Michael Battalio
@battalio.com
Research Scientist at Yale studying planetary climates
Pinned
Michael Battalio
@battalio.com
· Nov 11
Intro thread: I’m a #climate and #planetary scientist. I try to find atmospheric processes common across planets. I interpret each planet as an instance on a continuum of possible climates. Without exception, I’ve found that cool stuff that happens on one has parallels to help interpret the others.
My lunar colleagues need to start exercising their eye muscles to prepare for the eye rolls they’ll do each time Musk has a new stupid claim about the moon base he’s never going to build. I can’t say I’m sorry that we martians will be finally getting a break after decades of his unfounded idiocy.
Sure, you can technically delay a Mars mission that was never going to happen this year, just like I'm delaying my debut as a free soloist, which was DEFINITELY going to happen this year. I have decided I also need to wait for the planets to realign www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Musk Shifts Focus to Moon as Mars Mission Remains Years Away
While most Americans were transfixed by this year’s Super Bowl proceedings on Sunday night, Elon Musk took to X to proclaim that SpaceX would focus on building out a base on the moon before sending hu...
www.bloomberg.com
February 9, 2026 at 3:47 PM
My lunar colleagues need to start exercising their eye muscles to prepare for the eye rolls they’ll do each time Musk has a new stupid claim about the moon base he’s never going to build. I can’t say I’m sorry that we martians will be finally getting a break after decades of his unfounded idiocy.
Reposted by Michael Battalio
In a long-form piece, I address recent claims by the Editor-in-Chief of @science.org that "quiet" insiders rather than "heated" activists should be credited for passage of top-line budget numbers for science and medical research.
joshuasweitz.substack.com/p/science-ad...
joshuasweitz.substack.com/p/science-ad...
Science Advocacy: The Risks of Playing the Long Game vs. Playing the Game For Too Long
Reflecting on the establishment view of recent ‘wins’ for research and what real winning looks like when public-facing advocacy is credited and included in broader coalitions.
joshuasweitz.substack.com
February 8, 2026 at 4:46 PM
In a long-form piece, I address recent claims by the Editor-in-Chief of @science.org that "quiet" insiders rather than "heated" activists should be credited for passage of top-line budget numbers for science and medical research.
joshuasweitz.substack.com/p/science-ad...
joshuasweitz.substack.com/p/science-ad...
Reposted by Michael Battalio
If you've got pre-teens in your lives, check out the Feb #Alien edition of Aquila, with #comic artist Edward Ross & me. We visit #K2-18b, aka "The Planet of the Plankton", to see how #JWST detects chemicals on distant planets, & show that sensational science reporting isn't always to be believed.🔭🧪
February 8, 2026 at 10:07 AM
Hard agree. We’ve twisted ourselves in knots to avoid a glimmer of impropriety. Being apolitical is political. All it has accomplished is the right successfully and without pushback lumping us as the hated “elite”. We cannot rely on the “inside” track of hoping for non-crazy GOP ignoring their base.
I have bad news.
Science has already been labeled as left. It’s done.
This is clear if we talk to people in red areas. Or if we watch Fox.
Science has already been labeled as left. It’s done.
This is clear if we talk to people in red areas. Or if we watch Fox.
The answer IS both. The inside game AND the outside game.
It will not help science if it truly becomes labeled as partisan left. The trick is do what is possible to avoid that while also not compromising on facts and reality.
It will not help science if it truly becomes labeled as partisan left. The trick is do what is possible to avoid that while also not compromising on facts and reality.
February 8, 2026 at 2:49 PM
Hard agree. We’ve twisted ourselves in knots to avoid a glimmer of impropriety. Being apolitical is political. All it has accomplished is the right successfully and without pushback lumping us as the hated “elite”. We cannot rely on the “inside” track of hoping for non-crazy GOP ignoring their base.
Reposted by Michael Battalio
This is basically gibberish. However, I think that it points to one of the failback strategies for the orbital data center push. Which is to use Starlink as comm relays for ground-based data processing and then claim that it is basically equivalent to, or on the direct path to, orbital data centers.
February 7, 2026 at 6:19 PM
This is basically gibberish. However, I think that it points to one of the failback strategies for the orbital data center push. Which is to use Starlink as comm relays for ground-based data processing and then claim that it is basically equivalent to, or on the direct path to, orbital data centers.
Reposted by Michael Battalio
Lately I'm regretting that we didn't talk about space data centers in A City on Mars, but tbh the idea just seemed so transparently silly. Now Musk and apparently the CNA (www.reuters.com/science/chin...) are talking about it.
China plans space‑based AI data centres, challenging Musk's SpaceX ambitions
China's main space contractor vowed to construct "digital-intelligence infrastructure" that will enable data from Earth to be processed in space.
www.reuters.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:24 PM
Lately I'm regretting that we didn't talk about space data centers in A City on Mars, but tbh the idea just seemed so transparently silly. Now Musk and apparently the CNA (www.reuters.com/science/chin...) are talking about it.
After @delauro.house.gov 's indignation at religious leaders having the temerity to talk about the moral case for abolishing ICE, I went down a rabbit hole of who has ever challenged her. The answer is no one because @ctdems.bsky.social make it almost impossible to primary an incumbent.
Family Starter Kits: Idea 2, in the Road to the Ballot series, highlighting my effort to bring a primary to this district for the first time in history.
February 7, 2026 at 5:34 AM
After @delauro.house.gov 's indignation at religious leaders having the temerity to talk about the moral case for abolishing ICE, I went down a rabbit hole of who has ever challenged her. The answer is no one because @ctdems.bsky.social make it almost impossible to primary an incumbent.
@denoble.bsky.social Rep. DeLauro's inane ICE comments took off on this platform today, and it got you my (Registered Dem in East Haven) signature. However, the fact I had to go look to see if anyone is primary-ing her is a lost opportunity. You need a staffer reposting all of your content here.
February 7, 2026 at 5:25 AM
@denoble.bsky.social Rep. DeLauro's inane ICE comments took off on this platform today, and it got you my (Registered Dem in East Haven) signature. However, the fact I had to go look to see if anyone is primary-ing her is a lost opportunity. You need a staffer reposting all of your content here.
Doesn't this crystalize that the Dem fracture is not left-center but fight-fold. My 83 year-old, purple-haired, lifelong Dem rep. is to the right of Bill Kristol on this. She's far to the right of this middle-aged, southern-born white guy.
Advocate for abolishing ICE, @delauro.house.gov, or retire.
Advocate for abolishing ICE, @delauro.house.gov, or retire.
“I would rather you vote for what is morally correct,” Davidson said.
“Don’t talk to me about my own morality,” DeLauro shot back.
“Don’t tell your constituents what they can and can’t talk to you about,” replied Rev. Nathan Empsall. “What you are voting for is not moral.”
“Don’t talk to me about my own morality,” DeLauro shot back.
“Don’t tell your constituents what they can and can’t talk to you about,” replied Rev. Nathan Empsall. “What you are voting for is not moral.”
DeLauro to pressing clergy: 'I will not vote to abolish ICE'
The Connecticut U.S. representative found herself at odds with faith leaders.
www.ctpublic.org
February 7, 2026 at 1:32 AM
Doesn't this crystalize that the Dem fracture is not left-center but fight-fold. My 83 year-old, purple-haired, lifelong Dem rep. is to the right of Bill Kristol on this. She's far to the right of this middle-aged, southern-born white guy.
Advocate for abolishing ICE, @delauro.house.gov, or retire.
Advocate for abolishing ICE, @delauro.house.gov, or retire.
Nice explain-er on the *Authorization* bill, which I flubbed in posting about earlier in the week.
New Space Policy Edition episode on NASA authorization bills. Oft' overlooked, but potentially potent legislative vehicles that define the program of record for the U.S. space program:
www.planetary.org/planetary-ra...
www.planetary.org/planetary-ra...
Space Policy Edition: What a NASA Authorization bill actually does
Chief of Space Policy Casey Dreier and Director of Government Relations Jack Kiraly break down what NASA authorization bills actually do and why these…
www.planetary.org
February 6, 2026 at 8:19 PM
Nice explain-er on the *Authorization* bill, which I flubbed in posting about earlier in the week.
Well at least now when we nationalize SpaceX (for national security, of course), we can kill xAI/grok.
The space community needs to reckon with that whenever NASA contracts with SpaceX, we are directly funding (rather than indirectly before) a scalable online abuse generator.
The space community needs to reckon with that whenever NASA contracts with SpaceX, we are directly funding (rather than indirectly before) a scalable online abuse generator.
Oh my gd.
Musk is fucking insane with this quoted sentence from the press release on SpaceX acquiring xAI.
"This marks not just the next chapter, but the next book in SpaceX and xAI's mission: scaling to make a sentient sun to understand the Universe."
(full press release in images)
Musk is fucking insane with this quoted sentence from the press release on SpaceX acquiring xAI.
"This marks not just the next chapter, but the next book in SpaceX and xAI's mission: scaling to make a sentient sun to understand the Universe."
(full press release in images)
February 2, 2026 at 11:11 PM
Well at least now when we nationalize SpaceX (for national security, of course), we can kill xAI/grok.
The space community needs to reckon with that whenever NASA contracts with SpaceX, we are directly funding (rather than indirectly before) a scalable online abuse generator.
The space community needs to reckon with that whenever NASA contracts with SpaceX, we are directly funding (rather than indirectly before) a scalable online abuse generator.
Reposted by Michael Battalio
A sensible assessment of the science.
With cold outbreaks sweeping parts of the US, some have argued that climate change is to blame. But the proposed mechanism remains quite controversial in the scientific community, and the number of extreme cold events have been decreasing almost everywhere: www.theclimatebrink....
February 2, 2026 at 10:30 PM
A sensible assessment of the science.
Deleted a post because I'm a dope who has again forgotten FY versus CY. This isn't forward looking. This is the authorization for the already passed NASA appropriation. Thanks to @spacepolicyonline.bsky.social for taking the time to correct me. I will always try to own up to my factual errors.
February 2, 2026 at 7:18 PM
Deleted a post because I'm a dope who has again forgotten FY versus CY. This isn't forward looking. This is the authorization for the already passed NASA appropriation. Thanks to @spacepolicyonline.bsky.social for taking the time to correct me. I will always try to own up to my factual errors.
Reposted by Michael Battalio
Ever seen these phrases in science writing?
X plays a role in Y
X plays a key role in Y
X plays a secondary role in Y
Why is this construction often vague and what can be done to improve it?
Make your writing more concise and precise.
eloquentscience.com/2026/02/does...
#AcWriMo #scicomm
X plays a role in Y
X plays a key role in Y
X plays a secondary role in Y
Why is this construction often vague and what can be done to improve it?
Make your writing more concise and precise.
eloquentscience.com/2026/02/does...
#AcWriMo #scicomm
Does “play a role” still play a role in your writing? : eloquentscience.com
eloquentscience.com
February 2, 2026 at 8:45 AM
Ever seen these phrases in science writing?
X plays a role in Y
X plays a key role in Y
X plays a secondary role in Y
Why is this construction often vague and what can be done to improve it?
Make your writing more concise and precise.
eloquentscience.com/2026/02/does...
#AcWriMo #scicomm
X plays a role in Y
X plays a key role in Y
X plays a secondary role in Y
Why is this construction often vague and what can be done to improve it?
Make your writing more concise and precise.
eloquentscience.com/2026/02/does...
#AcWriMo #scicomm
Reposted by Michael Battalio
A data-driven mosaic of our warming planet - now updated through 2025 🥵
Download graphic at zacklabe.com/climate-chan...
Download graphic at zacklabe.com/climate-chan...
February 2, 2026 at 12:39 PM
A data-driven mosaic of our warming planet - now updated through 2025 🥵
Download graphic at zacklabe.com/climate-chan...
Download graphic at zacklabe.com/climate-chan...
Reposted by Michael Battalio
If I were a blue state governor, I’d be looking into adding a bunch of tenure lines at my state schools.
I know that seems like “kick ‘em when they’re down,” but it’s more like “let academics who can escape to where they can do real work.”
Builds up your own schools AND protect US academic output.
I know that seems like “kick ‘em when they’re down,” but it’s more like “let academics who can escape to where they can do real work.”
Builds up your own schools AND protect US academic output.
The governor of Texas is rapidly turning world-class universities into minor regional ones. Example:
Greg Abbott halts H-1B visas at Texas universities, agencies
The governor said public universities and state agencies may not seek new visas without permission through the end of the 2027 legislative session.
www.texastribune.org
January 30, 2026 at 11:15 PM
If I were a blue state governor, I’d be looking into adding a bunch of tenure lines at my state schools.
I know that seems like “kick ‘em when they’re down,” but it’s more like “let academics who can escape to where they can do real work.”
Builds up your own schools AND protect US academic output.
I know that seems like “kick ‘em when they’re down,” but it’s more like “let academics who can escape to where they can do real work.”
Builds up your own schools AND protect US academic output.
Alec gained a patreon subscriber with this one. Watch to the end.
January 30, 2026 at 6:49 PM
Alec gained a patreon subscriber with this one. Watch to the end.
Reposted by Michael Battalio
You are being misled about renewable energy technology.
YouTube video by Technology Connections
www.youtube.com
January 30, 2026 at 5:27 PM
Reposted by Michael Battalio
Since 1976 NASA has published NASA Spinoff, a report of technology that has been spun off from NASA research. I thought that this year, I would highlight some of the technologies mentioned in the 2026 version of the report.
ntts-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/t2p/prod/spi...
#NASA-Spinoff
🧪
ntts-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/t2p/prod/spi...
#NASA-Spinoff
🧪
ntts-prod.s3.amazonaws.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:52 PM
Since 1976 NASA has published NASA Spinoff, a report of technology that has been spun off from NASA research. I thought that this year, I would highlight some of the technologies mentioned in the 2026 version of the report.
ntts-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/t2p/prod/spi...
#NASA-Spinoff
🧪
ntts-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/t2p/prod/spi...
#NASA-Spinoff
🧪
Reposted by Michael Battalio
1. From lung cancer to climate change, capitalist governments are notoriously slow to recognize and remedy the negative externalities generated by corporate activity.
Generative AI is no exception. Large language models are proving a disaster in numerous spheres of public life.
Generative AI is no exception. Large language models are proving a disaster in numerous spheres of public life.
January 28, 2026 at 6:59 AM
1. From lung cancer to climate change, capitalist governments are notoriously slow to recognize and remedy the negative externalities generated by corporate activity.
Generative AI is no exception. Large language models are proving a disaster in numerous spheres of public life.
Generative AI is no exception. Large language models are proving a disaster in numerous spheres of public life.
Reposted by Michael Battalio
We’re getting so many journal submissions from people who think ‘it kinda works’ is the standard to aim for.
1. The thing about science that these jokers don't understand is that science cannot be vibe-coded.
Whatever its flaws, the point with vibe coding is that you're trying to quickly make something that sorta works, where you can immediately sorta see if it sorta works and then sorta use it.
Whatever its flaws, the point with vibe coding is that you're trying to quickly make something that sorta works, where you can immediately sorta see if it sorta works and then sorta use it.
“The idea is to put ChatGPT front and center inside software that scientists use to write up their work in much the same way that chatbots are now embedded into popular programming editors.
It’s vibe coding, but for science.”
It’s vibe coding, but for science.”
January 28, 2026 at 5:58 AM
We’re getting so many journal submissions from people who think ‘it kinda works’ is the standard to aim for.
Well, #AMS2026, I give. I hoped putting travel off until today would be long enough, but my outbound flight from Hartford is delayed beyond salvation. I'm not going to make it in person. I'll still give my second talk virtually. So tune in on Thursday at 2:00 CST.
Composite Synoptic Meteorological Structure of Mars's Major Dust Storms
The Mars Dust Activity Database (MDAD) identifies dust storms for Mars Years 28...
ams.confex.com
January 27, 2026 at 5:48 PM
Well, #AMS2026, I give. I hoped putting travel off until today would be long enough, but my outbound flight from Hartford is delayed beyond salvation. I'm not going to make it in person. I'll still give my second talk virtually. So tune in on Thursday at 2:00 CST.
Maybe he's just lost attention, but Bezos knows to make a show of charity to clean his image. For example, his $2B Earth fund, which just donated to Yale. Bezos will give money to causes he thinks make him look good.
Bezos is choosing to turn the WP into propaganda because he wants it that way.
Bezos is choosing to turn the WP into propaganda because he wants it that way.
January 25, 2026 at 4:11 PM
Maybe he's just lost attention, but Bezos knows to make a show of charity to clean his image. For example, his $2B Earth fund, which just donated to Yale. Bezos will give money to causes he thinks make him look good.
Bezos is choosing to turn the WP into propaganda because he wants it that way.
Bezos is choosing to turn the WP into propaganda because he wants it that way.
Reposted by Michael Battalio
Yes, the GOP controls Congress. That's why it's key to show Congress COULD stop the madness. And it's not just the DHS bill. Congress could repeal the prior multi-year $75b for DHS; set up a special investigative committee (cf. Watergate); amend the Insurrection Act; etc.
January 25, 2026 at 1:08 PM
Yes, the GOP controls Congress. That's why it's key to show Congress COULD stop the madness. And it's not just the DHS bill. Congress could repeal the prior multi-year $75b for DHS; set up a special investigative committee (cf. Watergate); amend the Insurrection Act; etc.
Dems need to retake the Gadsden flag but change "me" to "us"—clear the people flying it take "Don't Tread on Me" literally. They do not care if anyone but them specifically is tread on. Vacuous lemmings.
Image may be bad AI, but growing up in rural-ish MS, it does represent who flies the Gadsden.
Image may be bad AI, but growing up in rural-ish MS, it does represent who flies the Gadsden.
January 25, 2026 at 3:29 PM
Dems need to retake the Gadsden flag but change "me" to "us"—clear the people flying it take "Don't Tread on Me" literally. They do not care if anyone but them specifically is tread on. Vacuous lemmings.
Image may be bad AI, but growing up in rural-ish MS, it does represent who flies the Gadsden.
Image may be bad AI, but growing up in rural-ish MS, it does represent who flies the Gadsden.