 at 12:55 AM
An exceptionally good series. Movies and television have a long history of giving a very simplistic and exaggerated view of politics and government. West Wing is not only an excellent drama but often educational. Rated by many critics as one of the best television series of all time.
"The West Wing" is back on Netflix. I've begun my first rewatch in several years, and I'm struck by how young everyone looks to my eyes today. Martin Sheen was only a few years old than I am now when he took this role.
December 9, 2025 at 11:43 PM
"The West Wing" is back on Netflix. I've begun my first rewatch in several years, and I'm struck by how young everyone looks to my eyes today. Martin Sheen was only a few years old than I am now when he took this role.
Reposted by Jen Willis 💫🎃
One of the many reasons AI can't produce good writing is it can't hate its own writing. It can't think to itself "Maybe I'm illiterate" during the writing process. And that's essential
December 9, 2025 at 8:45 PM
One of the many reasons AI can't produce good writing is it can't hate its own writing. It can't think to itself "Maybe I'm illiterate" during the writing process. And that's essential
Reposted by Jen Willis 💫🎃
Nicole Wallace breaks down every insult and abusive remark Trump has made to female journalists in the last few weeks.
“We’re either going to normalize this and usher in an era of unprecedented misogyny, or that press corps is going to act as one and say no more”
No More.
“We’re either going to normalize this and usher in an era of unprecedented misogyny, or that press corps is going to act as one and say no more”
No More.
December 9, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Nicole Wallace breaks down every insult and abusive remark Trump has made to female journalists in the last few weeks.
“We’re either going to normalize this and usher in an era of unprecedented misogyny, or that press corps is going to act as one and say no more”
No More.
“We’re either going to normalize this and usher in an era of unprecedented misogyny, or that press corps is going to act as one and say no more”
No More.