Dr. Shannon Cofield 🪨🌊
@geoshanz.bsky.social
Geological Oceanographer | Researching sediments from the Deep Sea to Mars
• Ph.D. in tiny Arctic rocks, oceans, + squiggly lines
• Exploring extreme environments w/ robot friends
✍️ https://geoshanz.blogspot.com
Prev: @ MarsRoverMapper (ODU+NASA-JPL)
• Ph.D. in tiny Arctic rocks, oceans, + squiggly lines
• Exploring extreme environments w/ robot friends
✍️ https://geoshanz.blogspot.com
Prev: @ MarsRoverMapper (ODU+NASA-JPL)
“Geologists as Astronauts”
(26:00 timestamp)
Learn how NASA trains astronauts on Earth for lunar (& future Mars) missions.
*Hey NASA- I’d love to help train future astronauts for Mars sedimentology/ geology. Aaand you already have my resume on record in Houston #DreamJob 🤝
🧪🪨🔭 #PlanetarySci
(26:00 timestamp)
Learn how NASA trains astronauts on Earth for lunar (& future Mars) missions.
*Hey NASA- I’d love to help train future astronauts for Mars sedimentology/ geology. Aaand you already have my resume on record in Houston #DreamJob 🤝
🧪🪨🔭 #PlanetarySci
Artemis II and III: The science that brings us back to the Moon
Podcast Episode · Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science · 01/28/2026 · 1h 4m
podcasts.apple.com
February 2, 2026 at 4:42 PM
“Geologists as Astronauts”
(26:00 timestamp)
Learn how NASA trains astronauts on Earth for lunar (& future Mars) missions.
*Hey NASA- I’d love to help train future astronauts for Mars sedimentology/ geology. Aaand you already have my resume on record in Houston #DreamJob 🤝
🧪🪨🔭 #PlanetarySci
(26:00 timestamp)
Learn how NASA trains astronauts on Earth for lunar (& future Mars) missions.
*Hey NASA- I’d love to help train future astronauts for Mars sedimentology/ geology. Aaand you already have my resume on record in Houston #DreamJob 🤝
🧪🪨🔭 #PlanetarySci
Happy #ArtemisII wet dress day 🚀
On deck:
Weather briefing ~0915 ET (currently 35°F/ 2°C; expected high 56°F/ 13°C)
Full L-minus/ T-minus list(s) in 🔗
🔭🧪 #PlanetaryScience
On deck:
Weather briefing ~0915 ET (currently 35°F/ 2°C; expected high 56°F/ 13°C)
Full L-minus/ T-minus list(s) in 🔗
🔭🧪 #PlanetaryScience
Countdown Begins for Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal - NASA
The countdown for the Artemis II wet dress rehearsal is underway at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
www.nasa.gov
February 2, 2026 at 1:22 PM
Happy #ArtemisII wet dress day 🚀
On deck:
Weather briefing ~0915 ET (currently 35°F/ 2°C; expected high 56°F/ 13°C)
Full L-minus/ T-minus list(s) in 🔗
🔭🧪 #PlanetaryScience
On deck:
Weather briefing ~0915 ET (currently 35°F/ 2°C; expected high 56°F/ 13°C)
Full L-minus/ T-minus list(s) in 🔗
🔭🧪 #PlanetaryScience
NASA #ArtemisII schedule change:
Due to weather, the wet dress was shifted to Feb 2. That shifts the earliest launch window to Sunday, Feb 8.
🚀🧪🔭 #PlanetarySci
Due to weather, the wet dress was shifted to Feb 2. That shifts the earliest launch window to Sunday, Feb 8.
🚀🧪🔭 #PlanetarySci
January 30, 2026 at 3:46 PM
NASA #ArtemisII schedule change:
Due to weather, the wet dress was shifted to Feb 2. That shifts the earliest launch window to Sunday, Feb 8.
🚀🧪🔭 #PlanetarySci
Due to weather, the wet dress was shifted to Feb 2. That shifts the earliest launch window to Sunday, Feb 8.
🚀🧪🔭 #PlanetarySci
Hellllooooo our sweet lil’ Mars robot fam 👋 Your humans are back in contact.
MAVEN, come on Buddy!
MAVEN, come on Buddy!
As spacecraft and rovers at Mars emerge from solar conjunction, NASA Resumes Efforts to Reestablish Contact With MAVEN
science.nasa.gov/blogs/maven/...
#Mars #MAVEN 🧪🔭
science.nasa.gov/blogs/maven/...
#Mars #MAVEN 🧪🔭
January 27, 2026 at 10:03 PM
Hellllooooo our sweet lil’ Mars robot fam 👋 Your humans are back in contact.
MAVEN, come on Buddy!
MAVEN, come on Buddy!
Happening today 🌊🧪
ACCF Offshore Critical Minerals Forum
📍Washington, D.C.
U.S. agencies and industry holding panel discussions with a wealth of information re: offshore [non-energy] minerals- spans both (1) domestic resources + (2) domestic interests in the High Seas.
ACCF Offshore Critical Minerals Forum
📍Washington, D.C.
U.S. agencies and industry holding panel discussions with a wealth of information re: offshore [non-energy] minerals- spans both (1) domestic resources + (2) domestic interests in the High Seas.
ACCF Offshore Critical Minerals Forum
YouTube video by American Council for Capital Formation
www.youtube.com
January 27, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Happening today 🌊🧪
ACCF Offshore Critical Minerals Forum
📍Washington, D.C.
U.S. agencies and industry holding panel discussions with a wealth of information re: offshore [non-energy] minerals- spans both (1) domestic resources + (2) domestic interests in the High Seas.
ACCF Offshore Critical Minerals Forum
📍Washington, D.C.
U.S. agencies and industry holding panel discussions with a wealth of information re: offshore [non-energy] minerals- spans both (1) domestic resources + (2) domestic interests in the High Seas.
🛫 Flightradar24 is showing the snow plows at Dulles International Airport!
THANK YOU to all the ground maintenance crews making our travel possible and safer 👏👏👏
THANK YOU to all the ground maintenance crews making our travel possible and safer 👏👏👏
January 26, 2026 at 9:35 PM
🛫 Flightradar24 is showing the snow plows at Dulles International Airport!
THANK YOU to all the ground maintenance crews making our travel possible and safer 👏👏👏
THANK YOU to all the ground maintenance crews making our travel possible and safer 👏👏👏
Just announced 🌊🧪
Upcoming deep-sea surveys in American Samoa (via NOAA contractor, NV5); mobilization ~Feb 2026
Public deliverables include: bathy maps, photo/ video, and biological + geological samples
Upcoming deep-sea surveys in American Samoa (via NOAA contractor, NV5); mobilization ~Feb 2026
Public deliverables include: bathy maps, photo/ video, and biological + geological samples
NOAA to map critical mineral deposits in deep waters off American Samoa
NOAA’s National Ocean Service announced today a new hydrographic survey project to map and characterize more than 30,000 square nautical miles of federal waters off American Samoa. This project is par...
www.noaa.gov
January 26, 2026 at 7:50 PM
Just announced 🌊🧪
Upcoming deep-sea surveys in American Samoa (via NOAA contractor, NV5); mobilization ~Feb 2026
Public deliverables include: bathy maps, photo/ video, and biological + geological samples
Upcoming deep-sea surveys in American Samoa (via NOAA contractor, NV5); mobilization ~Feb 2026
Public deliverables include: bathy maps, photo/ video, and biological + geological samples
One of us. One of my own. A Veterans Affairs ICU nurse. He lived up to his oath until his last breath- when a coward took his life.
Alex Pretti, we will never forget what you stood for. You were the good in our country 🇺🇸 Thank you for your service.
I am utterly disgusted.
Alex Pretti, we will never forget what you stood for. You were the good in our country 🇺🇸 Thank you for your service.
I am utterly disgusted.
January 25, 2026 at 2:19 AM
One of us. One of my own. A Veterans Affairs ICU nurse. He lived up to his oath until his last breath- when a coward took his life.
Alex Pretti, we will never forget what you stood for. You were the good in our country 🇺🇸 Thank you for your service.
I am utterly disgusted.
Alex Pretti, we will never forget what you stood for. You were the good in our country 🇺🇸 Thank you for your service.
I am utterly disgusted.
Late post for #CTDAppreciationDay 🌊🧪
Our amazing #AT50-37 STEMSEAS students wrangling the CTD on our transit from San Diego, CA to Dutch Harbor, AK.
Joust, hook, + reel 🎣
Our amazing #AT50-37 STEMSEAS students wrangling the CTD on our transit from San Diego, CA to Dutch Harbor, AK.
Joust, hook, + reel 🎣
January 23, 2026 at 5:58 PM
Late post for #CTDAppreciationDay 🌊🧪
Our amazing #AT50-37 STEMSEAS students wrangling the CTD on our transit from San Diego, CA to Dutch Harbor, AK.
Joust, hook, + reel 🎣
Our amazing #AT50-37 STEMSEAS students wrangling the CTD on our transit from San Diego, CA to Dutch Harbor, AK.
Joust, hook, + reel 🎣
Reposted by Dr. Shannon Cofield 🪨🌊
If you would prefer to order @ashadevos.bsky.social's new book OCEAN: FROM THE SHORE TO THE ABYSS from your local independent bookstore, here's the link at @bookshop.org where you can do just that. bookshop.org/p/books/ocea...
(cc: @thamesandhudson.bsky.social) 🧪🌊🏝️🐚 🪸🐠🐬🐋
(cc: @thamesandhudson.bsky.social) 🧪🌊🏝️🐚 🪸🐠🐬🐋
January 20, 2026 at 11:24 PM
If you would prefer to order @ashadevos.bsky.social's new book OCEAN: FROM THE SHORE TO THE ABYSS from your local independent bookstore, here's the link at @bookshop.org where you can do just that. bookshop.org/p/books/ocea...
(cc: @thamesandhudson.bsky.social) 🧪🌊🏝️🐚 🪸🐠🐬🐋
(cc: @thamesandhudson.bsky.social) 🧪🌊🏝️🐚 🪸🐠🐬🐋
The sun is going bonkers. Hop outside + hunt for those auroras. Check out the current image from KHO in Svalbard 🔭🧪
January 19, 2026 at 10:32 PM
The sun is going bonkers. Hop outside + hunt for those auroras. Check out the current image from KHO in Svalbard 🔭🧪
Highly recommend reading w/ the #Interstellar soundtrack in the background. Scientifically-dense + inspired a new list of my own research ideas. Love applying my paleoclimate knowledge to future climate- on geologic time scales.
*Also wrote >75% of my dissertation to this soundtrack, so…
🧪🔭🌊
*Also wrote >75% of my dissertation to this soundtrack, so…
🧪🔭🌊
January 18, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Highly recommend reading w/ the #Interstellar soundtrack in the background. Scientifically-dense + inspired a new list of my own research ideas. Love applying my paleoclimate knowledge to future climate- on geologic time scales.
*Also wrote >75% of my dissertation to this soundtrack, so…
🧪🔭🌊
*Also wrote >75% of my dissertation to this soundtrack, so…
🧪🔭🌊
⏰ RISE + SHINE: Artemis II SLS + Orion roll out day
When it comes to roll outs:
✅ Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.
Watch live below 🔗
🧪 #PlanetarySci
When it comes to roll outs:
✅ Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.
Watch live below 🔗
🧪 #PlanetarySci
January 17, 2026 at 12:36 PM
⏰ RISE + SHINE: Artemis II SLS + Orion roll out day
When it comes to roll outs:
✅ Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.
Watch live below 🔗
🧪 #PlanetarySci
When it comes to roll outs:
✅ Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.
Watch live below 🔗
🧪 #PlanetarySci
Science 🤝 Art
Dr. Rhian Waller, U of Gothenburg-Sweden, on a recent R/V Skagerak expedition in the North Sea. Researching deep-sea, cold-water corals 🪸 Check out the gorgeous coral glass models by Alice Baker.
*Rhian was also my R/V Atlantis roomie 🙌
🌊🧪
Dr. Rhian Waller, U of Gothenburg-Sweden, on a recent R/V Skagerak expedition in the North Sea. Researching deep-sea, cold-water corals 🪸 Check out the gorgeous coral glass models by Alice Baker.
*Rhian was also my R/V Atlantis roomie 🙌
🌊🧪
The Hidden World of Cold-Water Corals Rises to the Surface With These Glass Sculptures That Are Resurrecting a Lost Craft
As increased industrial activity puts fragile deep-sea ecosystems at risk, one artist is raising awareness about imperiled corals through scientific model making
www.smithsonianmag.com
January 15, 2026 at 5:03 PM
Science 🤝 Art
Dr. Rhian Waller, U of Gothenburg-Sweden, on a recent R/V Skagerak expedition in the North Sea. Researching deep-sea, cold-water corals 🪸 Check out the gorgeous coral glass models by Alice Baker.
*Rhian was also my R/V Atlantis roomie 🙌
🌊🧪
Dr. Rhian Waller, U of Gothenburg-Sweden, on a recent R/V Skagerak expedition in the North Sea. Researching deep-sea, cold-water corals 🪸 Check out the gorgeous coral glass models by Alice Baker.
*Rhian was also my R/V Atlantis roomie 🙌
🌊🧪
Want to raise #awareness of #Earth, planetary and space #sciences among school students, the general public or #policymakers?
You can NOW apply for up to €10,000 to host EGU-sponsored Geoscience Day 2026 public event!
📆 Application deadline: 19 January 2026
📄Apply here: egu.eu/2OWOH5
You can NOW apply for up to €10,000 to host EGU-sponsored Geoscience Day 2026 public event!
📆 Application deadline: 19 January 2026
📄Apply here: egu.eu/2OWOH5
January 15, 2026 at 2:20 PM
#Crew11 preparing to undock. Fair winds on your 10.5-hr journey home... U.S. west coast splashdown! 🌎
Splashdown (San Diego, CA): Thursday, 1/15 0041 PT/ 0241 CT
🧪
Splashdown (San Diego, CA): Thursday, 1/15 0041 PT/ 0241 CT
🧪
NASA's SpaceX Crew-11 Undocking
YouTube video by NASA
www.youtube.com
January 14, 2026 at 10:11 PM
#Crew11 preparing to undock. Fair winds on your 10.5-hr journey home... U.S. west coast splashdown! 🌎
Splashdown (San Diego, CA): Thursday, 1/15 0041 PT/ 0241 CT
🧪
Splashdown (San Diego, CA): Thursday, 1/15 0041 PT/ 0241 CT
🧪
On a meeting today... Trying to relay to our team that a colleague was on the train to NOAA HQ.
Could not remember the town name. So I said, with ZERO hesitation:
Y'all know, the "Fleetwood Mac" town!?
Ah-ha <snaps fingers> = "Silver Spring".
Yep, and I have a PhD. Somehow. 😂
Could not remember the town name. So I said, with ZERO hesitation:
Y'all know, the "Fleetwood Mac" town!?
Ah-ha <snaps fingers> = "Silver Spring".
Yep, and I have a PhD. Somehow. 😂
January 14, 2026 at 12:26 AM
On a meeting today... Trying to relay to our team that a colleague was on the train to NOAA HQ.
Could not remember the town name. So I said, with ZERO hesitation:
Y'all know, the "Fleetwood Mac" town!?
Ah-ha <snaps fingers> = "Silver Spring".
Yep, and I have a PhD. Somehow. 😂
Could not remember the town name. So I said, with ZERO hesitation:
Y'all know, the "Fleetwood Mac" town!?
Ah-ha <snaps fingers> = "Silver Spring".
Yep, and I have a PhD. Somehow. 😂
Draft NSF Strategic Plan- FY2026–2030
💡Public Comment Period is OPEN
Deadline: Jan 27, 2026 at 2359 ET
Details, Plan draft, + specific NSF solicitation questions 🧪🌊
💡Public Comment Period is OPEN
Deadline: Jan 27, 2026 at 2359 ET
Details, Plan draft, + specific NSF solicitation questions 🧪🌊
NSF seeks public input on its Fiscal Year (FY) 2026–2030 NSF Strategic Plan
www.nsf.gov
January 13, 2026 at 8:23 PM
Draft NSF Strategic Plan- FY2026–2030
💡Public Comment Period is OPEN
Deadline: Jan 27, 2026 at 2359 ET
Details, Plan draft, + specific NSF solicitation questions 🧪🌊
💡Public Comment Period is OPEN
Deadline: Jan 27, 2026 at 2359 ET
Details, Plan draft, + specific NSF solicitation questions 🧪🌊
Heyyyy MAVEN, we are still trying!
MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) hasn't transmitted telemetry since ~Dec 6. Also, it's 1:4 orbiters leveraged to relay rover comms.
Reminder- You can view Deep Space Network in real-time here (take a peek on Friday🤞):
🧪#PlanetaryScience
MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) hasn't transmitted telemetry since ~Dec 6. Also, it's 1:4 orbiters leveraged to relay rover comms.
Reminder- You can view Deep Space Network in real-time here (take a peek on Friday🤞):
🧪#PlanetaryScience
January 13, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Heyyyy MAVEN, we are still trying!
MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) hasn't transmitted telemetry since ~Dec 6. Also, it's 1:4 orbiters leveraged to relay rover comms.
Reminder- You can view Deep Space Network in real-time here (take a peek on Friday🤞):
🧪#PlanetaryScience
MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) hasn't transmitted telemetry since ~Dec 6. Also, it's 1:4 orbiters leveraged to relay rover comms.
Reminder- You can view Deep Space Network in real-time here (take a peek on Friday🤞):
🧪#PlanetaryScience
How about an Ice Giant (#QUEST)? Or maybe we settle on one of Jupiter's moons? I'd be game for a short holiday on Europa.
January 13, 2026 at 12:00 AM
How about an Ice Giant (#QUEST)? Or maybe we settle on one of Jupiter's moons? I'd be game for a short holiday on Europa.
Our recent Aleutians R/V Atlantis expedition (AT50-38) directly supported:
NOAA's National Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization (NOMEC) 🌊🧪
Now featured- alongside several incredible projects- in NOMEC's Winter 2025 Newsletter.
🚨NOTE: Newsletter includes NEW FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES!
NOAA's National Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization (NOMEC) 🌊🧪
Now featured- alongside several incredible projects- in NOMEC's Winter 2025 Newsletter.
🚨NOTE: Newsletter includes NEW FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES!
www.noaa.gov
January 12, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Our recent Aleutians R/V Atlantis expedition (AT50-38) directly supported:
NOAA's National Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization (NOMEC) 🌊🧪
Now featured- alongside several incredible projects- in NOMEC's Winter 2025 Newsletter.
🚨NOTE: Newsletter includes NEW FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES!
NOAA's National Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization (NOMEC) 🌊🧪
Now featured- alongside several incredible projects- in NOMEC's Winter 2025 Newsletter.
🚨NOTE: Newsletter includes NEW FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES!
Big week(s) coming up for human space flight:
• Crew-11 early return (~01/14)
• SLS/ Orion roll-out to pad 🤩 (~01/17)
• Artemis II launch window on the horizon 🔗🧵
• Registration Open: 2026 Human Research Program Investigators' Workshop (04/07-09) 🔗🧵
🚀🧪 #PlanetaryScience
• Crew-11 early return (~01/14)
• SLS/ Orion roll-out to pad 🤩 (~01/17)
• Artemis II launch window on the horizon 🔗🧵
• Registration Open: 2026 Human Research Program Investigators' Workshop (04/07-09) 🔗🧵
🚀🧪 #PlanetaryScience
January 11, 2026 at 5:25 PM
Big week(s) coming up for human space flight:
• Crew-11 early return (~01/14)
• SLS/ Orion roll-out to pad 🤩 (~01/17)
• Artemis II launch window on the horizon 🔗🧵
• Registration Open: 2026 Human Research Program Investigators' Workshop (04/07-09) 🔗🧵
🚀🧪 #PlanetaryScience
• Crew-11 early return (~01/14)
• SLS/ Orion roll-out to pad 🤩 (~01/17)
• Artemis II launch window on the horizon 🔗🧵
• Registration Open: 2026 Human Research Program Investigators' Workshop (04/07-09) 🔗🧵
🚀🧪 #PlanetaryScience
Reposted by Dr. Shannon Cofield 🪨🌊
NASA announces expedited return schedule for Crew-11 (times EST):
Wednesday, Jan. 14
3:30 p.m. – Hatch closing
5 p.m. – Undocking
Thursday, Jan. 15
2:50 a.m. – Deorbit burn
3:40 a.m. – Splashdown
5:45 a.m. – Return to Earth media news conference
Wednesday, Jan. 14
3:30 p.m. – Hatch closing
5 p.m. – Undocking
Thursday, Jan. 15
2:50 a.m. – Deorbit burn
3:40 a.m. – Splashdown
5:45 a.m. – Return to Earth media news conference
January 10, 2026 at 2:16 AM
NASA announces expedited return schedule for Crew-11 (times EST):
Wednesday, Jan. 14
3:30 p.m. – Hatch closing
5 p.m. – Undocking
Thursday, Jan. 15
2:50 a.m. – Deorbit burn
3:40 a.m. – Splashdown
5:45 a.m. – Return to Earth media news conference
Wednesday, Jan. 14
3:30 p.m. – Hatch closing
5 p.m. – Undocking
Thursday, Jan. 15
2:50 a.m. – Deorbit burn
3:40 a.m. – Splashdown
5:45 a.m. – Return to Earth media news conference
Hey #JMU Peeps- you’ll be seeing me soon! My colleague graciously invited me to be a seminar speaker.
Excited to reconnect with faculty + students. See y’all in ✌️months.
Excited to reconnect with faculty + students. See y’all in ✌️months.
January 9, 2026 at 6:39 PM
Hey #JMU Peeps- you’ll be seeing me soon! My colleague graciously invited me to be a seminar speaker.
Excited to reconnect with faculty + students. See y’all in ✌️months.
Excited to reconnect with faculty + students. See y’all in ✌️months.