Hatcher Pass is an Alaskan mountain road at an altitude of 3886 feet (1180 m), located in the Talkeetna Mountains. It is an historic gold mining area, a popular cross-country skiing route and a scenic drive (3 hr round trip from Anchorage). The pass lies roughly between the towns of Palmer and Willow, and 60 miles (97 km) from Anchorage. In the summer time, high-clearance vehicles able to handle long stretches of gravel is recommended. Described by an EarthSky reader as: “High up in the mountains. No city lights.”
Deborah Byrd
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About the Author:
Deborah Byrd 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. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. In 2020, she won the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society, the largest organization of professional astronomers in North America. 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.