Brotoiu Radu in Breaza, Prahova, Romania, captured the Big and Little Dippers – also known as Ursa Major and Minor – on March 10, 2018. Canon 5D MKI, Canon 28mm, F2.8, ISO 3200, 16 sec.Gary Peltz of Seattle also captured the Big Dipper, in a dark sky. Can you pick it out? Hint: The 2 outermost stars in the Dipper’s bowl are nearly at the top of the photo. This is approximately the configuration in which you’ll see the Big Dipper on a March evening. Photo taken March 10, 2018, at Deception Pass, Washington. “Our first campout of the season on a beautiful spring-like weekend in western Washington!” Gary wrote.
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.
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