Posts by

Deborah Byrd

Video: March 17 CME strikes Earth’s magnetic field

The video starts slowly ... but then becomes very beautiful as auroras ripple across the sky. Plus ... what causes an aurora.

Deborah Byrd

March 26, 2013

Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in New Mexico

U.S. President Barack Obama designated the Rio Grande del Norte in northern New Mexico as a national monument yesterday (March 25, 2013).

Deborah Byrd

March 26, 2013

6.2 magnitude earthquake strikes near Guatemala City

On March 25, 2013, a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck six miles from Guatemala City. No reports of injuries or damages. No tsunami warning.

Deborah Byrd

March 25, 2013

Comet PANSTARRS closest to the sun in early March

Whether you've managed to glimpse the comet or not, you'll love this video showing PANSTARRS as seen from space. Bright dot on the right is Earth!

Deborah Byrd

March 25, 2013

U.S. Route 66 aka Main Street of America

Established in 1926, Route 66 was one of the first U.S. Highways and a major route west during the Dust Bowl. It still has a mystique unmatched by few other roads.

Deborah Byrd

March 25, 2013

Surprises in Venus’ south pole vortex

Behold the erratic motion of the south pole vortex of Venus. And a word about vortices in the atmosphere of other planets in our solar system, including Earth.

Deborah Byrd

March 24, 2013

March 23 moon waxing toward full

Last night's moon - March 23, 2013 - waxing toward full. In the coming days, you'll find a large waxing moon in daylight in late afternoon, or shining brightly at night.

Deborah Byrd

March 24, 2013

Help name new planet orbiting Alpha Centauri B. Just $4.99.

Uwingu has announced "a contest for the people of Earth" to name the planet recently discovered to be orbiting Alpha Centauri B.

Deborah Byrd

March 21, 2013

Meet Zoe, a virtual talking head that can express emotion

An expressive avatar like this one might someday serve as a digital personal assistant or replace texting with face messaging.

Deborah Byrd

March 20, 2013

Equinox sunrise

East ... the direction of sunrise, new beginnings, springtime! Happy equinox to all.

Deborah Byrd

March 20, 2013

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.