6 Bots That Deliver Science and Serendipity on Twitter

In the vast and often chaotic world of Twitter (now X), some hidden gems bring daily doses of science, wonder, and serendipity to your timeline. These are not your typical bots spewing spam or mundane updates—they are carefully crafted automated accounts that share fascinating scientific facts, stunning visuals, and quirky insights that spark curiosity. Whether you’re a science enthusiast or just looking to add a little magic to your social feed, these six Twitter bots deliver exactly that.

1. @year_progress – A Gentle Reminder of Time

Not strictly scientific, but deeply thought-provoking, this bot tweets the progress of the year in percentage form—simple, yet profound. It quietly reminds us of the passage of time, often sparking introspection about productivity, seasons, and the fleeting nature of life. It’s the kind of bot that sneaks up on you with existential clarity.

Example Tweet: “▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ 55%”

2. @tinycarebot – Self-Care in Scientific Doses

Created by @notwaldorf, Tiny Care Bot isn’t a science bot in the traditional sense, but it blends behavioral psychology and mindfulness with friendly nudges. Every few hours, it reminds followers to hydrate, rest, look outside, or stretch. It’s a practical application of wellness research in bot form.

Science meets self-care. And sometimes, that’s exactly what a scientist (or scroller) needs.

3. @earthquakeBot – Real-Time Seismic Alerts

For those fascinated by geology and the dynamics of our planet, @earthquakeBot offers real-time updates on seismic activity around the world. It draws data from the USGS and tweets details like location, magnitude, and time of earthquakes—delivering scientific alerts faster than some news outlets.

Why it’s useful: It’s a live feed of Earth’s restless movements, showing us that the planet is constantly reshaping itself.

4. @APOD_bot – The Cosmos Delivered Daily

This bot republishes NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) with a brief description and a jaw-dropping image. From nebulae to distant galaxies, planetary close-ups to spacecraft imagery, this bot fuels a love for astronomy and makes your Twitter timeline a window to the universe.

It’s a daily reminder of how small—and how wondrous—our place in the cosmos really is.

5. @RobotAstronomy – Robotic Science on Mars

This unofficial bot posts updates from NASA’s Mars rovers like Curiosity and Perseverance, including photos and mission data. It gives followers a chance to see what these robots see as they explore another planet. It’s automation bringing automation to life, one dusty Martian rock at a time.

Perfect for: Space geeks, educators, or anyone who wants to follow robotic explorers in real time.

6. @met_drawings – Art Meets Algorithm

While not strictly science, this bot by the Metropolitan Museum of Art tweets random public-domain artworks, including many scientific illustrations from the 17th to 19th centuries—botany, anatomy, astronomy, and more. It’s serendipity at its finest, where science and art intersect.

Bonus: It’s a reminder that before cameras and computers, science was drawn by hand—and those drawings were breathtaking.

Why These Bots Matter

In an age of algorithmic overload and digital noise, these bots offer a rare blend of reliability, beauty, and education. They demonstrate the potential of automation not just for productivity, but for delight and discovery. Each tweet might lead to a new rabbit hole of knowledge, a moment of awe, or a gentle reminder to care—for ourselves, and for the world around us.

So next time your timeline feels overwhelming, follow these bots for a stream of science and serendipity—no strings attached.

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