Dr Libby Jones
@anywaythewind.bsky.social
Infrared Astronomer 🔭 - space dust and stars in local galaxies.
Webb Fellow @ UK Astronomy Technology Centre
Love sports, history, 🐶 and UK politics.
Webb Fellow @ UK Astronomy Technology Centre
Love sports, history, 🐶 and UK politics.
Reposted by Dr Libby Jones
STP Guy has joined bluesky!
I've just reviewed my 51st Sticky Toffee Pudding. But what did it get out of 10?
February 12, 2026 at 9:26 PM
STP Guy has joined bluesky!
Reposted by Dr Libby Jones
Let me recommend grabbing a cup of tea & reading this really thoughtful piece from the inimitable @hogg.bsky.social on moderating AI/LLM use in astrophysics. 🔭
"the real question we face is not ... how we do astrophysics. It is the question of why we do astrophysics."
📖: arxiv.org/pdf/2602.10181
"the real question we face is not ... how we do astrophysics. It is the question of why we do astrophysics."
📖: arxiv.org/pdf/2602.10181
February 12, 2026 at 11:19 AM
Let me recommend grabbing a cup of tea & reading this really thoughtful piece from the inimitable @hogg.bsky.social on moderating AI/LLM use in astrophysics. 🔭
"the real question we face is not ... how we do astrophysics. It is the question of why we do astrophysics."
📖: arxiv.org/pdf/2602.10181
"the real question we face is not ... how we do astrophysics. It is the question of why we do astrophysics."
📖: arxiv.org/pdf/2602.10181
Reposted by Dr Libby Jones
🧵1/9
Fascinating stuff— #JWST has spotted the oldest supernova ever confirmed.
It exploded when the #universe was just ~730 Myr old (~5% of its current age).
The whole thing began with a very bright gamma-ray burst, GRB 250314A.🔭 🧪
➡️ science.nasa.gov/missions/web...
#space #astronomy #science
Fascinating stuff— #JWST has spotted the oldest supernova ever confirmed.
It exploded when the #universe was just ~730 Myr old (~5% of its current age).
The whole thing began with a very bright gamma-ray burst, GRB 250314A.🔭 🧪
➡️ science.nasa.gov/missions/web...
#space #astronomy #science
February 10, 2026 at 7:09 PM
🧵1/9
Fascinating stuff— #JWST has spotted the oldest supernova ever confirmed.
It exploded when the #universe was just ~730 Myr old (~5% of its current age).
The whole thing began with a very bright gamma-ray burst, GRB 250314A.🔭 🧪
➡️ science.nasa.gov/missions/web...
#space #astronomy #science
Fascinating stuff— #JWST has spotted the oldest supernova ever confirmed.
It exploded when the #universe was just ~730 Myr old (~5% of its current age).
The whole thing began with a very bright gamma-ray burst, GRB 250314A.🔭 🧪
➡️ science.nasa.gov/missions/web...
#space #astronomy #science
Reposted by Dr Libby Jones
fun fact: the big air snowboarding ramp at the winter olympics is only 5° steeper than the cheese rolling hill.
February 10, 2026 at 3:10 PM
fun fact: the big air snowboarding ramp at the winter olympics is only 5° steeper than the cheese rolling hill.
Reposted by Dr Libby Jones
![Comic. [Person with ponytail pointing to diagram on wall as she talks to two other people, one with short hair.] PERSON 1: The high carbon content of the skeleton indicates that the individual lived less than 12.6 billion years ago, after the first round of stellar nucleosynthesis. [caption] Cosmologist carbon dating](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cz73r7iyiqn26upot4jtjdhk/bafkreiaaaa2fduedn5fusan4xvikaehxgps2yxdlv7vb3j7ep323zta2u4@jpeg)
February 10, 2026 at 7:43 PM
Reposted by Dr Libby Jones
Had a blast speaking to curler and geologist Derek Leung about the geology of curling rocks. 🥌 🧪
Why curling rocks come from just two spots on Earth
The rocks used in the Olympic sport of curling come from one island in Scotland and one quarry in Wales. What makes them so special?
www.scientificamerican.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:50 PM
Had a blast speaking to curler and geologist Derek Leung about the geology of curling rocks. 🥌 🧪
Oooph a 30% cut in early career researchers this grants round. Plus a 6 months delay. Thats not factoring in the proposed future cuts and that there are going to be no large awards next round.
The future not bright.
The future not bright.
February 10, 2026 at 11:58 AM
Oooph a 30% cut in early career researchers this grants round. Plus a 6 months delay. Thats not factoring in the proposed future cuts and that there are going to be no large awards next round.
The future not bright.
The future not bright.
Reposted by Dr Libby Jones
Update on the post below: in a letter sent to Chile's Environmental Assessment Service on 6 February, AES Andes requested the withdrawal of INNA from evaluation.
This formally confirms that INNA is not going ahead.
🔭 🧪
This formally confirms that INNA is not going ahead.
🔭 🧪
AES Andes announced that it will step back from the project INNA, planned near our Paranal Observatory.
We welcome this and expect the project to be withdrawn from Chile's Environmental Assessment Service soon, which would formally confirm the cancelation: https://www.eso.org/public/news/eso2602
🔭 🧪
We welcome this and expect the project to be withdrawn from Chile's Environmental Assessment Service soon, which would formally confirm the cancelation: https://www.eso.org/public/news/eso2602
🔭 🧪
February 10, 2026 at 11:44 AM
Update on the post below: in a letter sent to Chile's Environmental Assessment Service on 6 February, AES Andes requested the withdrawal of INNA from evaluation.
This formally confirms that INNA is not going ahead.
🔭 🧪
This formally confirms that INNA is not going ahead.
🔭 🧪
Reposted by Dr Libby Jones
The 2026 ESA Graduate Trainee positions are waiting for your applications!
Step into a unique role where you’ll contribute to inspiring space missions and work alongside leading professionals from across Europe.
Discover the available positions 👉 jobs.esa.int
#ESArecruits 🔭 🧪
Step into a unique role where you’ll contribute to inspiring space missions and work alongside leading professionals from across Europe.
Discover the available positions 👉 jobs.esa.int
#ESArecruits 🔭 🧪
February 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM
The 2026 ESA Graduate Trainee positions are waiting for your applications!
Step into a unique role where you’ll contribute to inspiring space missions and work alongside leading professionals from across Europe.
Discover the available positions 👉 jobs.esa.int
#ESArecruits 🔭 🧪
Step into a unique role where you’ll contribute to inspiring space missions and work alongside leading professionals from across Europe.
Discover the available positions 👉 jobs.esa.int
#ESArecruits 🔭 🧪
This is completely fascinating. Amused by the Bluesky users' main sequence and evolutionary track 😁.
The astronomer clump is a distinct feature.
The astronomer clump is a distinct feature.
I made a map of 3.4 million Bluesky users - see if you can find yourself!
bluesky-map.theo.io
I've seen some similar projects, but IMO this seems to better capture some of the fine-grained detail
bluesky-map.theo.io
I've seen some similar projects, but IMO this seems to better capture some of the fine-grained detail
Bluesky Map
Interactive map of 3.4 million Bluesky users, visualised by their follower pattern.
bluesky-map.theo.io
February 9, 2026 at 11:58 AM
This is completely fascinating. Amused by the Bluesky users' main sequence and evolutionary track 😁.
The astronomer clump is a distinct feature.
The astronomer clump is a distinct feature.
Reposted by Dr Libby Jones
I wrote something .... andthentheresphysics.wordpress.com/2026/02/08/s...
STFC funding crisis ….. again!
When I first came to work in the UK, Astronomy research was mostly funded through the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC). In 2007, PPARC was merged with the Council for the Cen…
andthentheresphysics.wordpress.com
February 8, 2026 at 4:36 PM
I wrote something .... andthentheresphysics.wordpress.com/2026/02/08/s...
I has the pleasure of meeting Bruce McCandles for Hubbles 25 anniversary. One of the most amazing 15 min chats I will likely ever have.
In this photo, taken #OTD in 1984, Bruce McCandless is an *football field away from the space shuttle with no safety tether.*
No astronaut, before or since, has been that far away from their ship while in orbit. (2/n)
No astronaut, before or since, has been that far away from their ship while in orbit. (2/n)
February 7, 2026 at 11:26 PM
I has the pleasure of meeting Bruce McCandles for Hubbles 25 anniversary. One of the most amazing 15 min chats I will likely ever have.
Reposted by Dr Libby Jones
And incase you missed it, here is George Efstathiou (recently retired STFC Science Board member) going on the record about why it's come to this...
telescoper.blog/2026/02/06/t...
telescoper.blog/2026/02/06/t...
The STFC Funding Crisis – Guest Post by George Efstathiou
The following guest post by George Efstathiou is a response to the current STFC funding crisis I blogged about here, and specifically to a letter by the Executive Chair of STFC, Professor Michele D…
telescoper.blog
February 7, 2026 at 8:08 AM
And incase you missed it, here is George Efstathiou (recently retired STFC Science Board member) going on the record about why it's come to this...
telescoper.blog/2026/02/06/t...
telescoper.blog/2026/02/06/t...
WOO its the winter Olympics. That time once every 4 years when I become a curling officiando.
When my one attempt in reality was emmmm less than successful! 😅
When my one attempt in reality was emmmm less than successful! 😅
a person is playing curling on a rink with a tv logo on the ice
ALT: a person is playing curling on a rink with a tv logo on the ice
media.tenor.com
February 6, 2026 at 7:06 PM
WOO its the winter Olympics. That time once every 4 years when I become a curling officiando.
When my one attempt in reality was emmmm less than successful! 😅
When my one attempt in reality was emmmm less than successful! 😅
Reposted by Dr Libby Jones
The mood music is very bleak for UK astronomy funding at the moment.
www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
UK ‘could lose generation of scientists’ with cuts to projects and research facilities
UK’s research funding body says best scientists are taking posts overseas due to lack of job stability at home
www.theguardian.com
February 6, 2026 at 3:57 PM
The mood music is very bleak for UK astronomy funding at the moment.
www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
Reposted by Dr Libby Jones
🔊 Calling UK early career researches in astro, particle & nuclear physics. Please sign this open response to the proposed cuts at STFC ⚛️🧪🔭
"Protecting the UK's reputation as a science superpower requires not only investment, but continuity, confidence, and people"
✍️ ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io
"Protecting the UK's reputation as a science superpower requires not only investment, but continuity, confidence, and people"
✍️ ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io
An excellent open-letter enumerating the dangers to early career researchers and then wider society of proposed changes to UK science funding
ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io
Early-career researchers may like to add their signatures
🧪⚛️🔭 #AcademicSky #UKpol
ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io
Early-career researchers may like to add their signatures
🧪⚛️🔭 #AcademicSky #UKpol
Early Career Researchers Response to UKRI Investment Approach
ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io
February 6, 2026 at 10:25 AM
🔊 Calling UK early career researches in astro, particle & nuclear physics. Please sign this open response to the proposed cuts at STFC ⚛️🧪🔭
"Protecting the UK's reputation as a science superpower requires not only investment, but continuity, confidence, and people"
✍️ ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io
"Protecting the UK's reputation as a science superpower requires not only investment, but continuity, confidence, and people"
✍️ ecr-openletter-stfc.github.io
Reposted by Dr Libby Jones
NASA’s SPHEREx Mission Tracks Brightening of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS
science.nasa.gov/blogs/sphere...
Credit images: NASA/JPL-Caltech
#3IATLAS #SPHEREx 🧪🔭
science.nasa.gov/blogs/sphere...
Credit images: NASA/JPL-Caltech
#3IATLAS #SPHEREx 🧪🔭
February 5, 2026 at 10:56 AM
NASA’s SPHEREx Mission Tracks Brightening of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS
science.nasa.gov/blogs/sphere...
Credit images: NASA/JPL-Caltech
#3IATLAS #SPHEREx 🧪🔭
science.nasa.gov/blogs/sphere...
Credit images: NASA/JPL-Caltech
#3IATLAS #SPHEREx 🧪🔭
Reposted by Dr Libby Jones
Listeners to Radio 4’s Inside Science today get an essay from me in defence of astronomy as pure research. Please listen in and let me know what you think.
Show starts 4.30pm GMT here: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
Show starts 4.30pm GMT here: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
BBC Radio 4 - BBC Inside Science
A weekly programme looking at the science that's changing our world.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 5, 2026 at 2:07 PM
Listeners to Radio 4’s Inside Science today get an essay from me in defence of astronomy as pure research. Please listen in and let me know what you think.
Show starts 4.30pm GMT here: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
Show starts 4.30pm GMT here: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b...
Reposted by Dr Libby Jones
🧵1/6
Chien-Shiung Wu shattered one of physics' core assumptions. ⚛️
In 1957, she proved that nature does distinguish between left & right in weak interactions.
Before her, physicists thought mirrors didn't matter in fundamental laws.
She flipped that on its head.🧪
#histsci #WomenInSTEM #science
Chien-Shiung Wu shattered one of physics' core assumptions. ⚛️
In 1957, she proved that nature does distinguish between left & right in weak interactions.
Before her, physicists thought mirrors didn't matter in fundamental laws.
She flipped that on its head.🧪
#histsci #WomenInSTEM #science
Many people have wondered why the Chien-Shiung Wu never won the Nobel Prize for Physics. New findings from the Nobel archives, exclusively revealed in Physics World, show she was nominated 23 times by 18 different physicists - and yet was still left empty-handed. 🧪⚛️
physicsworld.com/a/twenty-thr...
physicsworld.com/a/twenty-thr...
Twenty-three nominations, yet no Nobel prize: how Chien-Shiung Wu missed out on the top award in physics – Physics World
Mats Larsson and Ramon Wyss reveal why Chien-Shiung Wu never won a Nobel prize
physicsworld.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:56 PM
🧵1/6
Chien-Shiung Wu shattered one of physics' core assumptions. ⚛️
In 1957, she proved that nature does distinguish between left & right in weak interactions.
Before her, physicists thought mirrors didn't matter in fundamental laws.
She flipped that on its head.🧪
#histsci #WomenInSTEM #science
Chien-Shiung Wu shattered one of physics' core assumptions. ⚛️
In 1957, she proved that nature does distinguish between left & right in weak interactions.
Before her, physicists thought mirrors didn't matter in fundamental laws.
She flipped that on its head.🧪
#histsci #WomenInSTEM #science
Reposted by Dr Libby Jones
This letter more or less confirms that once again the need to fund the ‘fixed’ costs of STFC - essentially the labs - those of us who work in areas funded by the council can go swivel. So stupid and shortsighted.
I am sorry. We all knew the three buckets were coming. We are all prepared for a shift in priority. But this message does nothing for all the UK scientists dependent on project grant funding. It doesn’t actually give any information
www.ukri.org/news/open-le...
www.ukri.org/news/open-le...
Open letter from Ian Chapman to research and innovation community
UKRI Chief Executive outlines changes to UKRI investment approach, addressing concerns about research funding and the financial position of STFC.
www.ukri.org
February 1, 2026 at 7:29 PM
This letter more or less confirms that once again the need to fund the ‘fixed’ costs of STFC - essentially the labs - those of us who work in areas funded by the council can go swivel. So stupid and shortsighted.
Reposted by Dr Libby Jones
Give the people what they want.
Firefox will soon let you block all of its generative AI features | TechCrunch
Starting with Firefox 148 arriving later this month, users will find a new AI controls section within the desktop browser settings.
techcrunch.com
February 2, 2026 at 6:51 PM
Give the people what they want.
😞
New Science Technology & Facilities Council (STFC) letters confirm major funding reductions to areas including particle, nuclear and astrophysics, with a similar process expected for national facilities and labs. While investment in quantum, AI and green tech is welcome, the IOP warns cutting (1/3)
January 29, 2026 at 6:17 PM
😞
Reposted by Dr Libby Jones
Michelle's second paper showed the discovery from the fabulous new WEAVE instrument in the Canary island. This IFU found a surprising bar of iron in the centre of the ring nebula. It doesn't seem to be a jet feature, so what is it?!? 🔭 ☄️ arxiv.org/abs/2601.10635
January 26, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Michelle's second paper showed the discovery from the fabulous new WEAVE instrument in the Canary island. This IFU found a surprising bar of iron in the centre of the ring nebula. It doesn't seem to be a jet feature, so what is it?!? 🔭 ☄️ arxiv.org/abs/2601.10635
Reposted by Dr Libby Jones
Another amazing discovery which pushes back the oldest known cave art by over 15,000 years!!!
And the professor who led the project is Adam Brumm, brother of Joe (the creator of Bluey!), and that’s why Bandit the dog is a paleo-archaeologist in the show! 😁
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
And the professor who led the project is Adam Brumm, brother of Joe (the creator of Bluey!), and that’s why Bandit the dog is a paleo-archaeologist in the show! 😁
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Oldest cave painting could rewrite origins of human creativity
A stencilled outline of a hand found on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi is the world's oldest known cave painting, researchers say.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 21, 2026 at 7:29 PM
Another amazing discovery which pushes back the oldest known cave art by over 15,000 years!!!
And the professor who led the project is Adam Brumm, brother of Joe (the creator of Bluey!), and that’s why Bandit the dog is a paleo-archaeologist in the show! 😁
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
And the professor who led the project is Adam Brumm, brother of Joe (the creator of Bluey!), and that’s why Bandit the dog is a paleo-archaeologist in the show! 😁
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
What a joy to podcast again - perfect timing for the 20‑year Jodcast anniversary! 😅
Thanks @seldomsirius.bsky.social for making it happen and the OG @officialjodcast.bsky.social for the memories and laughs. Felt like we never left.
Catch us chat here: seldomsirius.net/archive/024/
Thanks @seldomsirius.bsky.social for making it happen and the OG @officialjodcast.bsky.social for the memories and laughs. Felt like we never left.
Catch us chat here: seldomsirius.net/archive/024/
Episode 24
David, Jen, Libby, Mark, Megan, Nick and Stuart present Seldom Sirius. Episode 24. In which we Jod on.
seldomsirius.net
January 20, 2026 at 2:08 PM
What a joy to podcast again - perfect timing for the 20‑year Jodcast anniversary! 😅
Thanks @seldomsirius.bsky.social for making it happen and the OG @officialjodcast.bsky.social for the memories and laughs. Felt like we never left.
Catch us chat here: seldomsirius.net/archive/024/
Thanks @seldomsirius.bsky.social for making it happen and the OG @officialjodcast.bsky.social for the memories and laughs. Felt like we never left.
Catch us chat here: seldomsirius.net/archive/024/