Posts by

Deborah Byrd

We are not the center of the universe

We are not the center of the universe, as the size comparison in this video shows. See Earth compared to other planets and stars in our universe in a compelling way.

Deborah Byrd

February 23, 2011

Our sun in 3D, for first time in human history

The two NASA STEREO space probes moved into position on opposite sides of the sun on Feb. 6, 2011, to give us the first-ever look at both sides of the sun at once.

Deborah Byrd

February 6, 2011

Northern Mars forecast: wind and shifting sands

NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has revealed Mars as a dynamic world of wind and shifting sands. Will we be able to resist going there?

Deborah Byrd

February 3, 2011

Universal intelligence test for people, animals, computers and extraterrestrials

Researchers are taking a step toward creating a universal intelligence test that could be used on humans, animals, machines and aliens.

Deborah Byrd

January 28, 2011

This object is farther away than any seen before

Astronomers say this object is farther away and farther back in time than any seen before. It's name is UDFj-39546284. Read more here.

Deborah Byrd

January 26, 2011

3 images of Phobos from Mars Express spacecraft

Three new images of Mars' moon phobos - all taken on January 9, 2011 - are intriguing for entirely different reasons.

Deborah Byrd

January 24, 2011

Robust robots need to evolve says roboticist

To build a really tough robot, let them be babies first, says roboticist Josh Bongard, He says the most robust robots are those that change their body forms while learning to walk.

Deborah Byrd

January 21, 2011

Death Valley and its mountain shadow mystery

What's the origin of the mysterious green line in a photo, along the boundary of a mountain shadow that's racing across a Death Valley desert floor?

Deborah Byrd

January 19, 2011

Orion Nebula in beautiful new image

Igor Chekalin of Russia selected the data used for this ethereal image of the Orion Nebula, as part of the Hidden Treasures 2010 competition of the European Southern Observatory.

Deborah Byrd

January 19, 2011

Ancient Greek coin might recall Jupiter occultation

Professor Robert Weir believes an ancient Greek coin was minted to commemorate an event in which the moon blotted Jupiter from view temporarily.

Deborah Byrd

January 18, 2011

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.