Posts by 

Deborah Byrd

Our top 10 stargazing tips for beginning astronomers

If you're new to observing the night sky, check out our top 10 stargazing tips for beginners. We'll help you explore and expand your love for astronomy.

Rare Chi Cygnids are active! Maybe. Observing info here

The Chi Cygnids are a September meteor shower that shows increased activity every 5 years. And 2025 is one of those years! Observing info here.

Afghanistan earthquake: Impassable roads, inclement weather

The Taliban, which rules war-torn Afghanistan, has asked the world for help with recovery efforts following Sunday's 6.0-magnitude Afghanistan earthquake.

Sudan landslide flattens village, leaves uncertain death toll

There are conflicting reports of the death toll today, following Sunday's Sudan landslide in the remote Marra Mountains. But it appears hundreds are dead.

Zodiacal light: Start watching for it now

The zodiacal light is an eerie light extending up from the horizon before dawn around the Northern Hemisphere autumn. Southern Hemisphere? Look after sunset!

Rare Black Moon coming August 22-23! Why so special?

We'll have a Black Moon on August 22-23, 2025. A Black Moon is a special kind of new moon. Learn more about Black Moons here.

Thuban was the North Star for the ancient Egyptians

The North Star changes over time. Thuban was the Pole Star some 5,000 years ago, when the Egyptians were building the pyramids.
Favorite Star Patterns

Teapot of Sagittarius points to Milky Way center

As you gaze toward the famous Teapot asterism in the constellation Sagittarius, you are looking toward the center of our Milky Way galaxy.

Mammatus clouds are ominous and beautiful

Mammatus clouds look like bubbling, low-hanging clouds. They're often associated with thunderstorms. Learn more about them here and see photos.

Corona Borealis, the Northern Crown is overhead now

Corona Borealis, aka the Northern Crown, looks like the letter C. A dark sky is best for seeing this faint semicircle of stars. It's between Arcturus and Vega.

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