Dr. Caitlin Ahrens
@ahrensscience.bsky.social
Planetary scientist, lunar exploration and sustainability policy. Lunar architecture nerd! UMD-CRESST-II Asst. Research Scientist at NASA GSFC. Science Outreach! Ten Outstanding Young Americans 2018. WVU alum. Views are my own.
Pinned
Goal for #AcWriMo week 1:
*organize reviewer comments on Paper 1
*fix a figure
*Introduction outline for Paper 2 (that is due in December)
*organize reviewer comments on Paper 1
*fix a figure
*Introduction outline for Paper 2 (that is due in December)
Reposted by Dr. Caitlin Ahrens
Gutted by the Dems caving after the blue-wave wins of last week? Sick & tired of us snatching defeat from the jaws of victory? I hear you! Might I suggest you calm yourself, relax, take a deep, cleansing breath... then see if this photo of 2 pandas cuddling is of any help.
November 10, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Gutted by the Dems caving after the blue-wave wins of last week? Sick & tired of us snatching defeat from the jaws of victory? I hear you! Might I suggest you calm yourself, relax, take a deep, cleansing breath... then see if this photo of 2 pandas cuddling is of any help.
Reposted by Dr. Caitlin Ahrens
Indigenous languages are rapidly disappearing, and AI could help preserve them, according to Indigenous technologists.
How Indigenous engineers are using AI to preserve their culture
Indigenous languages are rapidly disappearing, and AI could help preserve them, according to Indigenous technologists.
nbcnews.to
November 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Indigenous languages are rapidly disappearing, and AI could help preserve them, according to Indigenous technologists.
Reposted by Dr. Caitlin Ahrens
It seems like just yesterday that we were in design reviews for GRAVITY the OG version - now there‘s GRAVITY+ with multiple lasers! ESO and Europe/Chile are powerhouses for ground-based astronomy right now. 🔭
1/ Milestone achieved by the VLTI upgrade GRAVITY+: a laser has been installed at each of the previously unequipped VLT Unit Telescopes.
This will dramatically enhance the VLTI observing power.
Discover more with #ChasingStarlight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzK1B3VU1L8
🔭 🧪
This will dramatically enhance the VLTI observing power.
Discover more with #ChasingStarlight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzK1B3VU1L8
🔭 🧪
November 10, 2025 at 12:33 PM
It seems like just yesterday that we were in design reviews for GRAVITY the OG version - now there‘s GRAVITY+ with multiple lasers! ESO and Europe/Chile are powerhouses for ground-based astronomy right now. 🔭
Reposted by Dr. Caitlin Ahrens
Reposted by Dr. Caitlin Ahrens
Blue Origin New Glenn 2 scrubbed due to weather.
Keep your eyes peeled!
It will carry ESCAPADE to Mars!!
The 5th NASA SIMPLEX low-cost science mission.
Let's go #ESCAPADE!!
🔭🧪 #planetsci
www.blueorigin.com/missions/ng-2
Keep your eyes peeled!
It will carry ESCAPADE to Mars!!
The 5th NASA SIMPLEX low-cost science mission.
Let's go #ESCAPADE!!
🔭🧪 #planetsci
www.blueorigin.com/missions/ng-2
NG-2 | Missions | Blue Origin
www.blueorigin.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Blue Origin New Glenn 2 scrubbed due to weather.
Keep your eyes peeled!
It will carry ESCAPADE to Mars!!
The 5th NASA SIMPLEX low-cost science mission.
Let's go #ESCAPADE!!
🔭🧪 #planetsci
www.blueorigin.com/missions/ng-2
Keep your eyes peeled!
It will carry ESCAPADE to Mars!!
The 5th NASA SIMPLEX low-cost science mission.
Let's go #ESCAPADE!!
🔭🧪 #planetsci
www.blueorigin.com/missions/ng-2
Goal for #AcWriMo week 1:
*organize reviewer comments on Paper 1
*fix a figure
*Introduction outline for Paper 2 (that is due in December)
*organize reviewer comments on Paper 1
*fix a figure
*Introduction outline for Paper 2 (that is due in December)
November 9, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Reposted by Dr. Caitlin Ahrens
Facial prosthesis, c.1917. THREAD for #RemembranceSunday🧵
From the moment the first machine gun rang out over the Western Front, one thing was clear: mankind’s military technology had wildly surpassed its medical capabilities. Bodies were battered, gouged, hacked, and gassed. /1
From the moment the first machine gun rang out over the Western Front, one thing was clear: mankind’s military technology had wildly surpassed its medical capabilities. Bodies were battered, gouged, hacked, and gassed. /1
November 9, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Facial prosthesis, c.1917. THREAD for #RemembranceSunday🧵
From the moment the first machine gun rang out over the Western Front, one thing was clear: mankind’s military technology had wildly surpassed its medical capabilities. Bodies were battered, gouged, hacked, and gassed. /1
From the moment the first machine gun rang out over the Western Front, one thing was clear: mankind’s military technology had wildly surpassed its medical capabilities. Bodies were battered, gouged, hacked, and gassed. /1
Reposted by Dr. Caitlin Ahrens
One of a geologist's worst nightmares in back-to-back posts.
Science infrastructure funding saves lives.
Science communication and education saves lives.
Science saves lives.
Science infrastructure funding saves lives.
Science communication and education saves lives.
Science saves lives.
November 9, 2025 at 1:29 PM
One of a geologist's worst nightmares in back-to-back posts.
Science infrastructure funding saves lives.
Science communication and education saves lives.
Science saves lives.
Science infrastructure funding saves lives.
Science communication and education saves lives.
Science saves lives.
Reposted by Dr. Caitlin Ahrens
This is a simply stunning image.
🔭 Comet Lemmon Beyond Lomnický Peak
Image Credit & Copyright: Robert Barsa
star.ucl.ac.uk/~apod/apod/a...
Image Credit & Copyright: Robert Barsa
star.ucl.ac.uk/~apod/apod/a...
November 7, 2025 at 8:04 PM
This is a simply stunning image.
Reposted by Dr. Caitlin Ahrens
Scientists feel that the pressure to publish is rising, but that the time and resources they have to do the necessary research are falling, according to a survey of 3,200 researchers
go.nature.com/4hNDvuN
go.nature.com/4hNDvuN
Pressure to publish is rising as research time shrinks, finds survey of scientists
Researchers feel that pressures to publish are increasing, but the time and resources available to do research are decreasing, according to a survey by Elsevier.
go.nature.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Scientists feel that the pressure to publish is rising, but that the time and resources they have to do the necessary research are falling, according to a survey of 3,200 researchers
go.nature.com/4hNDvuN
go.nature.com/4hNDvuN
Reposted by Dr. Caitlin Ahrens
In this splendid photo from Valerio Minato three wonders were captured in a single shot:
- the Basilica of Superga, located near Turin (Italy)
- the Monviso, the highest mountain of the Cottian Alps
- the setting Moon, captured in a crescent phase
➡️ apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap23122...
🔭 🧪 #sciart
1/2
- the Basilica of Superga, located near Turin (Italy)
- the Monviso, the highest mountain of the Cottian Alps
- the setting Moon, captured in a crescent phase
➡️ apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap23122...
🔭 🧪 #sciart
1/2
November 6, 2025 at 2:10 PM
In this splendid photo from Valerio Minato three wonders were captured in a single shot:
- the Basilica of Superga, located near Turin (Italy)
- the Monviso, the highest mountain of the Cottian Alps
- the setting Moon, captured in a crescent phase
➡️ apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap23122...
🔭 🧪 #sciart
1/2
- the Basilica of Superga, located near Turin (Italy)
- the Monviso, the highest mountain of the Cottian Alps
- the setting Moon, captured in a crescent phase
➡️ apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap23122...
🔭 🧪 #sciart
1/2
Reposted by Dr. Caitlin Ahrens
Do space environments have value? If we find life on Mars, what are our responsibilities?
Our own Dr Emma Purenen discusses these and more questions about Astrobiology Ethics in our latest video.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYxO...
#worldspaceweek #WSW2025 #SpaceEthics
Our own Dr Emma Purenen discusses these and more questions about Astrobiology Ethics in our latest video.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYxO...
#worldspaceweek #WSW2025 #SpaceEthics
November 7, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Do space environments have value? If we find life on Mars, what are our responsibilities?
Our own Dr Emma Purenen discusses these and more questions about Astrobiology Ethics in our latest video.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYxO...
#worldspaceweek #WSW2025 #SpaceEthics
Our own Dr Emma Purenen discusses these and more questions about Astrobiology Ethics in our latest video.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYxO...
#worldspaceweek #WSW2025 #SpaceEthics
Reposted by Dr. Caitlin Ahrens
Looking to start a PhD in Physics & Astronomy in 2026? The team @physicsuol.bsky.social have announced their STFC-funded projects on offer next year, spanning astrophysics, planetary science, and space instrumentation. Deadline: Jan 18th, contact us to learn more!
le.ac.uk/study/resear...
le.ac.uk/study/resear...
November 7, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Looking to start a PhD in Physics & Astronomy in 2026? The team @physicsuol.bsky.social have announced their STFC-funded projects on offer next year, spanning astrophysics, planetary science, and space instrumentation. Deadline: Jan 18th, contact us to learn more!
le.ac.uk/study/resear...
le.ac.uk/study/resear...
Reposted by Dr. Caitlin Ahrens
Holy moly did we get a close shave from an asteroid last week: it missed Earth by *230 km*! Barely above the atmosphere.
OTOH it was only about the size of a beachball, so no worries either way. Meet 2025 UC11.
badastronomy.beehiiv.com/p/a-wee-aste...
🔭🧪
OTOH it was only about the size of a beachball, so no worries either way. Meet 2025 UC11.
badastronomy.beehiiv.com/p/a-wee-aste...
🔭🧪
A wee asteroid came VERY close to us last week
Plus, Rubin is going to find a lot more
badastronomy.beehiiv.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Holy moly did we get a close shave from an asteroid last week: it missed Earth by *230 km*! Barely above the atmosphere.
OTOH it was only about the size of a beachball, so no worries either way. Meet 2025 UC11.
badastronomy.beehiiv.com/p/a-wee-aste...
🔭🧪
OTOH it was only about the size of a beachball, so no worries either way. Meet 2025 UC11.
badastronomy.beehiiv.com/p/a-wee-aste...
🔭🧪
Reposted by Dr. Caitlin Ahrens
Flying through Dulles Airport near D.C.? If you’re taking the Metro, expect to be awed by almost 40 recently installed images from #NASAWebb, paired with more than 30 from the ever-active Hubble, on your way to the main terminal: https://bit.ly/4qPfl7m #wmata 🔭 🧪
November 6, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Flying through Dulles Airport near D.C.? If you’re taking the Metro, expect to be awed by almost 40 recently installed images from #NASAWebb, paired with more than 30 from the ever-active Hubble, on your way to the main terminal: https://bit.ly/4qPfl7m #wmata 🔭 🧪
Reposted by Dr. Caitlin Ahrens
The agency has already been irreparably damaged, capacity and culture destroyed, decades worth of experience shown the door. "NASA" is the strongest name brand in the world, a metonymy for our highest ideals as humans. It is being bulldozed by people who don't understand (or care) what we're losing.
After 13 years as the top federal workplace, NASA is facing an employee exodus and months of turmoil after deep budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration.
If fully implemented, the changes could reshape U.S. science for years.
If fully implemented, the changes could reshape U.S. science for years.
NASA has lost thousands of workers. Here’s what that means for science.
Staffers told The Post about months of turmoil and sweeping changes that, if fully implemented, could transform NASA and American science beyond the Trump years.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:04 PM
The agency has already been irreparably damaged, capacity and culture destroyed, decades worth of experience shown the door. "NASA" is the strongest name brand in the world, a metonymy for our highest ideals as humans. It is being bulldozed by people who don't understand (or care) what we're losing.
Reposted by Dr. Caitlin Ahrens
NOW LIVE: The Queen’s Lecture with Prof. Adam Amara from @uniofsurrey.bsky.social and @ukspaceagency.bsky.social on “Cosmic Origins and Alien Worlds: The Next Era of Space Exploration”
🎥 follow online: www.youtube.com/live/gh6B6H2...
🎥 follow online: www.youtube.com/live/gh6B6H2...
Queen's Lecture 2025 - Adam Amara: Cosmic Origins and Alien Worlds
YouTube video by TUBerlinTV
www.youtube.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:07 PM
NOW LIVE: The Queen’s Lecture with Prof. Adam Amara from @uniofsurrey.bsky.social and @ukspaceagency.bsky.social on “Cosmic Origins and Alien Worlds: The Next Era of Space Exploration”
🎥 follow online: www.youtube.com/live/gh6B6H2...
🎥 follow online: www.youtube.com/live/gh6B6H2...
Reposted by Dr. Caitlin Ahrens
and story by me!
Some asteroids spin smoothly. Others tumble chaotically. Understanding their differences could help us learn more about asteroid history and improve planetary defense measures.
Research led by @wzhou.bsky.social at @utokyoofficial.bsky.social, comments from @sondy.com
eos.org/articles/wha...
Research led by @wzhou.bsky.social at @utokyoofficial.bsky.social, comments from @sondy.com
eos.org/articles/wha...
What Tumbling Asteroids Tell Us About Their Innards - Eos
Data from the Gaia space observatory reveal that many slowly spinning asteroids rotate chaotically. A new theory links that chaos to their inner structure and history.
eos.org
November 6, 2025 at 3:02 PM
and story by me!
Reposted by Dr. Caitlin Ahrens
Spydere Man, Spydere Man
Doth al things a spydere kan
Sondry webbes he kan weaven
Thieves lyke flyes he kan cacchen
Lo! anon cometh Spydere Man
Doth al things a spydere kan
Sondry webbes he kan weaven
Thieves lyke flyes he kan cacchen
Lo! anon cometh Spydere Man
November 6, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Spydere Man, Spydere Man
Doth al things a spydere kan
Sondry webbes he kan weaven
Thieves lyke flyes he kan cacchen
Lo! anon cometh Spydere Man
Doth al things a spydere kan
Sondry webbes he kan weaven
Thieves lyke flyes he kan cacchen
Lo! anon cometh Spydere Man
Reposted by Dr. Caitlin Ahrens
🌕💥 DOUBLE LUNAR IMPACT!
Two asteroids slammed into the Moon last week—both caught by Japanese astronomer Daichi Fujii. Traveling at 60,000 mph, the space rocks left fresh craters in the lunar soil, a reminder our serene neighbor is constantly under fire.
🔗
Two asteroids slammed into the Moon last week—both caught by Japanese astronomer Daichi Fujii. Traveling at 60,000 mph, the space rocks left fresh craters in the lunar soil, a reminder our serene neighbor is constantly under fire.
🔗
2 Spooky Flashes Lit Up the Moon. Here’s What Made Them.
A Japanese astronomer captured a pair of objects slamming into the lunar surface in recent days.
tinyurl.com
November 6, 2025 at 12:00 PM
🌕💥 DOUBLE LUNAR IMPACT!
Two asteroids slammed into the Moon last week—both caught by Japanese astronomer Daichi Fujii. Traveling at 60,000 mph, the space rocks left fresh craters in the lunar soil, a reminder our serene neighbor is constantly under fire.
🔗
Two asteroids slammed into the Moon last week—both caught by Japanese astronomer Daichi Fujii. Traveling at 60,000 mph, the space rocks left fresh craters in the lunar soil, a reminder our serene neighbor is constantly under fire.
🔗
Reposted by Dr. Caitlin Ahrens
Hannah recently visited Jodrell to debut her latest composition, created from sounds foraged across the site!
Want to celebrate with us? Don’t miss ‘Jodrell Bank at 80’ on BBC Radio 4, Saturday at 20.00, featuring Hannah’s piece alongside brilliant stories from the BBC archive: ow.ly/9rYH50XnGu8
Want to celebrate with us? Don’t miss ‘Jodrell Bank at 80’ on BBC Radio 4, Saturday at 20.00, featuring Hannah’s piece alongside brilliant stories from the BBC archive: ow.ly/9rYH50XnGu8
BBC Radio 4 - Archive on 4, Jodrell Bank at 80
Brilliant stories told using archive from the BBC and beyond
ow.ly
November 6, 2025 at 11:25 AM
Hannah recently visited Jodrell to debut her latest composition, created from sounds foraged across the site!
Want to celebrate with us? Don’t miss ‘Jodrell Bank at 80’ on BBC Radio 4, Saturday at 20.00, featuring Hannah’s piece alongside brilliant stories from the BBC archive: ow.ly/9rYH50XnGu8
Want to celebrate with us? Don’t miss ‘Jodrell Bank at 80’ on BBC Radio 4, Saturday at 20.00, featuring Hannah’s piece alongside brilliant stories from the BBC archive: ow.ly/9rYH50XnGu8
Reposted by Dr. Caitlin Ahrens
Astronomy as a bridge between language and culture! Shahrzad Mirsoltani’s talk at the session on: Teaching Methods and Tools of the 6th Shaw-IAU Workshop explored how her project supports Iranian migrant youth 🔭 #astroedu
www.youtube.com/watch?v=msVA...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=msVA...
Astronomy, Language & Culture for Iranian Youth: S. Mirsoltani at the OAE’s 6th Shaw-IAU Workshop
YouTube video by IAU Office of Astronomy for Education
www.youtube.com
November 6, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Astronomy as a bridge between language and culture! Shahrzad Mirsoltani’s talk at the session on: Teaching Methods and Tools of the 6th Shaw-IAU Workshop explored how her project supports Iranian migrant youth 🔭 #astroedu
www.youtube.com/watch?v=msVA...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=msVA...
Reposted by Dr. Caitlin Ahrens
Whoaaaaaa
SWOOSH! 🧹 When a meteoroid struck Mars, it triggered ~100 dust avalanches down an ancient volcano's slopes.
@esa.int's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter captured the dramatic effect of the rare cascade. A new @nature.com study examines the most common causes of these streaks.
www.esa.int/ESA_Multimed...
@esa.int's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter captured the dramatic effect of the rare cascade. A new @nature.com study examines the most common causes of these streaks.
www.esa.int/ESA_Multimed...
Swoosh!
Swoosh!
www.esa.int
November 6, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Whoaaaaaa
Reposted by Dr. Caitlin Ahrens
Now on @sciam.bsky.social: Astronomers are agog over this all-day gamma-ray burst.
A cosmic explosion known as GRB 250702B is by far the longest gamma-ray burst astronomers have ever seen—if it’s even one at all.
By @whereisyvette.bsky.social.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/long...
A cosmic explosion known as GRB 250702B is by far the longest gamma-ray burst astronomers have ever seen—if it’s even one at all.
By @whereisyvette.bsky.social.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/long...
These Cosmic Outbursts Normally Last for Minutes. This One Went on for Hours—And Nobody Knows Why
A cosmic explosion known as GRB 250702B is by far the longest gamma-ray burst astronomers have ever seen—if it’s even one at all
www.scientificamerican.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Now on @sciam.bsky.social: Astronomers are agog over this all-day gamma-ray burst.
A cosmic explosion known as GRB 250702B is by far the longest gamma-ray burst astronomers have ever seen—if it’s even one at all.
By @whereisyvette.bsky.social.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/long...
A cosmic explosion known as GRB 250702B is by far the longest gamma-ray burst astronomers have ever seen—if it’s even one at all.
By @whereisyvette.bsky.social.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/long...