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Deborah Byrd

Deborah Byrd

Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. 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. 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.

What’s a penumbral eclipse of the moon?

Posted by in Astronomy Essentials | 1 day ago
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During a penumbral eclipse, observant people in the right spot on Earth will look up and notice a dark shading on the moon’s face. Others look and notice nothing at all.

Amazing June for noctilucent clouds

Posted by in Earth | Today's Image | 2 days ago
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For the northern part of Earth, the season for seeing noctilucent clouds – clouds that shine at night – typically begins in June. This June has been particularly fine for seeing these electric-blue clouds. Photos and video here.

All you need to know: June solstice 2019

Posted by in Astronomy Essentials | Earth | 3 days ago
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It’s nearly the June solstice! Longest day for the Northern Hemisphere. Shortest day for the Southern Hemisphere. Details here.

Alphecca, the jewel in the Northern Crown

Posted by and in Astronomy Essentials | Brightest Stars | 5 days ago
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Alphecca. Gemma. Alpha Coronae Borealis or simply Alpha Cor Bor. They’re all names for one star – the brightest star in the constellation Northern Crown.

Earth and Jupiter closest on June 12

Posted by in Astronomy Essentials | 6 days ago
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Earth flies between Jupiter and the sun on June 10, 2019. But the giant planet will be closest to us on June 12. Why?
A bright round full moon, with the bright dot of Jupiter nearby, and 4 pinpricks of light aligned in space near Jupiter, along the giant planet's equator.

How to see Jupiter’s moons

Posted by in Astronomy Essentials | 6 days ago
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With Jupiter now at its closest to Earth, turn binoculars or a telescope on the giant planet for a glimpse of its 4 largest moons.

Wide, symmetrical image of Milky Way arcing above a river.

Andromeda, Jupiter, Milky Way over Montana

Posted by in Today's Image | 6 days ago
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We’re now in the middle of the best time of year to see Jupiter, and it’s near the starry arc of the Milky Way. Enjoy this panoramic image from John Ashley in Montana.

We go between the sun and Jupiter June 10

Posted by in Tonight | 6 days ago
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Opposition on June 10 marks the middle of the best time of year to see Jupiter. The planet shines at its brightest best in Earth’s sky. It’s also out all night long, rising at sunset and setting at sunrise.

Iridescent cloud? Or circumhorizon arc?

Posted by in Earth | 1 week ago
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It’s easy to confuse these 2 elusive, colorful, beautiful daytime sky phenomena. How can you tell the difference?
Artist's concept: swirling gas clouds and a hint of a central black hole jet.

ALMA spies a cool gas ring around our Milky Way’s central black hole

Posted by in Space | 1 week ago
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New observations by the ALMA telescope in Chile have revealed a never-before-seen disk of cool, interstellar gas wrapped around Sagittarius A*, the giant black hole at the center of our galaxy.