In a breakthrough study, astronomers pinpointed the location in the sky of a fast radio burst. That let them determine its home galaxy, and improve their theories about its cause.
The hole is gigantic and facing Earth's way. Possible aurora sightings at the latitude of the northern U.S. – for example, in Michigan or Maine – on January 4 and 5.
As 2017 opens, the young moon is sweeping past dazzling Venus in the west after sunset. Mars is there, too, and, for those with optical aid, Neptune! Photos here.
Elusive anticrepuscular rays converge towards a point on the sky opposite the sun. Karl Diefenderfer caught them as 2016 came to a close, as a flock of geese was passing by.
Looking forward to 2017's total solar eclipse over North America? Then you'll enjoy these photos of the total solar eclipse over Indonesia in March 2016. They were the most-viewed images at EarthSky over this past year.
The U.S. state of Nevada experienced several moderately strong earthquakes and multiple aftershocks, beginning just after midnight local time Wednesday morning.
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.
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