Posts by 

Deborah Byrd

Gamma Cephei, aka Errai, a future North Star

Gamma Cephei - or Errai - is a binary star system that will one day be Earth’s North Star. It's home to the 1st exoplanet ever discovered.

The Big Dipper: Why can’t you see it now?

The Big Dipper is easy to recognize at most times of the year. But the Big Dipper in autumn rides low in the northern sky in the evening hours.

Great Square of Pegasus gallops into the autumn sky

The Great Square of Pegasus consists of 4 stars of nearly equal brightness in a large square pattern. It's a great jumping-off point for star-hopping.

Orion’s Belt points to Sirius on September mornings

Sirius is the sky's brightest star. But sometimes bright planets outshine it. Orion's Belt is your ticket to identifying Sirius.

Fomalhaut is the Loneliest Star … but not in 2025

Fomalhaut is known as the 'lonely one' or 'solitary one' because it shines brightly in an otherwise dim patch of sky. But in 2025, Saturn is nearby.

Our top 10 stargazing tips for beginning astronomers

If you're new to observing the night sky, check out our top 10 stargazing tips for beginners. We'll help you explore and expand your love for astronomy.

Rare Chi Cygnids are active! Maybe. Observing info here

The Chi Cygnids are a September meteor shower that shows increased activity every 5 years. And 2025 is one of those years! Observing info here.

Afghanistan earthquake: Impassable roads, inclement weather

The Taliban, which rules war-torn Afghanistan, has asked the world for help with recovery efforts following Sunday's 6.0-magnitude Afghanistan earthquake.

Sudan landslide flattens village, leaves uncertain death toll

There are conflicting reports of the death toll today, following Sunday's Sudan landslide in the remote Marra Mountains. But it appears hundreds are dead.

Zodiacal light: Start watching for it now

The zodiacal light is an eerie light extending up from the horizon before dawn around the Northern Hemisphere autumn. Southern Hemisphere? Look after sunset!