Posts by 

Deborah Byrd

Starquake sets magnetar ringing like a bell

Astronomers have observed signals from a highly magnetized neutron star, indicating starquakes that set the neutron star ringing like a bell.

Sun may delay plans for sending humans to Mars

Less solar activity indicates a weaker magnetic field on the sun. A weak field lets cosmic rays into the solar system, posing a radiation hazard for astronauts.

Orionid meteors 2014

The Orionid meteor shower peaked on the morning of Tuesday, October 21, 2014. But you might still see meteors in this annual shower.

Best photos: Comet Siding Spring sweeps past Mars

A sight never seen before in recorded history ... an encounter between Mars and a close-passing comet on October 19, 2014.

How often might Hawaii get a monster tsunami?

Scientists say that the tsunami that hit Japan in 2011 was a thousand-year event. A monster wave might strike Hawaii about as often.

Comet Siding Spring’s near-miss of Mars was October 19

The close pass of Comet Siding Spring to Mars was exciting! Closest approach was October 19. Watch for photos from the event here at EarthSky.org.

Moonbows!

A moonbow is like a rainbow, but fainter, caused by moonlight.

Alright! Hubble finds potential targets for Pluto spacecraft

After a long search at the solar systems' fringes, scientists say they have three possible targets for the New Horizons spacecraft after its July 2015 Pluto flyby.

This hummingbird video will melt your heart

Hummingbirds playing in a fountain. Toward the end, listen for the little clicks and chirps.

Chinese mantis

Say hello to an insect friend ...