Michael Brown
@mjibrown.bsky.social
Astronomer, Monash academic, Conversation writer, cycling commuter or mamil.
https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/michael-brown
https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/michael-brown
Pinned
Michael Brown
@mjibrown.bsky.social
· Oct 9
A US startup plans to deliver ‘sunlight on demand’ after dark. Can it work – and would we want it to?
Satellites beaming sunlight down to Earth sound like science fiction – and they have astronomers very worried.
theconversation.com
A US tech startup is proposing to use mirrors in space to power solar farms on Earth at night. Is this even feasible? And what are the light pollution dangers?
Myself and @mattkenworthy.bsky.social have crunched the numbers for The Conversation.
theconversation.com/a-us-startup...
Myself and @mattkenworthy.bsky.social have crunched the numbers for The Conversation.
theconversation.com/a-us-startup...
Reposted by Michael Brown
I’ve declined to give two seminars in the Woodside building so far. I’m glad a sensible decision to step away from fossil fuel interests has been made. It sends a message of hope to the next generations.
From @nteumonash.bsky.social...
In Academic Board this week, Vice-Chancellor Sharon Pickering announced that Monash University will end its controversial partnership with fossil fuel giant Woodside Energy. Vice-Chancellor Pickering also said that the Woodside Building will eventually be renamed.
In Academic Board this week, Vice-Chancellor Sharon Pickering announced that Monash University will end its controversial partnership with fossil fuel giant Woodside Energy. Vice-Chancellor Pickering also said that the Woodside Building will eventually be renamed.
November 11, 2025 at 9:35 AM
I’ve declined to give two seminars in the Woodside building so far. I’m glad a sensible decision to step away from fossil fuel interests has been made. It sends a message of hope to the next generations.
Reposted by Michael Brown
Here’s the same data, but with trust broken down by political views (circles are trust among people on the left, +s the right).
It’s not just that the BBC is widely consumed — it also has solid trust on both left & right, whereas trust in the biggest US media brands is hugely polarised.
It’s not just that the BBC is widely consumed — it also has solid trust on both left & right, whereas trust in the biggest US media brands is hugely polarised.
November 10, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Here’s the same data, but with trust broken down by political views (circles are trust among people on the left, +s the right).
It’s not just that the BBC is widely consumed — it also has solid trust on both left & right, whereas trust in the biggest US media brands is hugely polarised.
It’s not just that the BBC is widely consumed — it also has solid trust on both left & right, whereas trust in the biggest US media brands is hugely polarised.
From @nteumonash.bsky.social...
In Academic Board this week, Vice-Chancellor Sharon Pickering announced that Monash University will end its controversial partnership with fossil fuel giant Woodside Energy. Vice-Chancellor Pickering also said that the Woodside Building will eventually be renamed.
In Academic Board this week, Vice-Chancellor Sharon Pickering announced that Monash University will end its controversial partnership with fossil fuel giant Woodside Energy. Vice-Chancellor Pickering also said that the Woodside Building will eventually be renamed.
November 11, 2025 at 5:43 AM
From @nteumonash.bsky.social...
In Academic Board this week, Vice-Chancellor Sharon Pickering announced that Monash University will end its controversial partnership with fossil fuel giant Woodside Energy. Vice-Chancellor Pickering also said that the Woodside Building will eventually be renamed.
In Academic Board this week, Vice-Chancellor Sharon Pickering announced that Monash University will end its controversial partnership with fossil fuel giant Woodside Energy. Vice-Chancellor Pickering also said that the Woodside Building will eventually be renamed.
Podopticon
the government forcing the wiggles to do a podcast episode as punishment really shifts the Overton window of regulatory enforcement possibilities
www.accc.gov.au/medi...
www.accc.gov.au/medi...
November 11, 2025 at 5:40 AM
Podopticon
Reposted by Michael Brown
Why are planetary scientists, astrobiologists and and SETI scientists so negative (pissed off, even) about Avi Loeb’s repeated claims that 3I/Atlas may be an invading alien spaceship?
🧵
🧪🔭🛸
(1/7)
🧵
🧪🔭🛸
(1/7)
November 10, 2025 at 11:41 PM
Why are planetary scientists, astrobiologists and and SETI scientists so negative (pissed off, even) about Avi Loeb’s repeated claims that 3I/Atlas may be an invading alien spaceship?
🧵
🧪🔭🛸
(1/7)
🧵
🧪🔭🛸
(1/7)
Want to know why your mobile phone photos of the Moon look like crap?
I have a new @aunz.theconversation.com article explaining why, how you can take better(ish) photos, and what astronomical sights your phone can photograph well.
theconversation.com/why-is-it-so...
I have a new @aunz.theconversation.com article explaining why, how you can take better(ish) photos, and what astronomical sights your phone can photograph well.
theconversation.com/why-is-it-so...
Why is it so hard to take a good photo of the Moon with my phone?
Phones can often take great photos, but why photos of the Moon typically disappointing? The Moon itself and camera design are both part of the answer.
theconversation.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:50 AM
Want to know why your mobile phone photos of the Moon look like crap?
I have a new @aunz.theconversation.com article explaining why, how you can take better(ish) photos, and what astronomical sights your phone can photograph well.
theconversation.com/why-is-it-so...
I have a new @aunz.theconversation.com article explaining why, how you can take better(ish) photos, and what astronomical sights your phone can photograph well.
theconversation.com/why-is-it-so...
Reposted by Michael Brown
The govt is spending billions to keep 100 asylum seekers on Nauru, a nation of 12 000 people the size of Tullamarine airport. Reports implicating the Finks bikie gang in those deals are deeply concerning. Public servants have risked their livelihoods to speak out.
‘Dirty deals’: Nauru rorting, bikie gang allegations to be referred to NACC
Allegations of rorting, graft and bikie gangs infiltrating critical border security operations are set to be referred to the national anti-corruption watchdog.
www.theage.com.au
November 10, 2025 at 8:46 PM
The govt is spending billions to keep 100 asylum seekers on Nauru, a nation of 12 000 people the size of Tullamarine airport. Reports implicating the Finks bikie gang in those deals are deeply concerning. Public servants have risked their livelihoods to speak out.
Reposted by Michael Brown
lol she got his ass and he knows it
November 9, 2025 at 3:36 PM
lol she got his ass and he knows it
“One time, the brigade rabbi sat down next to me and spent half an hour explaining why we must be just like they were on October 7. That we must take revenge on all of them, including civilians. That we shouldn’t discriminate, and that this is the only way,” says Maj Neta Caspin.
Israeli soldiers speak out on killings of Gaza civilians
IDF soldiers tell documentary of opening fire unprovoked and arbitrary designations of who was an enemy
www.theguardian.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:02 AM
“One time, the brigade rabbi sat down next to me and spent half an hour explaining why we must be just like they were on October 7. That we must take revenge on all of them, including civilians. That we shouldn’t discriminate, and that this is the only way,” says Maj Neta Caspin.
Is Sydney becoming too much like Melbourne?
November 10, 2025 at 5:48 AM
Is Sydney becoming too much like Melbourne?
A story about extensive infrastructure for cars and car dependency in the outer suburbs.
(This post is about policy and design not people who’ve unfortunately had their cars seriously damaged.)
(This post is about policy and design not people who’ve unfortunately had their cars seriously damaged.)
Drivers of cars damaged by a large pothole at the weekend say they will struggle to pay the cost of repairs.
'Mayhem' as dozens of cars hit pothole in Melbourne's east at high speeds
Drivers of cars damaged by a large pothole at the weekend say they will struggle to pay the cost of repairs.
www.abc.net.au
November 10, 2025 at 1:24 AM
A story about extensive infrastructure for cars and car dependency in the outer suburbs.
(This post is about policy and design not people who’ve unfortunately had their cars seriously damaged.)
(This post is about policy and design not people who’ve unfortunately had their cars seriously damaged.)
X brand on display.
… the shadow health minister, Sloane, said she had began to receive dozens of “pretty hateful” messages on X on Sunday, including some “concerning enough to forward to police”, and had since deactivated her account:
… the shadow health minister, Sloane, said she had began to receive dozens of “pretty hateful” messages on X on Sunday, including some “concerning enough to forward to police”, and had since deactivated her account:
Australia news live: female NSW politicians threatened after condemning neo-Nazi rally as Minns rejects ‘double standard’ claim
Follow live
www.theguardian.com
November 10, 2025 at 12:53 AM
X brand on display.
… the shadow health minister, Sloane, said she had began to receive dozens of “pretty hateful” messages on X on Sunday, including some “concerning enough to forward to police”, and had since deactivated her account:
… the shadow health minister, Sloane, said she had began to receive dozens of “pretty hateful” messages on X on Sunday, including some “concerning enough to forward to police”, and had since deactivated her account:
EV and hybrid sales soar in Australia as internal combustion (only) cars fall below 70% market share for first time.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
EV and hybrid sales soar in Australia as internal combustion cars fall below 70% market share for first time
Data from peak motoring body shows battery-electric vehicles accounted for 9.7% of new cars sold in September quarter, the highest proportion on record
www.theguardian.com
November 9, 2025 at 8:41 PM
EV and hybrid sales soar in Australia as internal combustion (only) cars fall below 70% market share for first time.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
More a diesel fuel rebate guy.
Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce has labelled renewable energy a "total swindle" and has refused to say whether he would support an extension of energy rebates. Follow live.
Live: Joyce labels renewable energy a 'total swindle'
Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce has labelled renewable energy a "total swindle" and has refused to say whether he would support an extension of energy rebates. Follow live.
www.abc.net.au
November 9, 2025 at 8:35 PM
More a diesel fuel rebate guy.
Reposted by Michael Brown
My annual post about how the Morning Star reported the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989
hatfulofhistory.com/2014/11/07/h...
hatfulofhistory.com/2014/11/07/h...
November 9, 2025 at 9:02 AM
My annual post about how the Morning Star reported the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989
hatfulofhistory.com/2014/11/07/h...
hatfulofhistory.com/2014/11/07/h...
Reposted by Michael Brown
National Socialist Network rallied with police permission at NSW Parliament. The state remains ineffective in responding to the advancement of neo-Nazi groups. Here are their faces sent to us by community members - help us ID them!
write.as/thewhiterose...
write.as/thewhiterose...
Do you know these nazis?
Today, Saturday November 8 2025, NSW National Socialist Network (NSN) members held an antisemitic rally outside NSW Parliament House un...
write.as
November 8, 2025 at 10:50 AM
National Socialist Network rallied with police permission at NSW Parliament. The state remains ineffective in responding to the advancement of neo-Nazi groups. Here are their faces sent to us by community members - help us ID them!
write.as/thewhiterose...
write.as/thewhiterose...
Reposted by Michael Brown
A Sharon Begley byline, almost 5 years after her death.
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
James Watson, dead at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers
James Watson, the co-discoverer of the structure of DNA who died Thursday at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers.
www.statnews.com
November 8, 2025 at 1:39 PM
A Sharon Begley byline, almost 5 years after her death.
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
I was on @3rrrfm.bsky.social this morning chatting with Shane and Ray about space mirrors (bad) and galaxy evolution (good).
(I’ll take the FM promotion to professor - hope my dean doesn’t mind.)
www.rrr.org.au/shared/broad...
(I’ll take the FM promotion to professor - hope my dean doesn’t mind.)
www.rrr.org.au/shared/broad...
Shared moment from Einstein A Go-Go – 9 November 2025 — Triple R 102.7FM, Melbourne Independent Radio
An episode of Einstein A Go-Go on 9 November 2025
www.rrr.org.au
November 9, 2025 at 3:21 AM
I was on @3rrrfm.bsky.social this morning chatting with Shane and Ray about space mirrors (bad) and galaxy evolution (good).
(I’ll take the FM promotion to professor - hope my dean doesn’t mind.)
www.rrr.org.au/shared/broad...
(I’ll take the FM promotion to professor - hope my dean doesn’t mind.)
www.rrr.org.au/shared/broad...
I’m going to be on 3RRR at about 11:30.
May talk a little good science but I reckon we will talk a lot of bad astronomy (and bad astronomy adjacent). Bad stuff about space mirrors, comets and/or transients. Reflecting our times I guess.
May talk a little good science but I reckon we will talk a lot of bad astronomy (and bad astronomy adjacent). Bad stuff about space mirrors, comets and/or transients. Reflecting our times I guess.
November 9, 2025 at 12:14 AM
I’m going to be on 3RRR at about 11:30.
May talk a little good science but I reckon we will talk a lot of bad astronomy (and bad astronomy adjacent). Bad stuff about space mirrors, comets and/or transients. Reflecting our times I guess.
May talk a little good science but I reckon we will talk a lot of bad astronomy (and bad astronomy adjacent). Bad stuff about space mirrors, comets and/or transients. Reflecting our times I guess.
Interesting to see the BoM website rain radar extrapolation completely fail this morning with cloud and rain coming from the south (there isn’t radar coverage in Bass Strait).
The extrapolation had the clouds stop moving and then rapidly fade away.
The extrapolation had the clouds stop moving and then rapidly fade away.
November 8, 2025 at 11:58 PM
Interesting to see the BoM website rain radar extrapolation completely fail this morning with cloud and rain coming from the south (there isn’t radar coverage in Bass Strait).
The extrapolation had the clouds stop moving and then rapidly fade away.
The extrapolation had the clouds stop moving and then rapidly fade away.
Reposted by Michael Brown
Two panels commemorating the contribution of Black American soldiers towards the liberation of the Netherlands in World War Two have been quietly removed from a cemetery in Limburg. It follows a complaint by right-wing think tank The Heritage Foundation to the American Battle Monuments Commission.
Op Margraten zijn twee panelen over zwarte Amerikaanse bevrijders van Nederland opeens weg. ‘Past bij beleid van de regering-Trump’
Op Margraten zijn twee panelen over zwarte Amerikaanse bevrijders van Nederland opeens weg. ‘Past bij beleid van de regering-Trump’
Op de Amerikaanse begraafplaats in Margraten is het opeens stil geworden rond de zwarte Amerikanen die hielpen Nederland bevrijden. Twee panelen die hun bijdrage herdachten – én wezen op hun strijd tegen racisme binnen het leger – werden zonder toelichting verwijderd.
www.nrc.nl
November 8, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Two panels commemorating the contribution of Black American soldiers towards the liberation of the Netherlands in World War Two have been quietly removed from a cemetery in Limburg. It follows a complaint by right-wing think tank The Heritage Foundation to the American Battle Monuments Commission.
The quote is not satire.
New image of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS by M. Jäger, G. Rhemann & E. Prosperi.
Avi Loeb's: "Is the network of jets associated with pockets of ice on the surface of a natural cometary nucleus or are they coming from a set of jet thrusters used for navigation of a spacecraft? We do not know."
Avi Loeb's: "Is the network of jets associated with pockets of ice on the surface of a natural cometary nucleus or are they coming from a set of jet thrusters used for navigation of a spacecraft? We do not know."
November 8, 2025 at 8:34 PM
The quote is not satire.
New Scientific American article by @raminskibba.bsky.social on Reflect Orbital’s space mirror plan and its many technical and environmental issues.
Killer for me is taking a 50x50m mirror and reflecting light over ~5km region dilutes light by x ~10,000.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/alar...
Killer for me is taking a 50x50m mirror and reflecting light over ~5km region dilutes light by x ~10,000.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/alar...
Giant Mirrors, Orbital Data Centers and Space-Based Advertisements Could Soon Clutter the Night Sky
Reflect Orbital’s plan to deliver “sunlight on demand” using thousands of giant orbital mirrors is just the latest in a growing list of disruptive commercial activities in space
www.scientificamerican.com
November 8, 2025 at 2:49 AM
New Scientific American article by @raminskibba.bsky.social on Reflect Orbital’s space mirror plan and its many technical and environmental issues.
Killer for me is taking a 50x50m mirror and reflecting light over ~5km region dilutes light by x ~10,000.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/alar...
Killer for me is taking a 50x50m mirror and reflecting light over ~5km region dilutes light by x ~10,000.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/alar...
Hope a radio station in North Dakota doesn’t get attacked by men dressed as mounties.
November 7, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Hope a radio station in North Dakota doesn’t get attacked by men dressed as mounties.