Telescope economics Published on June 29, 2021June 29, 2021 by fivecolorssandt@icloud.com Precision low-tech We consider whether to build or buy. Read More
The languages of science Published on June 1, 2021June 1, 2021 by fivecolorssandt@icloud.com Standardization and diversity Does it matter what words go with the mathematics? Read More
Not quite constant Published on April 13, 2021April 12, 2021 by fivecolorssandt@icloud.com Dealing with precession We note some of the difficulties in writing historical fiction (among other things). Read More
Twelve quarters Published on March 30, 2021March 28, 2021 by fivecolorssandt@icloud.com Where the wind blows A poetic phrase has an unexpected scientific source. Read More
Colors of the stars Published on March 23, 2021March 22, 2021 by fivecolorssandt@icloud.com Poetic and precise How do you describe a color? Read More
The long hours Published on March 16, 2021March 15, 2021 by fivecolorssandt@icloud.com Time of the season Some hours used to be longer than others. Really. Read More
Alphabetical order Published on March 2, 2021March 1, 2021 by fivecolorssandt@icloud.com An historical mistake We highlight an instance in which not knowing one’s history led to mistakes in astrophysics. Read More
The last hurrah of the silver plate Published on February 23, 2021February 22, 2021 by fivecolorssandt@icloud.com Hunting oxymorons We recall an example of cutting-edge research using obsolete means. Read More
Make a map Published on February 9, 2021February 7, 2021 by fivecolorssandt@icloud.com Charts, surveys and catalogs We notice the importance of what and where. Read More
The prepared mind Published on February 2, 2021February 1, 2021 by fivecolorssandt@icloud.com Learning from an observation What we see depends on what we’re looking for. Read More