Posts by

Deborah Byrd

Researchers explore the voids between superclusters

An analysis of the cosmic microwave background has provided clues about the gas inside vast cosmic voids in space, between giant superclusters of galaxies.

Deborah Byrd

March 18, 2018

Where did Mars get its organic molecules?

New computer simulations indicate 1/3 of Mars' organic molecules come from asteroids and comets.

Deborah Byrd

March 16, 2018

Pluto craft’s next target is Ultima Thule

New Horizons passed Pluto in 2015. With public input, the mission team has nicknamed the spacecraft's next target - on the fringes of our solar system - Ultima Thule.

Deborah Byrd

March 14, 2018

A peculiar galactic clash

This pair of barred spiral galaxies have just begun a magnificent merger.

Deborah Byrd

March 14, 2018

Sun pillar at Vancouver Island

Sun pillars happen when sunlight reflects from plate-like ice crystals, drifting through Earth's atmosphere with a horizontal orientation, gently rocking from side to side as they fall.

Deborah Byrd

March 14, 2018

The most inspirational space video, ever

Worried that our human species is making a mess of things? Inspiration-less? Carl Sagan wants to tell you something.

Deborah Byrd

March 13, 2018

360 video: Tour a Mars robot test lab

If your browser or smart phone is set up to view it, this 360 video will let you virtually explore a Mars simulation facility at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where engineers are practicing for an upcoming Mars lander mission.

Deborah Byrd

March 13, 2018

Nature likes to make bow waves

Boats moving through water make bow waves. Objects in space, including Earth, make them, too. Even the moon's shadow - penetrating Earth's atmosphere during a total solar eclipse - creates moving bow waves.

Deborah Byrd

March 13, 2018

Check out the Big and Little Dippers

Nice! We published some stories about the Big and Little Dippers and received back some photos. Love it when that happens. Thank you!

Deborah Byrd

March 13, 2018

Best photos of moon’s sweep past morning planets

The waning moon has now swept past all 3 bright planets in the predawn sky. Photos here from the EarthSky community.

Deborah Byrd

March 12, 2018

Deborah Byrd

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.