Dr. Catherine Neish
@planetneish.bsky.social
Associate Professor at The University of Western Ontario in planetary geology. Also a parent and OG X-Phile. I use she/her pronouns. https://planetneish.ca/
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Popcorn Science Podcast
Popcorn Science is a podcast that takes a critical look at the science portrayed in our favourite movies and television shows.
popcornscience.ca
I recently started a podcast with my friend @arcticsaxifrage.bsky.social. In "Popcorn Science", we take a critical look at the science portrayed in our favourite movies and television shows. Today, I'm excited to announce that we have released our first episode! Check it out: popcornscience.ca
I don’t usually watch baseball, so I never subscribed to Sportsnet and can’t watch it live. Instead, I’m tracking the plays on Google, and wow, it is not as fun. But go Jays! I still remember the last World Series they won back in 1993.
November 2, 2025 at 1:10 AM
I don’t usually watch baseball, so I never subscribed to Sportsnet and can’t watch it live. Instead, I’m tracking the plays on Google, and wow, it is not as fun. But go Jays! I still remember the last World Series they won back in 1993.
Congratulations to Dr. Reid Perkins, who successfully defended his dissertation today. He studied terrestrial analogue sites in Iceland and Nunavut to understand our planetary neighbours.
October 27, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Congratulations to Dr. Reid Perkins, who successfully defended his dissertation today. He studied terrestrial analogue sites in Iceland and Nunavut to understand our planetary neighbours.
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Neish
New research from PhD student Elisa Dong! Could Dragonfly detect airbursts on Titan? To find out more: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... This is Elisa's 2nd paper published this year - @planetneish.bsky.social and I are very proud advisors!! If you're looking for a postdoc, consider reaching out
Signal characteristics of potential airbursts in Titan’s atmosphere
We investigate the possibility of detecting airbursts in Titan’s atmosphere by considering their burst characteristics (height and energy release) and…
www.sciencedirect.com
October 24, 2025 at 3:37 PM
New research from PhD student Elisa Dong! Could Dragonfly detect airbursts on Titan? To find out more: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... This is Elisa's 2nd paper published this year - @planetneish.bsky.social and I are very proud advisors!! If you're looking for a postdoc, consider reaching out
In our Popcorn Science Season 1 finale, we cover the film that defined every sci-fi movie that followed - 2001: A Space Odyssey. Join us as we open the pod bay doors to discuss early humans, walking on the Moon, and evil computers. @arcticsaxifrage.bsky.social popcornscience.ca/2001--a-spac...
2001: A Space Odyssey
I know Catherine and John have made some very poor decisions recently, but I can give you my complete assurance that their work will be back to normal. They've still got the greatest enthusiasm and co...
popcornscience.ca
October 4, 2025 at 1:53 PM
In our Popcorn Science Season 1 finale, we cover the film that defined every sci-fi movie that followed - 2001: A Space Odyssey. Join us as we open the pod bay doors to discuss early humans, walking on the Moon, and evil computers. @arcticsaxifrage.bsky.social popcornscience.ca/2001--a-spac...
This week on Popcorn Science, we go back to the summer of the killer asteroids. In 1998, both “Deep Impact” and “Armageddon” hit the big screens. We cover the lesser known (but better) movie as we discuss comets, impacts, and Elijah Wood’s obsession with rings. popcornscience.ca/deep-impact/...
Deep Impact
Cities fall, but they are rebuilt. And heroes die, but they are remembered. We honor them with every podcast we record. Our planet, our home.
popcornscience.ca
September 20, 2025 at 12:46 PM
This week on Popcorn Science, we go back to the summer of the killer asteroids. In 1998, both “Deep Impact” and “Armageddon” hit the big screens. We cover the lesser known (but better) movie as we discuss comets, impacts, and Elijah Wood’s obsession with rings. popcornscience.ca/deep-impact/...
Am I the only person who thinks Blade Runner is boring? Join us as we discuss this 1982 classic, delving into the subjects of climate change, genetic engineering, and what it means to be alive. @arcticsaxifrage.bsky.social
popcornscience.ca/blade-runner...
popcornscience.ca/blade-runner...
Blade Runner
Catherine and John have seen things you people wouldn't believe. If you don't listen to this episode, all those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.
popcornscience.ca
September 7, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Am I the only person who thinks Blade Runner is boring? Join us as we discuss this 1982 classic, delving into the subjects of climate change, genetic engineering, and what it means to be alive. @arcticsaxifrage.bsky.social
popcornscience.ca/blade-runner...
popcornscience.ca/blade-runner...
Very cool video! Lava is way louder than I expected it to be.
How does lava sound when it comes to the surface of the Earth? Listen to a lava flow oozing out of its effusive vent high on the southwestern side of #Etna, 28 August 2025. That day no visits by tourists were allowed on the site, which permitted this (relatively) clean recording
August 30, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Very cool video! Lava is way louder than I expected it to be.
This week on Popcorn Science, John and I discuss the 2003 Battlestar Galactica Miniseries. Could Cylons really kill everyone with nuclear bombs alone? What kind of crazy solar system do the colonists live in? Grab your gun and bring this podcast in! popcornscience.ca/battlestar-g...
Battlestar Galactica
John and Catherine hear nothing but the rain while discussing the 2003 Battlestar Galactica miniseries. So grab your gun and bring the cat in.
popcornscience.ca
August 23, 2025 at 2:18 PM
This week on Popcorn Science, John and I discuss the 2003 Battlestar Galactica Miniseries. Could Cylons really kill everyone with nuclear bombs alone? What kind of crazy solar system do the colonists live in? Grab your gun and bring this podcast in! popcornscience.ca/battlestar-g...
Happy to introduce the newest PhD in my lab, Dr. Ashka Thaker! Dr. Thaker studied ejecta emplacement on the Moon and Mercury.
August 21, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Happy to introduce the newest PhD in my lab, Dr. Ashka Thaker! Dr. Thaker studied ejecta emplacement on the Moon and Mercury.
This week, John and I discuss the Star Wars movie “Rogue One”. We debate the utility of holographic communication, a Star Destroyer’s curious relationship to gravity, and Darth Vader’s inefficient data storage center. Check it out! popcornscience.ca/rogue-one--a...
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Many Bothans died to bring us this episode
popcornscience.ca
August 10, 2025 at 10:56 PM
This week, John and I discuss the Star Wars movie “Rogue One”. We debate the utility of holographic communication, a Star Destroyer’s curious relationship to gravity, and Darth Vader’s inefficient data storage center. Check it out! popcornscience.ca/rogue-one--a...
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Neish
How can you study impact craters like an astronaut? It's easier than you may think. Planetary science prof @planetneish.bsky.social + her grad students recently conducted analogue studies at Meteor Crater to assess the feasibility of in-situ tools that will be used by astronauts.
Learn more below:
Learn more below:
August 5, 2025 at 12:02 PM
How can you study impact craters like an astronaut? It's easier than you may think. Planetary science prof @planetneish.bsky.social + her grad students recently conducted analogue studies at Meteor Crater to assess the feasibility of in-situ tools that will be used by astronauts.
Learn more below:
Learn more below:
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Neish
Popcorn Science is now on Spotify! You can find our first seven installments here: open.spotify.com/show/3TARKhL...
There's lots more scientific analysis of your favorite films and TV shows coming your way in the weeks ahead from @planetneish.bsky.social and I.
There's lots more scientific analysis of your favorite films and TV shows coming your way in the weeks ahead from @planetneish.bsky.social and I.
Popcorn Science Podcast
Podcast · John E. Moores & Catherine Neish · Popcorn Science is a podcast that takes a critical look at the science portrayed in our favourite movies and television shows.
open.spotify.com
July 31, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Popcorn Science is now on Spotify! You can find our first seven installments here: open.spotify.com/show/3TARKhL...
There's lots more scientific analysis of your favorite films and TV shows coming your way in the weeks ahead from @planetneish.bsky.social and I.
There's lots more scientific analysis of your favorite films and TV shows coming your way in the weeks ahead from @planetneish.bsky.social and I.
I'm so excited about this mission, and stoked that it finally launched. Go NISAR!
Liftoff! The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar mission has launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre. #NISAR will scan the entire globe twice every 12 days to measure changes in Earth’s ecosystems, cryosphere, and land surface.
“It’s orbiting magic.” —Alex Gardner, NASAJPL
eos.org/articles/tra...
“It’s orbiting magic.” —Alex Gardner, NASAJPL
eos.org/articles/tra...
July 30, 2025 at 4:14 PM
I'm so excited about this mission, and stoked that it finally launched. Go NISAR!
It’s hammer time! This week, John and I discuss the science behind the MCU classic, “Thor”. Join us as we contemplate the distinction between technology and magic, whether Frost Giants could freeze you with a touch, and advocate for the Flat Earth society on Asgard. popcornscience.ca/thor/index.h...
Thor
The gang drops the hammer on the science of Thor
popcornscience.ca
July 26, 2025 at 9:53 PM
It’s hammer time! This week, John and I discuss the science behind the MCU classic, “Thor”. Join us as we contemplate the distinction between technology and magic, whether Frost Giants could freeze you with a touch, and advocate for the Flat Earth society on Asgard. popcornscience.ca/thor/index.h...
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Neish
If you're a trans or non-binary scientist, consider appearing on the podcast Assigned Scientist at Bachelor's, the only podcast dedicating to interviewing, and highlighting the research of, trans and non-binary scientists, cohosted by your truly!
ASAB Guest Info
ASAB is a podcast which brings on trans and non-binary guests in science (undergrad or grad students, technicians, professors, educators, researchers, science journalists, photographers, or even someo...
docs.google.com
July 23, 2025 at 2:23 AM
If you're a trans or non-binary scientist, consider appearing on the podcast Assigned Scientist at Bachelor's, the only podcast dedicating to interviewing, and highlighting the research of, trans and non-binary scientists, cohosted by your truly!
Always a good idea to follow Captain Janeway’s orders!
The Voyager Declaration - I like the sound of that!
Support NASA and our real-life Starfleet officers by signing, calling your reps, and being a STEM champion locally and nationally.
🫡
www.standupforscience.net/nasa-voyager...
Support NASA and our real-life Starfleet officers by signing, calling your reps, and being a STEM champion locally and nationally.
🫡
www.standupforscience.net/nasa-voyager...
Support the NASA Voyager Declaration Now! — STAND UP FOR SCIENCE
Your solidarity with the NASA heroes helps their fight to preserve NASA's vital missions.
www.standupforscience.net
July 22, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Always a good idea to follow Captain Janeway’s orders!
This is terrible for many, many reasons. Who will be President when the Cylons attack??
BREAKING: The Supreme Court allows the Trump administration to move forward with the abolition of the Department of Education. It gives no explanation for its order. All three liberals dissent. www.documentcloud.org/documents/25...
From Sotomayor's dissent:
From Sotomayor's dissent:
July 14, 2025 at 10:18 PM
This is terrible for many, many reasons. Who will be President when the Cylons attack??
This week, John and I take a deep dive into the most pretentious film about exoplanets I have ever seen. But with an advisor like @arcticsaxifrage.bsky.social, there’s lots of good science to admire.
Last week, @planetneish.bsky.social and I had some critical words about the science in "The Core" so we thought it only fair to examine 2018's "Clara," a film where I served as the science advisor. Here, I have no one to blame but myself for the science gripes! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
Popcorn Science Podcast
Popcorn Science is a podcast that takes a critical look at the science portrayed in our favourite movies and television shows.
popcornscience.ca
July 12, 2025 at 4:08 PM
This week, John and I take a deep dive into the most pretentious film about exoplanets I have ever seen. But with an advisor like @arcticsaxifrage.bsky.social, there’s lots of good science to admire.
Are you a graduate student with an admission offer at a top 100 university in the US, interested in pursuing your degree in Canada instead? Please consider this new program offered by Western University. news.westernu.ca/2025/07/phd-...
Western expands PhD and postdoc funding - Western News
Western is boosting funding for postdoctoral fellows and PhD candidates from the U.S. and other countries with expanded and new award programs.
news.westernu.ca
July 8, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Are you a graduate student with an admission offer at a top 100 university in the US, interested in pursuing your degree in Canada instead? Please consider this new program offered by Western University. news.westernu.ca/2025/07/phd-...
I attended an earlier version of this workshop a few years ago, and found it both engaging and informative. Highly recommend to any space scientist!
Announcing a NEW workshop from myself and @jagrier.bsky.social
EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE LEADERSHIP: A NEW WORKSHOP ON STRATEGIES FOR UNLOCKING INDIVIDUAL POTENTIAL
August 18-20, 2025, 4 hours daily, 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm EST (entirely virtual)
workforce.psi.edu/leadership/
EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE LEADERSHIP: A NEW WORKSHOP ON STRATEGIES FOR UNLOCKING INDIVIDUAL POTENTIAL
August 18-20, 2025, 4 hours daily, 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm EST (entirely virtual)
workforce.psi.edu/leadership/
July 2, 2025 at 7:17 PM
I attended an earlier version of this workshop a few years ago, and found it both engaging and informative. Highly recommend to any space scientist!
This week, John and I discuss a movie whose science was so bad, it literally changed the movie industry. Join us as we discuss why humans wouldn’t sink in lava and why it’s best to avoid popular landmarks during a natural disaster. @arcticsaxifrage.bsky.social popcornscience.ca/the-core/ind...
The Core
Movie producers were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should
popcornscience.ca
June 29, 2025 at 6:38 PM
This week, John and I discuss a movie whose science was so bad, it literally changed the movie industry. Join us as we discuss why humans wouldn’t sink in lava and why it’s best to avoid popular landmarks during a natural disaster. @arcticsaxifrage.bsky.social popcornscience.ca/the-core/ind...
Reposted by Dr. Catherine Neish
The president’s budget request would destroy $20 billion worth of operational NASA missions, including MAVEN, America’s best telecommunications satellite at Mars. Check our bio to see what you can do to help.
#PlanetaryScience 🧪🪐🔭
#PlanetaryScience 🧪🪐🔭
June 23, 2025 at 11:47 PM
The president’s budget request would destroy $20 billion worth of operational NASA missions, including MAVEN, America’s best telecommunications satellite at Mars. Check our bio to see what you can do to help.
#PlanetaryScience 🧪🪐🔭
#PlanetaryScience 🧪🪐🔭
A very nice article from KNAU about our recent trip to Meteor Crater with the Mini-RF team. Includes a shot of me pretending to be Antman on the rim of Meteor Crater. www.knau.org/knau-and-ari...
Arizona’s Meteor Crater is first stop on the way to the moon
Scientists are using the Barringer Meteor Crater near Winslow to test equipment that might one day fly to the Moon.
www.knau.org
June 18, 2025 at 5:42 PM
A very nice article from KNAU about our recent trip to Meteor Crater with the Mini-RF team. Includes a shot of me pretending to be Antman on the rim of Meteor Crater. www.knau.org/knau-and-ari...
In this week’s episode of Popcorn Science, Catherine and John live long and prosper as they discuss their love of Star Trek, and marvel at how both Spock and Jadzia Dax can calculate exponential growth in their heads. 🖖🏻 @arcticsaxifrage.bsky.social popcornscience.ca/tribbles/ind...
Tribbles
The gang tackles the least appreciated furry fandom
popcornscience.ca
June 14, 2025 at 10:53 PM
In this week’s episode of Popcorn Science, Catherine and John live long and prosper as they discuss their love of Star Trek, and marvel at how both Spock and Jadzia Dax can calculate exponential growth in their heads. 🖖🏻 @arcticsaxifrage.bsky.social popcornscience.ca/tribbles/ind...
In this episode of Popcorn Science, John and I hop into a 1957 Thunderbird to discuss the interplay between science and faith… and why radio astronomers never, ever wear earphones.
This week on Popcorn Science, @planetneish.bsky.social and I take a look at a beloved classic: Contact. How does this Carl Sagan-advised description of first contact with aliens hold up more than a quarter century later? If you're "ok to go," take a listen over at: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
Popcorn Science Podcast
Astronomy Podcast · Updated Biweekly · Popcorn Science is a podcast that takes a critical look at the science portrayed in our favourite movies and television shows.
podcasts.apple.com
June 1, 2025 at 8:56 PM
In this episode of Popcorn Science, John and I hop into a 1957 Thunderbird to discuss the interplay between science and faith… and why radio astronomers never, ever wear earphones.