Posts by

Deborah Byrd

Summer storm off New Hampshire

As autumn unfolds ... remember last summer? Josh Blash captured this cool image in June, showing a summer storm in the Atlantic, just off the coast.

Deborah Byrd

November 20, 2016

Drought still grips southern California

California has dry spells, but the state hasn't had exceptional drought since at least 2000. Now, about 20 percent of California is in exceptional drought, and many trees have died.

Eleanor Imster

Deborah Byrd

November 19, 2016

Nova in Sagittarius

There's a nova in the sky now. It's faint and requires a dark sky to be seen, but photos pick it up more easily. Astrophotographer Jeff Dai captured it from Thailand.

Deborah Byrd

November 19, 2016

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

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.