Posts by 

Deborah Byrd

May’s solar storm created a new Van Allen belt

May's solar storm added a new ring - a 3rd Van Allen radiation belt - to Earth. This new Van Allen belt might last from months to years.

What is a planet? Jean-Luc Margot wants a new definition

What is a planet? Under the 2006 definition for "planet," Pluto lost full planet status. Learn about a proposed new definition.

Astronomer Michael Brown: ‘I killed Pluto. Now I’m searching for Planet 9’

Cool astronomy livestream on Monday, July 14! EarthSky's Deborah Byrd will be talking with astronomer Michael Brown, who calls himself "the man who killed Pluto."

World Population Day 2024 is today, July 11

Today is World Population Day, organized by the UN and observed on July 11 every year. This year's theme is "To leave no one behind, count everyone."

Hurricane Beryl regaining strength, heading to Texas

Tropical storm Beryl - predicted to become Hurricane Beryl before it makes landfall - is now in the Gulf of Mexico, heading toward the Texas coastline.

Chinese rocket accidentally blasts off, then crashes

A Chinese rocket was undergoing a static fire test on Sunday, June 30, 2024, when it suddenly broke free of its hold-down clamps and launched.

Asteroid Bennu sample suggests an ocean world origin

Analysis of the asteroid Bennu sample delivered to Earth by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission shows a type of rock mirroring that found at Earthly mid-ocean ridges.

The End of Everything, LIVE, with Katie Mack

Join EarthSky's Deborah Byrd and theoretical cosmologist Katie Mack at 17:15 UTC (12:15 p.m. Central) on Monday, June 24, as they discuss the end of everything!

Meet an omega sunset and sunrise

An omega sunset or sunrise is an inferior mirage. It's produced by a layer of warmer and less dense air close to an ocean surface.

What does summer mean to you?

What does summer mean to you? Here are some of the answers you shared on social media. And tune in to our livestream on June 17, at 12:15 p.m. CDT.

2026 Donation Campaign

If EarthSky has ever helped you discover something new, prepare for an eclipse, spot a planet, or simply inspired a moment of wonder, today is the perfect day to give back. Your donation helps keep trusted science news, expert night sky guides, and independent science journalism free for everyone.

Please help keep EarthSky going by donating today!

Please help keep

EarthSky going!

If you've already donated, we apologize for the popup and greatly appreciate your support.