Happy Halloween Cat Crow

Hello World!
I hope you are having a spooktakular evening that is frighteningly fantastic! My Halloween post provision this year looks at cat crow, or crow cat, whichever way your vision falls

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/this-photo-of-a-crow-—-or-is-it-a-cat-—-is-going-viral-on-twitter-and-people-are-seriously-confused/ar-BBP4Bw2?li=BBnbcA0

I like this picture because it is a real life illustration of vision science (my first field of study). Vision science is the physics physiology and psychology of how we perceive the world. There is no denying that our perceptions form reality and yet, they are barely real (vision is an interpretation, a reassembly   of stimuli into a new whole for the brain to act on or ignore as efficiently as possible). The same image sparks different initial impressions, and is subject to manipulation within and between individuals. A dark alley is much darker and a random shadow so much more frightening on Halloween when you are primed to see those things (as often one is with imagination and suggestions). Vision is pretty neat! Nothing scary there. Here is a more in depth article to enjoy, tricking the brain and treating the senses!
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bring-science-home-afterimage-ghost-illusion/
Happy Halloween!
:)

What it means

hello World!
Today I bring to you this article about what it means to be an astronaut
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-nasa-astronaut-in-the-celebrity-space-age-of-elon-musk-and-richard-branson/ar-AAyGRNm?li=BBnb7Kz
It is an interesting reflection of how times have changed, from the days of leaping into the unknown and gaining celebrity status to the new norms where being an astronaut may hold less status in the public celebrity sphere. While it may seem counterintuitive it shows what the new normals are to a degree. It is exciting that the youth of today have grown up with people living in space their entire lives! I remember meeting my first astronaut and being a bit star struck, as my career progressed I met and worked with many space farers. What we have in common is so much than any difference. They tell me is is their job, like anyone else. I hope the rock stars of tomorrow normalize space and our role in it even more, where no one is excluded from the belief that to be a cosmonaut is achievable, worthy, and worth celebrating.
I think either time frame you look at, astronauts are out of this world!
:)

Mars opportunities

Hello World!
I found this interesting article about Mars and thought, who will be the first to solve these challenges?
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/nasa-study-shows-travelling-to-mars-could-ruin-your-gut-and-cause-cancer/ar-BBNP3S6?li=BBnbcA1
Maybe it will be you!
:)

Amazing women in STEM

Hello World!
I just had to share this great article featuring amazing women in STEM! Tell me, who is your favorite and why?
Maybe we will be on this list someday :)

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/did-you-know/amazing-female-scientists-to-inspire-your-daughters/ss-BBNzDPc?li=BBnb7Kz

Congrats Donna Strickland!

Hello World!
I just want to say congratulations to Nobel Prize winning physicist Donna Strickland! How cool is her achievement?! You can learn more here https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/nobel-prize-in-physics-shared-by-first-woman-in-55-years/ar-BBNPuN8?li=BBnb7Kz
:)