#basecoattopcoat

There’s probably nothing I can say about Kelly Ornstein (aka @basecoat-topcoat) that I haven’t already said, but it bears repeating - SHE CAN MAKE THE MAGIC HAPPEN. 

I spent all of last Friday afternoon with her getting my space nails in prep for AAS233 this week. My latest theme: the Drake Equation. 

For anyone not familiar with the Drake Equation, it is a formula for calculating the number of technologically advanced civilizations in the Milky Way. It relies on estimates of seven variables, some of which we are getting a handle on (the first two) and some which we have no clue about (all the rest). As show in the second image from the top (via Business Insider), these variables are roughly: 

R* = The rate of formation of stars that are suitable for the development of intelligent life.

fp = The fraction of those stars with planetary systems.

ne = The number of planets per solar system that have an environment suitable for life.

fl = The fraction of suitable planets on which life actually appears.

fi = The fraction of life-bearing planets on which intelligent life emerges.

fc = The fraction of intelligent civilizations that develop a technology that releases detectable signs of their existence into space.

L = The length of time such civilizations release detectable signals into space.

Using the image as a starting point, Kelly HAND PAINTED each variable on my nails and we capped it off with radio telescopes on my thumbs which are often used to search for signals from any such civilizations. Is this nerdy enough for you? And by nerdy, I of course mean awesome. ;) 

If for any reason you still need convincing of Kelly’s awesomeness, here’s a walk down memory lane for you and all my previous nail art by her:

Galaxy nails

Hubble nails

Visible Spectrum nails

Valentino nails

Jupiter nails

A-Force nails

Check out all our other Manicure Monday posts here. And if you are in Seattle, and want to go see Kelly yourself, follow her Instagram for info on upcoming venture as she strikes out on her own as an independent nail artist!