Posts by

Deborah Byrd

Milky Way could be catapulting stars into its outer halo

Scientists used computer simulations to learn that our Milky Way galaxy may sometimes launch newly forming stars into the space around itself - that is, into the halo of our galaxy - via outflows triggered by supernova explosions.

Deborah Byrd

May 3, 2020

Find the radiant point for the Eta Aquariid meteor shower

Eta Aquariid meteors radiate from the Y-shaped group of stars called the Water Jar in the constellation Aquarius. Here are 2 ways to find it.

Deborah Byrd

May 2, 2020

Many-colored crescent Venus

Maybe you didn't realize Venus can appear as a crescent, much less in rainbow colors? These effects happen when Venus draws near its time of passing between us and the sun, which it will on June 3.

Deborah Byrd

May 1, 2020

This small asteroid zipped closely past Earth this week

A small asteroid, 2020 HS7, passed at nearly the distance of geosynchronous satellites.

Deborah Byrd

May 1, 2020

Young moon and Venus: Favorite photos

The moon is sweeping past Venus on these late April 2020 evenings. The EarthSky Community is catching them, and sharing their photos. Thanks to all who submitted.

Deborah Byrd

April 26, 2020

Dharti Ma – A Tribute to Earth

From Earth Day Network India … Dharti Ma literally translates to Mother Earth. This music video is a tribute to our planet, created In an amalgamation of styles by some of the finest musicians of India - and in 8 languages - to commemorate Earth Day’s 50th anniversary.

Deborah Byrd

Swami Krishnananda

April 25, 2020

SpaceX Starlink satellites caused a stir over western Europe

On April 19, 2020, many in western Europe were stunned to spot a line of satellites crossing the night sky. They were the SpaceX Starlink satellites.

Deborah Byrd

April 20, 2020

Find the Lyrid meteors’ radiant point

You don't need to find the radiant to see the meteors. But it's fun to spot, near the bright star Vega.

Deborah Byrd

April 19, 2020

Look up together: A video celebrating International Dark Sky Week 2020

This video comes from John Ashley in Montana, one of our favorite sky photographers. It's in celebration of International Dark Sky Week, April 19-26, 2020 and features musician Peter Mayer.

Deborah Byrd

April 19, 2020

Waning moon and morning planets

Photos from the EarthSky community of the moon's sweep past a trio of bright planets - red Mars, golden Saturn and bright Jupiter - over this past week.

Deborah Byrd

April 18, 2020

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.