Articles by Becky Oskin, Contributing Writer

Becky was a science reporter at The Pasadena Star-News. She has freelanced for New Scientist and the American Institute of Physics and interned at Discovery News. She earned a master's degree in geology from Caltech, a bachelor's degree from Washington State University, and a graduate certificate in science writing from the University of California, Santa Cruz. To find out what her latest project is, you can follow Becky on Twitter.

Articles by: Becky Oskin

Extraterrestrial Life Could Be Vulnerable to Greenhouse Effect

By Becky Oskin published 11 February 16

A powerful greenhouse effect can destroy a planet's chances of hosting life, a new study suggests.

Explosive Culprit? Russian Fireball's Origins Found

By Becky Oskin published 9 April 15

A cracking fireball that exploded over Russia last year appears to share an orbit with a huge asteroid discovered in October 2014.

2014 Was Earth's Hottest Year On Record, NASA Says

By Becky Oskin published 16 January 15

Global temperatures in 2014 shattered earlier records, making 2014 the hottest year since 1880.

Drought-Tracking Satellite to Blast Off This Month

By Becky Oskin published 12 January 15

The Soil Moisture Active Passive satellite, planned to launch on Jan. 29, will improve drought tracking in the United States and around the world.

Search for Mars Life Starts on Earth

By Becky Oskin published 13 October 14

Frigid lakes bombarded by UV radiation and boiling, acidic springs are some of the otherworldly Earth environments where scientists plan to hunt for clues to life on Mars.

Photos: Satellites Sees Glowing Iceland Volcano

By Becky Oskin published 11 September 14

The hot, wrinkled lava from Iceland's Bardarbunga volcano shines bright in two new satellite images of the blazing eruption.

Catastrophic Collapse of West Antarctic Ice Sheet Begins

By Becky Oskin published 12 May 14

The catastrophic collapse of the massive West Antarctic Ice Sheet is underway, researchers said today.

Deadly Tornado Outbreak Seen From Space (Video)

By Becky Oskin published 28 April 14

The deadly tornado outbreak across the southeastern United States was tracked from space, as seen in this satellite video.

Vitamins from Space! B3 Found in Meteorites

By Becky Oskin published 18 April 14

An essential nutrient for life on Earth also cooks up in space, a new study finds.

Rare Diamond Reveals Earth's Interior is All Wet

By Becky Oskin published 13 March 14

A battered diamond that survived a trip from "hell" confirms a long-held theory: Earth's mantle holds an ocean's worth of water.

Dinosaur-Killing Asteroid Triggered Lethal Acid Rain

By Becky Oskin published 10 March 14

The oceans became a lethal sulfuric-acid stew after the huge asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs some 65 million years ago, a new study suggests.

WATCH LIVE: News on Mars, Climate Change, Earthquakes & More at AGU 2013 Meeting

By Becky Oskin published 7 December 13

More than 20,000 scientists will descend on San Francisco this week for the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union.

Haiyan Aftermath NASA Earth Observatory View

Haiyan Destruction in Philippines Visible from Space

By Becky Oskin published 21 November 13

From hill laid bare by winds to flooded coastlines, the massive swath of destruction across Tacloban from Super Typhoon Haiyan is visible even from space.

Meteorite Study Suggests Mars Atmosphere Trapped in Rocks, Not Lost in Space

By Becky Oskin published 22 October 13

A new analysis of a Martian meteorite claims some of the planet's missing carbon dioxide atmosphere disappeared into Mars itself.

Spectacular Photo of Saturn's Rings Created by Amateur Astronomer

By Becky Oskin published 18 October 13

An amazing new view of Saturn, created by amateur image processer Gordan Ugarkovic, shows the planet and its rings in all their glory.

Fragment of Chelyabinsk meteorite, showing the fusion crust -- the result of a previous collision or near miss with another planetary body or with the sun.

Huge Chunk of Russia Meteorite Pulled from Lake

By Becky Oskin published 16 October 13

Did Ancient Earth-Chilling Meteor Crash Near Canada?

By Becky Oskin published 3 September 13

Brilliant Red Sprite Lightning Caught on Film

By Becky Oskin published 21 August 13

Supercomputer Model of Earth's Magnetic Field

Earth's 6-Year Twitch Changes Day Length

By Becky Oskin published 10 July 13

Periodic wobbles in Earth's core change the length of a day every 5.9 years, according to a study published today (July 10) in the journal Nature.

Childhood Dream Job: NASA's Pit Crew

By Becky Oskin published 13 June 13

A spacesuit at Florida's Kennedy Space Center inspired a lifelong goal.

Night-shining clouds, or noctilucent clouds, photo from Denmark

Night-Shining Clouds Surprisingly Common, Thanks to Rocket Launches

By Becky Oskin last updated 27 July 22

Water vapors overcome the sun's drying effects on ethereal clouds.

Amazing Ash Cloud Spied from Space Station

By Becky Oskin published 23 May 13

Astronauts snap a stunning photo of Alaska's Pavlof volcano.

Unmanned NASA Planes Fly Through Poisonous Volcanic Fumes

By Becky Oskin published 3 April 13

Backpack-friendly plane flies over Costa Rican volcano for NASA.

Grand Canyon View From Space Reveals Jaw-Dropping Scenery

By Becky Oskin published 28 March 13

Colorado River's majestic span seen from space.

Aftermath of Volcano Eruption Seen from Space

By Becky Oskin published 18 March 13

Satellite spies the aftermath of a recent eruption at a Russian volcano.

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