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Misty Bentz

@astronomisty.bsky.social

Astronomer and Professor at Georgia State University. She/Her. Big fan of black holes, cats, and cross-stitch. Seestar smart telescope enthusiast. Novice gardener with a penchant for native plants.

6,213 Followers  |  471 Following  |  2,174 Posts  |  Joined: 28.10.2023
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Posts by Misty Bentz (@astronomisty.bsky.social)

where exactly? I don’t see a link to do so

05.03.2026 16:48 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
A handsome Philadelphua tuxedo cat with a black mask, back, and arms, a very cute pink nose, white chin and chest, and soulful, sad eyes. Ziggy, ACCT-A-238428.

A handsome Philadelphua tuxedo cat with a black mask, back, and arms, a very cute pink nose, white chin and chest, and soulful, sad eyes. Ziggy, ACCT-A-238428.

Ziggy**$4,645 in pledges for the rescue that pulls**
Stormii**$1,090 in pledges for the rescue that pulls**
ACCT Philly, Philadelphia
Timestamped for Euthanasia
😿Ziggy ACCT-A-238428 must have confirmed placement with an ADOPTER or RESCUE PARTNER by THURSDAY MARCH 5th 10AM.
😿Stormii ACCT-A-241159 must have confirmed placement with a committed ADOPTER or RESCUE PARTNER by FRIDAY MARCH 6th 10AM.
πŸ†•πŸ˜ΏBlanca ACCT-A-126388 must have confirmed placement with a RESCUE PARTNER by SATURDAY MARCH 7th 10AM.

πŸŸ₯PLEDGE FORM (To pledge/donate for rescue please fill out this form): https://forms.gle/QCBt13kiimk3din78 

πŸŸ₯FOSTER: If you can foster for a rescue or adopt email lifesaving@acctphilly.org immediately.

πŸŸ₯VIDEO: 😿Meet Ziggy https://youtube.com/shorts/RcVqh4jDr8c
😿Meet Stormii https://youtube.com/shorts/cHmo46GnL-U?feature=share
https://youtube.com/shorts/7Op6HaI0l6s
😿Meet Blanca https://youtube.com/shorts/O-GDTFnQ9og?feature=share

😿Ziggy is a 2 year old gentle guy who was surrendered to ACCT when his owner noticed he was urinating painful bladder stones. He's a bit of a nervous guy, but his owner said that once Ziggy trusts, you, he's very sweet and affectionate. In addition to an indefinite urinary diet, Ziggy will also need surgery to remove the bladder stones he already has, and is at an increased risk of those stones causing a urinary blockage.

Ziggy**$4,645 in pledges for the rescue that pulls** Stormii**$1,090 in pledges for the rescue that pulls** ACCT Philly, Philadelphia Timestamped for Euthanasia 😿Ziggy ACCT-A-238428 must have confirmed placement with an ADOPTER or RESCUE PARTNER by THURSDAY MARCH 5th 10AM. 😿Stormii ACCT-A-241159 must have confirmed placement with a committed ADOPTER or RESCUE PARTNER by FRIDAY MARCH 6th 10AM. πŸ†•πŸ˜ΏBlanca ACCT-A-126388 must have confirmed placement with a RESCUE PARTNER by SATURDAY MARCH 7th 10AM. πŸŸ₯PLEDGE FORM (To pledge/donate for rescue please fill out this form): https://forms.gle/QCBt13kiimk3din78 πŸŸ₯FOSTER: If you can foster for a rescue or adopt email lifesaving@acctphilly.org immediately. πŸŸ₯VIDEO: 😿Meet Ziggy https://youtube.com/shorts/RcVqh4jDr8c 😿Meet Stormii https://youtube.com/shorts/cHmo46GnL-U?feature=share https://youtube.com/shorts/7Op6HaI0l6s 😿Meet Blanca https://youtube.com/shorts/O-GDTFnQ9og?feature=share 😿Ziggy is a 2 year old gentle guy who was surrendered to ACCT when his owner noticed he was urinating painful bladder stones. He's a bit of a nervous guy, but his owner said that once Ziggy trusts, you, he's very sweet and affectionate. In addition to an indefinite urinary diet, Ziggy will also need surgery to remove the bladder stones he already has, and is at an increased risk of those stones causing a urinary blockage.

Medical
3/1 Veterinary Exam
Surrendered due to hematuria and urinating stones, per owner, for the past week.
Mentation: BAR
Body Condition Score (BCS): 8/9
Muscle Condition Score (MCS): 3/3
Hydration: Euhydrated
EENT: No ocular/nasal/aural discharge. Normal cervical palpation.
Oral: Mild dental calculus, no apparent oral masses or foreign bodies
Cardiovascular: No murmur or arrhythmia, MM pink and moist, CRT less than 2 sec
Respiratory: Clear lung fields bilaterally, no crackles or wheezes
Musculoskeletal: Ambulatory x4, no lameness. Brief orthopedic exam performed.
Neurologic: Normal mentation. Cranial nerves WNL. No ataxia. Brief neurological exam performed.
Integument: Healthy hair coat and skin, no ectoparasites seen
Peripheral Lymph Nodes: No peripheral lymphadenopathy
Abdomen: Soft, comfortable, no masses or organomegaly palpated
Urogenital: Normal external genitalia, no discharge or inflammation
Rectal Exam: Not performed
- Cystoliths
- Hematuria
Dx:
- Radiographs: cystoliths
* Radiographs available upon request
Behavior
In his kennel, Ziggy is nervous, and wary of strangers offering unfamiliar pets. But he is doing a very good job of being brave, and after a few gentle words, allowed petting and chin scratches. 
Ziggy's owner said that he was a "very smart" cat, and described him as "lovable and friendly." Ziggy comes from a home with other adult cats, but is a little more cautious of children. We think that Ziggy would do best in a quiet environment, at least for him to decompress. And once he is able to get his surgery, we know that Ziggy will be able to show us his true colors.

Medical 3/1 Veterinary Exam Surrendered due to hematuria and urinating stones, per owner, for the past week. Mentation: BAR Body Condition Score (BCS): 8/9 Muscle Condition Score (MCS): 3/3 Hydration: Euhydrated EENT: No ocular/nasal/aural discharge. Normal cervical palpation. Oral: Mild dental calculus, no apparent oral masses or foreign bodies Cardiovascular: No murmur or arrhythmia, MM pink and moist, CRT less than 2 sec Respiratory: Clear lung fields bilaterally, no crackles or wheezes Musculoskeletal: Ambulatory x4, no lameness. Brief orthopedic exam performed. Neurologic: Normal mentation. Cranial nerves WNL. No ataxia. Brief neurological exam performed. Integument: Healthy hair coat and skin, no ectoparasites seen Peripheral Lymph Nodes: No peripheral lymphadenopathy Abdomen: Soft, comfortable, no masses or organomegaly palpated Urogenital: Normal external genitalia, no discharge or inflammation Rectal Exam: Not performed - Cystoliths - Hematuria Dx: - Radiographs: cystoliths * Radiographs available upon request Behavior In his kennel, Ziggy is nervous, and wary of strangers offering unfamiliar pets. But he is doing a very good job of being brave, and after a few gentle words, allowed petting and chin scratches. Ziggy's owner said that he was a "very smart" cat, and described him as "lovable and friendly." Ziggy comes from a home with other adult cats, but is a little more cautious of children. We think that Ziggy would do best in a quiet environment, at least for him to decompress. And once he is able to get his surgery, we know that Ziggy will be able to show us his true colors.

PEOPLE!!! YOU'RE AMAZING!!! Donations for Ziggy are now at $4,654 for the rescue org that pulls him, BUT NO ONE HAS PULLED HIM YET, and he has to be taken *by 10am tomorrow morning*β˜ οΈπŸ’€!!! On behalf of tuxedo cat Italy, IF YOU'RE IN PHILLY & KNOW CAT RESCUE ORGS PLEASE TELL THEM TO GET THIS CAT!!!

05.03.2026 01:10 β€” πŸ‘ 34    πŸ” 20    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 6

Just had my 15 year anniversary

05.03.2026 03:04 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

I was offered a faculty position while my husband was leading convoys across the desert in Afghanistan. I had to decide if I would take the job and move us across the country without talking to him because I couldn’t just pick up a phone and call him…

05.03.2026 02:39 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

Frances Perkins majored in physics at Mt Holyoke College. After graduation, she taught science at a girl’s school before fully shifting her focus to worker’s rights. πŸ§ͺ #WomenInPhysics

05.03.2026 02:29 β€” πŸ‘ 49    πŸ” 11    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1

Grandpa 1 was a welder at an aluminum plant.
Grandpa 2 was a logger until he had a truck roll over him in an accident and broke his back and couldn’t work. Grandma learned to decorate wedding cakes and started her own bakery to help make ends meet.

04.03.2026 23:54 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

What fun visitors you have in your yard! Do your cameras have night vision as well as daytime?

04.03.2026 19:02 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 3    πŸ“Œ 0

Thanks! I’ll take a look!

04.03.2026 18:59 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
The moon going from full moon to a red moon and starting to go back to a normal full moon, then my camera battery door fell off.

The moon going from full moon to a red moon and starting to go back to a normal full moon, then my camera battery door fell off.

Here's my first edit on the March 3rd Lunar Eclipse. 15 moon shots, 1 foreground. Taken over a 3 hourish period.

04.03.2026 04:22 β€” πŸ‘ 8747    πŸ” 1852    πŸ’¬ 144    πŸ“Œ 71
A red fox passing through our backyard as seen by our bird feeder camera

A red fox passing through our backyard as seen by our bird feeder camera

I’ve been considering getting a trail cam for our yard to see who all visits at night, but I am not really sure where to start (products, placement, etc). Does anyone have tips or suggestions based on experience (good or bad) that they would like to share?
Daytime fox visit for funsies

04.03.2026 15:39 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0

read this if you’re an educator. it’s well worth it.

04.03.2026 03:15 β€” πŸ‘ 21    πŸ” 10    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
a man wearing a suit and tie says pick one Alt: a man wearing a suit and tie says pick one

I don’t really care which, just pick one!

03.03.2026 00:33 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Red, a dark gray cat, is sitting on a partially completed puzzle

Red, a dark gray cat, is sitting on a partially completed puzzle

Gigi, a small gray striped cat, has stuck her nose right in the camera

Gigi, a small gray striped cat, has stuck her nose right in the camera

Helpful cats

03.03.2026 00:32 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

I called my GA senator today to ask them to support SB 240. It seems like a little thing, but little things still matter (and can lead to bigger things).

02.03.2026 19:11 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Sending good thoughts to both of you today

02.03.2026 17:23 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
A yellow daffodil is backlit by the Sun and a blue sky

A yellow daffodil is backlit by the Sun and a blue sky

A small purple crocus has emerged from the leaves and pine needles

A small purple crocus has emerged from the leaves and pine needles

Spring is springing 🌱

28.02.2026 20:21 β€” πŸ‘ 37    πŸ” 5    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
Gigi, a small striped gray cat, is perched on a beige carpet-covered kitty city and alertly looking out. Her dark little tail is wrapped around front paw

Gigi, a small striped gray cat, is perched on a beige carpet-covered kitty city and alertly looking out. Her dark little tail is wrapped around front paw

Red, a dark gray cat, is sitting on a light pink blanket on a kitty hammock with her front paws on the edge.

Red, a dark gray cat, is sitting on a light pink blanket on a kitty hammock with her front paws on the edge.

Caturday with Gigi and Red

28.02.2026 17:30 β€” πŸ‘ 29    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

For the evening crowd πŸ”­

28.02.2026 02:44 β€” πŸ‘ 11    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
The future of astronomy is both on Earth and in space The future of astronomy is both on Earth and in space

The leadership of the American Astronomical Society explains why "move all the telescopes to space" is neither possible nor desirable: spacenews.com/the-future-o...

I would only add that there are individual telescopes that mass more than everything ever launched into space put together.

27.02.2026 21:09 β€” πŸ‘ 19    πŸ” 8    πŸ’¬ 3    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Satellite proposals threaten the night sky In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the agency responsible for authorizing satellite launches and operations…

Right OK so what can you do? Great news, especially if you're in the US (insert feelings here), both @darkskyintl.bsky.social and @aas.org have handy guides for how to write an FCC comment.
This is sort of astronomers' equivalent of "call your elected officials" kind of call to action, for context.

27.02.2026 21:09 β€” πŸ‘ 32    πŸ” 31    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 3

I know! It seemed like The. Most. Obvious. HST proposal when I noticed it myself! Glad we were able to get the observations in before HST transitioned to one-gyro mode

27.02.2026 19:28 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Georgia law students push back against ICE recruiting at career fair Students at Georgia’s five major law schools are elevating last year’s protest of ICE at Public Sector Career Fair.

Hundreds of students and dozens of organizations across Georgia’s five major law schools demand ICE be uninvited to the schools’ Public Sector Career Fair Friday.

27.02.2026 18:24 β€” πŸ‘ 59    πŸ” 21    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
Cepheid-based Distances to NGC 4303 and NGC 1068 We present Cepheid-based distances to two canonical AGN: NGC 4303 (M 61) and NGC 1068. Data were obtained using the Hubble Space Telescope with nonredundant time spacing over 12 visits for each target...

We then determined the galaxy distances using Leavitt's Law. The distance to NGC 4303 is similar to previous estimates, but the distance to NGC 1068 is quite different than usually assumed. That's important for lots of studies! Special thanks to @geckzilla.bsky.social for the galaxy glamour shots πŸ”­πŸ§ͺ

27.02.2026 16:30 β€” πŸ‘ 9    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 1
Composite image of NGC 1068 based on Hubble Space Telescope images from our project, created by Judy Schmidt. The heart of a spiral galaxy is centered in the frame with brown winding dust lanes sprinkled with blue regions of recent star formation. Some small red galaxies are visible in the background.

Composite image of NGC 1068 based on Hubble Space Telescope images from our project, created by Judy Schmidt. The heart of a spiral galaxy is centered in the frame with brown winding dust lanes sprinkled with blue regions of recent star formation. Some small red galaxies are visible in the background.

Composite image of NGC 4303 based on Hubble Space Telescope images from our project, created by Judy Schmidt. A spiral galaxy is centered in the frame with bright blue spiral arms highlighting regions of recent star formation while brown winding dust lanes meander throughout.

Composite image of NGC 4303 based on Hubble Space Telescope images from our project, created by Judy Schmidt. A spiral galaxy is centered in the frame with bright blue spiral arms highlighting regions of recent star formation while brown winding dust lanes meander throughout.

New paper day! In an effort led by PhD student Madison Markham, we determined the first accurate and precise distances to two famous AGN host galaxies: NGC 1068 and NGC 4303. Using the Hubble Space Telescope, we identified Cepheid pulsating stars and measured their pulsation periods and mags πŸ”­πŸ§ͺ(1/2)

27.02.2026 16:30 β€” πŸ‘ 50    πŸ” 13    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 1

Yep

26.02.2026 04:38 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
a grumpy cat is being held by a person and the cat is looking at the camera . Alt: a grumpy cat is being held by a person and the cat is looking at the camera saying β€œgood”
26.02.2026 03:36 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

I emailed this morning!

26.02.2026 02:56 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Red, a dark gray cat, is lounging on a soft blue blanket with her front paws folded. She is backlit by the soft glow of a lamp.

Red, a dark gray cat, is lounging on a soft blue blanket with her front paws folded. She is backlit by the soft glow of a lamp.

Gigi, a small gray striped cat, is sleeping on a soft blue blanket. Her eyes are closed and one front paw is stretched out in front.

Gigi, a small gray striped cat, is sleeping on a soft blue blanket. Her eyes are closed and one front paw is stretched out in front.

Gigi and Red have been extra snuggly during the recent cold snap. It’s so nice to have them visiting with us.

25.02.2026 22:32 β€” πŸ‘ 13    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Please, please, click on the link, it lets you send a letter to your Senators directly. And send the link to friends, colleagues and family now. Means' hearing is this morning. Circulate, spread the word.

25.02.2026 13:47 β€” πŸ‘ 68    πŸ” 46    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 2

Why are they attending at all?!

24.02.2026 21:48 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0