The International Astronomical Union's decision to demote Pluto from full planet status was unpopular. Will these astronomers change the way they do things?
International Dark Sky Week begins one week from today, April 5 – 12, 2013. In a dark sky, you could see what this photo has captured: the Milky Way and airglow.
When SpaceX Dragon left the International Space Station (ISS) yesterday, before heading back to Earth, it took a last look over its shoulder at the ISS in space.
Dragon left the International Space Station earlier loaded with science gear. The capsule returned at around 11:30 a.m. CDT today (16:30 UTC) after a five-hour journey from space to splashdown.
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.