Today's Image

Crab Nebula

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April 9, 2016

View larger. | Crab Nebula. Photo by Mark Shelton.

Mark Shelton of Birmingham in the United Kingdom wrote:

The Crab Nebula is one of my favorite objects, and I was determined to try and capture it in all its glory. I call this image Burning Like Fire as the hydrogen-alpha layer looks like a match that is bursting into life. In this image, the hydrogen-alpha layer is integrated into the red, giving it its fiery sparkle.

This image was taken four miles from Birmingham Airport under heavy light polluted skies. To make it look like this, I had to master good processing to remove light pollution.

Thank you, Mark!

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April 9, 2016

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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.