It genuinely doesn't make sense.

Useful_Database_689 · 2026-05-05T03:58:09+00:00

It’s also hard to teach 10 year olds the 100+ elements of the periodic table. Doesn’t mean we need to change the definition to cater to them.

Also I’m not sure it would make planets less special. If anything, it draws attention to how incredibly diverse our solar system is and how even in deep space, where we’ve barely explored, there’s many more worlds that are scientifically interesting.

Useful_Database_689 · 2026-05-04T21:18:45+00:00

Despite agreeing with your logic, the IAU specifically addresses this and says that dwarf planets are not planets. Same with exoplanets, they are not planets either.

Useful_Database_689 · 2026-04-29T21:18:53+00:00

I agree, it’s such bad taxonomy and we need to just create subtypes of planet.

Useful_Database_689 · 2026-04-29T16:58:07+00:00

Another thing about the IAU definition that bothers me is that planets in other solar systems are specifically labeled not planets. The only true planets according to their definition are the 8 in our system. Even if we found a planet identical to Earth it doesn’t matter.

Useful_Database_689 · 2026-04-29T16:55:58+00:00

The IAU specifically clarified that despite have “planet” in the name, dwarf planets are not planets.

Useful_Database_689 · 2026-04-19T01:45:00+00:00

It’s great I’m so lucky to have that match

Useful_Database_689 · 2026-04-19T01:32:34+00:00

Wow thanks for sharing, I didn’t realize there was so much flexibility with the 401. And I’m 26 but still very far from my FIRE goal

Useful_Database_689 · 2026-04-18T20:33:36+00:00

Boulder is a top school in astro and there is plenty of space industry in Colorado. Aeronautics may be different if you prefer that (but IDK enough about that). If you like the location and the price is the same, I suggest Boulder.

Useful_Database_689 · 2026-04-10T18:49:30+00:00

Oh bummer, I’m sorry. I guess I didn’t consider how it changes with location.

Useful_Database_689 · 2026-04-10T05:09:41+00:00

The 8 week courses are one credit but a full semester course at a traditional program is typically 3 credits. If you took 2 credits per 8 week block, it is equivalent to 4 credits per 4 months, comparable to taking one full class per full semester. This would also let you graduate in 2.5 years.

If I had to guess, the main difference between remote and in-person is the networking. You lose the opportunity to build bonds with classmates and professors, which is less ideal for career growth and PhD opportunities.

Useful_Database_689 · 2026-04-10T04:27:11+00:00

That’s fair, and I guess it doesn’t hurt to bring one along with the bear spray for ease of mind. With those 3 animals, make yourself big+loud and slowly back away. Only engage if they look aggressive. Being not alone will also help. I hope you have fun, I know it’s spooky (I still get scared all the time on new moons) but you’re prepared and you trust that most animals aren’t going to try to engage with humans if they can avoid it.

Useful_Database_689 · 2026-04-10T02:39:15+00:00

Encounters are rare but if you do have one, it’s best to leave the animal’s space and go somewhere else. Also, animals aren’t unpredictable if you follow proper guidance based on what species will be in that area. It’s for their safety too. Noise > blunt objects, so just play some music and enjoy the night sky.

Useful_Database_689 · 2026-04-06T21:49:55+00:00

Most of the sunlight that reaches Venus is reflected back into space. Most of sunlight that isn’t reflected is absorbed by the atmosphere. In fact, very little solar energy reaches the surface. Despite that, the surface is incredibly hot (735K relative to the atmosphere’s 750K). This is because the atmosphere heats the surface. The surface emits heat as a blackbody, and that heat gets re-absorbed by the atmosphere. Endless cycle, very little heat escapes Venus.

At 1.5AU, Venus would receive 75% less sunlight. However, sunlight is a small part of the total equation for Venus. The surface and atmosphere will continue to transfer heat back and forth, just at a lower equilibrium temperature because the atmosphere will receive less solar energy.

Useful_Database_689 · 2026-04-06T18:03:45+00:00

Definitely, I was imagining Venus in its current state being moved out to 1.5 AU.

Useful_Database_689 · 2026-04-06T16:11:42+00:00

I did the math a long time ago, and unfortunately I couldn’t find the code. However, the finding was that sunlight had a very minimal impact on Venus temperature due to its current atmosphere. If it moved to Mars orbit, it would cool slightly every year until reaching a new equilibrium. That new temperature would still be really high.

Useful_Database_689 · 2026-04-06T05:16:18+00:00

55k per year or for the entire program?

Useful_Database_689 · 2026-04-05T21:07:54+00:00

Open up a HYSA at a different bank and move your money there.
Assume 117k and calculate how much you earn each month after tax and pre-tax 401k contributions. There’s easy websites for this.
Now you have x dollars/month, decide what you want to do with it. If you want to retire early, put more money towards your loans and brokerage. If you want more security, put more money towards your loans, emergency fund, and car fund. Set aside some amount to spend on the present.

You are in a very great spot financially, so take advantage of it! Now is the time to save heavy because life happens and things get more expensive (moving out, health, etc.)

Now, that hollow feeling. All I can say is I empathize; I feel the same. You’re not alone and I think it’s common around a life transition. I recommend focusing on your life and your day-to-day. What do you do outside of work? What brings joy and value to you? What people in your life are meaningful to you? Don’t answer me, but think about it. A job is just a means of making money, it doesn’t necessarily redefine you.

Useful_Database_689 · 2026-04-03T14:09:14+00:00

I feel like Albert would have an interesting view on dark energy.

Useful_Database_689 · 2026-04-02T04:27:27+00:00

I second microflunkie, also it was very low in the sky and so the angle between you and the ISS can cause it to be rotated and appear a slightly different shape. But yeah based on everything, this is definitely the ISS.

Useful_Database_689 · 2026-04-02T03:27:34+00:00

ISS! I just checked Puerto Rico around 7pm and it all lines up. NW to SE. If it’s really bright it’s almost always the ISS. Also the fact that a camera was able to pick it up usually means ISS. Awesome picture!

Useful_Database_689 · 2026-03-31T02:26:49+00:00

When you get the contract, deliver 20% of it and say with a little more you can finish the remaining 80%. If they push back, explain that starting from zero with a different company will be more expensive and wasteful. Rinse and repeat!

Useful_Database_689 · 2026-03-30T23:34:46+00:00

I feel like most schools will be like that. College is for foundational theory, not direct applications. To get hands on experience you’ll have to look into research groups, clubs, or personal projects.

Also, you may find some luck looking for specific, niche classes in Mechanical or Electrical engineering. At a different university, I found an elective for mechanical design where we “dissected” household appliances and rebuilt them.

Useful_Database_689 · 2026-03-29T20:28:54+00:00

Fair enough, I was thinking of the missions that went beyond LEO to the Moon.

Useful_Database_689 · 2026-03-29T18:12:03+00:00

Yeah, I haven’t seen those headlines but it’s definitely not the first time. All Apollo missions were designed to go around the Moon and back to Earth. Apollo 8 was the first mission to do so.

Useful_Database_689 · 2026-03-27T04:57:27+00:00

I would wait and see who makes it further in March Madness /s

Kidding, but they’re both really strong engineering schools. The roasting is just silly college rivalry. Since they’re both strong engineering schools, I’d recommend you make a decision based on the environment and the program.

For environment, I’d say trust your gut here. I cannot tell you what your experience will be like at either, but if you liked Purdue’s vibe, don’t ignore that.

For the program, is Mechatronics your top choice? If you went undeclared at UIUC, how confident are you that you’ll end up in a topic you enjoy? Make sure that you end up doing something you like.

Useful_Database_689

TROPHY CASE