Posts by

Deborah Byrd

World from above

Can you find the photographer in this image from an island off the coast of Norway?

Deborah Byrd

November 18, 2016

Great Valley found on Mercury

Scientists have discovered a Great Valley on Mercury, hundreds of miles long and sunken by as much as 2 miles (3 km) below the surrounding terrain.

Deborah Byrd

November 17, 2016

A slushy ocean beneath Pluto’s heart?

A bulging, viscous, liquid ocean may lie beneath Pluto's heart-shaped Tombaugh Regio. If it exists, it solves a longstanding puzzle about this region.

Deborah Byrd

November 17, 2016

100 scientists say yes to asteroid mission

Scientists have signed an open letter in support of increased knowledge of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs), whose orbits carry them near Earth. You can sign it, too.

Deborah Byrd

November 14, 2016

Supermoon photos from around the world

EarthSky received many photos of the bright and beautiful supermoon. We loved them all and thank you all! See editors' favorites here.

Deborah Byrd

November 14, 2016

Quake and aftershocks rock New Zealand

A powerful earthquake has struck New Zealand’s South Island, causing tsunami waves, landsides, many aftershocks and leaving 2 dead.

Deborah Byrd

November 13, 2016

5 keys to enjoying the closest supermoon

The closest full moon since 1948 is coming up this weekend. When should you watch? What should you watch for? Are supermoons hype? Here's all you need to know.

Deborah Byrd

November 12, 2016

No need for dark matter?

Erik Verlinde just released the latest installment of his new theory of gravity. He now says he doesn't need dark matter to explain the motions of stars in galaxies.

Deborah Byrd

November 10, 2016

Quasars’ unexpected giant glowing halos

Astronomers didn't expect so many quasars to have halos. The discovery may help them probe the large-scale structure of the universe, aka the cosmic web.

Deborah Byrd

November 9, 2016

Watching Orion

Orion the Hunter - one of the most familiar constellations to many because of its prominent Belt of 3 stars - is coming back into view in the evening sky.

Deborah Byrd

November 9, 2016

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.