Prof Stephen Serjeant
@stephenserjeant.bsky.social
Astronomy Prof at Open University. 26.2. #RejoinEU. Views not OU’s and often not even mine. He/him
🐘 https://mas.to/@stephenserjeant
🧵 https://www.threads.net/@prof.stephen.serjeant
ORCID 0000-0002-0517-7943 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0517-7943
🐘 https://mas.to/@stephenserjeant
🧵 https://www.threads.net/@prof.stephen.serjeant
ORCID 0000-0002-0517-7943 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0517-7943
Reposted by Prof Stephen Serjeant
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
Reposted by Prof Stephen Serjeant
I've always been baffled by that. Isn't the point of ANY job to be productive for society as a whole? And yet there's this idea we only get degrees to get well-paid jobs for our own benefit and enrichment. I work in medical diagnostics supply. Pretty sure many people benefit from that besides me...
November 24, 2025 at 1:03 PM
I've always been baffled by that. Isn't the point of ANY job to be productive for society as a whole? And yet there's this idea we only get degrees to get well-paid jobs for our own benefit and enrichment. I work in medical diagnostics supply. Pretty sure many people benefit from that besides me...
Reposted by Prof Stephen Serjeant
Anyone who can look at the current underfunded state of UK universities and think there's half a billion quid you can take out of the sector without doing catastrophic damage is just not fit for office.
November 24, 2025 at 7:56 AM
Anyone who can look at the current underfunded state of UK universities and think there's half a billion quid you can take out of the sector without doing catastrophic damage is just not fit for office.
For decades we've had "graduates pay because only they benefit" to justify student loans. This is mad. People like living in a society with doctors, nurses, architects, engineers, artists, musicians, scientists... EVERYONE benefits so the sensible, progressive way to pay for it is GENERAL TAXATION.
For more than a decade now the government’s answer to how to fund universities has been to make money from overseas students.
The last lot then tried to discourage students from coming here.
This lot just want the money back.
But then how do we fund ourselves?
Crazy.
The last lot then tried to discourage students from coming here.
This lot just want the money back.
But then how do we fund ourselves?
Crazy.
i: Reeves to unveil £600m raid on foreign student
university fees #TomorrowsPapersToday
university fees #TomorrowsPapersToday
November 24, 2025 at 11:28 AM
For decades we've had "graduates pay because only they benefit" to justify student loans. This is mad. People like living in a society with doctors, nurses, architects, engineers, artists, musicians, scientists... EVERYONE benefits so the sensible, progressive way to pay for it is GENERAL TAXATION.
Reposted by Prof Stephen Serjeant
Suggesting that science is or has “orthodoxy” is a fundamental misunderstanding.
Orthodoxy implies unquestionable dogma.
Science doesn't work like that: it’s a method designed to question, test, and revise if necessary.
Orthodoxy implies unquestionable dogma.
Science doesn't work like that: it’s a method designed to question, test, and revise if necessary.
Breaking News: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he personally instructed the CDC to abandon its position that vaccines do not cause autism. The move underscores his determination to challenge scientific orthodoxy — in this case, that vaccines save lives — and bend the health department to his will.
RFK Jr. Says He Instructed CDC to Change Vaccines and Autism Language on Website
In an interview, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cited gaps in vaccine safety research. His critics say he is ignoring a larger point: Vaccines save lives.
nyti.ms
November 21, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Suggesting that science is or has “orthodoxy” is a fundamental misunderstanding.
Orthodoxy implies unquestionable dogma.
Science doesn't work like that: it’s a method designed to question, test, and revise if necessary.
Orthodoxy implies unquestionable dogma.
Science doesn't work like that: it’s a method designed to question, test, and revise if necessary.
Reposted by Prof Stephen Serjeant
I am a cis woman.
My hair is short.
I don't wear skirts or heels.
My son is more likely to wear makeup and jewellery than I am.
Looking forward to being denied services due to my "appearance" because of the transphobia of a few vocal hate-filled bigots who dare to call themselves feminists!
My hair is short.
I don't wear skirts or heels.
My son is more likely to wear makeup and jewellery than I am.
Looking forward to being denied services due to my "appearance" because of the transphobia of a few vocal hate-filled bigots who dare to call themselves feminists!
Fixed it for you. Idiots! If the exclusion is based on appearance then it will certainly impact cis folks as well as trans folks.
November 21, 2025 at 8:37 AM
I am a cis woman.
My hair is short.
I don't wear skirts or heels.
My son is more likely to wear makeup and jewellery than I am.
Looking forward to being denied services due to my "appearance" because of the transphobia of a few vocal hate-filled bigots who dare to call themselves feminists!
My hair is short.
I don't wear skirts or heels.
My son is more likely to wear makeup and jewellery than I am.
Looking forward to being denied services due to my "appearance" because of the transphobia of a few vocal hate-filled bigots who dare to call themselves feminists!
Reposted by Prof Stephen Serjeant
The party that promised "free speech on campus" has made sure there can be no free speech on campuses.
This week, I withdrew from a speaking engagement at a public university because they sent me a list of prohibited “words & concepts.” I will not humor this censorship. It does a disservice to the stories I’m discussing & the audience, who deserve unfettered access to information & conversation.
November 21, 2025 at 4:25 AM
The party that promised "free speech on campus" has made sure there can be no free speech on campuses.
Reposted by Prof Stephen Serjeant
The solar flare that caused aurora here on Earth a few days ago, also caused a blizzard of particle impacts on @ec-euclid.bsky.social's detectors. Very nice explainer by @james4cet.bsky.social www.euclid-ec.org/here-comes-t... 🧪🔭
Here Comes the Sun…
A space mission to map the Dark Universe
www.euclid-ec.org
November 20, 2025 at 4:17 PM
The solar flare that caused aurora here on Earth a few days ago, also caused a blizzard of particle impacts on @ec-euclid.bsky.social's detectors. Very nice explainer by @james4cet.bsky.social www.euclid-ec.org/here-comes-t... 🧪🔭
Reposted by Prof Stephen Serjeant
Beautiful comparison of @ec-euclid.bsky.social's infrared view of an interstellar dark cloud, compared to what we see in optical light 🧪🔭 www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlmQ...
Infrared vs Optical: Euclid reveals what lies within and behind the Dark Cloud
YouTube video by Euclid Consortium
www.youtube.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Beautiful comparison of @ec-euclid.bsky.social's infrared view of an interstellar dark cloud, compared to what we see in optical light 🧪🔭 www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlmQ...
Reposted by Prof Stephen Serjeant
This rare burn generator is getting used so much I added an admin panel 🤣
Now you can suggest new insults! A bunch still need to be edited out or improved, but - COME! Defeat your online enemies with snark!
Now you can suggest new insults! A bunch still need to be edited out or improved, but - COME! Defeat your online enemies with snark!
Rare Insults 🔥
For your enemies online
dr.eamer.dev
November 20, 2025 at 1:30 AM
This rare burn generator is getting used so much I added an admin panel 🤣
Now you can suggest new insults! A bunch still need to be edited out or improved, but - COME! Defeat your online enemies with snark!
Now you can suggest new insults! A bunch still need to be edited out or improved, but - COME! Defeat your online enemies with snark!
Reposted by Prof Stephen Serjeant
POV: you are a young woman celebrating a recent academic success
November 17, 2025 at 7:20 PM
POV: you are a young woman celebrating a recent academic success
Reposted by Prof Stephen Serjeant
So counter-productive. Use dishonesty to aggravate feelings of grievance over asylum, and respond to the problem you create with performative cruelty.
The Home Secretary says "we have become the destination of choice in Europe, clearly visible to every people smuggler and would-be illegal migrant across the world"
That is a factually untrue claim: the Home Office shows that the UK is fifth, getting 1/10 claims, while Germany gets 1/5 claims
That is a factually untrue claim: the Home Office shows that the UK is fifth, getting 1/10 claims, while Germany gets 1/5 claims
November 17, 2025 at 4:13 PM
So counter-productive. Use dishonesty to aggravate feelings of grievance over asylum, and respond to the problem you create with performative cruelty.
I have also just turned down a reference request from the @royalsociety.org 🧪🔭
November 17, 2025 at 11:15 AM
I have also just turned down a reference request from the @royalsociety.org 🧪🔭
Another day, another spammy conference invitation which no human being read before it was sent 🔭🧪
November 17, 2025 at 7:21 AM
Another day, another spammy conference invitation which no human being read before it was sent 🔭🧪
I wasn’t aware of this context, but it’s felt obvious for some time that McSweeney is a big part of a horrible rot in @teamlabouruk.bsky.social
(Full disclosure: I’m a member of @libdems.org.uk , currently left of Lab on many things, albeit not a high bar)
(Full disclosure: I’m a member of @libdems.org.uk , currently left of Lab on many things, albeit not a high bar)
Late to this, but if the Sunday Times is correct that Morgan McSweeney spent one and a half hours last week with Lord Glasman then he isn't fit to fill any senior position in government.
November 16, 2025 at 9:57 PM
I wasn’t aware of this context, but it’s felt obvious for some time that McSweeney is a big part of a horrible rot in @teamlabouruk.bsky.social
(Full disclosure: I’m a member of @libdems.org.uk , currently left of Lab on many things, albeit not a high bar)
(Full disclosure: I’m a member of @libdems.org.uk , currently left of Lab on many things, albeit not a high bar)
Reposted by Prof Stephen Serjeant
How have Labour watched the Tories spend 2-3 years parroting Farage then lose an election badly and conclude a similar strategy is the best course of action?
I. Really. Genuinely. Do Not. Get. It.
I. Really. Genuinely. Do Not. Get. It.
Just another of those days when I hate this government
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Asylum system in UK ‘out of control’ and dividing country, home secretary says
Shabana Mahmood to unveil new proposals modelled on Denmark’s controversial system
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 8:50 PM
How have Labour watched the Tories spend 2-3 years parroting Farage then lose an election badly and conclude a similar strategy is the best course of action?
I. Really. Genuinely. Do Not. Get. It.
I. Really. Genuinely. Do Not. Get. It.
Reposted by Prof Stephen Serjeant
Everything about the current 'debate' around this is dismal, not just morally but because it is so stupid. For example:
It conflates asylum-seeking and illegal immigration (and sometimes with migration generally)
It shows no understanding of why there is AS
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025... 1/3
It conflates asylum-seeking and illegal immigration (and sometimes with migration generally)
It shows no understanding of why there is AS
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025... 1/3
Asylum system in UK ‘out of control’ and dividing country, home secretary says
Shabana Mahmood to unveil new proposals modelled on Denmark’s controversial system
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Everything about the current 'debate' around this is dismal, not just morally but because it is so stupid. For example:
It conflates asylum-seeking and illegal immigration (and sometimes with migration generally)
It shows no understanding of why there is AS
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025... 1/3
It conflates asylum-seeking and illegal immigration (and sometimes with migration generally)
It shows no understanding of why there is AS
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025... 1/3
Booked one night in a hotel for a work trip for next week. Just received my 11th email from them about it. ELEVENTH
November 15, 2025 at 11:03 AM
Booked one night in a hotel for a work trip for next week. Just received my 11th email from them about it. ELEVENTH
What a fun, creative paper! And useful to the study of nearby galaxies too.
🔭🧪
(Can I have a medal please for avoiding all the obvious its-what-you-do-with-the-measurements-that-counts jokes?)
🔭🧪
(Can I have a medal please for avoiding all the obvious its-what-you-do-with-the-measurements-that-counts jokes?)
a NEW PAPER led the incomparable Dr. Elizabeth Iles (accepted by PASA) quantifies how astronomers might be biased in how they judge galactic bars
Turns out that male astronomers are consistently more optimistic than their peers when it comes to measuring length
arxiv.org/abs/2511.09908
#astro
Turns out that male astronomers are consistently more optimistic than their peers when it comes to measuring length
arxiv.org/abs/2511.09908
#astro
November 14, 2025 at 7:57 AM
What a fun, creative paper! And useful to the study of nearby galaxies too.
🔭🧪
(Can I have a medal please for avoiding all the obvious its-what-you-do-with-the-measurements-that-counts jokes?)
🔭🧪
(Can I have a medal please for avoiding all the obvious its-what-you-do-with-the-measurements-that-counts jokes?)
Reposted by Prof Stephen Serjeant
Happy partially muscled skeleton screaming before vanishing day to all those who celebrate.
November 14, 2025 at 6:56 AM
Happy partially muscled skeleton screaming before vanishing day to all those who celebrate.
Reposted by Prof Stephen Serjeant
Blog post by @ec-euclid.bsky.social PhD student Ruby Pearce-Casey from her #DISCnet industry placement with #KeenAI, deploing her AI skills to new areas. Earlier, Ruby made a breakthrough in finding strong gravitational lenses in Euclid imaging using machine learning keen-ai.com/blog/anticip... 🧪🔭
Anticipating Geomagnetic Storms: Reflections at the Halfway Point (Part 2)
Keen AI and National Grid secure Ofgem funding to develop FoSMO, the UK’s first shared AI vision model to transform electricity network asset management.
keen-ai.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Blog post by @ec-euclid.bsky.social PhD student Ruby Pearce-Casey from her #DISCnet industry placement with #KeenAI, deploing her AI skills to new areas. Earlier, Ruby made a breakthrough in finding strong gravitational lenses in Euclid imaging using machine learning keen-ai.com/blog/anticip... 🧪🔭
Very nice blog post by my grad student Ruby Pearce-Casey (who's done excellent @ec-euclid.bsky.social work on finding strong gravitational lenses), from her #DISCnet industry placement with #KeenAI 🧪🔭 keen-ai.com/blog/anticip...
Anticipating Geomagnetic Storms: Reflections at the Halfway Point (Part 2)
Keen AI and National Grid secure Ofgem funding to develop FoSMO, the UK’s first shared AI vision model to transform electricity network asset management.
keen-ai.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Very nice blog post by my grad student Ruby Pearce-Casey (who's done excellent @ec-euclid.bsky.social work on finding strong gravitational lenses), from her #DISCnet industry placement with #KeenAI 🧪🔭 keen-ai.com/blog/anticip...
Useful guidance for researchers from @senseaboutsci.bsky.social about how to talk to conspiracy theorists 🧪🔭 senseaboutscience.org/public-engag...
Talking about conspiracy theories - Sense about Science
A guide with insights on ways for discussions about conspiracy theories (or subjects caught up in conspiracy theories) to go better
senseaboutscience.org
November 13, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Useful guidance for researchers from @senseaboutsci.bsky.social about how to talk to conspiracy theorists 🧪🔭 senseaboutscience.org/public-engag...
A very nice result by my friend Tom Bakx and colleagues, confirming the surprisingly warm dust at z=8, at 91 K. Also he was interviewed in this morning's BBC Radio 4 Today programme 😄 apparently right after Michael Gove
Published in #MNRAS: "A warm ultraluminous infrared galaxy just 600 million years after the big bang", Bakx et al. This is Fig. 1: for the caption & to read the paper please visit academic.oup.com/mnras/articl... @oxfordacademic.bsky.social @royalastrosoc.bsky.social
November 12, 2025 at 10:52 AM
A very nice result by my friend Tom Bakx and colleagues, confirming the surprisingly warm dust at z=8, at 91 K. Also he was interviewed in this morning's BBC Radio 4 Today programme 😄 apparently right after Michael Gove
Reposted by Prof Stephen Serjeant
there's a moment in PARADISE LOST where Satan arrives in Eden and realizes Hell isn't a place; it's a thing he carries within him and it'll follow him wherever he goes. and i think about that when i see these awful rich men whose monstrous wealth has enriched them not at all
“whatever club he’s invited to join has been devalued by the invitation”
November 11, 2025 at 6:31 AM
there's a moment in PARADISE LOST where Satan arrives in Eden and realizes Hell isn't a place; it's a thing he carries within him and it'll follow him wherever he goes. and i think about that when i see these awful rich men whose monstrous wealth has enriched them not at all