Posts by

Deborah Byrd

Many mammals headed for extinction, study says

A new study focuses on mammals headed for extinction. It shows that human activities push animals into poor-quality environments, where they often do poorly.

Deborah Byrd

January 10, 2023

A large volcanic outburst on Jupiter’s moon Io

An astronomer used a remotely operated telescope to monitor Io's volcanoes. In fall 2022, he saw a large volcanic outburst - the largest yet!

Deborah Byrd

January 4, 2023

Isaac Newton born today in 1643

Isaac Newton, born on January 4, 1643, discovered the laws of motion and other principles that laid the foundation of physics and astronomy.

Deborah Byrd

EarthSky Voices

January 4, 2023

How plants control their ‘mouths’

Scientists have learned from new research how plants control their 'mouths.' That is, they've learned the mechanism that lets plants breathe in carbon dioxide.

Deborah Byrd

December 15, 2022

Splashdown! Artemis 1 Orion returns from its trip around the moon

The uncrewed Orion moonship has traveled around the moon and returned safely to Earth. The Artemis 1 splashdown was in the Pacific Ocean on December 11, 2022.

Kelly Kizer Whitt

Dave Adalian

Deborah Byrd

December 11, 2022

Ghostly light in galaxy clusters revealed by Webb

The Webb has now been used to study the ghostly light in galaxy clusters - the light of stars wandering in intergalactic space.

Deborah Byrd

December 8, 2022

Moon and Mars! Fav photos of December 7 occultation

The moon and Mars were spectacular on the night of December 7-8, 2022. Some saw the moon occult - or pass in front of - Mars. Wonderful photos here!

Deborah Byrd

December 8, 2022

Glacier calving in Antarctica: Video and science

Check out this dramatic video of a glacier calving in Antarctica. And read about how scientists' measurements revealed what was happening under the water.

Deborah Byrd

November 30, 2022

Mauna Loa volcano: No evac orders, but residents on alert

Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii is erupting for the 1st time in 38 years. As of this morning, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reports "no property is at risk."

Deborah Byrd

November 29, 2022

What is the Brocken Spectre? A misty figure in the fog

The Brocken Spectre is your own shadow cast on mists below you from high on a mountain. The shadow may appear enormous and has a rainbow ring around it.

Deborah Byrd

November 18, 2022

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.