Astronomical updates, and other quick notes

[alt_sinistra]

I’m still feeling rather inspired after last night - the chance to talk to my astronomical peers about a topic near and dear my heart does give a lift. Georg: thanks again for the opportunity, it was delightful, and I appreciate your attention in all the planning. Everyone else: I’ll do my best to make it in April, you’re all right it’d been entirely too long.

I’m particularly intrigued by some upcoming projects, especially one that promises substantial refinements in the astronomy involved in locational magic (such as used in the floo network) and another focusing on the mysteries of star creation. (For older students: several projects are offering summer internships and not all of them require NEWT level work in astronomy. Stop by for details.)

I also got several useful references for my own research, and I’m quite excited to dig into that, now we’ve gotten back into the rhythm of the school term. It seems that errors crept into previous detailed work on stars in Ursa Major. My end goal is deeper study on the origins of those stars, but clearly a corrected survey must happen first.

To my NEWT students and the YPL counsellors:
What a lovely thing just after lunch! Thank you for such a thoughtful present and I especially treasure the notes. (And thank you, for not just leaving it for me: so much more fun to see your faces.) 6th years, now I know why you all couldn’t stop grinning this morning!

Office hours this week
As I was out last night, I expect to be in my office between dinner and curfew tonight (and tomorrow, and Friday) for anyone with questions about your first assignments of the new term (or your exams, if your marks are still mysterious.) Next week, I’ll settle into the schedule we’ve discussed in class.

One last note:
Would the following please stop by my office during any of my office hours, sooner rather than later? You’re not in trouble, I promise. (Diggory and O’Flaherty, same matter I mentioned Sunday).
3rd years: Bradley, Clarriker, Inglebee, Lovegood, Sandoval, Stevens, Zimmerman
4th years: Brocklehurst, Bones, Bundy, Hopkins, Jones, Longbottom, Macmillan, Moon, Parkinson, Perks, Weasley
5th years: Begy, Bobolis, Cadwallader, Coote, Dunstan, Gamp, Jones, Robins, Sloper

Comments

[alt_ernie]

I don't see how we could be in trouble, Professor. Well, maybe Weasley. Only joking!

Private message to Dai

[alt_sinistra]

Nashira should find you sometime today with more, but thank you again for last night, and for making an honest attempt. I know it was hard, but I hope it helped ease a few of your worries to see me - us - in person. More pleasure than pain in the evening, anyway?

At least think about that offer from Cantus, would you? I think you’d like working with him, and he’d be fair. It’s got to be better than your current place. Or if not that, one of the others. You know I’ll gladly write you a rec (and properly document your quality of work), just tell me who to send it to.

I’m hoping for some proper time with the UM data this evening: we’ll see how that goes. And of course, looking forward to more time to collaborate soon.

Private message to Gilly Chadwick

[alt_sinistra]

Gilly -

You’re right I’ve been quite the hermit for a few years in professional circles. Amazing how fast we fell back into the old wonderful patterns given half a chance, though, and I'm fully reminded of all the reasons I love chatting with you.

About that experience you mentioned: look, I know two other people who’d like to talk about that kind of thing, and one of them’s suggested a chat over dinner sometime. Why don’t you join us? The friend you mentioned, too, since you vouch for her discretion. Tuesdays are the only night I can easily manage, though. Or would that be a problem with Juniper?

And if you’re serious about coming out and talking to my students, please. The new model really is lovely: I find more things to appreciate every night I have it out, and I should have time this week to really read through the journals about it properly at last. (And I'd love the notes you offered to share, of course, whatever isn't proprietary design work.)

The way classes are scheduled, there’s no one day that would work best, so we might as well make it an early evening, whenever works for you. Could be a weekend, too - just need to avoid other events. You’d be welcome to dinner, too, or I’d treat you in Hogsmeade if you prefer. If you give me a handful of possible dates, I’ll go from there, but you might be a nice distraction round about March.

Private message to Rory

[alt_rabastan]

Any word back from Dai? Eager to hear whether the axe falls there or not. Seemed rather an inscrutable type- difficult to read, even for me.

Well, you know it's not the first time I've had people be wary of me for my name and associations. But it's been a few years since my last encounter, though.

They all seemed to love you presentation, from what I saw. Bet you'll be getting a lot of complimentary owls in the next day or two. Which you utterly deserve, by the way.

Private message to Campanella Wright and Gilly Chadwick

[alt_sinistra]

Campanella, meet Gilly. Gilly, meet Campanella.

We’ve a table at the Archetype Cafe at half-six next Tuesday - my sister Tempest swears it’s the right place. Light meals, good desserts, designed for a fair bit of privacy in conversation.

I have one more person I’d like to invite: I don’t know her well, but she’s also had similar difficulties. So, Gilly, would you check with your friend, and invite her as well if she’s free?

Thanks, both of you. I appreciate, greatly, and look forward to some interesting conversation.

Private message to Delilah Mytens

[alt_sinistra]

Delilah,

Thanks for your note of a week ago, though I regret the need for it. I wondered from the December YPL event if you and I might have some experiences in common.

I’m getting together with some friends with related interests for dinner at half-six on Tuesday at the Archetype Cafe, and we’d love to have you join us for some conversation and mutual support.

(Thanks again for your time in December: our YPL students greatly appreciated it and still talk about it.)

A.

[alt_susan]

I've got to say I'm very curious about what you want all of us for, Professor!

I'll wait to ask until I come up to the Tower, though.