In this episode, as we (at the time of recording) approach Astronomy’s (JWST) awards season, Cormac and Cole shed some light on just how ideas become astronomical datasets. Our two putative principal investigators discuss why grad students should consider applying for telescope time, the main components and categories of proposals, and how successful proposals are finally selected and scheduled. We conclude with our most memorable moments from our own efforts to get time on facilities like JWST, Roman and Gemini.
Tag: JWST
Episode 110: Bayesian Biosignatures
Apply to join us as a co-host! https://astrosoundbites.com/recruiting-2025 This week, Shashank, Cole and Cormac discuss a concept that has come up on many an ASB episode past: Bayesian statistics. They start by trying to wrap our heads around what a probability really means. Cole introduces us to a recent and attention-grabbing paper on a potential biosignature in the atmosphere of an exoplanet, with lots of statistics along the way. Then, Cormac brings up some counterpoints to this detection. They debate what it would take—statistically and scientifically—for a detection of biosignatures to cross the line from intriguing to compelling.
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