Posts by 

Deborah Byrd

Sun

Russell-McPherron effect gives us an aurora season: More auroras at equinoxes

There's an aurora season around the equinoxes, due to the way the magnetic fields of the sun and the Earth work in conjunction with sun-Earth geometry.

Lunar eclipse: Tips for watching and enjoying

A total lunar eclipse is coming up overnight on March 2-3, 2026. Here are some tips for watching and enjoying the total lunar eclipse.

The Beehive Cluster: A swarm of 1,000 stars

The Beehive Cluster is an open star cluster that lies near the center of the constellation Cancer the Crab. It goes by many names, including Praesepe and M44.

A total lunar eclipse looks red. Why?

Coming up ... the total lunar eclipse of March 2-3, 2026. At maximum eclipse, the moon will look red. But why? Earth's atmosphere is the key.

John Glenn 1st American in orbit 64 years ago today

John Glenn became the first American to orbit Earth on February 20, 1962, 64 years ago today. His space capsule was called Friendship 7.

Nicolaus Copernicus born 553 years ago today

Today is the 553rd birthday of Nicolaus Copernicus, who removed Earth from the center of the universe and set off a revolution.

Cassiopeia the Queen reigns in the February sky

Cassiopeia the Queen is an easy-to-find constellation. It has the shape of a W or M. Look in the northwest, on the evenings, in late winter and early spring.

Annular solar eclipse today! 1st solar eclipse of the year

On February 17, 2026, an annular solar eclipse was visible from remote parts of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Details here.

Can you see Canopus, the 2nd-brightest star?

Here's how to spot Canopus, the 2nd-brightest star in the sky as seen from Earth, on February evenings. It’s located far south on the sky’s dome.

Chelyabinsk meteor: February 15, 2013

On February 15, 2013, the Chelyabinsk meteor streaked across the sky over Russia - brighter than the sun - and then exploded.