Josh Chesser
@jchesser.bsky.social
Interested in astronomy, space exploration and security, international relations, nuclear weapons, military history, GIS, cartography, and a great many things more.
Reposted by Josh Chesser
I finally processed the 2024 TRIP survey on Canadian IR, and here are the results at OpenCanada for the rankings of PhD, MA, undergrad programs and think tanks as well as views towards whether and where should Canadians get PhDs in international relations opencanada.org/the-state-of... 1/2
November 12, 2025 at 3:02 PM
I finally processed the 2024 TRIP survey on Canadian IR, and here are the results at OpenCanada for the rankings of PhD, MA, undergrad programs and think tanks as well as views towards whether and where should Canadians get PhDs in international relations opencanada.org/the-state-of... 1/2
The main reason CI is handled by the FBI is the intel agencies are not allowed to operate within the US, by law.
Tulsi Gabbard is trying to take control over counterintelligence from the FBI. It's not going great. A scoop with @shaneharris.bsky.social
Tulsi Gabbard’s Quest to Bring the ‘Deep State’ Under Her Control
A memo circulating within the federal government lays out her office’s reasoning for wanting to transfer counterintelligence work away from the FBI.
www.theatlantic.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:09 PM
The main reason CI is handled by the FBI is the intel agencies are not allowed to operate within the US, by law.
What’s amazing about this pic is if you watch the video, he does actually turn and stand to see what’s going on. They ended the press conference and his media addled brain had him turn towards the exiting press because he didn’t want any pics of his side(s) taken.
incredible photo that's definitely worth at least 1,000 words from Andrew Harnik of Getty
November 6, 2025 at 6:28 PM
What’s amazing about this pic is if you watch the video, he does actually turn and stand to see what’s going on. They ended the press conference and his media addled brain had him turn towards the exiting press because he didn’t want any pics of his side(s) taken.
Reposted by Josh Chesser
“Testing plans for US nuclear weapons won’t include explosions, energy secretary says.”
Oh, cool. So the same thing we’ve been doing since… *checks notes* … 1995.
Oh, cool. So the same thing we’ve been doing since… *checks notes* … 1995.
November 3, 2025 at 3:18 AM
“Testing plans for US nuclear weapons won’t include explosions, energy secretary says.”
Oh, cool. So the same thing we’ve been doing since… *checks notes* … 1995.
Oh, cool. So the same thing we’ve been doing since… *checks notes* … 1995.
Reposted by Josh Chesser
“Even if you don’t have a space program, every single person on this planet is a user of space data or services in some way, shape, or form.”
~ SWF's @vsamsondc.bsky.social, at IAF GNF Session - Success in Space Through Security, Investment, and Sustainability
👉 www.youtube.com/watch
~ SWF's @vsamsondc.bsky.social, at IAF GNF Session - Success in Space Through Security, Investment, and Sustainability
👉 www.youtube.com/watch
October 31, 2025 at 6:45 PM
“Even if you don’t have a space program, every single person on this planet is a user of space data or services in some way, shape, or form.”
~ SWF's @vsamsondc.bsky.social, at IAF GNF Session - Success in Space Through Security, Investment, and Sustainability
👉 www.youtube.com/watch
~ SWF's @vsamsondc.bsky.social, at IAF GNF Session - Success in Space Through Security, Investment, and Sustainability
👉 www.youtube.com/watch
Fun to see everyone dressing up in costumes for my birthday today! You guys do this every year for me and it's always cool. I appreciate it! Happy Halloween everyone!
October 31, 2025 at 11:50 PM
Fun to see everyone dressing up in costumes for my birthday today! You guys do this every year for me and it's always cool. I appreciate it! Happy Halloween everyone!
A politicians dream is only having to appease 10k people instead of 100k. Not being a part of the process makes their job (of running for office) easier and often sets them on cruise control while they’re in office.
This isn’t a consumer boycott, where a business wants to get as menu consumers as possible and will pay attention to your demands if you hold back.
A politician doesn’t want as many votes as possible. They want 50% of the available votes plus one more. That’s it!
A politician doesn’t want as many votes as possible. They want 50% of the available votes plus one more. That’s it!
October 30, 2025 at 2:36 PM
A politicians dream is only having to appease 10k people instead of 100k. Not being a part of the process makes their job (of running for office) easier and often sets them on cruise control while they’re in office.
The real fun part of in orbit data centers, aside from the concerns of refueling/lifespan maintenance, debris detection and mitigation, and etc. is computers to be used in space have to be hardened against the higher radiation environment, both from our sun but also the cosmic rays…
October 30, 2025 at 2:26 PM
The real fun part of in orbit data centers, aside from the concerns of refueling/lifespan maintenance, debris detection and mitigation, and etc. is computers to be used in space have to be hardened against the higher radiation environment, both from our sun but also the cosmic rays…
They really can’t help but give up their plans in advance, can they?
And actually astonishing when you think about it: The Trump administration's top officials are choosing to separate themselves from the public—more to the point: separate themselves from any visible protest—and live on military bases.
Gift link here: www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
Gift link here: www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...
Top Trump Officials Are Moving Onto Military Bases
Stephen Miller, Marco Rubio, Kristi Noem, and others have taken over homes that until recently housed senior officers.
www.theatlantic.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:09 PM
They really can’t help but give up their plans in advance, can they?
Some people just want to embrace the chaos.
trying to understand the mind of the american voter is like peering into a cursed grimoire that destroys your sanity
October 28, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Some people just want to embrace the chaos.
Reposted by Josh Chesser
I'm pleased to share my open access article in International Security on the role of allies in U.S. space power.
direct.mit.edu/isec/article...
direct.mit.edu/isec/article...
October 28, 2025 at 4:31 PM
I'm pleased to share my open access article in International Security on the role of allies in U.S. space power.
direct.mit.edu/isec/article...
direct.mit.edu/isec/article...
Reposted by Josh Chesser
From a crewmember on yesterday's Teal 74 mission into now-Category 5 Hurricane #Melissa. As clear of an eye as you will see in the Atlantic basin.
October 27, 2025 at 4:11 PM
From a crewmember on yesterday's Teal 74 mission into now-Category 5 Hurricane #Melissa. As clear of an eye as you will see in the Atlantic basin.
The “public” donors. Who knows who the quiet donors are, especially when it’ll go over budget and “need” additional funding.
Meet all 37 White House ballroom donors
fortune.com/2025/10/26/3...
Lockheed Martin -- The defense contractor is a major supplier for Pentagon programs and has received $33.4 billion in federal contract awards in 2025. The company is reportedly contributing more than $10 million to the ballroom.
fortune.com/2025/10/26/3...
Lockheed Martin -- The defense contractor is a major supplier for Pentagon programs and has received $33.4 billion in federal contract awards in 2025. The company is reportedly contributing more than $10 million to the ballroom.
Meet all 37 White House ballroom donors funding the $300 million build, including Silicon Valley tech giants, crypto bros and the Lutnicks | Fortune
The list, reviewed by Fortune, did not mention specific dollar amounts offered by each contributor.
fortune.com
October 27, 2025 at 3:23 PM
The “public” donors. Who knows who the quiet donors are, especially when it’ll go over budget and “need” additional funding.
Well NASA’s plutonium shortage has got worse. Sadly their budget has been slashed so thoroughly it probably won’t even matter.
⚡️ Russia withdraws from US deal to dispose of plutonium for thousands of warheads.
The 2000 agreement obligated both countries to dispose of 34 tons of weapons-grade plutonium no longer required for defense purposes.
The 2000 agreement obligated both countries to dispose of 34 tons of weapons-grade plutonium no longer required for defense purposes.
Russia withdraws from US deal to dispose of plutonium for thousands of warheads
The 2000 agreement obligated both countries to dispose of 34 tons of weapons-grade plutonium no longer required for defense purposes.
kyivindependent.com
October 27, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Well NASA’s plutonium shortage has got worse. Sadly their budget has been slashed so thoroughly it probably won’t even matter.
Reposted by Josh Chesser
Thrilled today to release our big report on tactical nukes.
In writing up all of the effects, it was striking just how unprepared we would be to handle any of these scenarios—and how much the mere presence of these weapons add vulnerability to any crisis.
Quick thread on why TNW are so risky:
In writing up all of the effects, it was striking just how unprepared we would be to handle any of these scenarios—and how much the mere presence of these weapons add vulnerability to any crisis.
Quick thread on why TNW are so risky:
October 23, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Thrilled today to release our big report on tactical nukes.
In writing up all of the effects, it was striking just how unprepared we would be to handle any of these scenarios—and how much the mere presence of these weapons add vulnerability to any crisis.
Quick thread on why TNW are so risky:
In writing up all of the effects, it was striking just how unprepared we would be to handle any of these scenarios—and how much the mere presence of these weapons add vulnerability to any crisis.
Quick thread on why TNW are so risky:
Reposted by Josh Chesser
For the best information we have on this effect in astronomy PhD recruiting - the @education.aas.org committee has surveyed departments, and published this list: aas.org/posts/news/2... 🔭👩🔬
October 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM
For the best information we have on this effect in astronomy PhD recruiting - the @education.aas.org committee has surveyed departments, and published this list: aas.org/posts/news/2... 🔭👩🔬
I mean, all crypto is a scam. But coins that are in any way associated with that family are especially scams.
October 22, 2025 at 5:42 PM
I mean, all crypto is a scam. But coins that are in any way associated with that family are especially scams.
Reposted by Josh Chesser
"Mosquitoes have been found in Iceland for the first time as global heating makes the country more hospitable for insects. The country was until this month one of the only places in the world that did not have a mosquito population. The other is Antarctica."
Mosquitoes found in Iceland for first time as climate crisis warms country
Three specimens discovered in what was previously one of the only places in the world without the insects
www.theguardian.com
October 21, 2025 at 11:17 AM
"Mosquitoes have been found in Iceland for the first time as global heating makes the country more hospitable for insects. The country was until this month one of the only places in the world that did not have a mosquito population. The other is Antarctica."
Should be noted if they were close enough to rescue survivors, they were close enough to easily intercept/search/verify cargo/etc. without killing the others.
WHOA. The AP reports that in the latest strike on a boat alleged to be carrying drug smugglers (which has never been proven), there were actually survivors, and they've been rescued.
The Pentagon has yet to formally acknowledge they have survivors in custody.
apnews.com/article/vene...
The Pentagon has yet to formally acknowledge they have survivors in custody.
apnews.com/article/vene...
US has seized survivors after strike on suspected drug-carrying vessel in Caribbean, AP sources say
The U.S. has seized survivors after a strike on a suspected drug-carrying vessel in the Caribbean, the first since President Donald Trump began launching deadly attacks in the region this summer.
apnews.com
October 17, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Should be noted if they were close enough to rescue survivors, they were close enough to easily intercept/search/verify cargo/etc. without killing the others.
“Be sure to drink your Ovaltine”
After decades of speculation, two writers uncovered the answer to the Kryptos code’s final cipher
After 35 Years, a Solution to the CIA’s Kryptos Puzzle Has Been Found
After decades of speculation, two writers uncovered the answer to the Kryptos code’s final cipher
www.scientificamerican.com
October 17, 2025 at 2:14 PM
“Be sure to drink your Ovaltine”
“He tried to make me learn things?! Send the missiles to Ukraine!”
Russian president then delivered a rambling historical discursion spanning medieval princes such as Rurik of Novgorod and Yaroslav the Wise, along with the 17th century Cossack chieftain Bohdan Khmelnytsky.Trump raised his voice several times and at one point threatened to walk out
on.ft.com/4qkz9PG
on.ft.com/4qkz9PG
How Vladimir Putin’s history rant in Alaska nudged Donald Trump closer to Ukraine
Fraught summit in Anchorage marked a nadir that reshaped how the presidents approach each other
on.ft.com
October 17, 2025 at 1:18 PM
“He tried to make me learn things?! Send the missiles to Ukraine!”
This plays into why Netanyahu ended the war. If he thought he’d would (finally) face the consequences he would have kept the war going.
Trump calls on the Israeli President to pardon Benjamin Netanyahu:
"Cigars and champagne - who the hell cares about it?"
Netanyahu is currently on trial for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, including allegedly accepting 700,000 shekels (approx. $210,000) worth of luxury goods in bribes.
"Cigars and champagne - who the hell cares about it?"
Netanyahu is currently on trial for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, including allegedly accepting 700,000 shekels (approx. $210,000) worth of luxury goods in bribes.
October 13, 2025 at 2:14 PM
This plays into why Netanyahu ended the war. If he thought he’d would (finally) face the consequences he would have kept the war going.
Reposted by Josh Chesser
Here's the explanation for the radioactive shrimp. Makes sense. Not the first time a cesium-137 source has made it into steel production.
@funranium.bsky.social
@nuclearanthro.bsky.social
@nuclearkatie.com
@funranium.bsky.social
@nuclearanthro.bsky.social
@nuclearkatie.com
after the 10th radioactive shrimp recall in 7 weeks, i decided to do some digging
little did i know it would lead me to an underreported industrial accident that may have released an airborne plume of radioactive debris over swaths of indonesia
www.consumerreports.org/health/food-...
little did i know it would lead me to an underreported industrial accident that may have released an airborne plume of radioactive debris over swaths of indonesia
www.consumerreports.org/health/food-...
What Is Really Going on With All This Radioactive Shrimp? - Consumer Reports
Here’s the latest on how shrimp and spices got contaminated with cesium-137, how the FDA has responded, and why consumers should not panic.
www.consumerreports.org
October 9, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Here's the explanation for the radioactive shrimp. Makes sense. Not the first time a cesium-137 source has made it into steel production.
@funranium.bsky.social
@nuclearanthro.bsky.social
@nuclearkatie.com
@funranium.bsky.social
@nuclearanthro.bsky.social
@nuclearkatie.com
Uh yeah, the Dotcom bubble has got nothing on the AI bubble.
October 8, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Uh yeah, the Dotcom bubble has got nothing on the AI bubble.