Welcome to Astronomer in Shanghai! Thank you for following my blog during my first year in Shanghai and for your interest in my future adventures in Shanghai! As covid-19 continues to plague the US, and you are (hopefully) wearing masks when you go outside and are social distancing, I hope that my blog highlights that the world can recover from covid-19 by following these practices. Once things improve, I hope you’ll look forward to small interactions with friends and family. I’m sure you’ll find that these interactions will be meaningful and enjoyable. In Shanghai, life has returned mostly to normal. Since outbreaks may still occur, it’s important that you wear masks and cooperate with social distancing guidelines so things improve.
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Life in Shanghai
I hope that this latest post continues to find you, your families, and your friends in good health. I know that over the last week, the number of cases of covid-19 in the US has continued to steadily rise, so I want to let you all know that I’m thinking of you and hoping that people will realize that they must take covid-19 seriously so things can improve. I hope that all of you are wearing masks, following social distancing guidelines, working from home (if possible), and generally continuing to be smart and safe.
As I noted, the covid-19 situation in the US has continued to get worse, which is very disheartening. However, if you need any further evidence that the US needs a change of leadership, this is it. The current administration continues to refuse to acknowledge their accountability in the spread of the virus, instead blaming China while further inciting the racist tropes that underscore every action this administration has taken. Moreover, they also claim that after election day covid-19 will mysteriously go away. Clearly, the President is living in his own fantasy land. So, I again implore all of you to vote. If you already have, Congratulations! If you haven’t yet, plan to vote early (if possible). Continue to encourage your friends, neighbors, and students to vote. It is paramount that we change the direction of the US and elect leaders that will fill the moral vacuum that currently exists within the White House, while simultaneously listening to scientists, addressing the systemic racism that exists within America, and working to make the country better for everyone.
In terms of covid-19, the situation remains under control in China. Because of the testing policies for people returning to China, all the cases have been imported (in Shanghai). Currently, there are 87 cases in Shanghai ( 3 in Beijing). The recovery rate is 91.7%, while the rate for China as a whole is 94.3%. Shanghai is slightly lower because many of the incoming international flights arrive in Shanghai. However, as you can see, the numbers have continued to remain consistently low over the past few months. So, there is a path forward towards recovery.
In terms of Astronomy, this was a productive week! However, I didn’t spend much time on my research projects. Instead, I spent much of my time working on my DESI (Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument) Secondary Target Proposal. This is the first time I’ve ever written an observing proposal, so it was a new and interesting experience. We’re hoping to get a volume-limited spectroscopically complete sample of galaxy cluster members out to a redshift of 0.30. Much of next week will be spent reading and reviewing the different proposals, since I’m also serving on the review committee! So, this will likely be dominating my research focus next week as well. However, I’m still making steady progress on the Luminosity Function Analysis and DES stellar mass-halo mass relation paper. 🙂
Other than work, much of my time this week was spent setting up my new apartment! As I mentioned last week, I moved to a new apartment located in Xuhui. Xuhui is further west than Xintiandi and is part of the Former French Concession. So far I’ve done a little bit of exploring and found some nice local markets, grocery stores, and foreign import stores! Plus the neighborhood is very quiet, so it’s nice working from home as well!
Below, you can see some photos from my new apartment!
As you can see, my apartment gets a lot of natural light, which I love!
Additionally, I also got to start exploring the area by running! Some of my old running routes went to Xuhui, so I’ve spent a bit of time modifying those routes to make sure that they’re long enough. In total, I did 3 runs this week! It’s still in the low 70s/upper 60s most days, so it’s really nice to go running!
During my runs, I saw some cute things I wanted to share with you! There are a few cats that live in my neighborhood, so I’ll try to share some more photos of them soon!
In addition to getting my apartment set up, I did make sure to take some time to do some fun things! On Tuesday, Kehilat Shanghai and Moishe House hosted another Trivia night! I got to write 2 of the categories of questions. I wrote “Plagues and Pandemics” and “Where does this come From,” which focused on the origins of things that are not always made clear or known. Overall, we had a great turnout and people really enjoyed all of the questions. 🙂 I got to play the other 3 rounds and was great at the connections category! My team came in second, so it was great fun!
On Thursday, Moishe House hosted another anti-racism discussion. This time our discussion focused on cultural appropriation. A lot of our discussion focused on the difference between appropriation and appreciation. Most of what we discussed was tone and intention. The primary difference we saw was whether you acknowledged where something was actually coming from and didn’t claim it as being your own. It was a very lively and interesting discussion. We touched on topics ranging from musicians such as Elivs Presley, Justin Beiber, and Gwen Stefani to fashion to the proliferation of baseball in Asia to anime and food. We also talked about what kinds of Halloween costumes are okay and which can come across as either offensive or racist. Moreover, we talked about how you should address people who do have racially insensitive costumes. Overall, it was another really valuable discussion. I’ve really appreciated being involved in organizing this series and it’s really helped me to become more aware of the different ways that racism persists and enters most aspects of our society.
Before I end this entry, I want to take some time to wish Happy Birthday to my Mom! It was her birthday on Wednesday. It’s hard for me to believe that I haven’t seen you in over a year, but I wanted to let you know how much I love you and appreciate all of your support here in Shanghai! Thank you for always being there to talk. I hope that I’ll get to come visit you soon! Thanks for being such a fantastic Mother!
Overall, this was a quieter week, which after the stress of moving to a new apartment was exactly what I needed. Next week, I’ll head back to the office a few times and get into my new routine (I’m close enough to walk to the bus now). Plus, I’m sure there will be a few fun things to share with you from next week as well (including Halloween)! For those of you with children, I hope that they’re still able to have some Halloween fun, even if it’s just dressing up in costume and going for a socially distanced walk around the neighborhood!
I hope that you enjoyed seeing photos of my new apartment and hearing about the trivia night and anti-racism discussion! If there’s anything you’re curious about, please let me know.
In peace,
Jesse
Hi Jesse,
I’m glad to hear you had a good week. COVID is certainly still a major concern here as the number of daily cases just shattered the previous mark. Common sense and mask wearing just don’t seem to be popular enough. I’m certainly glad to be in NY and not one of the states that is worse off, though. I’m glad to hear the move went well. I really like the look of your apartment! It’s very nice and spacious. I like the cat and statue photos you shared! And that’s great that you’ve been able to run! How warm is it there? Also, what time does it get dark? The TAC sounds interesting. Do you know what fraction of proposals will be accepted? Hopefully yours will! Are any of the proposals high-z cluster related? That’s obviously my area of interest. It sounds like both of your social events were fun. Congrats on second place in trivia! The discussion of cultural appropriation sounds vitally important. I’m glad you discussed Halloween, as I feel sometimes the lines of racism/cultural insensitivity can be blurred due to insensitive costumes. I hope you have another great week and continue to stay safe and healthy!
Love,
Emmet
Hi Emmet! Thanks! I’m sorry that people aren’t taking covid-19 seriously enough, but glad that you are back in NY for now. I’m glad you like my apartment! Hopefully, you’ll get to see it soon! It’s in the low-70s/upper 60s most days, with lows in the upper 50s. The sun sets really early though, usually by 5:15. I don’t know what fraction will be accepted, I think a lot will be though. There are a few high-z/protocluster proposals, that I’ll chat with you about (Zheng is on a few of them). I completely agree with you about Halloween. I hope that you have another productive, safe, and healthy week!
Thank you for another very interesting post, Jesse.
Are apartments in Shanghai usually fully or partially furnished or are tenants expected to provide all movable furniture and kitchen equipment? Does your apt. have its own laundry room?
Curious – and I may have misunderstood your point but are you both submitting an observational proposal and on a committee reviewing proposals for time and funding?
Covid cases here are not simply rising but the rise is getting steeper (85,000 new cases in one day) and then there is the head of the admin’s (Junta’s?) Covid response team – Pence – whose own staff (including his chief of staff ) are now infected. Ironic, isn’t it?
How do Americans (and others) celebrate Halloween? In the UK Halloween is these days (but perhaps not this year) is linked to November 5th Guy Fawkes’ night (commemorating Guy Fawkes who tried to blow up parliament, in 1605 – “Remember, remember the 5th of November: the gunpowder , treason and plot. I know of no reason why the gunpowder treason should ever be forgot” (I know, that poem or song does not scan well, but it’s a folk song) – and all the tricking and treating is aimed at collecting enough money to buy fireworks (in Britain, to this day, fireworks can be sold in supermarkets and anyone can light them and many (kids and adults) are injured but as that song goes,” when will we ever learn?”.
And now we are entering into a quiet period in the Jewish calendar. No festivals this month (Cheshvan) which it is sometimes given the sobriquet “mar” (mar-Cheshvan), or bitter Cheshvan (after the last month so filled with festivals) , but next month , Kislev has Channukah
Stay safe and stay well.
Thanks Bernard! Most apartments in Shanghai are completely furnished (especially those aiming for either a foreign on young professional crowd). My apartment has a washing machine (in the kitchen). Dryer’s are not common in China.
In terms of research, I did both submit a proposal and will be serving on the committee reviewing the proposals. However, almost everyone on the committee also submitted at least 1 proposal.
For Halloween, it’s mostly trick or treating, dressing up in costume to get candy. I didn’t realize that Halloween was so strongly associated with Guy Fawkes day (I’m familiar with it from V for Vendetta).
I hope that you continue to stay safe and healthy!
Hi, Jesse.
This was another wonderful post. While I had seen pictures of your apartment before, it is lovely to see it all set up with your knickknacks and pictures. The light is amazing, and the desk is in a wonderful place. And what a treat to see a cat in your new neighborhood that does resemble our Elsie. I am pleased to hear that you are continuing this very important anti-racism work and also finding time for trivia and running, too, as well as your Astrophysics research.
Thank you for the lovely birthday message, too. I appreciate that so much as well as your call on the morning of my birthday. The weather was exceptional on my birthday, and we picked apples. The orchard was virtually empty, too, but we wore our masks, of course. And Emmet’s birthday cake and card and your gifts of flowers and Parkside Sponge Candy were also so thoughtful.
I am eager to hear more about your celebration of Halloween in Shanghai–it is to be very different here with cases rises astronomically, I am afraid. I miss you so much but am glad you are living a better life there than you would be here where the pandemic rages. I love you! Mom
Hi Mom! Thanks! I’m glad you like my new apartment! I thought the cat looked a little like LC, too. Though bigger. I’m glad that you appreciated my birthday message. It sounded like you had a wonderful day, topped by Emmet’s amazing cake! I’ll definitely let you know what I do for Halloween. I’m sorry that covid-19 is adding so much stress for you. I hope that you continue to stay safe and healthy. You’re taking all the right precautions!
Beautiful apartment Jesse! Congratulations!
Thanks Peri! Hope you, Kevin, Eli, and Ronin are doing well!
Shavua Tov Jesse!
I enjoyed reading about your new apartment, your running, and the antiracism discussions you are involved with. I also read your previous post, about your apartment search and the B’nei Mitzvah at the historic synagogue. You are making a very rich life for yourself in Shanghai.
Coincidentally, when studying last week’s parsha, B’reishit, I came across a midrash that identifies the primordial light of Genesis 1:3 as a volume-limited spectroscopically complete sample of galaxy cluster members out to a redshift of 0.30.
We are, like everyone else, holding our breaths awaiting the outcome of next week’s election, hoping for the best. Rabbi Linda and I are well and enjoy seeing the rest of your family at Shabbat services each week.
Thanks so much for your posts and Happy Birthday Catherine!
Hi Rabbi Jonathan! It’s great to hear from you! I’m so glad to hear that you’ve been enjoying my blog! I’m glad that you enjoyed seeing last week’s entry about the Community B’nei Mitzvah as well!
Although Astronomy and Judaism don’t intersect in a way that leads to any personal conflict for me, I do like to think about how the Genesis creation story is actually a cosmology (an attempt to understand the universe). So, it’s nice thinking about how my own research understanding the origins of the universe intersects with Judaism. Though, I think the primordial light would more likely be the first galaxies at much higher redshifts than what I study. 🙂
I’m also anxiously awaiting next week’s election and hoping for a positive outcome. I’m glad that you and Rabbi Linda have enjoyed seeing the rest of my family each week at services. I hope that you both and the rest of your family continue to stay safe and healthy!
The new apartment looks great!! It’s hard to believe you’ve been there for a full year now… wow, time flies!
What where some of the things that made you choose to move? I’m also curious if you’re still working from home a lot – is that part of why you weren’t worried about the new apartment being further away?
I’m also glad to hear the weather is better and you’re able to go for more comfortable runs! It’s also gotten cooler here. It’s really nice to be able to run any time of day (and not have to run early in the morning like during the summer)!
Hi Juliette! Thanks! I know, 1 year has gone by so fast! In terms of moving, I decided I wanted a place that was a little more designed for living (and less of a large space). So, something with a dedicated kitchen area and living room. I also wanted an apartment that would allow me to host friends for dinner and not have to rearrange my entire apartment. In general, I’m working from home 2-3 times per week. The campus is far (~1 hour) from the city center. I didn’t want to live in the suburbs where there’s nothing to do, so I made the decision before arriving that I’d live downtown. My new apartment is actually a little closer than my old one. Instead of a 30 minute subway ride to the bus, it’s now a 25 minute walk, which is much more enjoyable! 🙂
I completely agree about enjoying running at all hours! The only problem here is that the sun sets really early (5:15) and is pitch black by 6:00. Hope you and Michael continue to stay safe and healthy!
Ugh the sun setting early is so annoying!! I haven’t had to run in the dark yet, but I guess those days are coming soon… Will you run in the dark, or do you have access to an indoor treadmill somewhere?
And yeah, the walk sounds a lot more pleasant!! How cold does it get in winter there? Is it always nice to walk?
I’ve run in the dark a few times, but I’m going to try running more in the morning, but there’s so much city lights that it’s not too dark when I run. In terms of temperature, in the winter, it’s mostly in the 40s or warmer, so that will make the walk very nice even in the winter!
Wow such great opportunity to be writing an observing DESI secondary proposal. Trying to get complete sample of galaxy cluster out to .30 is beyond my field, but I thought Rabbi Jonathan midrash that ID the primordial light of Genesis 1:3 out to redshift .03 Was DEEP. I love your new apt. in Xuhui too.
Wow what an amazing opportunity to be writing an observing DESI secondary proposal! I couldn’t help to but notice that you’ll are trying to get a complete sample of galaxy cluster out to .03 & Rabbi Jonathan con incidentally via midrash ID the primordial light of Genesis 1:3 out to redshift .03 I’d Really DEEP. I’m always learning something about astrophysics through these posts. I love the apt. in Xuhui too. Happy Belated birthday Catherine, I just rejoined the YMCA. Dora Lee
Hi Dora! Wonderful to hear from you again! I’m glad that you’re still enjoying my blog! I’m glad you liked my apartment as well! To make my proposal more understandable, think of it as getting a spectrum (which tells us about the makeup of a galaxy and how far away it is) for every galaxy in every cluster within the area observed by DESI. So, basically, it’s allowing us to create a 3D representation of where all the galaxies in clusters are! I hope that you and your family continue to stay safe and healthy!