Posts by

Deborah Byrd

Is dust what’s dimming Tabby’s Star?

Astronomers say they've found a smoking gun that rules out the idea of an energy-harvesting megastructure or Dyson sphere - built by an alien civilization - surrounding Tabby's Star.

Deborah Byrd

October 5, 2017

On October 5, the Harvest Moon

The Northern Hemisphere's Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the September equinox. It's tonight! Watch for it.

Deborah Byrd

October 5, 2017

Large storm on sun sparked global aurora on Mars

Scientists said the solar event "lit up Mars like a light bulb." It was the biggest event of its kind so far observed by spacecraft in Mars orbit and on the surface.

Deborah Byrd

October 3, 2017

Moon and planet-rise, seen from space

This timelapse video shows a peaceful and breathless moonrise from the International Space Station, with Venus, Mars and Mercury also in view.

Deborah Byrd

October 3, 2017

Can you find the Big Dipper?

From 41 degrees N. - and farther north - the Big Dipper is circumpolar, meaning it never sets. But from more southerly latitudes, the Dipper is below your horizon each evening now. Want to see it? Here's how.

Deborah Byrd

October 3, 2017

Farthest active inbound comet yet

Most comets become active only when near the sun. This one is active, but distant, between the orbits of Saturn and Uranus, where sunlight is 1/225th as bright as seen from Earth.

Deborah Byrd

October 2, 2017

Waterglyph

Marc Toso tried 3 times to capture this ancient petroglyph known as a waterglyph, estimated to be between 2,000 and 1,000 years old. The 3rd time was the charm.

Deborah Byrd

October 2, 2017

Scientists reveal secrets of lost continent Zealandia

Scientists have just returned from a major expedition to Zealandia, a "hidden" Earth continent, likely submerged beneath the sea surface more than 80 million years ago.

Deborah Byrd

October 1, 2017

New Horizons’ discoveries keep coming

New ScienceCast video on recent results from New Horizons spacecraft data. Landslides on Charon. Possible snow on Pluto. Plus a preview of New Horizons' next target.

Deborah Byrd

September 30, 2017

Is the Milky Way a normal galaxy?

Astronomers assume our Milky Way galaxy is typical. They use our knowledge of it to leapfrog out to understanding the rest of the universe. But is the Milky Way typical?

Eleanor Imster

Deborah Byrd

September 28, 2017

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.