Jonathan Pritchard
@pritchardjr.bsky.social
Bewildered vagabond and student of the stars. Professor of uncertain opinions. Radio cosmologist at MPIfR.
(Opinions mine, not employers)
(Opinions mine, not employers)
Reposted by Jonathan Pritchard
The Random Universe isn’t out until tomorrow (November 11), but the Kindle edition is on sale in both the US and in the UK. (And if you look very carefully, you’ll see that it has broken into the top 100 UK cosmology bestsellers…)
November 10, 2025 at 12:55 PM
The Random Universe isn’t out until tomorrow (November 11), but the Kindle edition is on sale in both the US and in the UK. (And if you look very carefully, you’ll see that it has broken into the top 100 UK cosmology bestsellers…)
Reposted by Jonathan Pritchard
On the event of James Watson's death, I highly recommend this 2023 commentary from @matthewcobb.bsky.social and Nathaniel Comfort with crucial new insights into the discovery of the double helix. (And also check out Cobb's brand new biography of Francis Crick) www.nature.com/articles/d41...
What Rosalind Franklin truly contributed to the discovery of DNA’s structure
Franklin was no victim in how the DNA double helix was solved. An overlooked letter and an unpublished news article, both written in 1953, reveal that she was an equal player.
www.nature.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:25 PM
On the event of James Watson's death, I highly recommend this 2023 commentary from @matthewcobb.bsky.social and Nathaniel Comfort with crucial new insights into the discovery of the double helix. (And also check out Cobb's brand new biography of Francis Crick) www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Jonathan Pritchard
A significant new development in the Imperial College pay dispute.
The Joint Trade Unions have uncovered that key 2018 pay benchmarking recommendations—based on extensive staff consultation—were quietly set aside by College management.
Read the full update here: ucu.imperial.ac.uk/archives/1143
The Joint Trade Unions have uncovered that key 2018 pay benchmarking recommendations—based on extensive staff consultation—were quietly set aside by College management.
Read the full update here: ucu.imperial.ac.uk/archives/1143
Joint Trade Unions demand transparency over Imperial’s pay benchmarking
In brief (if you don’t have much time)
The Imperial Joint Trade Unions (JTU) have written to the University Negotiating Team (UNT) to raise serious concerns about the College’s handling of the 2018 Pa...
ucu.imperial.ac.uk
November 7, 2025 at 11:24 AM
A significant new development in the Imperial College pay dispute.
The Joint Trade Unions have uncovered that key 2018 pay benchmarking recommendations—based on extensive staff consultation—were quietly set aside by College management.
Read the full update here: ucu.imperial.ac.uk/archives/1143
The Joint Trade Unions have uncovered that key 2018 pay benchmarking recommendations—based on extensive staff consultation—were quietly set aside by College management.
Read the full update here: ucu.imperial.ac.uk/archives/1143
Celebrating St Martin in the center of Bonn. Children with lanterns, a legionary on a white horse, and a huge bonfire!
November 5, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Celebrating St Martin in the center of Bonn. Children with lanterns, a legionary on a white horse, and a huge bonfire!
Too long for Jon, too short for Jonathan. That seems my current state of play.
November 4, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Too long for Jon, too short for Jonathan. That seems my current state of play.
Reposted by Jonathan Pritchard
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...
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
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...
astrobites.org/2025/10/31/a...
Americans should be seriously concerned about the state of their democracy. It won’t get better if you deny the problem.
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Opinion | In Trump’s America, Are We Losing Our Democracy? (Gift Article)
Donald Trump has wielded power as no previous president has.
www.nytimes.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Americans should be seriously concerned about the state of their democracy. It won’t get better if you deny the problem.
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Reposted by Jonathan Pritchard
#nasa is shuttering the Goddard #space #flight center in a move that may not be entirely legal, according to critics. For months, our #staff #writer @joshdinner.bsky.social interviewed NASA #employees, read #senate reports and more to give you the deepest dive yet.
www.space.com/space-explor...
www.space.com/space-explor...
October 31, 2025 at 12:37 PM
#nasa is shuttering the Goddard #space #flight center in a move that may not be entirely legal, according to critics. For months, our #staff #writer @joshdinner.bsky.social interviewed NASA #employees, read #senate reports and more to give you the deepest dive yet.
www.space.com/space-explor...
www.space.com/space-explor...
Wowed by the “Nigerian Modernism” exhibition at Tate Modern. Fascinating subject matter and colour palettes.
October 31, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Wowed by the “Nigerian Modernism” exhibition at Tate Modern. Fascinating subject matter and colour palettes.
“Wherever law ends, tyranny begins…” - John Locke (1689)
October 31, 2025 at 10:35 AM
“Wherever law ends, tyranny begins…” - John Locke (1689)
Reposted by Jonathan Pritchard
Professor Alice Gast, former Imperial President and Emeritus Professor of Chemical Engineering, died on 27 October 2025.
Remembering Alice Gast: www.imperial.ac.uk/news/270893/...
Remembering Alice Gast: www.imperial.ac.uk/news/270893/...
Remembering Professor Alice Gast | Imperial News | Imperial College London
Professor Alice Gast, former Imperial President and Emeritus Professor of Chemical Engineering, died on 27 October 2025.
www.imperial.ac.uk
October 30, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Professor Alice Gast, former Imperial President and Emeritus Professor of Chemical Engineering, died on 27 October 2025.
Remembering Alice Gast: www.imperial.ac.uk/news/270893/...
Remembering Alice Gast: www.imperial.ac.uk/news/270893/...
Frustrating how messed up is UK policy around Higher Education. Even if there’s so many sectors already in breakdown, maybe fixing things before there’s one more would be wise.
Ok a bit of policy wonky gossip on UK research and universities.
1. Universities in deficit hoping for a bail out are dreaming.
2. HE policy is drawing on success of schools policy.
1. Universities in deficit hoping for a bail out are dreaming.
2. HE policy is drawing on success of schools policy.
October 29, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Frustrating how messed up is UK policy around Higher Education. Even if there’s so many sectors already in breakdown, maybe fixing things before there’s one more would be wise.
Godspeed to the poor people of Jamaica and other countries affected. Terrifying.
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
Hurricane Melissa latest updates: Red Cross says 1.5m people in Jamaica could be impacted by ‘storm of the century’
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says hurricane Melissa is expected to cause a ‘catastrophic situation’
www.theguardian.com
October 28, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Godspeed to the poor people of Jamaica and other countries affected. Terrifying.
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
Kudos to PSF. Definitely the right call.
TLDR; The PSF has made the decision to put our community and our shared diversity, equity, and inclusion values ahead of seeking $1.5M in new revenue. Please read and share. pyfound.blogspot.com/2025/10/NSF-...
🧵
🧵
The official home of the Python Programming Language
www.python.org
October 27, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Kudos to PSF. Definitely the right call.
Reposted by Jonathan Pritchard
The Random Universe isn’t due out until November 11, but not only can you pre-order your copy today, you can also download a free sample from the e-book. (Similar on Amazon UK and Apple Books — though it’s even better if you buy your hardcopy from an independent bookseller!)
October 27, 2025 at 4:17 PM
The Random Universe isn’t due out until November 11, but not only can you pre-order your copy today, you can also download a free sample from the e-book. (Similar on Amazon UK and Apple Books — though it’s even better if you buy your hardcopy from an independent bookseller!)
Reposted by Jonathan Pritchard
Imperial UCU members are on strike today and tomorrow.
This action covers all parts of the College — academic, technical, administrative, and operational.
It’s about fairness, dignity, and pay that keeps pace with the cost of living.
This action covers all parts of the College — academic, technical, administrative, and operational.
It’s about fairness, dignity, and pay that keeps pace with the cost of living.
Joint Trade Unions
Joint Trade Unions
imperial.ac.uk
October 27, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Imperial UCU members are on strike today and tomorrow.
This action covers all parts of the College — academic, technical, administrative, and operational.
It’s about fairness, dignity, and pay that keeps pace with the cost of living.
This action covers all parts of the College — academic, technical, administrative, and operational.
It’s about fairness, dignity, and pay that keeps pace with the cost of living.
Definitely a Glen Powell fan.
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/oc...
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/oc...
‘I don’t know how anyone takes themselves seriously in this job’: Hollywood hotshot Glen Powell talks to Marina Hyde
He’s an old-fashioned movie star in a digital age, making box-office smashes like Top Gun: Maverick, Twisters and Anyone But You. Now he’s lining up projects with everyone from Ron Howard to Edgar Wri...
www.theguardian.com
October 25, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Definitely a Glen Powell fan.
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/oc...
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/oc...
Poor guy. Great actor.
“Suddenly, I can’t come up with names,” Skarsgård said. “I can’t follow a thought or make an argument that spans several sentences that gets to the point […] That is extremely frustrating. But on the other hand, I’m alive. I can work.”
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/oc...
“Suddenly, I can’t come up with names,” Skarsgård said. “I can’t follow a thought or make an argument that spans several sentences that gets to the point […] That is extremely frustrating. But on the other hand, I’m alive. I can work.”
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/oc...
Stellan Skarsgård says he is living ‘on overtime’ since having a stroke three years ago
The 74-year-old actor said he had fallen ill between shooting the two parts of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune movies – and puts it down to having ‘lived a naughty life’
www.theguardian.com
October 24, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Poor guy. Great actor.
“Suddenly, I can’t come up with names,” Skarsgård said. “I can’t follow a thought or make an argument that spans several sentences that gets to the point […] That is extremely frustrating. But on the other hand, I’m alive. I can work.”
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/oc...
“Suddenly, I can’t come up with names,” Skarsgård said. “I can’t follow a thought or make an argument that spans several sentences that gets to the point […] That is extremely frustrating. But on the other hand, I’m alive. I can work.”
www.theguardian.com/film/2025/oc...
Surely the Wagner Group is a bit more than a “terrorist group”? It’s a fairly direct arm of the Russian state.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Six Britons acting for Wagner group jailed for arson attack on UK warehouse
Judge says men imprisoned over fire at site storing Ukraine aid planned terrorist campaign in interests of Russia
www.theguardian.com
October 24, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Surely the Wagner Group is a bit more than a “terrorist group”? It’s a fairly direct arm of the Russian state.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
It’s problematic that, as we come to letter writing season, I’m reading “Dear Committee Members” and tempted to write a livelier style of reference letter.
October 23, 2025 at 8:03 AM
It’s problematic that, as we come to letter writing season, I’m reading “Dear Committee Members” and tempted to write a livelier style of reference letter.
Reposted by Jonathan Pritchard
Do you know an outstanding woman astronomer based in Germany? We want to hear about them! 🔭👩🔬
Together with the @germanastrosoc.bsky.social we're now welcoming nominations for the prestigious Caroline Herschel Medal.🏅
Don't delay, get those nominations in via: ras.ac.uk/awards-and-g...
Together with the @germanastrosoc.bsky.social we're now welcoming nominations for the prestigious Caroline Herschel Medal.🏅
Don't delay, get those nominations in via: ras.ac.uk/awards-and-g...
October 22, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Do you know an outstanding woman astronomer based in Germany? We want to hear about them! 🔭👩🔬
Together with the @germanastrosoc.bsky.social we're now welcoming nominations for the prestigious Caroline Herschel Medal.🏅
Don't delay, get those nominations in via: ras.ac.uk/awards-and-g...
Together with the @germanastrosoc.bsky.social we're now welcoming nominations for the prestigious Caroline Herschel Medal.🏅
Don't delay, get those nominations in via: ras.ac.uk/awards-and-g...
National defences against malicious drone activity is shaping up to be a big issue. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/22/w...
As Suspicious Drones Plague Germany, Officials Are Unsure How to Respond
www.nytimes.com
October 22, 2025 at 3:24 PM
National defences against malicious drone activity is shaping up to be a big issue. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/22/w...
Reposted by Jonathan Pritchard
I will be chatting about quantum mechanics and the multiverse in the Science Gallery London this Friday, in conjunction with their brilliant Quantum Unentangled exhibition!
london.sciencegallery.com/sgl-events/f...
london.sciencegallery.com/sgl-events/f...
Friday Late: Quantum After Dark — Science Gallery London
Come and experience quantum after dark at Science Gallery London’s Friday Late co-programmed with MOTH a quantum technology company.
london.sciencegallery.com
October 20, 2025 at 8:20 PM
I will be chatting about quantum mechanics and the multiverse in the Science Gallery London this Friday, in conjunction with their brilliant Quantum Unentangled exhibition!
london.sciencegallery.com/sgl-events/f...
london.sciencegallery.com/sgl-events/f...
Reposted by Jonathan Pritchard
🔊Announcing a new Physics/Astro PhD scholarship scheme in Edinburgh, for students from a Black heritage, inc mixed Black background. Please help me spread the word. The scholarship covers all tuition fees, living costs & research travel. #blackinSTEM 🔭👩🔬⚛️
ℹ️: www.ph.ed.ac.uk/studying/pos...
ℹ️: www.ph.ed.ac.uk/studying/pos...
October 20, 2025 at 3:52 PM
🔊Announcing a new Physics/Astro PhD scholarship scheme in Edinburgh, for students from a Black heritage, inc mixed Black background. Please help me spread the word. The scholarship covers all tuition fees, living costs & research travel. #blackinSTEM 🔭👩🔬⚛️
ℹ️: www.ph.ed.ac.uk/studying/pos...
ℹ️: www.ph.ed.ac.uk/studying/pos...