Fionna Samuels
@fmorningstar.bsky.social
PhD chemist turned science writer
C&EN Physical Sciences Reporter
Signal at fsamuels.01
Views are mine alone
C&EN Physical Sciences Reporter
Signal at fsamuels.01
Views are mine alone
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
Quanta contributing writer @maxlevy.bsky.social has received a Kavli Gold Award from @aaas.org and @kavlifoundation.org for “The Hidden World of Electrostatic Ecology,” a detailed account of how small organisms use static electricity to their advantage.
www.quantamagazine.org/quantanews/q...
www.quantamagazine.org/quantanews/q...
Quanta Contributor Max G. Levy Wins AAAS Kavli Gold Award for Science Journalism | Quanta Magazine
Judges from the American Association for the Advancement of Science and The Kavli Foundation recognized Quanta Magazine contributing writer Max G. Levy with a Gold Award in the Magazine category for “...
www.quantamagazine.org
November 13, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Quanta contributing writer @maxlevy.bsky.social has received a Kavli Gold Award from @aaas.org and @kavlifoundation.org for “The Hidden World of Electrostatic Ecology,” a detailed account of how small organisms use static electricity to their advantage.
www.quantamagazine.org/quantanews/q...
www.quantamagazine.org/quantanews/q...
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
There’s a lot of historically and culturally significant stuff captured on audio (and video) tape. But tapes are mass-market items that weren’t made with long-term archiving in mind.
My latest for @cenmag.bsky.social explores the chemistry involved in preserving them:
cen.acs.org/analytical-c...
My latest for @cenmag.bsky.social explores the chemistry involved in preserving them:
cen.acs.org/analytical-c...
How preservation scientists are using chemistry to save sounds of the past
Preservation scientists are using polymer chemistry to help prevent old audio and video tapes from degrading beyond recognition
cen.acs.org
November 13, 2025 at 3:47 PM
There’s a lot of historically and culturally significant stuff captured on audio (and video) tape. But tapes are mass-market items that weren’t made with long-term archiving in mind.
My latest for @cenmag.bsky.social explores the chemistry involved in preserving them:
cen.acs.org/analytical-c...
My latest for @cenmag.bsky.social explores the chemistry involved in preserving them:
cen.acs.org/analytical-c...
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
As the space weather is likely active for awhile, remember
1) flares do not cause aurora
2) even when a coronal mass ejection (CME) hits the magnetosphere, doesn't mean there will be a geomagnetic storm.
3) if there is a geomagnetic storm that doesn't mean places like MD will see the Aurora.
1) flares do not cause aurora
2) even when a coronal mass ejection (CME) hits the magnetosphere, doesn't mean there will be a geomagnetic storm.
3) if there is a geomagnetic storm that doesn't mean places like MD will see the Aurora.
November 12, 2025 at 3:39 PM
As the space weather is likely active for awhile, remember
1) flares do not cause aurora
2) even when a coronal mass ejection (CME) hits the magnetosphere, doesn't mean there will be a geomagnetic storm.
3) if there is a geomagnetic storm that doesn't mean places like MD will see the Aurora.
1) flares do not cause aurora
2) even when a coronal mass ejection (CME) hits the magnetosphere, doesn't mean there will be a geomagnetic storm.
3) if there is a geomagnetic storm that doesn't mean places like MD will see the Aurora.
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
You thought the pictures from last night were incredible? Look at this!
We have upgraded our geomagnetic forecast today (12 November 2025) to the highest intensity level amid an ongoing solar storm.
Current predictions suggest that the activity will result in potentially the largest solar storm to hit our planet in over two decades.
Current predictions suggest that the activity will result in potentially the largest solar storm to hit our planet in over two decades.
November 12, 2025 at 8:34 PM
You thought the pictures from last night were incredible? Look at this!
Did you see the #aurora last night? Your photos can help scientists make their space weather models more accurate! ☀️🌌
Remember, to help out scientists studying the Aurora by submitting your photos to Aurorasaurus!
Aurorasaurus.org
Photos don't have to be good! Even just knowing where and when the Aurora was seen is helpful!
Aurorasaurus.org
Photos don't have to be good! Even just knowing where and when the Aurora was seen is helpful!
November 12, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Did you see the #aurora last night? Your photos can help scientists make their space weather models more accurate! ☀️🌌
We only saw a light red blush from our neighborhood before it got cloudy last night, but friends in Colorado sent me amazing photos of red and green pillars. There’s another CME on the way, and depending on when it arrives, we might see the #aurora again tonight
It’s pretty exciting that we might see big auroral displays in Maryland tomorrow night! Last fall, I couldn’t believe how purple the sky got… anyway, if you’re interested in how CMEs and solar flares form, check out the story I wrote last month for C&EN! 🌌☀️
cen.acs.org/physical-che...
cen.acs.org/physical-che...
What causes space weather and how does it affect Earth?
The aurora borealis is a spectacle of space weather, but solar flares and coronal mass ejections have far more Earthly impacts
cen.acs.org
November 12, 2025 at 1:17 PM
We only saw a light red blush from our neighborhood before it got cloudy last night, but friends in Colorado sent me amazing photos of red and green pillars. There’s another CME on the way, and depending on when it arrives, we might see the #aurora again tonight
Let’s gooooo!!
UPDATE: A CHANCE to see NORTHERN LIGHTS in DC area TONIGHT (Tues into Wed).
A strong geomagnetic storm is hitting Earth NOW (8p Tuesday) w/ aurora erupting to our north. It could get stronger & reach severe levels into Wed. Clouds are an impediment though. Read more: www.facebook.com/capitalweath...
A strong geomagnetic storm is hitting Earth NOW (8p Tuesday) w/ aurora erupting to our north. It could get stronger & reach severe levels into Wed. Clouds are an impediment though. Read more: www.facebook.com/capitalweath...
November 12, 2025 at 1:31 AM
Let’s gooooo!!
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
NOAA cut funding to the Alaska Earthquake Center, directed by my friend Mike West. As a result, seismic monitoring by nine stations in Alaska tracking tsunami-causing earthquakes will go offline by the end of the month. This endangers people in Alaska, Hawaiʻi, and other parts of the Pacific.
This lab is key for tracking deadly waves. Its sensors are about to go offline.
After NOAA cut funding to the lab that’s been monitoring seismic activity for more than 25 years, nine stations tracking tsunami-causing earthquakes for the agency will go offline by the end of the mo...
www.washingtonpost.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:24 PM
NOAA cut funding to the Alaska Earthquake Center, directed by my friend Mike West. As a result, seismic monitoring by nine stations in Alaska tracking tsunami-causing earthquakes will go offline by the end of the month. This endangers people in Alaska, Hawaiʻi, and other parts of the Pacific.
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
Here is a view of today’s eruption from the Sun, currently en route to Earth. You can see a full ‘halo’ in the data, indicating the plasma is coming our way. You can also see the ‘fuzzy snow’ in the images, caused by particles from the solar flare hitting the camera!
November 11, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Here is a view of today’s eruption from the Sun, currently en route to Earth. You can see a full ‘halo’ in the data, indicating the plasma is coming our way. You can also see the ‘fuzzy snow’ in the images, caused by particles from the solar flare hitting the camera!
It’s pretty exciting that we might see big auroral displays in Maryland tomorrow night! Last fall, I couldn’t believe how purple the sky got… anyway, if you’re interested in how CMEs and solar flares form, check out the story I wrote last month for C&EN! 🌌☀️
cen.acs.org/physical-che...
cen.acs.org/physical-che...
What causes space weather and how does it affect Earth?
The aurora borealis is a spectacle of space weather, but solar flares and coronal mass ejections have far more Earthly impacts
cen.acs.org
November 11, 2025 at 8:10 PM
It’s pretty exciting that we might see big auroral displays in Maryland tomorrow night! Last fall, I couldn’t believe how purple the sky got… anyway, if you’re interested in how CMEs and solar flares form, check out the story I wrote last month for C&EN! 🌌☀️
cen.acs.org/physical-che...
cen.acs.org/physical-che...
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
I’m in Belém covering #COP30. It’s a difficult geopolitical—and physical—context, as the planet begins to breach the 1.5C goal set 10 years ago and the US withdraws once again from the Paris Agreement. I’ll be continuing coverage throughout the conference, so please reach out if you’d like to talk.
Diplomats from nearly 200 countries, as well as tens of thousands of observers, are gathering in Belém, Brazil, from Nov. 10 to 21 for the annual United Nations climate summit. cen.acs.org/policy/COP30... #chemsky 🧪
As COP30 begins, countries face ‘hard truth’ of 1.5 °C global warming
The average global surface temperature passed a key threshold last year. Meanwhile, the US does not have an official delegation at the UN climate conference now underway in Brazil
cen.acs.org
November 10, 2025 at 7:45 PM
I’m in Belém covering #COP30. It’s a difficult geopolitical—and physical—context, as the planet begins to breach the 1.5C goal set 10 years ago and the US withdraws once again from the Paris Agreement. I’ll be continuing coverage throughout the conference, so please reach out if you’d like to talk.
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
Researchers have shown experimentally that reactions between magma and hydrogen produce a surprising amount of water. The results indicate that these reactions could be hydrating the surface of distant exoplanets. cen.acs.org/physical-che... #chemsky 🧪
Distant planets might form their own water
Experiments at high temperatures and pressures reveal chemistry that can generate water on the surface of exoplanets
cen.acs.org
November 9, 2025 at 9:23 AM
Researchers have shown experimentally that reactions between magma and hydrogen produce a surprising amount of water. The results indicate that these reactions could be hydrating the surface of distant exoplanets. cen.acs.org/physical-che... #chemsky 🧪
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
Sharing @cenmag.bsky.social's Holiday gift ideas with the new collage art
cen.acs.org/business/con...
cen.acs.org/business/con...
Holiday gift ideas
Chemistry-themed goodies for the scientists in your life
cen.acs.org
November 7, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Sharing @cenmag.bsky.social's Holiday gift ideas with the new collage art
cen.acs.org/business/con...
cen.acs.org/business/con...
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
@society4science.bsky.social and CEO @mayaajmera.bsky.social, is this the work culture you wanted? Is this what you've been fighting against your workers for these past 560 days?
@sciencenews.bsky.social @snexplores.bsky.social #ISEF #ISEF2025
@sciencenews.bsky.social @snexplores.bsky.social #ISEF #ISEF2025
November 5, 2025 at 9:43 PM
@society4science.bsky.social and CEO @mayaajmera.bsky.social, is this the work culture you wanted? Is this what you've been fighting against your workers for these past 560 days?
@sciencenews.bsky.social @snexplores.bsky.social #ISEF #ISEF2025
@sciencenews.bsky.social @snexplores.bsky.social #ISEF #ISEF2025
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
#DYK (or do you remember) that the 2003 #Halloween season was marked by a series of solar storms that caused widespread damage and comms outages? ☀️🌍🎃
Learn more in this NOAA recap: www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/great-h...
And check out some related science done since those storms: eos.org?s=halloween%...
Learn more in this NOAA recap: www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/great-h...
And check out some related science done since those storms: eos.org?s=halloween%...
Remembering the Great Halloween Solar Storms
In late October 2003, the sun unleashed a massive solar storm that affected a variety of technological systems around the world.
www.ncei.noaa.gov
October 31, 2025 at 5:34 PM
#DYK (or do you remember) that the 2003 #Halloween season was marked by a series of solar storms that caused widespread damage and comms outages? ☀️🌍🎃
Learn more in this NOAA recap: www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/great-h...
And check out some related science done since those storms: eos.org?s=halloween%...
Learn more in this NOAA recap: www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/great-h...
And check out some related science done since those storms: eos.org?s=halloween%...
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
NEW from me + @makenakelly.bsky.social: 30 days into the shutdown, federal workers talked to us about the toll it has taken on them—unpaid bills, anxiety, and even waiting to be reimbursed for emergency cancer treatment.
@wired.com
www.wired.com/story/federa...
@wired.com
www.wired.com/story/federa...
Federal Workers Are Barely Making It Through the Government Shutdown
The US government shut down 30 days ago. WIRED spoke with more than a dozen federal workers who have struggled to pay bills, worked side gigs, and relied on free food programs to get by.
www.wired.com
October 30, 2025 at 1:08 PM
NEW from me + @makenakelly.bsky.social: 30 days into the shutdown, federal workers talked to us about the toll it has taken on them—unpaid bills, anxiety, and even waiting to be reimbursed for emergency cancer treatment.
@wired.com
www.wired.com/story/federa...
@wired.com
www.wired.com/story/federa...
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
Know an inspiring early-career chemist? Nominate them for the Talented 12 Class of 2026. Nominations accepted until January 20: cen.acs.org/sections/tal...
#CENT12 #chemsky 🧪
#CENT12 #chemsky 🧪
October 29, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Know an inspiring early-career chemist? Nominate them for the Talented 12 Class of 2026. Nominations accepted until January 20: cen.acs.org/sections/tal...
#CENT12 #chemsky 🧪
#CENT12 #chemsky 🧪
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
Leading up to Halloween we ask, Why do some gummy brands rock, and why do others feel like you're chewing plastic?
🎃🍬👻 Read my little explainer for @cenmag.bsky.social: cen.acs.org/food/food-in...
🎃🍬👻 Read my little explainer for @cenmag.bsky.social: cen.acs.org/food/food-in...
October 28, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Leading up to Halloween we ask, Why do some gummy brands rock, and why do others feel like you're chewing plastic?
🎃🍬👻 Read my little explainer for @cenmag.bsky.social: cen.acs.org/food/food-in...
🎃🍬👻 Read my little explainer for @cenmag.bsky.social: cen.acs.org/food/food-in...
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
It's been a big year for chemists trying to turn PTFE (better know as Teflon) into something that won't hang out in a landfill for 1,000 years. The latest development in this area uses chunks of sodium metal. My latest for @cenmag.bsky.social
cen.acs.org/materials/po...
cen.acs.org/materials/po...
This reaction turns Teflon into toothpaste’s key ingredient
Grinding PTFE with chunks of sodium metal creates sodium fluoride in a solvent-free reaction that aims to avoid landfills
cen.acs.org
October 27, 2025 at 7:46 PM
It's been a big year for chemists trying to turn PTFE (better know as Teflon) into something that won't hang out in a landfill for 1,000 years. The latest development in this area uses chunks of sodium metal. My latest for @cenmag.bsky.social
cen.acs.org/materials/po...
cen.acs.org/materials/po...
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
Wildfires affect thousands upon thousands of American lives every year. Some of their stories we know — the survivors of Los Angeles, Lahaina, Paradise, Boulder.
But most we don't.
Here is @jeva.bsky.social with a series on the reality of life in the age of wildfires:
heatmap.news/the-aftermath
But most we don't.
Here is @jeva.bsky.social with a series on the reality of life in the age of wildfires:
heatmap.news/the-aftermath
The Aftermath
How to live with wildfires
heatmap.news
October 27, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Wildfires affect thousands upon thousands of American lives every year. Some of their stories we know — the survivors of Los Angeles, Lahaina, Paradise, Boulder.
But most we don't.
Here is @jeva.bsky.social with a series on the reality of life in the age of wildfires:
heatmap.news/the-aftermath
But most we don't.
Here is @jeva.bsky.social with a series on the reality of life in the age of wildfires:
heatmap.news/the-aftermath
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
It's not lost on me that the part of the White House we are destroying is the part that has to do with women's history in the White House.
NEW: NBC News confirms that the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, on the east side of the White House, has been destroyed as part of the demolition of the East Wing.
(📸 Getty Images)
(📸 Getty Images)
October 24, 2025 at 4:47 PM
It's not lost on me that the part of the White House we are destroying is the part that has to do with women's history in the White House.
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
Fewer grad students means less science, but many STEM PhD programs in the US are cutting back on admissions this year due to federal funding uncertainties. Words by me for @nature.com:
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@emsque.bsky.social @ucsdcooperlab.bsky.social @julieposselt.bsky.social 🧪
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@emsque.bsky.social @ucsdcooperlab.bsky.social @julieposselt.bsky.social 🧪
US PhD admissions shrink as fears over Trump’s cuts take hold
Some doctoral programmes are admitting no students at all amid uncertainty about federal science funding.
www.nature.com
October 21, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Fewer grad students means less science, but many STEM PhD programs in the US are cutting back on admissions this year due to federal funding uncertainties. Words by me for @nature.com:
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@emsque.bsky.social @ucsdcooperlab.bsky.social @julieposselt.bsky.social 🧪
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@emsque.bsky.social @ucsdcooperlab.bsky.social @julieposselt.bsky.social 🧪
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
Thanks to Scott Dueweke for this brilliant photo of Comet Lemmon! He captured it Monday night from Purcellville, VA.
Sky watchers have a chance to see TWO comets AND a meteor shower Tuesday evening and overnight, although clouds may get in the way in the DC area.
More details: cwg.live
Sky watchers have a chance to see TWO comets AND a meteor shower Tuesday evening and overnight, although clouds may get in the way in the DC area.
More details: cwg.live
October 21, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Thanks to Scott Dueweke for this brilliant photo of Comet Lemmon! He captured it Monday night from Purcellville, VA.
Sky watchers have a chance to see TWO comets AND a meteor shower Tuesday evening and overnight, although clouds may get in the way in the DC area.
More details: cwg.live
Sky watchers have a chance to see TWO comets AND a meteor shower Tuesday evening and overnight, although clouds may get in the way in the DC area.
More details: cwg.live
Reposted by Fionna Samuels
What’s pumpkin spice flavor, and why do we fall for it every autumn? The popular latte and treat seasoning contains no actual pumpkin, but it boasts plenty of food chemistry.
#NationalChemistryWeek #ACS_NCW #SpiceChemistry cen.acs.org/articles/92/...
#NationalChemistryWeek #ACS_NCW #SpiceChemistry cen.acs.org/articles/92/...
What’s pumpkin spice flavor, and why do we fall for it every autumn?
The popular latte and treat seasoning contains no actual pumpkin, but it boasts plenty of food chemistry
cen.acs.org
October 21, 2025 at 1:18 PM
What’s pumpkin spice flavor, and why do we fall for it every autumn? The popular latte and treat seasoning contains no actual pumpkin, but it boasts plenty of food chemistry.
#NationalChemistryWeek #ACS_NCW #SpiceChemistry cen.acs.org/articles/92/...
#NationalChemistryWeek #ACS_NCW #SpiceChemistry cen.acs.org/articles/92/...
Today I’ve been thinking about how glad I am that I took an afternoon off to tour the East wing last year. We were the last people through and security was pushing us forward because they were setting up for an event… I’m bummed I didn’t take many photos thinking I’d have another opportunity to go
October 21, 2025 at 2:21 AM
Today I’ve been thinking about how glad I am that I took an afternoon off to tour the East wing last year. We were the last people through and security was pushing us forward because they were setting up for an event… I’m bummed I didn’t take many photos thinking I’d have another opportunity to go