J W
@polymath-wannabe.bsky.social
Engineer, technologist, scientist, communicator
Cybersecurity, weather, and infectious disease junkie
Builder of things. Interested in too many topics for my own good.
* Skeets not representative of my employer *
Cybersecurity, weather, and infectious disease junkie
Builder of things. Interested in too many topics for my own good.
* Skeets not representative of my employer *
It should be noted, of course, that companies that sell LLM services aren't, in fact, making knowledge freely available.
I'm just not sure it's cut and dry that LLMs are particularly unique in this regard.
I'm just not sure it's cut and dry that LLMs are particularly unique in this regard.
In science, there is a tension between the free use and availability of knowledge, and credit or even lockdown of intellectual property. In creative arts, from what I've seen, things lean toward emphasizing the latter, even though a strong argument can be made...
November 21, 2025 at 2:53 PM
It should be noted, of course, that companies that sell LLM services aren't, in fact, making knowledge freely available.
I'm just not sure it's cut and dry that LLMs are particularly unique in this regard.
I'm just not sure it's cut and dry that LLMs are particularly unique in this regard.
It really was weird. I'm guessing it's why lawyers, and even some judges, have gotten themselves into serious trouble using LLMs to write briefs. The LLM invents non-existent case law, and even confidently cites it.
(though it kept inventing non-existent libraries I had to then code around)
I have thus far gotten good answers in both writing Arduino code (though it kept inventing non-existent libraries I had to then code around) and spectral line fitting in astronomical data reduction (with some fixes).
I've also seen good performance in digging up references to relevant papers.
I've also seen good performance in digging up references to relevant papers.
November 21, 2025 at 2:36 PM
It really was weird. I'm guessing it's why lawyers, and even some judges, have gotten themselves into serious trouble using LLMs to write briefs. The LLM invents non-existent case law, and even confidently cites it.
I recently took part in a discussion of the use of LLMs. I have to admit, I was taken aback by the hostility from some quarters toward any use of LLMs, which even extended to ad hominem reactions.
I suspect a lot of it revolves around creative/IP issues.
I suspect a lot of it revolves around creative/IP issues.
November 21, 2025 at 1:07 PM
I recently took part in a discussion of the use of LLMs. I have to admit, I was taken aback by the hostility from some quarters toward any use of LLMs, which even extended to ad hominem reactions.
I suspect a lot of it revolves around creative/IP issues.
I suspect a lot of it revolves around creative/IP issues.
Reposted by J W
We are pleased to announce our discovery of #GW241011 and #GW241110
Both come from binary black holes where one black hole is much larger than the other. The larger black holes have large spin. Could these black holes have formed in a previous merger?
ligo.org/science-summ...
#O4IsHere 🔭🧪⚛️☄️
Both come from binary black holes where one black hole is much larger than the other. The larger black holes have large spin. Could these black holes have formed in a previous merger?
ligo.org/science-summ...
#O4IsHere 🔭🧪⚛️☄️
October 29, 2025 at 1:58 PM
We are pleased to announce our discovery of #GW241011 and #GW241110
Both come from binary black holes where one black hole is much larger than the other. The larger black holes have large spin. Could these black holes have formed in a previous merger?
ligo.org/science-summ...
#O4IsHere 🔭🧪⚛️☄️
Both come from binary black holes where one black hole is much larger than the other. The larger black holes have large spin. Could these black holes have formed in a previous merger?
ligo.org/science-summ...
#O4IsHere 🔭🧪⚛️☄️
Can't imagine plays at the plate get any closer, and with higher stakes. #WorldSeries
November 2, 2025 at 3:44 AM
Can't imagine plays at the plate get any closer, and with higher stakes. #WorldSeries
Science marches on, and interestingly, one strain of science denial centers around the idea that black holes haven't been shown to exist. We're actually well past that point, with multiple lines of evidence stretching back decades.
This is a cool find.
This is a cool find.
In space news, astronomers have not just confirmed but photographed the existence of a black hole pair finding two in a locked 12 year orbit of each other www.utu.fi/en/news/pres...
Scientists capture an image of two black holes circling each other for the first time
For the first time, astronomers have managed to capture a radio image showing two black holes orbiting each other. The observation confirmed the existence of black hole pairs.
www.utu.fi
October 11, 2025 at 1:09 AM
Science marches on, and interestingly, one strain of science denial centers around the idea that black holes haven't been shown to exist. We're actually well past that point, with multiple lines of evidence stretching back decades.
This is a cool find.
This is a cool find.
Reposted by J W
In space news, astronomers have not just confirmed but photographed the existence of a black hole pair finding two in a locked 12 year orbit of each other www.utu.fi/en/news/pres...
Scientists capture an image of two black holes circling each other for the first time
For the first time, astronomers have managed to capture a radio image showing two black holes orbiting each other. The observation confirmed the existence of black hole pairs.
www.utu.fi
October 10, 2025 at 4:27 PM
In space news, astronomers have not just confirmed but photographed the existence of a black hole pair finding two in a locked 12 year orbit of each other www.utu.fi/en/news/pres...
Reposted by J W
George Smoot (awarded Nobel Prize in 2006 for his role in detecting the anisotropy of the cosmic microwave background, the imprint of structure starting to form in the Universe) RIP 🔭🧪
apc.u-paris.fr/fr/memory-ge...
apc.u-paris.fr/fr/memory-ge...
In Memory -- George Fitzgerald Smoot, III | AstroParticule & Cosmologie
apc.u-paris.fr
September 26, 2025 at 12:00 PM
George Smoot (awarded Nobel Prize in 2006 for his role in detecting the anisotropy of the cosmic microwave background, the imprint of structure starting to form in the Universe) RIP 🔭🧪
apc.u-paris.fr/fr/memory-ge...
apc.u-paris.fr/fr/memory-ge...
Reposted by J W
Where are we located relative to the Big Bang?
#AskEthan
The Big Bang didn't occur at a single location in space, but rather, everywhere at once.
If we assumed it was a big ka-boom, we'd be shockingly close to its origin point.
bigthink.com/starts-with-...
#space #astro #bigbang #notanexplosion
#AskEthan
The Big Bang didn't occur at a single location in space, but rather, everywhere at once.
If we assumed it was a big ka-boom, we'd be shockingly close to its origin point.
bigthink.com/starts-with-...
#space #astro #bigbang #notanexplosion
Ask Ethan: Where are we located relative to the Big Bang?
If you think of the Big Bang as an explosion, we can trace it back to a single point-of-origin. But what if it happened everywhere at once?
bigthink.com
September 26, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Where are we located relative to the Big Bang?
#AskEthan
The Big Bang didn't occur at a single location in space, but rather, everywhere at once.
If we assumed it was a big ka-boom, we'd be shockingly close to its origin point.
bigthink.com/starts-with-...
#space #astro #bigbang #notanexplosion
#AskEthan
The Big Bang didn't occur at a single location in space, but rather, everywhere at once.
If we assumed it was a big ka-boom, we'd be shockingly close to its origin point.
bigthink.com/starts-with-...
#space #astro #bigbang #notanexplosion
Reposted by J W
“There is no joy more intense than that of coming upon a fact that cannot be understood in terms of currently accepted ideas."
Astronomer Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, who decoded spectral lines to deduce the elemental composition of stars, was born #OTD in 1900. 🧪 🔭 ⚛️ 👩🔬
Image: Harvard Observatory
Astronomer Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, who decoded spectral lines to deduce the elemental composition of stars, was born #OTD in 1900. 🧪 🔭 ⚛️ 👩🔬
Image: Harvard Observatory
May 10, 2025 at 6:02 PM
“There is no joy more intense than that of coming upon a fact that cannot be understood in terms of currently accepted ideas."
Astronomer Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, who decoded spectral lines to deduce the elemental composition of stars, was born #OTD in 1900. 🧪 🔭 ⚛️ 👩🔬
Image: Harvard Observatory
Astronomer Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, who decoded spectral lines to deduce the elemental composition of stars, was born #OTD in 1900. 🧪 🔭 ⚛️ 👩🔬
Image: Harvard Observatory
Reposted by J W
I missed everyone talking about the 100th anniversary of Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin’s dissertation yesterday.
BUT, just four short months ago I wrote a whole thread about her and work, so idk maybe I was early?
BUT, just four short months ago I wrote a whole thread about her and work, so idk maybe I was early?
“There is no joy more intense than that of coming upon a fact that cannot be understood in terms of currently accepted ideas."
Astronomer Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, who decoded spectral lines to deduce the elemental composition of stars, was born #OTD in 1900. 🧪 🔭 ⚛️ 👩🔬
Image: Harvard Observatory
Astronomer Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, who decoded spectral lines to deduce the elemental composition of stars, was born #OTD in 1900. 🧪 🔭 ⚛️ 👩🔬
Image: Harvard Observatory
September 25, 2025 at 2:24 AM
I missed everyone talking about the 100th anniversary of Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin’s dissertation yesterday.
BUT, just four short months ago I wrote a whole thread about her and work, so idk maybe I was early?
BUT, just four short months ago I wrote a whole thread about her and work, so idk maybe I was early?
Reposted by J W
Ladies and gentlemen... the weekend. (also: you are important and are not alone 🧡)
August 15, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Ladies and gentlemen... the weekend. (also: you are important and are not alone 🧡)
Just a note of further recognition regarding the Deep ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART) buoy system.
Incredible technology, sensing anomalous changes in ocean depth using pressure sensors from sometimes thousands of meters below the surface.
These things save lives.
Incredible technology, sensing anomalous changes in ocean depth using pressure sensors from sometimes thousands of meters below the surface.
These things save lives.
July 30, 2025 at 7:03 AM
Just a note of further recognition regarding the Deep ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART) buoy system.
Incredible technology, sensing anomalous changes in ocean depth using pressure sensors from sometimes thousands of meters below the surface.
These things save lives.
Incredible technology, sensing anomalous changes in ocean depth using pressure sensors from sometimes thousands of meters below the surface.
These things save lives.
Reposted by J W
Happy birthday, Vera Rubin! 🥳✨
What better way to celebrate than with NSF–DOE Rubin Observatory's view of galaxies SHE studied?
NGC 4343, 4526, 4535, and 4378 are just a few gems from our Cosmic Treasure Chest. Explore them and more at skyviewer.app 🔭🧪
What better way to celebrate than with NSF–DOE Rubin Observatory's view of galaxies SHE studied?
NGC 4343, 4526, 4535, and 4378 are just a few gems from our Cosmic Treasure Chest. Explore them and more at skyviewer.app 🔭🧪
July 23, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Happy birthday, Vera Rubin! 🥳✨
What better way to celebrate than with NSF–DOE Rubin Observatory's view of galaxies SHE studied?
NGC 4343, 4526, 4535, and 4378 are just a few gems from our Cosmic Treasure Chest. Explore them and more at skyviewer.app 🔭🧪
What better way to celebrate than with NSF–DOE Rubin Observatory's view of galaxies SHE studied?
NGC 4343, 4526, 4535, and 4378 are just a few gems from our Cosmic Treasure Chest. Explore them and more at skyviewer.app 🔭🧪
Reposted by J W
Busting the top 5 myths about the Big Bang
There are lots of arguments against the Big Bang, and many proclamations that it's already been disproven.
But those are mostly based on an incorrect depiction of what the Big Bang even is.
bigthink.com/starts-with-...
#space #astro #physics #bigbang
There are lots of arguments against the Big Bang, and many proclamations that it's already been disproven.
But those are mostly based on an incorrect depiction of what the Big Bang even is.
bigthink.com/starts-with-...
#space #astro #physics #bigbang
Busting the top 5 myths about the Big Bang
For over 50 years, it’s been the scientifically accepted theory describing the origin of the Universe. It’s time we all learned its truths.
bigthink.com
June 26, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Busting the top 5 myths about the Big Bang
There are lots of arguments against the Big Bang, and many proclamations that it's already been disproven.
But those are mostly based on an incorrect depiction of what the Big Bang even is.
bigthink.com/starts-with-...
#space #astro #physics #bigbang
There are lots of arguments against the Big Bang, and many proclamations that it's already been disproven.
But those are mostly based on an incorrect depiction of what the Big Bang even is.
bigthink.com/starts-with-...
#space #astro #physics #bigbang
Funded by the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy. #nsf #doe #Rubin #science #astronomy
#PhotoOfTheDay: Rubin's #Cosmic #Treasure #Chest!
This view reveals both the grand scale and the faint details of this dynamic region of the cosmos. Bright stars from our own Milky Way shine in the foreground.
Credit NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory
rubinobservatory.org/news/rubin-f...
This view reveals both the grand scale and the faint details of this dynamic region of the cosmos. Bright stars from our own Milky Way shine in the foreground.
Credit NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory
rubinobservatory.org/news/rubin-f...
June 26, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Funded by the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy. #nsf #doe #Rubin #science #astronomy
Reposted by J W
We're star-struck by the first images taken by the NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile. Stay tuned for tomorrow's podcast to learn more!
📷 : NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory
📷 : NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory
June 25, 2025 at 10:19 AM
We're star-struck by the first images taken by the NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile. Stay tuned for tomorrow's podcast to learn more!
📷 : NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory
📷 : NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory
NSF is the U.S. National Science Foundation. NSF has existed since it was created by statute in the 1950's, and employs what is widely considered the "gold standard" process for science funding.
NSF covers many scientific disciplines, and disburses nearly all of its $9B annual budget in grants.
NSF covers many scientific disciplines, and disburses nearly all of its $9B annual budget in grants.
June 25, 2025 at 1:48 AM
NSF is the U.S. National Science Foundation. NSF has existed since it was created by statute in the 1950's, and employs what is widely considered the "gold standard" process for science funding.
NSF covers many scientific disciplines, and disburses nearly all of its $9B annual budget in grants.
NSF covers many scientific disciplines, and disburses nearly all of its $9B annual budget in grants.
Reposted by J W
June 25, 2025 at 12:20 AM
Reposted by J W
Oooohhhh, aaaahhhhh. These are the first images from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, showing the Trifid and Lagoon nebulae. 🧪
Rubin observatory unveils first images taken with its giant mirror and camera
Pictures are a prelude to a transformative, all-sky survey set to begin in months
www.science.org
June 23, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Oooohhhh, aaaahhhhh. These are the first images from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, showing the Trifid and Lagoon nebulae. 🧪
Reposted by J W
MORE WILL BE REVEALED TOMORROW MORNING!!
ls.st/rubin-first-...
ls.st/rubin-first-...
First Images from NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory | #RubinFirstLook
We’re nearly ready to #CaptureTheCosmos! Join the NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory team on June 23, 2025 at 11am US EDT as they reveal the first incredible ...
ls.st
June 23, 2025 at 4:14 AM
MORE WILL BE REVEALED TOMORROW MORNING!!
ls.st/rubin-first-...
ls.st/rubin-first-...
Reposted by J W
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has just released some of its first images. Its powerful new telescope will be able to quickly spot previously unseen astronomical objects. https://n.pr/405DN8P
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory's first images are stunning — and just the start
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has just released some of its first images. Its powerful new telescope will be able to quickly spot previously unseen astronomical objects.
n.pr
June 23, 2025 at 11:18 AM
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has just released some of its first images. Its powerful new telescope will be able to quickly spot previously unseen astronomical objects. https://n.pr/405DN8P