Posts by 

Deborah Byrd

New observations where stars end and brown dwarfs begin

Georgia State University astronomers say they have found observational evidence for the theoretically predicted break between very low-mass stars and brown dwarfs.

Outburst of Andromedid meteors may continue tonight

Watch for a possible continuation of the unexpected Andromedid meteor outburst tonight! The Geminid meteor shower is now rising to a peak, too.

How did snake venom evolve?

A new study looked a snake venom in order to learn how it evolved into the sophisticated and deadly cocktail of proteins it is today.

Have we seen the last of Comet ISON?

Comet ISON is now thought to be a traveling debris field, with no solid nucleus or core. Will we see the debris field from Earth? No one knows yet.

The intricate flow of Comet Lovejoy’s tail

Astronomers used the Subaru Telescope to capture this image of Comet Lovejoy's tail on December 3, 2013. This comet is now visible in earthly skies.

Last night’s moon with Venus

People around the world saw the moon and Venus last night. They'll be even closer tonight!

Crescent moon with earthshine

The young moon is back after sunset, passing near Venus in the next few evenings. The pale glow on the darkened portion of the moon is called "earthshine."

Sunrise, morning haze, Grand Canyon

Nearly two billion years of geologic history can be seen in the canyon, exposed by flowing water and the uplift of the Colorado Plateau.

Comet ISON, post-perihelion

Has a remnant of Comet ISON survived the close brush with the sun?

Experience Comet ISON’s encounter with the sun online

ISON's moment of truth is here - its closest approach to the sun - today. Here are some ways to experience it online.