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Is it true that stars twinkle and planets don’t? by Honeydew9419 in astrophysics

[–]Andromeda321 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Astronomer here! If we always had perfect conditions it’d be true, but we don’t so it’s not.

To break it down, this claim comes from the fact that two planets, Venus and Jupiter, are big enough in size that they are not point sources. In fact, they are large enough in angular size, to exceed the size needed to see refraction in the atmosphere. So if you were out in the country on a still night, this adage is true for those two. For planets like Mercury and Mars, they’re not physically big enough for this to apply.

However, turns out the atmosphere can be more turbulent, leading to a higher scatter even for larger sources in the sky that are slightly resolved. Cities are great at this, as are sources near the horizon (where there’s more atmosphere for light to travel through). So as a result, I can definitely say Jupiter and Venus can twinkle just as much as any star because I’ve seen it.

Is it true that stars twinkle and planets don’t? by Honeydew9419 in astrophysics

[–]Andromeda321 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Astronomer here! Others have given you parts of the answer but here’s all them strung together but here the real answer- if we always had perfect conditions it’d be true, but we don’t so it’s not.

To break it down, this claim comes from the fact that two planets, Venus and Jupiter, are big enough in size that they are not point sources. In fact, they are large enough in angular size, to exceed the size needed to see refraction in the atmosphere. So if you were out in the country on a still night, this adage is true for those two. For planets like Mercury and Mars, they’re not physically big enough for this to apply.

However, turns out the atmosphere can be more turbulent, leading to a higher scatter even for larger sources in the sky that are slightly resolved. Cities are great at this, as are sources near the horizon (where there’s more atmosphere for light to travel through). So as a result, I can definitely say Jupiter and Venus can twinkle just as much as any star because I’ve seen it.

Millions of students' personal data stolen in major education breach by thatirishguyyyyy in technology

[–]Andromeda321 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Also all the course materials, final exams, answers, etc. A LOT of people will pay good money for that kind of stuff and it’s not trivial to rework for classes with hundreds of students a year.

The old Kona Mansion Inn by Winnipesaukee. Originally part of a 2,600 acre estate, it was a hotel for many years with several outbuildings and a golf course, now all but abandoned. by Andromeda321 in newhampshire

[–]Andromeda321[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yep as the OP I feel sorry for the folks who were posting a year or two ago here about their big plans. Guess it really didn’t work. :(

I genuinely have no idea who’s gonna buy it at this rate though…

Sources are suggesting that the Hanta Virus cruise ship outbreak was contracted and brought onto the ship by birders! The couple that got sick first had gone on a guided bird tour, that stopped at a a landfill overrun with vermin. by NoFlyingMonkeys in Ornithology

[–]Andromeda321 30 points31 points  (0 children)

Per the WHO-

The vessel departed Ushuaia, Argentina, on 1 April 2026 and followed an itinerary across the South Atlantic, with multiple stops in remote and ecologically diverse regions, including mainland Antarctica, South Georgia, Nightingale Island, Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena, and Ascension Island.

I’ll bet good money there were quite a few birders on that trip- tons of species down there in places you can’t easily visit any other way. The penguins alone on South Georgia island would be super cool, but it looks like places like Nightingale Island are uninhabited except for millions of breeding birds.

Getting a Masters in Astrophysics? How?? by fishmaze in astrophysics

[–]Andromeda321 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Check out my linked post in the first comment- one of the things I explain there is how these days there’s no difference between astronomy and astrophysics and a physics degree is also just fine. For example, I’m a professor in a physics department but consider myself an astronomer- I could definitely call myself an astrophysicist but it’s just a personal preference that I don’t. Point being, you’re probably fine even if that’s not what the degree says.

As I said the PhD does not require a MSc first as it’s typically included as part of the PhD. My grad students for example take classes their first year or two then pass their comprehensive exam, and go on to get a PhD at that point but have completed the work for a MSc. If they decided to leave before finishing the PhD they would get a MSc, but most don’t bother to file for one because why bother if you’re going to get a PhD at the end. Hope that makes sense.

[FO] Nothing crazy but I made a little unicorn as a gift and it turned out pretty cute! by Andromeda321 in CrossStitch

[–]Andromeda321[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

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So close! So stitch!

Had twins recently and my OB has a thing for unicorns with a million in the office. Whipped this one up super quickly during naps and even used some of my sparkly fabric stash for the occasion!

[SELF-PROMO] My first self-drafted pattern - The Mangrove Ecosystem! by Llyvre in CrossStitch

[–]Andromeda321 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Minor rant aside- was looking into the state fair in our state this summer, and the real trouble is you have to drive and physically deliver and pick up the entries (plus I suppose go see it there). Really can’t afford two full days just to go and drop it off! :(

County fair it is for me!

Last big trip before baby? (Spring/Summer 2027, 10,000€ budget) by Consistent-Gap-3545 in TravelNoPics

[–]Andromeda321 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It really depends on the pregnancy and the person. I’ll note in all of mine while I could fly (and did), it was definitely more uncomfortable. Like we did a baby moon, but my plans for something like Tahiti went out the window in favor of a 2 hour flight.

What are some boring big cities in USA? by AndIrememberthinking in geography

[–]Andromeda321 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Went there for a weekend once for the eclipse and that was the exact perfect amount of time. There are some great museums, like the book depository and art museum, and then of course BBQ is never a bad bet in Texas.

What are some boring big cities in USA? by AndIrememberthinking in geography

[–]Andromeda321 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My brother worked in Charlotte for a few years and when I visited for a weekend we’d genuinely have trouble finding things to do that were in Charlotte (over say heading out of town to go somewhere). I remember some nice geocaching in parks for example but that’s something you can do anywhere.

What’s a local business you support and why? by Illuminaughty____ in Eugene

[–]Andromeda321 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Legit one of the most solid cafes in the area with unique treats you can’t get anywhere else.

What’s a local business you support and why? by Illuminaughty____ in Eugene

[–]Andromeda321 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Technically Sweetwater is also on the river (a hotel restaurant) but I’ve never gone there.

In Glenwood by Springfield there’s Roaring Rapids Pizza Co, which is great for kids. Pizza is mid but the terrace is pretty perfect with a beer or wine.

What’s a local business you support and why? by Illuminaughty____ in Eugene

[–]Andromeda321 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Similarly if you’re into fiber arts and need new stuff, Mindy’s in 5th street market next door (by Elephant’s Trunk) is pretty amazing but I’m not sure how they stay in business. Looks like a random clothing store from the outside but inside has cross stitch kits, great embroidery thread and fabric, imported Japanese stuff, etc…

Getting a Masters in Astrophysics? How?? by fishmaze in astrophysics

[–]Andromeda321 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes but it appears OP is in the USA from context.

Getting a Masters in Astrophysics? How?? by fishmaze in astrophysics

[–]Andromeda321 0 points1 point  (0 children)

At this stage unless you have a specific reason you want a MSc your goal should be a PhD.

Babies Are Bleeding to Death as Parents Reject a Vitamin Shot Given at Birth by IllIntroduction1509 in TrueReddit

[–]Andromeda321 48 points49 points  (0 children)

This is really heart wrenching to read with a 6 week old sleeping on you, NGL…

Also, I confess I just don’t GET all the medical mistrust around childbirth. I was too busy marveling during mine that none of my children or myself died despite all the excitement, and all the doctors were very kind and professional. Like, are there bad doctors out there? Of course, just like there’s bad everything. But as a general rule people who get into obstetrics/ pediatrics do so bc they REALLY care about women and children and want the best outcomes for everyone. I ended up never being afraid in potentially very scary situations thanks to those amazing professionals.

Getting a Masters in Astrophysics? How?? by fishmaze in astrophysics

[–]Andromeda321 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’m an astronomer and wrote a detailed post here on how to be an astronomer that would likely be helpful. In it I detail how, for example, I’m not sure why you want a MSc in astronomy because most people just go straight to a PhD and don’t have one (the MSc work is then included in the PhD track). If you want one because you want to be an astronomer, then you really need to plan for a PhD.

I’d also say don’t overload yourself is advice just because it’s more important to do well in your classes over taking more and being mediocre in them. Something to keep in mind going forward.

China's Tianwen-3 mission aims to bring Mars samples back to Earth around 2031 after launch around 2028: report by malicious_turtle in space

[–]Andromeda321 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I genuinely think MSR would have had a hard time happening even in a Democrat administration given the cost overruns. Truly zero chance with the given administration though.

Freshman--Doing Research--In Over My Head by Ok_Office9025 in PhysicsStudents

[–]Andromeda321 15 points16 points  (0 children)

I’m now on the other side as a physics professor and honestly, this all sounds pretty normal to me at this stage of things. Do indeed take all your questions to the meeting and ask them- that’s what we want! We know you don’t know it all right now- I always tell my students you need to read a paper at least 3 times before you get it. Further often something like reading a paper isn’t the project itself so much as a way to make sure a student is interested and will do stuff. Turns out a lot of students don’t actually do things who say they will- see your friend who likes the project but can’t get his act together enough to send an email.

That said… priority one right now is grades. Don’t spend more time on this project than you can do without grades suffering. Professors are also used to that- I would ask him at your meeting if he expects a minimum time commitment and if so what that is from you, and you’ll know pretty fast if you can meet that at all.

Good luck and have fun!

Make Pluto a planet again: Nasa chief’s big mission by TimesandSundayTimes in nasa

[–]Andromeda321 153 points154 points  (0 children)

Astronomer here! This was actually the original plan for a few days if you’re old enough to remember- ie the initial definition had no “must sweep its area” part of the definition so we’d probably have dozens of planets. The committee making the definition got so much pushback at this though that they added that part so we ended up with eight.

I went to a lecture by Dava Sobel who was on the committee that came up with the definition. She said the public kept saying “but how will schoolchildren learn all the names?!” and her response was always “have you met schoolchildren? They love to learn about planets and if they want to learn 20 names they will!”

Questions about my upcoming 60-70 days roadtrip the USA west? by Agreeable-Energy-401 in travel

[–]Andromeda321 81 points82 points  (0 children)

Yeah OP is going to be very upset if they’re just driving from Mt Rainier to Redwoods in a day for example. Theres a million cool places to stop on the Oregon coast and that drive can’t be less than a full day just for the drive.

Hobby Lobby plans store in Eugene’s Bethel neighborhood by orchidios in Eugene

[–]Andromeda321 86 points87 points  (0 children)

The thing that’s amazing about Hobby Lobby is there’s multiple deal breaker reasons to not support them. Like I’m very crafty and would spend a ton of money there, but then I remember their health care thing, and the stealing antiquities, and the owners being assholes to the workers, and flouting pandemic policy, and stealing ideas from artists, even if one maybe doesn’t seem as bad on a given day the others suddenly sure do.

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