xkcd - xkcd@twinkle.lol

Cosmic Distance Calibration

2025-03-21 06:00:00

xkcd

xkcd@twinkle.lol

Cosmic Distance Calibration

This is the biggest breakthrough since astronomers noticed that the little crosshairs around red giant stars starting to burn helium are all the same size.

This is the biggest breakthrough since astronomers noticed that the little crosshairs around red giant stars starting to burn helium are all the same size.

Square Units

2025-03-19 06:00:00

xkcd

xkcd@twinkle.lol

Square Units

The biggest I've seen in a published source in the wild is an 80-fold error in a reported distance, which I think came from a series of at least three unit conversions and area/length misinterpretations.

The biggest I've seen in a published source in the wild is an 80-fold error in a reported distance, which I think came from a series of at least three unit conversions and area/length misinterpretations.

Lungfish

2025-03-17 06:00:00

xkcd

xkcd@twinkle.lol

Lungfish

I know having so many base pairs makes rebasing complicated, but you're in Bilateria, so shouldn't you at LEAST be better at using git head?

Planet Definitions

2025-03-14 06:00:00

xkcd

xkcd@twinkle.lol

Planet Definitions

Under the 'has cleared its orbital neighborhood' and 'fuses hydrogen into helium' definitions, thanks to human activities Earth technically no longer qualifies as a planet but DOES count as a star.

Under the 'has cleared its orbital neighborhood' and 'fuses hydrogen into helium' definitions, thanks to human activities Earth technically no longer qualifies as a planet but DOES count as a star.

Off By One

2025-03-12 06:00:00

xkcd

xkcd@twinkle.lol

Off By One

It does come at the small cost of a LOT more off-by-40-or-50 errors.

Water Balloons

2025-03-10 06:00:00

xkcd

xkcd@twinkle.lol

Water Balloons

Update: The physics department has recruited an astronomer who studies meteor fireballs.

Omniroll

2025-03-07 07:00:00

xkcd

xkcd@twinkle.lol

Omniroll

It seems wrong that Fruit by the Foot is only sold by weight or by number of rolls.

Water Damage

2025-03-05 07:00:00

xkcd

xkcd@twinkle.lol

Water Damage

Your homeowner's insurance might cover it, but be sure to check the subductible.

Tall Structures

2025-03-03 07:00:00

xkcd

xkcd@twinkle.lol

Tall Structures

Briefly set a new record for tallest human-made structure by getting my knit sweater snagged on the skydiving plane door as I jumped and not noticing until I'd landed.

Briefly set a new record for tallest human-made structure by getting my knit sweater snagged on the skydiving plane door as I jumped and not noticing until I'd landed.

Excusing Yourself

2025-02-28 07:00:00

xkcd

xkcd@twinkle.lol

Excusing Yourself

The most awkward part is when you have to pause to put on your shoes before you continue rolling out the door.