A new theoretical model focuses on the spiral arms now known to exist around some young stars. The spiral arms may enable rocky planets like Earth to form.

Tom Edathikunnel

Deborah Byrd

July 2, 2015

Mercury and more before dawn

Ken Christison caught Mercury in the east before dawn this week. He couldn't see it with the eye that day, but you might see it, if you look. Here's how.

Deborah Byrd

July 2, 2015

Are those sinkholes on Rosetta’s comet?

Sinkholes on Earth happen when a subsurface cavern collapses. On the comet, the caverns may be created by ices turning to gas, as the comet nears the sun.

Deborah Byrd

July 1, 2015

SpaceX rocket explodes after launch

It was unmanned, and astronauts aboard the International Space Station still have 4 months of supplies. But it's the third failed cargo mission to ISS in 8 months.

Deborah Byrd

June 28, 2015

Sunset over Greece

A beautiful sunset on one of the long days of summer.

Deborah Byrd

June 27, 2015

Is our universe ringing like a crystal glass?

Two physicists say the universe's expansion has sped up, then slowed down, 7 times since time began. They describe this oscillation as the universe "ringing."

Deborah Byrd

June 26, 2015

Exoplanet has a comet-like tail Gliese 436b

A Neptune-sized exoplanet is being trailed by an immense cloud of hydrogen. This discovery might also suggest a method for detecting extrasolar oceans.

Deborah Byrd

June 25, 2015

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.