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Posts by
Deborah Byrd
Antarctic ice on the run, with a 45-year low
Antarctic ice is melting. This February, it's at its lowest extent in the 45-year satellite record. Also, a long-term melt study suggests a surprising speed-up.
March 1, 2023
Chinese balloon in high-res, from above, via a U2 pilot
A top-down view of the Chinese balloon that caused an uproar as it drifted over the U.S. in early February 2023, as seen from a US Air Force plane.
February 24, 2023
Nicolaus Copernicus born 550 years ago today
Today is the 550th birthday of Nicolaus Copernicus, who removed Earth from the center of the universe and set off a revolution.
February 19, 2023
Hare and Dove at Orion the Hunter’s feet
If you have a dark sky, you can see constellations representing a Hare and Dove. They're 2 faint constellations near easy-to-find Orion.
February 16, 2023
Pale Blue Dot 33 years later: Earth in a sunbeam
February 14, 2023, is the 33rd anniversary of the Voyager 1 image of Earth. Voyager was near Saturn when it took this image, now known as the Pale Blue Dot.
February 14, 2023
It’s spoke season on Saturn!
Spoke season on Saturn comes in cycles centered on Saturn's equinoxes, which happen only about every 15 years. It's happening now!
February 13, 2023
See Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky
Spot Sirius in Canis Major the Greater Dog - the brightest star as seen from Earth. Learn the science and mythology of the Dog Star.
February 10, 2023
Sundog obliterated by a rocket 13 years ago
On February 11, 2010, a solar observatory that launched into space ripped apart a sundog and created a new ice halo that amazed scientists.
February 10, 2023
How does Earth look from outer space?
How does Earth look from space? You could see it from Neptune, but it's brighter from closer locations. Spacecraft photos tell the tale.
February 9, 2023
Great Meteor Procession 110 years ago
On February 9, 1913, lucky observers witnessed the Great Meteor Procession. Bright meteors soared horizontally across the sky for minutes at a time.
February 9, 2023
