I am not a software engineer. Just a desperate astronomer. But today I attempted to compile QT4 from source to salvage some old code. It did not go well.

The best use I have found for AI is getting it to tell me how to turn off AI integrated features in various applications that got added during updates. I'm looking at you, MS Outlook. Google AI vs Microsoft AI...

Based on current information, the Cebreros station appears to have remained unharmed. My deepest thanks go to the Spanish emergency services whose efforts helped protect the site as wildfires approached. Left: 24 July 19:57, Right: 25 July 07:54

It's 9:30 PM and my swimming pool is the same temp as the air: 90 F. That's a strange experience.

Seriously folks, if you haven't commented yet, DO IT!! Even a short comment will help!

Sarah Tuttle@niais.bsky.social · last mo.

This is the link to make a comment about the proposed OMB rule change. This rule change does many things, most most centrally it effectively moves the power of the purse from the legislative to the executive branch. www.regulations.gov/document/OMB... This is incredibly dangerous.

This cat house has been sitting in our living room for 3 years, and neither cat has ever expressed any interest. The thing has collected dust. Until tonight, where they are now fighting over who gets to sit inside.

To science. Pilot of Industry. Conquer of disease. Multiplier of the harvest. Explorer of the universe. Revealer of natures laws. Eternal guide to truth. Important messages from the past that are extremely relevant today.

"Something just brushed past my leg!" — Luke Skywalker, #StarWars Image credit: tempestkc on Threads #LincolnMemorialReflectingPool #USA

I am invisible. You cannot see me. Just wait for the secret attack! #caturday

Just watched the color restoration of 'A Trip to the Moon's (on Max). It's worth the time for the animated faculty meeting at the beginning. The rest is bonus footage! I was unaware it was acceptable for the Chair to throw paper balls at the faculty.

Monsoon is here, and brought with it fire to Ventana Canyon area. Lots of rain though, so hopefully will contain itself

Fines are what this needs. Fines per minute of delay, to both the defendant and the construction company. There should be real pain for defying court orders like this.

Wow, Trump finally got a crowd to show up at the Kennedy Center.

How do we think the letters are attached?

I literally step away from the live stream for 6 hours and nothing appears to have happened. Is this a subtle way to funnel money to a construction firm?

Well, this is going to be interesting. Our first real beehive in the decade we've lived here. Anyone in Tucson have a beekeeper they recommend for removal? (Also, don't plan on visiting us for a few days - it's right over the driveway).

Ok, @nytimes.com , I'm pretty sure my paper this morning was not supposed to include 3 arts sections and 3 book reviews. Maybe you could stop raising rates so frequently if you stopped this nonsense (which is not uncommon).

This agave sent up a spike that's 25 ft tall, and top heavy. Not looking forward to what happens when it falls over...

Disappointing. Very disappointing. Not even the sourest I've had today, let alone "on the planet".

Graduating with a bachelors or masters in astronomy (or related field)? Want to keep your eyes on the skies without a PhD? Opening for YOU at @stsci.edu: Science Support Analyst on Hubble 🔭 recruiting2.ultipro.com/SPA1004AURA/...

recruiting2.ultipro.com

Finally registered for SPIE. One of the questions is a feedback form to click all of the boxes corresponding to things I buy. Well, I'm in trouble. I think the only ones I left unchecked was lithography and OLED displays.

We're finally getting some heat here in Tucson, so I expect hollyhock is not long for this world. Normally, winter freezes kill fall plants. Not this year though, and so the stalks are 10 ft tall and the flowers are human head sized.

Updates in experiments with evap coating: Today was 80nm of Al followed by 50nm of SiO2. The coating is cleanable - squeaky glass when scrubbed with isopropanol, and no apparent damage to the Al! Lots of pinholes in the Al under the microscope, but that's my dirty lab and a problem for next week.

Picard exploration tip: Our galaxy has over eight billion habitable planets. Get to work.

Students and I manufactured quartz today. Very neat.

Our REU renewal was funded! We found out today so we are accepting applications now! Like right now! Application review is going to happen swiftly as we know we’re are late in the typical cycle. pa.msu.edu/undergraduat... #reu #physics #astronomy #research

Having a great visit to the Cornell Dept of Astro and @carlsaganinstitute.bsky.social talking about #LFAST telescope and how it will probe exoplanet atmospheres, nearby starrs, and extragalactic transients!

Folks, we've crossed the Rubicon. I just saw a pharmaceutical commercial ... for dogs. The end is near.

Guess it's time for baseball.