Posts by Deborah

Photo Credit: Missouri Skies
May 24, 2012 Moon Phases 35 Comments

Understanding waxing crescent moon

When you see the moon as a slim crescent – in the west after sunset – it’s a waxing moon. Is that Earth’s shadow on the moon? No, it’s the moon’s own shadow.

earthquake_crack
May 24, 2012 Earth Leave a comment

What does a jump in earthquake magnitude really mean?

Each earthquake magnitude is 33 times more powerful than the one before. So each jump in magnitude means a lot! This animation can help you picture it.

1951 movie The Day the Earth Stood Still
May 24, 2012 Space 1 Comment

Aliens won’t want to enslave us, says world-famous alien hunter

SETI Institute’s Jill Tarter disagrees with Stephen Hawking, and movies and TV shows, that depict angry aliens hoping to enslave or eat us.

Photo Credit: Dan Bush
May 24, 2012 Moon Phases 33 Comments

Understanding moon phases

Why does the moon seem to change its shape every night? Remember that the moon is a world in space – with a day side and a night side.

Image Credit:  Jacqueline McNeese
May 24, 2012 Earth Leave a comment

Smoke-shrouded skies in New Mexico from fire in Gila National Forest

About 22,000 acres are now burning. Smoke from the fires shrouds southwestern New Mexico. Fire crews are standing by, waiting for the winds to die down.

12May24_430
May 24, 2012 Tonight 18 Comments

Waxing crescent moon near Castor and Pollux on May 24

See the Twin stars in the constellation Gemini near tonight’s moon. Preview the June 4 eclipse. Remember to look for Venus.

Neil deGrasse Tyson
May 23, 2012 Human World 2 Comments

Neil deGrasse Tyson says science is in our DNA

In this video from BigThink’s Humanizing Technology series, Neil deGrasse Tyson describes why science is a truly human activity.

Image via JAXA/Hinode
May 22, 2012 Space 1 Comment

Beautiful eclipse images from sun-watching Hinode satellite

The Hinode satellite had the same perspective as earthly skywatchers, but its equipment gave it an awesome view of the eclipse.

Image Credit: NASA TV
May 22, 2012 Space Leave a comment

Successful SpaceX launch sends craft on historic mission to ISS

The SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket successfully blasted off this morning and is now on its way to a history-making journey to the International Space Station.

Tropical Storm Alberto via NASA
May 21, 2012 Earth Leave a comment

View from space: First named storm of 2012 Atlantic hurricane season

The storm watch for Tropical Storm Alberto along the U.S. East Coast was discontinued yesterday (May 20) as 5 p.m. EDT.