There are few things that make me feel my science age quite like the countdown to the Apophis close approach to Earth (2029). I was a 1st year graduate student when it was discovered and it was one of the first asteroids I observed on the IRTF. The close approach was significantly further away then.

We have entered one of the best times of year in Flagstaff. The trees are turning green again, the sky is clear, and it's overall very pleasant. Good thing I have more zoom today.

My very first Ph.D. student is defending their thesis tomorrow. I'm so excited and looking forward to it!