Meg Schwamb
@megschwamb.bsky.social
Planetary scientist & astronomer at Queen’s University Belfast: KBOs, Planet Four(Mars), exoplanets (Planet Hunters NGTS) ,LSST SSSC co-chair. Opinions posted are my own. Pronouns: she/her
Reposted by Meg Schwamb
What's Janet and why is it important for UK astronomy? 🔭 This video by @jisc.bsky.social introduces the UK’s national research and education network. Agata Rożek & @markgbeckett.bsky.social from @edinburgh-uni.bsky.social explain why it's crucial for the Rubin LSST.
www.lsst.ac.uk/news/2025-12...
www.lsst.ac.uk/news/2025-12...
The UK network enabling cosmic discovery
www.lsst.ac.uk
December 2, 2025 at 12:49 PM
What's Janet and why is it important for UK astronomy? 🔭 This video by @jisc.bsky.social introduces the UK’s national research and education network. Agata Rożek & @markgbeckett.bsky.social from @edinburgh-uni.bsky.social explain why it's crucial for the Rubin LSST.
www.lsst.ac.uk/news/2025-12...
www.lsst.ac.uk/news/2025-12...
No overleaf I do not want the AI writing tool active, especially when I'm making edits to an exam paper.
December 2, 2025 at 11:36 AM
No overleaf I do not want the AI writing tool active, especially when I'm making edits to an exam paper.
Reposted by Meg Schwamb
A big day for space weather, with the BBC reporting that a Mexico-to-USA flight in October experienced a 'sudden drop in altitude', likely caused by *solar energetic particles* from the Sun. Here is an explanation and some thoughts as a solar astrophysicist (a thread): 1/8
November 28, 2025 at 9:44 PM
A big day for space weather, with the BBC reporting that a Mexico-to-USA flight in October experienced a 'sudden drop in altitude', likely caused by *solar energetic particles* from the Sun. Here is an explanation and some thoughts as a solar astrophysicist (a thread): 1/8
Graduate student #4 successfully defended their thesis on Friday. Congratulations to the newly minted PhD. Mentoring grad student is one of the best parts of my job.
November 29, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Graduate student #4 successfully defended their thesis on Friday. Congratulations to the newly minted PhD. Mentoring grad student is one of the best parts of my job.
Did some research related teaching stuff today. Trying to figure out to pull down a cutout of an asteroid imaged by Rubin Observatory, had 2 meetings with grad students, and dealt with other admin. I also attended the School’s (wider department) gender minority coffee hour that I helped organize.
November 27, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Did some research related teaching stuff today. Trying to figure out to pull down a cutout of an asteroid imaged by Rubin Observatory, had 2 meetings with grad students, and dealt with other admin. I also attended the School’s (wider department) gender minority coffee hour that I helped organize.
Happy Thanksgiving from this American expat in Belfast. I'm not cooking this year, but I'm heading to a rotisserie chicken restaurant for dinner tonight.
November 27, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Happy Thanksgiving from this American expat in Belfast. I'm not cooking this year, but I'm heading to a rotisserie chicken restaurant for dinner tonight.
Reposted by Meg Schwamb
Happy Thanksgiving :)
@desisurvey.bsky.social
@desisurvey.bsky.social
November 27, 2025 at 2:05 AM
Happy Thanksgiving :)
@desisurvey.bsky.social
@desisurvey.bsky.social
Reposted by Meg Schwamb
Today on the #arXiv:
Roth et al. 2026, "CH3OH and HCN in Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Mapped with the ALMA Atacama Compact Array" - arxiv.org/abs/2511.20845
Suggesting variations in the surface chemistry of the nucleus, with different zones having relatively more or less methanol and cyanide.
Roth et al. 2026, "CH3OH and HCN in Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Mapped with the ALMA Atacama Compact Array" - arxiv.org/abs/2511.20845
Suggesting variations in the surface chemistry of the nucleus, with different zones having relatively more or less methanol and cyanide.
CH$_3$OH and HCN in Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Mapped with the ALMA Atacama Compact Array: Distinct Outgassing Behaviors and a Remarkably High CH$_3$OH/HCN Production Rate Ratio
We report the detection of methanol (CH$_3$OH) toward interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS using the Atacama Compact Array of the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA) on UT 2025 August 28, Septe...
arxiv.org
November 27, 2025 at 4:51 AM
Today on the #arXiv:
Roth et al. 2026, "CH3OH and HCN in Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Mapped with the ALMA Atacama Compact Array" - arxiv.org/abs/2511.20845
Suggesting variations in the surface chemistry of the nucleus, with different zones having relatively more or less methanol and cyanide.
Roth et al. 2026, "CH3OH and HCN in Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Mapped with the ALMA Atacama Compact Array" - arxiv.org/abs/2511.20845
Suggesting variations in the surface chemistry of the nucleus, with different zones having relatively more or less methanol and cyanide.
Reposted by Meg Schwamb
The NSBP/SAO EHT Scholars Program is now accepting applications for Summer 2026!
Apply by Dec. 15th by contacting [email protected]
Apply by Dec. 15th by contacting [email protected]
November 20, 2025 at 3:40 PM
The NSBP/SAO EHT Scholars Program is now accepting applications for Summer 2026!
Apply by Dec. 15th by contacting [email protected]
Apply by Dec. 15th by contacting [email protected]
Reposted by Meg Schwamb
I'm fully aware that citation numbers and indices are not a good metric for much of anything. However, I'm proudly going to share this one:
One of my papers has now been cited over 1000 times! Unsurprisingly, it's the original REBOUND paper.
One of my papers has now been cited over 1000 times! Unsurprisingly, it's the original REBOUND paper.
November 23, 2025 at 3:01 PM
I'm fully aware that citation numbers and indices are not a good metric for much of anything. However, I'm proudly going to share this one:
One of my papers has now been cited over 1000 times! Unsurprisingly, it's the original REBOUND paper.
One of my papers has now been cited over 1000 times! Unsurprisingly, it's the original REBOUND paper.
Reposted by Meg Schwamb
Cambridge! We’re bringing a Universe of Music to you next Thursday.
This show features shells, black holes, music, planets and more - do come if you can!
www.junction.co.uk/events/linto...
This show features shells, black holes, music, planets and more - do come if you can!
www.junction.co.uk/events/linto...
Lintott & Pretty's Universe Of Music | Cambridge Junction
Book tickets for Lintott & Pretty's Universe Of Music at J3 at Cambridge Junction. What’s the connection between astronomy and jazz? From William Herschel (discoverer of Uranus and professional musici...
www.junction.co.uk
November 21, 2025 at 9:21 AM
Cambridge! We’re bringing a Universe of Music to you next Thursday.
This show features shells, black holes, music, planets and more - do come if you can!
www.junction.co.uk/events/linto...
This show features shells, black holes, music, planets and more - do come if you can!
www.junction.co.uk/events/linto...
Reposted by Meg Schwamb
It takes 225 million years or so for the Solar System to make one orbit around the galaxy. Sharks evolved long enough ago that they’ve done it twice.
Man, everything is so bleak, anyone got a fun fact or little bit of trivia they want to share
November 21, 2025 at 3:14 AM
It takes 225 million years or so for the Solar System to make one orbit around the galaxy. Sharks evolved long enough ago that they’ve done it twice.
Come do a PhD at the @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social
Astrophysics Research Centre (ARC). The avaialble PhD projects starting in the 2026/2027 school year are now up. Application deadline is January 16th . I have project on doing cool things with @vrubinobs.bsky.social Solar System discoveries 🧪🔭.
Astrophysics Research Centre (ARC). The avaialble PhD projects starting in the 2026/2027 school year are now up. Application deadline is January 16th . I have project on doing cool things with @vrubinobs.bsky.social Solar System discoveries 🧪🔭.
PHD Studentships | Astrophysics Research Centre | Queen's University Belfast
www.qub.ac.uk
November 20, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Come do a PhD at the @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social
Astrophysics Research Centre (ARC). The avaialble PhD projects starting in the 2026/2027 school year are now up. Application deadline is January 16th . I have project on doing cool things with @vrubinobs.bsky.social Solar System discoveries 🧪🔭.
Astrophysics Research Centre (ARC). The avaialble PhD projects starting in the 2026/2027 school year are now up. Application deadline is January 16th . I have project on doing cool things with @vrubinobs.bsky.social Solar System discoveries 🧪🔭.
Reposted by Meg Schwamb
Another full paper annotation! I LOVE this one - be sure to read through the end. The drawings of a star trying to make a hole in the nebula cracked me up👷
To finish it off, I've also done an annotated version of the paper complete with silly drawings and accessible language! These are inspired by @clairelamman.bsky.social , and you can read this and more here: ryanwhite1.github.io/wolf-rayet.h...
4/4 ⚛️🔭🧪
4/4 ⚛️🔭🧪
November 20, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Another full paper annotation! I LOVE this one - be sure to read through the end. The drawings of a star trying to make a hole in the nebula cracked me up👷
Reposted by Meg Schwamb
Here's a #HigherEducationPostcard of @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social
If you like this image, please retweet it - remember, BlueSky has #NoAlgorithm
If you like this image, please retweet it - remember, BlueSky has #NoAlgorithm
November 20, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Here's a #HigherEducationPostcard of @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social
If you like this image, please retweet it - remember, BlueSky has #NoAlgorithm
If you like this image, please retweet it - remember, BlueSky has #NoAlgorithm
Reposted by Meg Schwamb
Here are the #I/ATLAS releases from varied NASA/ESA missions. Having worked with such telescope & spacecraft data for 40 years, my perspective is: no surprises. It's a comet; its differences from Solar System comets are intriguing but every comet is different! science.nasa.gov/solar-system...
November 19, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Here are the #I/ATLAS releases from varied NASA/ESA missions. Having worked with such telescope & spacecraft data for 40 years, my perspective is: no surprises. It's a comet; its differences from Solar System comets are intriguing but every comet is different! science.nasa.gov/solar-system...
Reposted by Meg Schwamb
Amazing job by the HiRISE team @uahirise.bsky.social to target and image this object.
November 19, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Amazing job by the HiRISE team @uahirise.bsky.social to target and image this object.
Reposted by Meg Schwamb
I, of course, had to point to the great @olivia.science @irisvanrooij.bsky.social and others:
"We, as members of the software engineering research community, can do better than that. Thankfully some researchers are doing that"
zenodo.org/records/1706...
"We, as members of the software engineering research community, can do better than that. Thankfully some researchers are doing that"
zenodo.org/records/1706...
Against the Uncritical Adoption of 'AI' Technologies in Academia
Under the banner of progress, products have been uncritically adopted or even imposed on users — in past centuries with tobacco and combustion engines, and in the 21st with social media. For these col...
zenodo.org
November 16, 2025 at 11:47 AM
I, of course, had to point to the great @olivia.science @irisvanrooij.bsky.social and others:
"We, as members of the software engineering research community, can do better than that. Thankfully some researchers are doing that"
zenodo.org/records/1706...
"We, as members of the software engineering research community, can do better than that. Thankfully some researchers are doing that"
zenodo.org/records/1706...
Reposted by Meg Schwamb
Spread some holiday cheer with our DisabledInSTEM Secret Santa!
Sign up to give & receive a gift with our community Deadline: Dec 5 Link: forms.gle/NuGAFor4bFCL...
PLUS: Apply to the DisabledInSTEM Mentorship Program! Build connections, find support, and grow.
#DisabledInSTEM #SecretSanta
Sign up to give & receive a gift with our community Deadline: Dec 5 Link: forms.gle/NuGAFor4bFCL...
PLUS: Apply to the DisabledInSTEM Mentorship Program! Build connections, find support, and grow.
#DisabledInSTEM #SecretSanta
November 18, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Spread some holiday cheer with our DisabledInSTEM Secret Santa!
Sign up to give & receive a gift with our community Deadline: Dec 5 Link: forms.gle/NuGAFor4bFCL...
PLUS: Apply to the DisabledInSTEM Mentorship Program! Build connections, find support, and grow.
#DisabledInSTEM #SecretSanta
Sign up to give & receive a gift with our community Deadline: Dec 5 Link: forms.gle/NuGAFor4bFCL...
PLUS: Apply to the DisabledInSTEM Mentorship Program! Build connections, find support, and grow.
#DisabledInSTEM #SecretSanta
Reposted by Meg Schwamb
Keep watching the skies
Baker, longtime observatory director, educated generations with his astronomy texts. His debut, Astronomy: An Introduction, appeared in 1930 and even included Pluto’s discovery.
By John Mark Ockerbloom
everybodyslibraries.com/2025/11/17/k...
#PublicDomainDayCountdown
Baker, longtime observatory director, educated generations with his astronomy texts. His debut, Astronomy: An Introduction, appeared in 1930 and even included Pluto’s discovery.
By John Mark Ockerbloom
everybodyslibraries.com/2025/11/17/k...
#PublicDomainDayCountdown
November 18, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Keep watching the skies
Baker, longtime observatory director, educated generations with his astronomy texts. His debut, Astronomy: An Introduction, appeared in 1930 and even included Pluto’s discovery.
By John Mark Ockerbloom
everybodyslibraries.com/2025/11/17/k...
#PublicDomainDayCountdown
Baker, longtime observatory director, educated generations with his astronomy texts. His debut, Astronomy: An Introduction, appeared in 1930 and even included Pluto’s discovery.
By John Mark Ockerbloom
everybodyslibraries.com/2025/11/17/k...
#PublicDomainDayCountdown
Reposted by Meg Schwamb
Good to see a space agency actually celebrating the wonderful diversity of humanity and the ideas and perspectives they bring
Today is #LGBTQinSTEMDay 🌈
ESA proudly joins the STEM community in celebrating the unique contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals.
The Pride Flag will fly across ESA sites as a reminder of how far we’ve come, and how much more there is to do.
#SpaceForAll
ESA proudly joins the STEM community in celebrating the unique contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals.
The Pride Flag will fly across ESA sites as a reminder of how far we’ve come, and how much more there is to do.
#SpaceForAll
November 18, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Good to see a space agency actually celebrating the wonderful diversity of humanity and the ideas and perspectives they bring
Reposted by Meg Schwamb
If you live in France, a new documentary about 'Oumuamua comes out Thursday evening, starting at 9pm on the France 5. Replays on france.tv after
I was scientific advisor (and I show up in several places), which was a great pleasure.
www.francetvpro.fr/contenu-de-p...
I was scientific advisor (and I show up in several places), which was a great pleasure.
www.francetvpro.fr/contenu-de-p...
France TV - Replay et Direct tv des chaînes France Télévisions (ex Pluzz)
Retrouvez toutes les vidéos, articles et podcasts des programmes des chaînes de France Télévisions.
france.tv
November 18, 2025 at 11:21 AM
If you live in France, a new documentary about 'Oumuamua comes out Thursday evening, starting at 9pm on the France 5. Replays on france.tv after
I was scientific advisor (and I show up in several places), which was a great pleasure.
www.francetvpro.fr/contenu-de-p...
I was scientific advisor (and I show up in several places), which was a great pleasure.
www.francetvpro.fr/contenu-de-p...
This semester has been a challenge, but December seems nearly here. I'm on sabbatical for all of calendar year 2026. I'm still figuring out plans, but I will be based in Belfast for that time. So if you're looking for seminar/colloquium speaker to talk about planetary astronomy stuff next year...
November 18, 2025 at 10:20 AM
This semester has been a challenge, but December seems nearly here. I'm on sabbatical for all of calendar year 2026. I'm still figuring out plans, but I will be based in Belfast for that time. So if you're looking for seminar/colloquium speaker to talk about planetary astronomy stuff next year...
A reminder that this sexist bullshit is still happening in 2025. Sigh. But let's not have that overshadow welcoming a newly minted badass female PhD into academia. Achieving a PhD is not an easy feat. Congratulations Dr Turner!
POV: you are a young woman celebrating a recent academic success
November 18, 2025 at 9:49 AM
A reminder that this sexist bullshit is still happening in 2025. Sigh. But let's not have that overshadow welcoming a newly minted badass female PhD into academia. Achieving a PhD is not an easy feat. Congratulations Dr Turner!
NASA will host a live event at 3 p.m. EST, Wednesday, Nov. 19, to share imagery of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS collected by a number of the agency’s missions. The event will take place at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. www.nasa.gov/news-release... ☄️🔭
NASA to Share Comet 3I/ATLAS Images From Spacecraft, Telescopes - NASA
NASA will host a live event at 3 p.m. EST, Wednesday, Nov. 19, to share imagery of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS collected by a number of the agency’s
www.nasa.gov
November 17, 2025 at 10:04 PM
NASA will host a live event at 3 p.m. EST, Wednesday, Nov. 19, to share imagery of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS collected by a number of the agency’s missions. The event will take place at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. www.nasa.gov/news-release... ☄️🔭