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
The XRISM satellite has detected the x-ray glow of Comet 3I/ATLAS. This is the first time anyone has managed to obseve x-ray emission from an interstellar comet!
(FYI: X-rays result from the comet interacting with the solar wind. No spaceships required.) 🔭🧪
www.xrism.jaxa.jp/en/topics/ne...
(FYI: X-rays result from the comet interacting with the solar wind. No spaceships required.) 🔭🧪
www.xrism.jaxa.jp/en/topics/ne...
December 7, 2025 at 12:58 PM
The XRISM satellite has detected the x-ray glow of Comet 3I/ATLAS. This is the first time anyone has managed to obseve x-ray emission from an interstellar comet!
(FYI: X-rays result from the comet interacting with the solar wind. No spaceships required.) 🔭🧪
www.xrism.jaxa.jp/en/topics/ne...
(FYI: X-rays result from the comet interacting with the solar wind. No spaceships required.) 🔭🧪
www.xrism.jaxa.jp/en/topics/ne...
Reposted by Meg Schwamb
My teen, who had dreamt of being an astrophysicist, just told me he wants to go to law school because, “Science isn’t going to be a priority in the US in the future…I don’t want a job where I’ll be constantly worried my funding will be taken away.”
Gutting. How many future scientists have we lost?
Gutting. How many future scientists have we lost?
December 7, 2025 at 1:23 AM
My teen, who had dreamt of being an astrophysicist, just told me he wants to go to law school because, “Science isn’t going to be a priority in the US in the future…I don’t want a job where I’ll be constantly worried my funding will be taken away.”
Gutting. How many future scientists have we lost?
Gutting. How many future scientists have we lost?
Reposted by Meg Schwamb
This article suggests the possibility of training AI on pre-existing proposals and their review reports, scores and related decisions. I.e. training them on a system which is known to preferentially award larger amounts of money to white men. What could possibly go wrong?
UKRI exploring use of AI in grant review - this will prompt debate but interested to know if people think it’d encourage novelty or the opposite? www.chemistryworld.com/news/ukri-op...
UKRI opens up grant proposal data to explore using AI to smooth peer review
Surging applications has led the UK's main funder to look at ways to reduce the burden on reviewers
www.chemistryworld.com
December 4, 2025 at 10:49 PM
This article suggests the possibility of training AI on pre-existing proposals and their review reports, scores and related decisions. I.e. training them on a system which is known to preferentially award larger amounts of money to white men. What could possibly go wrong?
Reposted by Meg Schwamb
The ejection velocities of interstellar objects signpost their progenitor system architectures (by Albrow et al., submitted) arxiv.org/abs/2512.04700
The ejection velocities of interstellar objects signpost their progenitor system architectures
Interstellar objects (ISOs) ejected from planetary systems carry kinematic signatures of their formation environments. The properties of these velocity distributions govern the ISOs' propagation and d...
arxiv.org
December 5, 2025 at 11:41 AM
The ejection velocities of interstellar objects signpost their progenitor system architectures (by Albrow et al., submitted) arxiv.org/abs/2512.04700
More @vrubinobs.bsky.social Solar System predictions - a paper led by grad student Joe Murtagh in my group - we're going to learn some cool things about Neptune Trojans particularly the elusive L5 cloud that's been too close to the galactic plane to previously study well. arxiv.org/abs/2512.03892
Predictions of the LSST Solar System Yield: Neptune Trojans
The NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory's Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), beginning full operations in late 2025, will dramatically transform solar system science by vastly expanding discoveries...
arxiv.org
December 5, 2025 at 10:28 AM
More @vrubinobs.bsky.social Solar System predictions - a paper led by grad student Joe Murtagh in my group - we're going to learn some cool things about Neptune Trojans particularly the elusive L5 cloud that's been too close to the galactic plane to previously study well. arxiv.org/abs/2512.03892
Reposted by Meg Schwamb
Wow! Big Science organization leading the way on #openscience !
Well done!
"The CNRS is breaking free from the Web of Science"
https://www.cnrs.fr/en/update/cnrs-breaking-free-web-science
h/t @louisvgn
Well done!
"The CNRS is breaking free from the Web of Science"
https://www.cnrs.fr/en/update/cnrs-breaking-free-web-science
h/t @louisvgn
December 4, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Wow! Big Science organization leading the way on #openscience !
Well done!
"The CNRS is breaking free from the Web of Science"
https://www.cnrs.fr/en/update/cnrs-breaking-free-web-science
h/t @louisvgn
Well done!
"The CNRS is breaking free from the Web of Science"
https://www.cnrs.fr/en/update/cnrs-breaking-free-web-science
h/t @louisvgn
A reminder 🔭 🧪 - the PhD application information session for the QUB Astrophysics Research Centre is on Monday
If you're interested in pursuing a PhD in planetary astronomy (or other astronomy/astrophysics) topics at Queen's University Belfast - we're having a information session (in-person and online participation) on Monday December 8 12pm - Register: forms.office.com/e/DSk4A9K3dB 🔭 🧪
Microsoft Forms
forms.office.com
December 4, 2025 at 5:20 PM
A reminder 🔭 🧪 - the PhD application information session for the QUB Astrophysics Research Centre is on Monday
Reposted by Meg Schwamb
Samples of Bennu, a primitive asteroid orbiting near Earth, contain some surprising ingredients: natural sugars, gummy polymers, and specks of stardust that are even older than our solar system.
There's a lot of complex chemistry brewing in space! 🧪🔭
www.nasa.gov/missions/osi...
There's a lot of complex chemistry brewing in space! 🧪🔭
www.nasa.gov/missions/osi...
December 4, 2025 at 4:42 AM
Samples of Bennu, a primitive asteroid orbiting near Earth, contain some surprising ingredients: natural sugars, gummy polymers, and specks of stardust that are even older than our solar system.
There's a lot of complex chemistry brewing in space! 🧪🔭
www.nasa.gov/missions/osi...
There's a lot of complex chemistry brewing in space! 🧪🔭
www.nasa.gov/missions/osi...
Reposted by Meg Schwamb
When you're dealing with a precious sample of an asteroid, you want to make use of every bit. Here you can see scientists harvesting a miniature chunk of Bennu for analysis. The piece they are moving is just 30 microns (1/1000th of an inch) wide! 🧪🔭
www.nasa.gov/missions/osi...
www.nasa.gov/missions/osi...
December 4, 2025 at 4:56 AM
When you're dealing with a precious sample of an asteroid, you want to make use of every bit. Here you can see scientists harvesting a miniature chunk of Bennu for analysis. The piece they are moving is just 30 microns (1/1000th of an inch) wide! 🧪🔭
www.nasa.gov/missions/osi...
www.nasa.gov/missions/osi...
Reposted by Meg Schwamb
Interested in finding transiting planets at long periods, e.g. with the @platomissioncon.bsky.social?
We just published a Research Note led by Geert Jan Talens, showing that such transits can be much longer or shorter than usually assumed iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3...
We just published a Research Note led by Geert Jan Talens, showing that such transits can be much longer or shorter than usually assumed iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3...
December 3, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Interested in finding transiting planets at long periods, e.g. with the @platomissioncon.bsky.social?
We just published a Research Note led by Geert Jan Talens, showing that such transits can be much longer or shorter than usually assumed iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3...
We just published a Research Note led by Geert Jan Talens, showing that such transits can be much longer or shorter than usually assumed iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3...
I'm really liking the new features add to the Minor Planet Center Explorer including the new lists (such as past known Earth impactors) data.minorplanetcenter.net/explorer/
We are the official body that deals with astrometric observations and orbits of minor planets (asteroids) and comets.
data.minorplanetcenter.net
December 3, 2025 at 2:29 PM
I'm really liking the new features add to the Minor Planet Center Explorer including the new lists (such as past known Earth impactors) data.minorplanetcenter.net/explorer/
If you're interested in pursuing a PhD in planetary astronomy (or other astronomy/astrophysics) topics at Queen's University Belfast - we're having a information session (in-person and online participation) on Monday December 8 12pm - Register: forms.office.com/e/DSk4A9K3dB 🔭 🧪
Microsoft Forms
forms.office.com
December 3, 2025 at 12:07 PM
If you're interested in pursuing a PhD in planetary astronomy (or other astronomy/astrophysics) topics at Queen's University Belfast - we're having a information session (in-person and online participation) on Monday December 8 12pm - Register: forms.office.com/e/DSk4A9K3dB 🔭 🧪
Reposted by Meg Schwamb
We are now truly entering the declining phase of the solar cycle, but we’re far from over! Although solar flares are less common during this phase, some of the strongest flares of the solar cycle typically occur during this declining period.
December 2, 2025 at 11:53 PM
We are now truly entering the declining phase of the solar cycle, but we’re far from over! Although solar flares are less common during this phase, some of the strongest flares of the solar cycle typically occur during this declining period.
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...