Emma Chapman
@dreochapman.bsky.social
Author of ‘First Light’, astrophysicist at University of Nottingham, radio astronomer, Royal Society research fellow.
Reposted by Emma Chapman
The money does not go into space. The money does not go into space.
The money does not go into space.
Sure, the money helps us in exploring and understanding the universe, but the money actually goes to people, to local economies, to universities, it provides jobs, and gets young people into STEM.
The money does not go into space.
Sure, the money helps us in exploring and understanding the universe, but the money actually goes to people, to local economies, to universities, it provides jobs, and gets young people into STEM.
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 8, 2026 at 11:37 AM
The money does not go into space. The money does not go into space.
The money does not go into space.
Sure, the money helps us in exploring and understanding the universe, but the money actually goes to people, to local economies, to universities, it provides jobs, and gets young people into STEM.
The money does not go into space.
Sure, the money helps us in exploring and understanding the universe, but the money actually goes to people, to local economies, to universities, it provides jobs, and gets young people into STEM.
Reposted by Emma Chapman
More on catastrophic cuts to UK astronomy & particle physics. Costs of facilities & international subscriptions go up so grants line and individual projects are cut. If the Government is serious about backing science & technology, they need to fix this. www.space.com/astronomy/uk...
UK government proposes 30% budget cut to astronomy and physics research: 'It's pretty disastrous'
"You can't have a cut of that scale and not expect to see a massive impact."
www.space.com
February 8, 2026 at 10:58 AM
More on catastrophic cuts to UK astronomy & particle physics. Costs of facilities & international subscriptions go up so grants line and individual projects are cut. If the Government is serious about backing science & technology, they need to fix this. www.space.com/astronomy/uk...
Reposted by Emma Chapman
Another comic I never bothered posting
This one from 2023. Topical galileo humour apropos of precisely nothing at all
This one from 2023. Topical galileo humour apropos of precisely nothing at all
![1. [Title Panel]: Is Your 17th Century Astronomer Spending Too Much Time on His Telescope?
2. [Text -only panel] These days, more and more 17th Century Astronomers have access to telescopes. Here are some warning signs that they are on the slippery slope to Godless heliocentrism!
3. STAYING UP LATE WITH THEIR TELESCOPE
[GALILEO is looking through his telescope out the window at a starry sky].
GALILEO'S WIFE:
Go to bed, Galileo!
GALILEO: In a minute...
4. ‘FOMO’ (FEAR OF MISSING OBSERVATIONS)
GALILEO'S WIFE:
Dinner, Galileo!
GALILEO [Looking through telescope]:
Just need to check my orbits
5. WITHDRAWING FROM REAL-WORLD ACTIVITIES
[Galileo's friend the POPE is now standing next to Galileo, who is still looking through his telescope]
THE POPE: Come to church, Galileo!
GALILEO: Not now...
6. FALLING OUT WITH FRIENDS
GALILEO: [Showing The Pope the book he's working on) I'm just working on my book challenging the Bible's view of the Universe
7. BEING ARRESTED BY THE INQUISITION
[GALILEO is being dragged out of the room, hands outstretched to his telescope. He is calling to it]:
GALILEO: Telescooope
9. GETTING SENTENCED TO HOUSE ARREST UNTIL DEATH FOR HERESY
[GALILEO sitting in front of his telescope, now with bars over the windows]
GALILEO: Ah, crap.
10. CONTINUED TELESCOPE USE DESPITE NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES
[GALILEO in same position but now with long white beard, he is looking through his telescope through a barred jail window at the sky]
GALILEO'S WIFE:
Go to bed, Galileo!
GALILEO: In a minute...
[Ends]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:4m3we4apbjayclzcnhwe3pfp/bafkreibook423m77cuwcpoahuocnd5dmylnlfi7jdhgaladuzytsynr7q4@jpeg)
February 5, 2026 at 10:07 AM
Another comic I never bothered posting
This one from 2023. Topical galileo humour apropos of precisely nothing at all
This one from 2023. Topical galileo humour apropos of precisely nothing at all
Reposted by Emma Chapman
Are you a Friend of the @royalastrosoc.bsky.social? If so, why not come along to this month's lecture.
🪧'Celebrating Women Astronomers'
📅 12 February
⏰️ 1-2pm
🗣️ Dr Susan Pyne, @ucl.ac.uk
🚨 This talk is exclusively for Friends of the RAS members 🚨
To become a Friend, scan the QR code. 🤳📱
🪧'Celebrating Women Astronomers'
📅 12 February
⏰️ 1-2pm
🗣️ Dr Susan Pyne, @ucl.ac.uk
🚨 This talk is exclusively for Friends of the RAS members 🚨
To become a Friend, scan the QR code. 🤳📱
February 5, 2026 at 1:24 PM
Are you a Friend of the @royalastrosoc.bsky.social? If so, why not come along to this month's lecture.
🪧'Celebrating Women Astronomers'
📅 12 February
⏰️ 1-2pm
🗣️ Dr Susan Pyne, @ucl.ac.uk
🚨 This talk is exclusively for Friends of the RAS members 🚨
To become a Friend, scan the QR code. 🤳📱
🪧'Celebrating Women Astronomers'
📅 12 February
⏰️ 1-2pm
🗣️ Dr Susan Pyne, @ucl.ac.uk
🚨 This talk is exclusively for Friends of the RAS members 🚨
To become a Friend, scan the QR code. 🤳📱
Reposted by Emma Chapman
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 Emma Chapman
"One of the best popular-science books I have read within the field, and [an] uplifting read, despite dealing with some of the heaviest ethical questions in space sciences."
@dreochapman.bsky.social reviews @scottsolomon.bsky.social's "Becoming Martian" (out Feb 17th) for @physicsworld.bsky.social:
@dreochapman.bsky.social reviews @scottsolomon.bsky.social's "Becoming Martian" (out Feb 17th) for @physicsworld.bsky.social:
Mission to Mars: from biological barriers to ethical impediments – Physics World
Emma Chapman reviews Becoming Martian: How Living in Space Will Change Our Bodies and Minds by Scott Solomon
physicsworld.com
February 3, 2026 at 7:28 PM
"One of the best popular-science books I have read within the field, and [an] uplifting read, despite dealing with some of the heaviest ethical questions in space sciences."
@dreochapman.bsky.social reviews @scottsolomon.bsky.social's "Becoming Martian" (out Feb 17th) for @physicsworld.bsky.social:
@dreochapman.bsky.social reviews @scottsolomon.bsky.social's "Becoming Martian" (out Feb 17th) for @physicsworld.bsky.social:
Reposted by Emma Chapman
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 3, 2026 at 11:50 AM
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...
Reposted by Emma Chapman
🚨 Exciting news! 🚨
Here is the first known picture of the 19th Century astronomer Richard Carrington – who had the largest geomagnetic storm in history named after him.
It was found by our assistant archivist Kate Bond thanks to some brilliant detective work.🕵️♀️ 👉️ ras.ac.uk/news-and-pre...
Here is the first known picture of the 19th Century astronomer Richard Carrington – who had the largest geomagnetic storm in history named after him.
It was found by our assistant archivist Kate Bond thanks to some brilliant detective work.🕵️♀️ 👉️ ras.ac.uk/news-and-pre...
February 2, 2026 at 3:06 PM
🚨 Exciting news! 🚨
Here is the first known picture of the 19th Century astronomer Richard Carrington – who had the largest geomagnetic storm in history named after him.
It was found by our assistant archivist Kate Bond thanks to some brilliant detective work.🕵️♀️ 👉️ ras.ac.uk/news-and-pre...
Here is the first known picture of the 19th Century astronomer Richard Carrington – who had the largest geomagnetic storm in history named after him.
It was found by our assistant archivist Kate Bond thanks to some brilliant detective work.🕵️♀️ 👉️ ras.ac.uk/news-and-pre...
Reposted by Emma Chapman
The Royal Astronomical Society is gravely concerned at the drastic cuts to support for UK astronomy outlined by the Science and Technology Facilities Council.
Read our statement 👉 ras.ac.uk/news-and-pre...
Read our statement 👉 ras.ac.uk/news-and-pre...
Proposed budget cuts a catastrophe for UK astronomy
The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) is gravely concerned at the drastic cuts to support for UK astronomy outlined by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (...
ras.ac.uk
January 28, 2026 at 9:07 PM
The Royal Astronomical Society is gravely concerned at the drastic cuts to support for UK astronomy outlined by the Science and Technology Facilities Council.
Read our statement 👉 ras.ac.uk/news-and-pre...
Read our statement 👉 ras.ac.uk/news-and-pre...
I say it all in the review… but seriously, buy the book. Exceptional popular science writing and a unique perspective on human space exploration.
New review of Becoming Martian just dropped! 👀
Astrophysicist Emma Chapman @dreochapman.bsky.social says "Solomon’s writing is concise yet extraordinarily thorough..." and "Becoming Martian is one of the best popular-science books I have read within the field..."
physicsworld.com/a/mission-to...
Astrophysicist Emma Chapman @dreochapman.bsky.social says "Solomon’s writing is concise yet extraordinarily thorough..." and "Becoming Martian is one of the best popular-science books I have read within the field..."
physicsworld.com/a/mission-to...
Mission to Mars: from biological barriers to ethical impediments – Physics World
Emma Chapman reviews Becoming Martian: How Living in Space Will Change Our Bodies and Minds by Scott Solomon
physicsworld.com
January 15, 2026 at 9:41 AM
I say it all in the review… but seriously, buy the book. Exceptional popular science writing and a unique perspective on human space exploration.
Reposted by Emma Chapman
The aurora right now from North Pole, Alaska. Air temp -20 F. Winds calm. Nice night. First substorm tonight was to the north. The next will likely be overhead when we are rotated further under the oval. iPhone video handheld. Colors seen are naked-eye visible.
January 15, 2026 at 8:47 AM
The aurora right now from North Pole, Alaska. Air temp -20 F. Winds calm. Nice night. First substorm tonight was to the north. The next will likely be overhead when we are rotated further under the oval. iPhone video handheld. Colors seen are naked-eye visible.
If you’ve ever wondered why it’s important to share your science with the public, whatever that science is 🧬 🧪 🔭, this @universetoday.com podcast episode is essential listening.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/u...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/u...
[Interview+] Why People Stop Trusting Science? And How Can We Fix It
Podcast Episode · Universe Today Podcast · 05/01/2026 · 1h 8m
podcasts.apple.com
January 9, 2026 at 10:32 AM
If you’ve ever wondered why it’s important to share your science with the public, whatever that science is 🧬 🧪 🔭, this @universetoday.com podcast episode is essential listening.
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/u...
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/u...
I am on the train to the @royalastrosoc.bsky.social in London, ready to learn about advances in "Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence applied to astronomy' 🔭. Any bluesky friends going too?
January 9, 2026 at 8:48 AM
I am on the train to the @royalastrosoc.bsky.social in London, ready to learn about advances in "Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence applied to astronomy' 🔭. Any bluesky friends going too?
Delighted to see "Radio Universe" mentioned in @newscientist.com Best New Popular Science Books of 2026!
So surreal to see so much hard work almost out there.
Pre-order now (US title Echoing Universe)!
www.dr-emma-chapman.com
So surreal to see so much hard work almost out there.
Pre-order now (US title Echoing Universe)!
www.dr-emma-chapman.com
Dr Emma Chapman | Astrophysicist and Popular Science Author
Dr Emma Chapman is a science communicator and popular science author.
www.dr-emma-chapman.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:21 PM
Delighted to see "Radio Universe" mentioned in @newscientist.com Best New Popular Science Books of 2026!
So surreal to see so much hard work almost out there.
Pre-order now (US title Echoing Universe)!
www.dr-emma-chapman.com
So surreal to see so much hard work almost out there.
Pre-order now (US title Echoing Universe)!
www.dr-emma-chapman.com
Reposted by Emma Chapman
NASA Discovers Distant Planet With Conditions That Could Sustain Rocks https://theonion.com/nasa-discovers-distant-planet-with-conditions-that-could-sustain-rocks/
January 6, 2026 at 9:15 PM
NASA Discovers Distant Planet With Conditions That Could Sustain Rocks https://theonion.com/nasa-discovers-distant-planet-with-conditions-that-could-sustain-rocks/
Reposted by Emma Chapman
It's happening! ESA & JAXA are teaming up to visit Apophis, the 400-meter (1300-foot) asteroid that will skim close by Earth in April, 2029.
The RAMSES mission will study this potentially hazardous object & watch how Earth's gravity reshapes it as it passes. 🧪🔭
cosmos.isas.jaxa.jp/look-up-esa-...
The RAMSES mission will study this potentially hazardous object & watch how Earth's gravity reshapes it as it passes. 🧪🔭
cosmos.isas.jaxa.jp/look-up-esa-...
December 29, 2025 at 6:55 PM
It's happening! ESA & JAXA are teaming up to visit Apophis, the 400-meter (1300-foot) asteroid that will skim close by Earth in April, 2029.
The RAMSES mission will study this potentially hazardous object & watch how Earth's gravity reshapes it as it passes. 🧪🔭
cosmos.isas.jaxa.jp/look-up-esa-...
The RAMSES mission will study this potentially hazardous object & watch how Earth's gravity reshapes it as it passes. 🧪🔭
cosmos.isas.jaxa.jp/look-up-esa-...
Reposted by Emma Chapman
So my publishers @johnmurrays.bsky.social just sent me a load of free books from their list and I could not be happier. I mean … free books, right?!
Don’t tell them but I would definitely be fine accepting payment in books as opposed to royalties from now on 🤣
Don’t tell them but I would definitely be fine accepting payment in books as opposed to royalties from now on 🤣
December 24, 2025 at 10:48 AM
So my publishers @johnmurrays.bsky.social just sent me a load of free books from their list and I could not be happier. I mean … free books, right?!
Don’t tell them but I would definitely be fine accepting payment in books as opposed to royalties from now on 🤣
Don’t tell them but I would definitely be fine accepting payment in books as opposed to royalties from now on 🤣
Reposted by Emma Chapman
Parents & anyone else up early on Christmas morning: there’s a bright pass of the International Space Station over the UK, just after 6.15.
Well, I say it’s the ISS. Could be Santa heading home…
Exact timings for where you are at www.heavens-above.com/PassSummary....
Well, I say it’s the ISS. Could be Santa heading home…
Exact timings for where you are at www.heavens-above.com/PassSummary....
ISS - Visible Passes
Satellite predictions and other astronomical data customised for your location.
www.heavens-above.com
December 24, 2025 at 7:53 AM
Parents & anyone else up early on Christmas morning: there’s a bright pass of the International Space Station over the UK, just after 6.15.
Well, I say it’s the ISS. Could be Santa heading home…
Exact timings for where you are at www.heavens-above.com/PassSummary....
Well, I say it’s the ISS. Could be Santa heading home…
Exact timings for where you are at www.heavens-above.com/PassSummary....
Reposted by Emma Chapman
Science for Fiction has now made the leap to cyberspace as the Science for Fiction podcast, made in conjunction with the @sffoundation.bsky.social The first episode is me interviewing @defjaf.bsky.social about his new book The Random Universe. Have a listen! apple.co/44A5GIg
Science for Fiction
Science Podcast · Real science that inspires science fiction, from the latest in cosmology to the strangest biology. Brought to you by the Science Fiction Foundation.
apple.co
December 18, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Science for Fiction has now made the leap to cyberspace as the Science for Fiction podcast, made in conjunction with the @sffoundation.bsky.social The first episode is me interviewing @defjaf.bsky.social about his new book The Random Universe. Have a listen! apple.co/44A5GIg
Reposted by Emma Chapman
Hi friends, please help me spread the word on the open professor position in #planetaryScience we have in Bern 🔽
Dr. Raphael Marschall (@spacemarschall.net)
Hi #planetaryScience folks, we have an open position for a *Professor in Planetary Sciences* at the Space Research & Planetary Sciences Division of the @unibe.ch. Application deadline: *Jan 31, 2026*…
bsky.app
December 17, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Hi friends, please help me spread the word on the open professor position in #planetaryScience we have in Bern 🔽
I’m taking a day off and heading to Sheffield to see two friends from high school. Incomprehensibly, they have no interest in astronomy, but we share a love of musical theatre, many years of good memories, and we’d do anything for each other 🥰
December 16, 2025 at 10:25 AM
I’m taking a day off and heading to Sheffield to see two friends from high school. Incomprehensibly, they have no interest in astronomy, but we share a love of musical theatre, many years of good memories, and we’d do anything for each other 🥰
Reposted by Emma Chapman
Today would be a great day to sign up to become a Cosmic Shambles Patreon. No reason… patreon.com/cosmicshambles @robinince.bsky.social
Get more from The Cosmic Shambles Network on Patreon
Independent Creators of Content for the Curious
patreon.com
December 13, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Today would be a great day to sign up to become a Cosmic Shambles Patreon. No reason… patreon.com/cosmicshambles @robinince.bsky.social
Reposted by Emma Chapman
I'm hiring a postdoc -- come and do awesome cosmology with great people in one of the nicest cities in the world (not that I'm biased or anything) 🔭 🧪
cosmology.blogs.auckland.ac.nz/2025/12/12/p...
cosmology.blogs.auckland.ac.nz/2025/12/12/p...
Post-doc @ Auckland
Looking for a cosmology post-doc at the University of Auckland
cosmology.blogs.auckland.ac.nz
December 12, 2025 at 10:12 AM
I'm hiring a postdoc -- come and do awesome cosmology with great people in one of the nicest cities in the world (not that I'm biased or anything) 🔭 🧪
cosmology.blogs.auckland.ac.nz/2025/12/12/p...
cosmology.blogs.auckland.ac.nz/2025/12/12/p...
Reposted by Emma Chapman
For the first time, astronomers have detected a coronal mass ejection from a star other than our Sun, and it was a big one – powerful enough to strip the atmosphere from nearby planets. That's bad news for the search for extraterrestrial life. Here's why: physicsworld.com/a/astronomer... 🧪⚛️🔭
Astronomers observe a coronal mass ejection from a distant star – Physics World
Burst from M-dwarf star could be powerful enough to strip the atmosphere of any planets that orbit it, with implications for the search for extraterrestrial life
physicsworld.com
December 11, 2025 at 9:10 AM
For the first time, astronomers have detected a coronal mass ejection from a star other than our Sun, and it was a big one – powerful enough to strip the atmosphere from nearby planets. That's bad news for the search for extraterrestrial life. Here's why: physicsworld.com/a/astronomer... 🧪⚛️🔭