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chirpmass.bsky.social
Storm Colloms
@chirpmass.bsky.social
1.5K followers 140 following 8 posts
PhD at the University of Glasgow, illustrator, astrobiter
they/them 🏳️‍⚧️
one time i dressed up as a higgs boson to a party and really thats all you need to know

scolloms.github.io
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chirpmass.bsky.social
Storm Colloms @chirpmass.bsky.social · Nov 15
So many new people here! Hi, my name is Storm, I research what gravitational waves tell us about the astrophysics that eventually lead to 2 black holes merging.

I also a write for @astrobites.bsky.social and edit/illustrate for the LIGO magazine. I love to lurk so catch me around very occasionally
Reposted by Storm Colloms
astrokat.bsky.social
Are you a grad student interested in writing for Astrobites, or do you know one? We're recruiting! Apply by November 26 :)

astrobites.org/2025/10/31/a...
Apply to Write for Astrobites 2025!
Love astronomy, astrophysics, and science communication? Come join the Astrobites team! Applications due November 26th.
astrobites.org
October 31, 2025 at 6:40 PM
chirpmass.bsky.social
If anyone is at GR/Amaldi, sign up here to come to GW Solidarity's meetup tomorrow for free pizza and constructive discussions on current these imporatatn issues 🍕🍕🍕🍕
gwsolidarity.bsky.social The Gravitational Wave Solidarity Committee @gwsolidarity.bsky.social · Jul 11
Come meet up with us at GR/Amaldi! RSVP here:
bit.ly/GWSolAmaldi

We will meet up after the last session this Wednesday, go to a park, eat pizza, and brainstorm how to enact lasting change in our field in the face of massive funding cuts to LIGO and the ongoing genocide in Palestine.
RSVP to GW Solidarity Meetup
Date: Wednesday, 16th of July Time / meeting Venue: 1730 at the main entrance to the SEC (or 1815 at Stewart Memorial Fountain in Kelvingrove park, if you are not at the SEC)
bit.ly
July 15, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Reposted by Storm Colloms
astrobites.bsky.social
Astrobites wants to learn more about our readers, how you use our site, and what you would like to see going forward! Please fill out this quick survey: forms.gle/HCLtcMVbwU11...
Astrobites Readership Survey
Periodically, the Astrobites collaboration likes to learn a bit more about who is using Astrobites. Please fill out this short survey to help guide our work moving forward!
forms.gle
May 13, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Reposted by Storm Colloms
blackinastro.bsky.social
✨ How does race shape what we know about the universe?
Join Jada Cheek, M.S. for a powerful talk on science, identity, and the stars!
⭐️ #BlackInAstro Speaker Series
🗓️ 30 May | ⏰ 11am PT / 2pm ET
🔗 Register now: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Promotional flyer for the Black in Astro Speaker Series. The title reads: “Seeing Beyond the Stars: Race, Astronomy, and the Making of Scientific Knowledge.” The featured speaker is Jada Cheek, M.S., PhD Candidate in the Department of Psychology at UC Santa Cruz. The event is scheduled for 30 May 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET on Zoom. A smiling Jada Cheek is pictured on the right, wearing a white top and colorful earrings, with framed certificates on the wall behind her. The flyer includes the Black in Astro logo and website: www.blackinastro.com.
May 4, 2025 at 1:43 PM
chirpmass.bsky.social
great article with concrete tips for getting involved in (grad student) activism!
astrobites.bsky.social Astrobites @astrobites.bsky.social · Mar 28
From Bill Smith: Are you a graduate student interested in making your department or university a better place to grad school? Today, one of our authors shares his advice about how to make positive change from his experiences this past year as a Graduate Student Council President 🔭🧪☄️ #AcademicSky
So, you want to be a graduate student activist.
Are you a graduate student interested in making your astronomy department or university a better place to grad school? Today, one of our authors shares his advice about how to make positive change fro...
astrobites.org
March 28, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Reposted by Storm Colloms
gwsolidarity.bsky.social
🧵 What does my gravitational-wave research have to do with my country’s immigration policies? What does it have to do with global conflict? The current state of global affairs forces us all to ask questions like these and seriously grapple with the answers. Join us for a panel on...
March 27, 2025 at 12:22 AM
Reposted by Storm Colloms
astrogina.bsky.social
so grateful for this because the silence and business-as-usual attitude of the people around me irl has genuinely felt soul crushing
gwsolidarity.bsky.social The Gravitational Wave Solidarity Committee @gwsolidarity.bsky.social · Mar 24
Check out our new article on Science for the People Magazine! Originally written for the LIGO magazine, it was censored by LVK's exec. for its "political" stance. Luckily, SfTP knows that there's no such thing as neutrality in science.
magazine.scienceforthepeople.org/online/why-g...
Flyer advertising our article. It is white with red gravitational wave illustrations and says "Why are gravitational waves political? Insights from scientists from around the world".
March 27, 2025 at 12:24 AM
chirpmass.bsky.social
"Inspired by their concerns about the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, these GW scientists share how politics impacts their approach to science, and their efforts to foster a scientific community that engages with the global implications of their work" Read more from me and my colleages below!
gwsolidarity.bsky.social The Gravitational Wave Solidarity Committee @gwsolidarity.bsky.social · Mar 24
Check out our new article on Science for the People Magazine! Originally written for the LIGO magazine, it was censored by LVK's exec. for its "political" stance. Luckily, SfTP knows that there's no such thing as neutrality in science.
magazine.scienceforthepeople.org/online/why-g...
Flyer advertising our article. It is white with red gravitational wave illustrations and says "Why are gravitational waves political? Insights from scientists from around the world".
March 25, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Reposted by Storm Colloms
gwsolidarity.bsky.social
Attending APS March/April meeting next week? Meet up with us there! After Wednesday's sessions, we’ll meet at the main entrance to Anaheim Marriott, walk to a park, eat pizza, and discuss how to enact lasting change in our field. RSVP at bit.ly/GWSolMeetup to help us get a headcount for pizza! 💫
Graphic giving information about a solidarity meetup at APS March/April meeting that includes pizza. It will be at 5:35 on March 19th at the main entrance of Anaheim Marriott.
March 14, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Reposted by Storm Colloms
chanda.blacksky.app
Palestinian physics student Wassim Abuharbid is raising money to provide for family and to help pay for a path to Germany and a PhD in physics. Please consider giving to this campaign, which a friend of mine vouches for. 🧪 ⚛️ 🔭

chuffed.org/project/phys...
From the Heart of Gaza: A Physics Student's Resilient Pursuit of Hope
Hello,
chuffed.org
March 12, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Reposted by Storm Colloms
chirpmass.bsky.social
also! check out the gravitational wave solidarity committee, a collective of scientists working to make gw science more just and equitable, and a good reminder of hope in times like these
gwsolidarity.bsky.social The Gravitational Wave Solidarity Committee @gwsolidarity.bsky.social · Mar 7
We are excited to introduce The Gravitational Wave Solidarity Committee! We're a group of gravitational-wave researchers building solidarity within our scientific collaborations for a more just future.

💫 DM us if you would like to get involved, and follow this page for upcoming events!
Introducing The Gravitational Wave Solidarity Committee. Swipe to learn about who we are, what we're doing, and how to join! Who we are: - We are a collective of LVK members working to make the GW community more just and equitable. - We believe that eliminating injustice is the only way to ensure that all people can benefit from participation in GW research specifically and science in general. - We strive to elevate voices that are not given a platform within our community Who we are - We work strategically to achieve our goals, work to the strengths of our members, and support each other to be courageous in standing up to powerful forces, rather than being complicit in harmful status quos. - We stand up to powerful forces of injustice through unity, care, and mutual support. - We accept this task as integral to our work as scientists. Our Core Values: ✊ Justice: Eliminating injustice is the only way to ensure that all people can benefit from participation in GW research specifically and science in general. We accept the task of fighting for a more just and equitable world as integral to the pursuit of science. This requires standing up for what is right within and outside of our roles as researchers, students, and faculty. 👭 Collectivism: We believe in the power of collective action. Working together is the most effective way to enact positive change, especially when dealing with established institutions. 📚 Emancipation through Education: Keeping us and our community educated about current issues, and elevating the voices of those with less means at their disposal. 🌍 Political engagement: Because our research is an intrinsically political endeavor, we have a moral obligation to make our voice heard and to elevate the voices of those with less means at their disposal. 💪 Courage: Doing uncomfortable but necessary work through mutual support.
March 7, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Reposted by Storm Colloms
deevybee.bsky.social
also, interesting use of passive voice. Would be seen by whom? And are they people we should care about?
tuomaspernu.bsky.social Tuomas Pernu @tuomaspernu.bsky.social · Mar 7
“My worry is that ejecting Musk from the Royal Society would be seen as a political move.”

My worry is that the @royalsociety.org makes the scientific community look like a bunch of pathetic pushovers!

Are you for science or against it? It's as simple as that.

www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
‘It would be seen as political’: why the Royal Society is torn over Elon Musk
Many fellows feel the billionaire has breached its code of conduct, but others say scientific neutrality is at stake
www.theguardian.com
March 7, 2025 at 7:56 PM
chirpmass.bsky.social
also! check out the gravitational wave solidarity committee, a collective of scientists working to make gw science more just and equitable, and a good reminder of hope in times like these
gwsolidarity.bsky.social The Gravitational Wave Solidarity Committee @gwsolidarity.bsky.social · Mar 7
We are excited to introduce The Gravitational Wave Solidarity Committee! We're a group of gravitational-wave researchers building solidarity within our scientific collaborations for a more just future.

💫 DM us if you would like to get involved, and follow this page for upcoming events!
Introducing The Gravitational Wave Solidarity Committee. Swipe to learn about who we are, what we're doing, and how to join! Who we are: - We are a collective of LVK members working to make the GW community more just and equitable. - We believe that eliminating injustice is the only way to ensure that all people can benefit from participation in GW research specifically and science in general. - We strive to elevate voices that are not given a platform within our community Who we are - We work strategically to achieve our goals, work to the strengths of our members, and support each other to be courageous in standing up to powerful forces, rather than being complicit in harmful status quos. - We stand up to powerful forces of injustice through unity, care, and mutual support. - We accept this task as integral to our work as scientists. Our Core Values: ✊ Justice: Eliminating injustice is the only way to ensure that all people can benefit from participation in GW research specifically and science in general. We accept the task of fighting for a more just and equitable world as integral to the pursuit of science. This requires standing up for what is right within and outside of our roles as researchers, students, and faculty. 👭 Collectivism: We believe in the power of collective action. Working together is the most effective way to enact positive change, especially when dealing with established institutions. 📚 Emancipation through Education: Keeping us and our community educated about current issues, and elevating the voices of those with less means at their disposal. 🌍 Political engagement: Because our research is an intrinsically political endeavor, we have a moral obligation to make our voice heard and to elevate the voices of those with less means at their disposal. 💪 Courage: Doing uncomfortable but necessary work through mutual support.
March 7, 2025 at 9:42 PM
chirpmass.bsky.social
paper day ⭐🔔🥳 here's my first first-author work on how we can understand more about the progenitors of binary black holes using normalising flows
cplberry.bsky.social Christopher Berry @cplberry.bsky.social · Mar 7
Delighted to share work led by @chirpmass.bsky.social out today arxiv.org/abs/2503.03819

Gravitational waves probe how massive stars evolve. Comparing simulations to observations we can measure currently uncertain input physics. But generating simulations is expensive

1/🧵
[🧪🔭⚛️☄️]
Exploring the evolution of gravitational-wave emitters with efficient emulation: Constraining the origins of binary black holes using normalising flows Storm Colloms, Christopher P L Berry, John Veitch, Michael Zevin Binary population synthesis simulations allow detailed modelling of gravitational-wave sources from a variety of formation channels. These population models can be compared to the observed catalogue of merging binaries to infer the uncertain astrophysical input parameters describing binary formation and evolution, as well as relative rates between various formation pathways. However, it is computationally infeasible to run population synthesis simulations for all variations of uncertain input physics. We demonstrate the use of normalising flows to emulate population synthesis results and interpolate between astrophysical input parameters. Using current gravitational-wave observations of binary black holes, we use our trained normalising flows to infer branching ratios between multiple formation channels, and simultaneously infer common-envelope efficiency and natal spins across a continuous parameter range. Given our set of formation channel models, we infer the natal spin to be 0.04+0.04−0.01, and the common-envelope efficiency to be >3.7 at 90% credibility, with the majority of underlying mergers coming from the common-envelope channel. Our framework allows us to measure population synthesis inputs where we do not have simulations, and better constrain the astrophysics underlying current gravitational-wave populations. arXiv:2503.03819 [astro-ph.HE]
March 7, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Reposted by Storm Colloms
astrolamb.bsky.social
I sadly won’t be at #AAS245 but those who will be - y’all should check this session out!

[🔭🧪 #DEI #AcademicSky]
January 7, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Reposted by Storm Colloms
chanda.blacksky.app
Here is my own #skysci piece from last year about why scientists must stand with our Palestinian colleagues and their communities:

news.chanda.science/archive/why-...
Why Scientists Must Stand with Palestinians
Palestinians inspect the damage following an Israeli airstrike on the El-Remal area in Gaza City on October 9, 2023. (source) “On Rosh Hashanah will be...
news.chanda.science
November 14, 2024 at 7:51 PM
Reposted by Storm Colloms
astrobites.bsky.social
Interested in following our wonderful Astrobites authors? Check out the starter pack! 🔭

go.bsky.app/5Ab7NLu
November 15, 2024 at 4:40 PM
chirpmass.bsky.social
So many new people here! Hi, my name is Storm, I research what gravitational waves tell us about the astrophysics that eventually lead to 2 black holes merging.

I also a write for @astrobites.bsky.social and edit/illustrate for the LIGO magazine. I love to lurk so catch me around very occasionally
November 15, 2024 at 5:49 PM
Reposted by Storm Colloms
astrobites.bsky.social
From @chirpmass.bsky.social: Curious about creating a website but not sure where to start? This tutorial has you covered! 🔭✨️

astrobites.org/2024/11/01/c...
Creating a Professional Website Hosted on Github
Curious about creating a website but not sure where to start? This tutorial has you covered!
astrobites.org
November 1, 2024 at 6:46 PM
Reposted by Storm Colloms
astrohde.bsky.social
@astrobites.bsky.social is accepting applications for a new cohort of writers! Being part of the collaboration was an amazing experience; if you're a graduate student interested in writing about astronomy, I can't recommend it enough.

(Deadline is November 27!)

astrobites.org/2024/10/27/a...
Apply to Write for Astrobites 2024!
Love astronomy, astrophysics, and science communication? Come join the Astrobites team! Applications due November 27th.
astrobites.org
October 28, 2024 at 3:08 PM
Reposted by Storm Colloms
astrobites.bsky.social
From @chirpmass.bsky.social: Today we look at the findings of the Bullying and Harassment Report 2023, published by the Royal Astronomical Society. 🔭

astrobites.org/2024/09/02/r...
Confronting a Systemic Bullying Problem in Astronomy and Geophysics
Today we look at the findings of the Bullying and Harassment Report 2023, published by the Royal Astronomical Society
astrobites.org
September 2, 2024 at 5:56 PM
Reposted by Storm Colloms
astrobites.bsky.social
From Storm Colloms: Learn how greedy stars can store overflow matter to eat later in today's bite!
astrobites.org/2024/03/18/h...
Unveiling hamstars: the cheek-stuffing accreting stars
Learn how greedy stars can store overflow matter to eat later in todays bite
astrobites.org
March 19, 2024 at 12:26 AM
Reposted by Storm Colloms
astrobites.bsky.social
We have a new post summarizing all the places you can find Astrobites at #AAS243: astrobites.org/2024/01/08/a...
Astrobites at AAS 243: Welcome!
Welcome to our coverage of AAS 243! We’ve got interviews with speakers, daily coverage, and so much more to come this week.
astrobites.org
January 8, 2024 at 8:17 PM
chirpmass.bsky.social
at astrobites we are doing a bunch of cool things at and around #AAS243 this week! i got to kick off our interview series with Dr. Stephen Taylor - we chatted about NANOGrav, the future of nanohertz GWs, and building diverse scientific collaborations. check it out and watch out for more! 👀✨
astrobites.bsky.social Astrobites @astrobites.bsky.social · Jan 7
Each AAS meeting, we interview plenary speakers to learn a bit more about their science, and show the variety of career paths in astronomy.

Our first interview post of #AAS243 is now live — Dr. Stephen Taylor will be giving the first plenary tomorrow morning 🤩 astrobites.org/2024/01/07/m...
Meet the AAS Keynote Speakers: Dr. Stephen Taylor
Today we interview astrophysicist Stephen Taylor for his plenary talk at #AAS243!
astrobites.org
January 8, 2024 at 12:30 PM
Reposted by Storm Colloms
astrobites.bsky.social
From Storm Colloms: Are your fairy lights being warped by a black hole this holiday season? Find out in today's post! 🔭🧪

astrobites.org/2023/12/09/b...
How to tell if a Black Hole is making your fairy lights twinkle
Are your fairy lights being warped by a black hole this holiday season? Find out in today’s post!
astrobites.org
December 9, 2023 at 5:03 PM