One of the reasons I started blogging here at Anthonares.net was what I perceived as a lack of high profile science bloggers this time last year. Since then, the world of science blogging has changed dramatically, and I’m excited to be even a very small part of it. Something I’m not part of and enjoy almost as much as my blogs are a small collection of great science podcasts, as well (I link to those below).
The quality of science (and space) blogs out there is simply astounding. For the most part, the folks writing are either professional scientists and students, but there are also a few really good science enthusiast blogs as well. Each day, I look forward to reading a number of great blogs, and I just thought I would take a few moments to send them all my thanks for doing such fantastic work:
The Bad Astronomy Blog- Phil Plait. The Bad Astronomer (whose job is science communication, btw) writes with clarity and enthusiasm that never fails to get me excited about whatever he’s talking about. Also, his recent coverage of the George Deutsch controversy has been thorough and, amazingly, quite fair.
Real Climate- Group Blog. This is a blog run by a loose collection of climate scientists that is more than just a place for commentary and explanation, it’s a place for true science discussion. Climate science is important and exciting, and these folks make it accessible to anyone who can read.
Cosmic Variance- Group Blog. Another blog run by professional scientists, this time it’s astrophysicists. I’ve only recently come across this one, but already I’ve been impressed by the quality of the writing and their timeliness.
Centauri Dreams- Paul Gilster. Like me, Mr. Gilster focuses on sharing published research with a broader audience. But also, he maintains an absolutely unwavering focus on interstellar space travel which, I think, makes him not just a journalist but something of a visionary as well. We need more visionary blogs that are as firmly grounded in reality as this one.
The Intersection- Chris Mooney. Mr. Mooney is the author of “The Republican War on Science,” and as such brings a great deal of insight to the issues he covers: the intersection of science and politics. He is part of the Science Blogs network, and since making that switch he’s increased his output and his following. The comments themselves are worth reading this blog many times.
Pharyngula- PZ Myers. This blog is a really interesting mix of cephalopod worship (as I can only assume is Mr. Myers’ professional obsession), combined with political, religious, and cultural commentary. He also is partly responsible for the wonderful Tangled Bank blog carnival that brings together a wonderful variety of science blog entries every few weeks.
ScienceBlogs.com- Aggregate Blog. Other than the two bloggers mentioned above, there are almost a dozen other bloggers that collectively produce a gem or two each day. I’d highly recommend subscribing to their aggregate RSS, as long as you’re willing to sort through 35 articles to find two or three you want to read.
Miscellaneous Space Blogs- Many Authors. I also keep an eye on a number of space blogs and bloggers, and greatly enjoy their posts, which sometimes don’t post as often as I’d like. Here are just a few of the ones I watch: FlyingSinger (general space and Orbiter- a space simulation engine), Orbital Maneuvers (general space appreciation), Out of the Cradle (space news, general space), and Selenian Boondocks (lunar exploration and Alt.space). There’s an enormous list of space blogs (of which I am part) that is maintained by Robot Guy that someday I will make it through.
I would greatly appreciate comments on favorite Science and Space blogs, especially those that create original content. I’m constantly amazed by the quality of the original media that comes out of blogs, I like to think of it as the democratization of science writing.
Before I go, I would be remiss not to make note of some fantastic science podcasts as well. I have to admit, I don’t listen to any space podcasts, as such, so if there are any good ones, please comment!
Science Friday- Ira Flatow. In addition to being a podcast, this show is broadcast each Friday afternoon in place of Talk of the Nation on many NPR stations. It is the premier radio and podcast source for science news and discussion, and Ira Flatow pulls in top-notch guests every week. If you listen to only one podcast, this should be it!
This Week in Science- Kirsten Sanford and Justin Jackson. Great student-run science show broadcast through KDVS, the UC Davis campus radio station. It’s broadcast live on Tuesdays at 8:30-9:30 PST, but it’s also a great podcast. This is science at its lighthearted best. The co-hosts maintain a lively repartee, and what guy can’t help but like the sound of a female voice talking enthusiastically about what have been traditionally nerdy science-guy topics?
Slacker Astronomy- Pamela Gay and Travis Searle. This show is exclusively a podcast, and despite very low budget, the content each week is top-notch. The co-hosts don’t shy away from corniness, so aside from the occasional groan, I have to recommend this to anyone interested in astronomy.
Star Date- The McDonald Observatory. A daily, 2-3 minute long radio broadcast (that’s also a podcast) on what’s up in the night sky tonight. Though I don’t listen every day, sometimes I’ll put on a week’s worth of back episodes just to listen to a very slickly-produced show about amateur astronomy.
Thanks for this, I found a new science blog or two to enjoy! (Also thanks for the mention, and the possible, perceived, public shaming for not posting in nine days… bloggers have lives too, y’know.
Thanks for the blog references, a couple of them new to me. It’s hard to keep up with all that’s worth reading, but that’s a good thing I guess. Thanks for the mention as well. I guess I may look at a few more space blogs than you do, but none of them really favorites or really prolific posters. There is that whole life thing…
Take care,
Bruce