Today's Image

Light pillar over Colorado Rockies

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January 16, 2016

View larger. | Photo by Joe Randall of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Joe Randall caught this image in North Cheyenne Canyon, Colorado. It’s a light pillar, a shaft of light extending from bright lights, caused by ice crystals drifting in Earth’s air.

The light pillar is from the vicinity of Seven Falls – a series of seven cascading waterfalls – which Joe said is just over the ridge in this photo. The falls are a privately owned tourist attraction and must be illuminated at night.

Joe also said you can also see a structure on the left ridge. It’s the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun.

Thank you, Joe!

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January 16, 2016

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Today's Image

Deborah Byrd

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Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.