Michael de Podesta
@protons4b.bsky.social
Experimental physicist, professionally retired since April 2020, but still experimenting. I've been writing about science since 2008 at http://protonsforbreakfast.org
Very concerned about the Climate and sustainable living.
Very concerned about the Climate and sustainable living.
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/11/10/s...
I have just a few days pointing my spectrometer at various lights sources around my home:
The Sky; the Moon; a Candle; ... and many more
and recording their spectra. Enjoy!
I have just a few days pointing my spectrometer at various lights sources around my home:
The Sky; the Moon; a Candle; ... and many more
and recording their spectra. Enjoy!
Spectra
Friends, this week I been mainly pointing the spectrometer I bought at various sources of light and taking a look at their spectra. Please join me on a romp through my results. Warning. I love this…
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:07 PM
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/11/10/s...
I have just a few days pointing my spectrometer at various lights sources around my home:
The Sky; the Moon; a Candle; ... and many more
and recording their spectra. Enjoy!
I have just a few days pointing my spectrometer at various lights sources around my home:
The Sky; the Moon; a Candle; ... and many more
and recording their spectra. Enjoy!
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/11/03/i...
Friends, I made spectrophotometer that sort of works.
Friends, I made spectrophotometer that sort of works.
November 3, 2025 at 10:14 PM
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/11/03/i...
Friends, I made spectrophotometer that sort of works.
Friends, I made spectrophotometer that sort of works.
youtu.be/TysTr-G1k1A
Kevin Walmsley talks about the growth of Arctic Sea Routes. The "Arctic Economy" appears to be a new geopolitical reality.
Kevin Walmsley talks about the growth of Arctic Sea Routes. The "Arctic Economy" appears to be a new geopolitical reality.
Ice Silk Road opens up vast Arctic to China and Russia. Western companies aren't interested.
YouTube video by Inside China Business
youtu.be
October 22, 2025 at 9:15 AM
youtu.be/TysTr-G1k1A
Kevin Walmsley talks about the growth of Arctic Sea Routes. The "Arctic Economy" appears to be a new geopolitical reality.
Kevin Walmsley talks about the growth of Arctic Sea Routes. The "Arctic Economy" appears to be a new geopolitical reality.
youtu.be/7ka5OFDvO7w
First container ship arrives in UK via Arctic Route, a faster and cheaper China-Europe alternative.
I don't feel like celebrating.
First container ship arrives in UK via Arctic Route, a faster and cheaper China-Europe alternative.
I don't feel like celebrating.
First container ship arrives in UK via Arctic Route, a faster and cheaper China-Europe alternative
YouTube video by ShanghaiEye魔都眼
youtu.be
October 16, 2025 at 9:39 AM
youtu.be/7ka5OFDvO7w
First container ship arrives in UK via Arctic Route, a faster and cheaper China-Europe alternative.
I don't feel like celebrating.
First container ship arrives in UK via Arctic Route, a faster and cheaper China-Europe alternative.
I don't feel like celebrating.
youtu.be/PCUnlPJRGY4
I cannot recommend Kevin Walmsley's INSIDE CHINA BUSINESS strongly enough.
I have learned more about modern China from these videos than any other source.
I cannot recommend Kevin Walmsley's INSIDE CHINA BUSINESS strongly enough.
I have learned more about modern China from these videos than any other source.
Top Venture Capitalists tour China, declare Western energy firms "uninvestable"
YouTube video by Inside China Business
youtu.be
October 15, 2025 at 10:30 PM
youtu.be/PCUnlPJRGY4
I cannot recommend Kevin Walmsley's INSIDE CHINA BUSINESS strongly enough.
I have learned more about modern China from these videos than any other source.
I cannot recommend Kevin Walmsley's INSIDE CHINA BUSINESS strongly enough.
I have learned more about modern China from these videos than any other source.
youtu.be/F8vI5_gN90g
Interesting slow-paced documentary from @AJEnglish .
Good consideration of risks of high-impact scenarios.
"All the small countries that think that their contribution I insignificant add up to a third of global emissions"
Interesting slow-paced documentary from @AJEnglish .
Good consideration of risks of high-impact scenarios.
"All the small countries that think that their contribution I insignificant add up to a third of global emissions"
Inside the planet’s most urgent climate warning | Global Warning E1 | Featured Documentary
YouTube video by Al Jazeera English
youtu.be
October 13, 2025 at 3:31 PM
youtu.be/F8vI5_gN90g
Interesting slow-paced documentary from @AJEnglish .
Good consideration of risks of high-impact scenarios.
"All the small countries that think that their contribution I insignificant add up to a third of global emissions"
Interesting slow-paced documentary from @AJEnglish .
Good consideration of risks of high-impact scenarios.
"All the small countries that think that their contribution I insignificant add up to a third of global emissions"
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/10/10/w...
Why you should care about Net Zero.
My attempt to sum it up in 450 words for the good people of Maidenhead.
Why you should care about Net Zero.
My attempt to sum it up in 450 words for the good people of Maidenhead.
Why you should care about Net Zero.
Friends, in an unprecedented media blitz, this article is being co-published with newspaper publishing giant, The Maidenhead Advertiser. =============================== Who am I to talk about Net Z…
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com
October 10, 2025 at 12:59 PM
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/10/10/w...
Why you should care about Net Zero.
My attempt to sum it up in 450 words for the good people of Maidenhead.
Why you should care about Net Zero.
My attempt to sum it up in 450 words for the good people of Maidenhead.
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/10/05/t...
I made some measurements on the efficiency of my condenser tumble dryer.
I found it was surprisingly efficient, with the most powerful energy saving feature being the "wetness: sensor that prevents "over drying".
I made some measurements on the efficiency of my condenser tumble dryer.
I found it was surprisingly efficient, with the most powerful energy saving feature being the "wetness: sensor that prevents "over drying".
Tumble Dryer Efficiency
Friends, recently I have been continuing to avoid thinking about EPCs. I have instead been thinking about washing my dirty laundry in public. Or more precisely, drying my laundry in public. Unless …
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com
October 5, 2025 at 5:48 PM
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/10/05/t...
I made some measurements on the efficiency of my condenser tumble dryer.
I found it was surprisingly efficient, with the most powerful energy saving feature being the "wetness: sensor that prevents "over drying".
I made some measurements on the efficiency of my condenser tumble dryer.
I found it was surprisingly efficient, with the most powerful energy saving feature being the "wetness: sensor that prevents "over drying".
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/09/29/b...
Have you ever wondered how those automatic egg boilers work?
I carried out some eggsperiments, recording: the mass of water remaining versus time; the time to switch off; and the internal temperature of an egg versus time.
Enjoy!
Have you ever wondered how those automatic egg boilers work?
I carried out some eggsperiments, recording: the mass of water remaining versus time; the time to switch off; and the internal temperature of an egg versus time.
Enjoy!
“Boiling” an egg
Friends, when my now wife and I first moved in together, we bought a cook book as a symbol of our domestic focus. It was a book by Delia Smith and we were attracted by the fact that the cover showe…
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com
September 29, 2025 at 10:15 AM
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/09/29/b...
Have you ever wondered how those automatic egg boilers work?
I carried out some eggsperiments, recording: the mass of water remaining versus time; the time to switch off; and the internal temperature of an egg versus time.
Enjoy!
Have you ever wondered how those automatic egg boilers work?
I carried out some eggsperiments, recording: the mass of water remaining versus time; the time to switch off; and the internal temperature of an egg versus time.
Enjoy!
youtu.be/IgSN8mM6IJM
Can you imagine if renewable technologies generated earthquakes or toxic wastewater?
How does oil and gas get away with it?
Can you imagine if renewable technologies generated earthquakes or toxic wastewater?
How does oil and gas get away with it?
The Looming Disaster Under America’s Biggest Oil Field
YouTube video by Bloomberg Originals
youtu.be
September 23, 2025 at 11:37 AM
youtu.be/IgSN8mM6IJM
Can you imagine if renewable technologies generated earthquakes or toxic wastewater?
How does oil and gas get away with it?
Can you imagine if renewable technologies generated earthquakes or toxic wastewater?
How does oil and gas get away with it?
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/09/19/e...
Elmhurst Energy trained the assessor and approved an #EPC on my home which was in error by 21 points (73C vs 94D). Errors like this are probably rare, but smaller errors of ~10 points are probably common.
Here's 4 suggestions to improve matters.
Elmhurst Energy trained the assessor and approved an #EPC on my home which was in error by 21 points (73C vs 94D). Errors like this are probably rare, but smaller errors of ~10 points are probably common.
Here's 4 suggestions to improve matters.
EPCs: An Open Letter to Stuart Fairlie
Friends, at one point on my recent EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) adventure, I was a speaker on Radio 4’s You and Yours along with Stuart Fairlie, the Group CEO of Elmhurst Energy. Elmh…
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com
September 19, 2025 at 4:13 PM
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/09/19/e...
Elmhurst Energy trained the assessor and approved an #EPC on my home which was in error by 21 points (73C vs 94D). Errors like this are probably rare, but smaller errors of ~10 points are probably common.
Here's 4 suggestions to improve matters.
Elmhurst Energy trained the assessor and approved an #EPC on my home which was in error by 21 points (73C vs 94D). Errors like this are probably rare, but smaller errors of ~10 points are probably common.
Here's 4 suggestions to improve matters.
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/08/31/o...
When discussing domestic energy matters such as heating or lighting, we think of a kilowatt hour as a small amount of energy. But in human terms, one kilowatt hour is a *massive* amount of energy.
When discussing domestic energy matters such as heating or lighting, we think of a kilowatt hour as a small amount of energy. But in human terms, one kilowatt hour is a *massive* amount of energy.
One kilowatt hour (kWh)
Friends, the unit of energy used for most domestic energy purposes is the kilowatt hour (kWh): it’s the unit in which we are billed for energy use, and in terms of domestic energy consumption…
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com
August 31, 2025 at 4:23 PM
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/08/31/o...
When discussing domestic energy matters such as heating or lighting, we think of a kilowatt hour as a small amount of energy. But in human terms, one kilowatt hour is a *massive* amount of energy.
When discussing domestic energy matters such as heating or lighting, we think of a kilowatt hour as a small amount of energy. But in human terms, one kilowatt hour is a *massive* amount of energy.
youtu.be/EqupcBoH3hQ
The future of Green Shipping is still very unclear. In this video Rosie Barnes (the Rosie in 'Engineering with Rosie) goes through the possibilities with her usual acumen.
It's a tough one...
The future of Green Shipping is still very unclear. In this video Rosie Barnes (the Rosie in 'Engineering with Rosie) goes through the possibilities with her usual acumen.
It's a tough one...
The Green Shipping Fuel Everyone’s Betting On (But Might Regret)
YouTube video by Engineering with Rosie
youtu.be
August 11, 2025 at 10:56 AM
youtu.be/EqupcBoH3hQ
The future of Green Shipping is still very unclear. In this video Rosie Barnes (the Rosie in 'Engineering with Rosie) goes through the possibilities with her usual acumen.
It's a tough one...
The future of Green Shipping is still very unclear. In this video Rosie Barnes (the Rosie in 'Engineering with Rosie) goes through the possibilities with her usual acumen.
It's a tough one...
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/08/08/e...
Energy Performance Certificates are nonsense!
My energy efficient house just got got downgraded from from am 85B to a 73C despite the fact that it only costs around £160 per year to run and has a heating requirement of 48 kWh/m^2/year.
Energy Performance Certificates are nonsense!
My energy efficient house just got got downgraded from from am 85B to a 73C despite the fact that it only costs around £160 per year to run and has a heating requirement of 48 kWh/m^2/year.
EPC fun
Friends, as you may know, my house has very low running costs. In 2024, total costs amounted to just £161 including standing charges and this year the cumulative charges up to the end of July are n…
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com
August 8, 2025 at 8:01 PM
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/08/08/e...
Energy Performance Certificates are nonsense!
My energy efficient house just got got downgraded from from am 85B to a 73C despite the fact that it only costs around £160 per year to run and has a heating requirement of 48 kWh/m^2/year.
Energy Performance Certificates are nonsense!
My energy efficient house just got got downgraded from from am 85B to a 73C despite the fact that it only costs around £160 per year to run and has a heating requirement of 48 kWh/m^2/year.
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/07/22/i...
I got a chance to visit a new UK manufacturer of domestic heat pumps, ICAX. And it is possible to do things differently.
I got a chance to visit a new UK manufacturer of domestic heat pumps, ICAX. And it is possible to do things differently.
ICAX: A new UK heat pump manufacturer
Friends, as you may be aware, I love heat pumps. And so a few weeks ago, I was delighted and surprised to be invited to visit the offices of a UK company developing a new domestic heat pump: ICAX. …
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com
July 23, 2025 at 9:10 AM
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/07/22/i...
I got a chance to visit a new UK manufacturer of domestic heat pumps, ICAX. And it is possible to do things differently.
I got a chance to visit a new UK manufacturer of domestic heat pumps, ICAX. And it is possible to do things differently.
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/07/20/t...
A couple of reflections on the "State of the UK Climate Report 2024".
Most essentially, I am so sad that the Climate in which I grew up is already gone.
A couple of reflections on the "State of the UK Climate Report 2024".
Most essentially, I am so sad that the Climate in which I grew up is already gone.
July 21, 2025 at 9:43 AM
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/07/20/t...
A couple of reflections on the "State of the UK Climate Report 2024".
Most essentially, I am so sad that the Climate in which I grew up is already gone.
A couple of reflections on the "State of the UK Climate Report 2024".
Most essentially, I am so sad that the Climate in which I grew up is already gone.
youtu.be/E0YjXrfKgpU
In this video Rosie Barnes (aka Engineering with Rosie) shows how a real company is producing green steel NOW.
In this video Rosie Barnes (aka Engineering with Rosie) shows how a real company is producing green steel NOW.
Steel Reinvented: Inside the World’s First Plant to Burn No Fossil Fuels [Tour]
YouTube video by Engineering with Rosie
youtu.be
July 21, 2025 at 9:36 AM
youtu.be/E0YjXrfKgpU
In this video Rosie Barnes (aka Engineering with Rosie) shows how a real company is producing green steel NOW.
In this video Rosie Barnes (aka Engineering with Rosie) shows how a real company is producing green steel NOW.
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/07/15/w...
When a tree falls in a garden... all the carbon dioxide it absorbed over its lifetime is re-emitted into the atmosphere.
When a tree falls in a garden... all the carbon dioxide it absorbed over its lifetime is re-emitted into the atmosphere.
When a tree falls in a garden…
Friends, my wife and I have just returned from a few days holiday in Kent. Here a few photographs: On returning home we were shocked and saddened to find that in our absence, our apple tree had fal…
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com
July 15, 2025 at 6:07 PM
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/07/15/w...
When a tree falls in a garden... all the carbon dioxide it absorbed over its lifetime is re-emitted into the atmosphere.
When a tree falls in a garden... all the carbon dioxide it absorbed over its lifetime is re-emitted into the atmosphere.
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/07/01/m...
Going off-grid in summer never gets old.
Here's a summary of the first 6 months of 2025 - heat pump and solar pV systems are working well.
Going off-grid in summer never gets old.
Here's a summary of the first 6 months of 2025 - heat pump and solar pV systems are working well.
July 1, 2025 at 4:17 PM
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/07/01/m...
Going off-grid in summer never gets old.
Here's a summary of the first 6 months of 2025 - heat pump and solar pV systems are working well.
Going off-grid in summer never gets old.
Here's a summary of the first 6 months of 2025 - heat pump and solar pV systems are working well.
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/06/28/t...
Reflections on the third un-conference on the topic of "Towards the first one million heat pumps" - in the UK.
Lots of progress, lots of innovation, lots to do...
Reflections on the third un-conference on the topic of "Towards the first one million heat pumps" - in the UK.
Lots of progress, lots of innovation, lots to do...
Towards the first one million heat pumps…
Friends, I ventured north last week to the beautiful city of Birmingham. What drew me away from my home & garden was the possibility to attend the third annual unconference: Towards the first o…
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com
June 28, 2025 at 5:58 PM
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/06/28/t...
Reflections on the third un-conference on the topic of "Towards the first one million heat pumps" - in the UK.
Lots of progress, lots of innovation, lots to do...
Reflections on the third un-conference on the topic of "Towards the first one million heat pumps" - in the UK.
Lots of progress, lots of innovation, lots to do...
@edhawkins.org #showyourstripes.
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/06/20/c...
I posted my climate stripes on the poster board in the front garden - together with a challenge.
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/06/20/c...
I posted my climate stripes on the poster board in the front garden - together with a challenge.
June 20, 2025 at 1:09 PM
@edhawkins.org #showyourstripes.
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/06/20/c...
I posted my climate stripes on the poster board in the front garden - together with a challenge.
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/06/20/c...
I posted my climate stripes on the poster board in the front garden - together with a challenge.
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/06/17/h... Assessing whether a particular temperature measurement is "hot" is really a question about context: regional, seasonal, and time of day.
@edhawkins.org has a new web site that presents current temperature measurements in a meaningful context.
@edhawkins.org has a new web site that presents current temperature measurements in a meaningful context.
Hot? Or Not?
Friends, our meteorological measurements show unequivocally that the Earth is warming at rate of slightly more than 0.2 °C per decade. This estimate is arrived at by collating data from thousands o…
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com
June 17, 2025 at 2:04 PM
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/06/17/h... Assessing whether a particular temperature measurement is "hot" is really a question about context: regional, seasonal, and time of day.
@edhawkins.org has a new web site that presents current temperature measurements in a meaningful context.
@edhawkins.org has a new web site that presents current temperature measurements in a meaningful context.
How does the heat transfer from a radiator vary with flow rate?
If you have ever puzzled over this question, then this article may conceivably be of interest.
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/06/15/t...
If you have ever puzzled over this question, then this article may conceivably be of interest.
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/06/15/t...
June 15, 2025 at 10:40 AM
How does the heat transfer from a radiator vary with flow rate?
If you have ever puzzled over this question, then this article may conceivably be of interest.
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/06/15/t...
If you have ever puzzled over this question, then this article may conceivably be of interest.
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/06/15/t...
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/05/29/m...
Looking for something lighter? I've just spent several days measuring the frequencies with which different styles of wine glass vibrate as they are filled. The results are honestly fascinating...
Looking for something lighter? I've just spent several days measuring the frequencies with which different styles of wine glass vibrate as they are filled. The results are honestly fascinating...
May 29, 2025 at 12:35 PM
protonsforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2025/05/29/m...
Looking for something lighter? I've just spent several days measuring the frequencies with which different styles of wine glass vibrate as they are filled. The results are honestly fascinating...
Looking for something lighter? I've just spent several days measuring the frequencies with which different styles of wine glass vibrate as they are filled. The results are honestly fascinating...