EARTH & SKY COMES TO 88.3 SOUTHERN FM

	Earth & Sky
	with Deborah Byrd and Joel Block

The daily science series Earth & Sky began playing on 88.3 Southern FM during 1997.

What is Earth & Sky?

Earth & Sky is a continuing series. It consists of all-new programmes seven days a week, 90 seconds a day. Each programme contains high-quality, scientific information about the natural world. On most stations, Earth & Sky is aired at least twice a day. The daily science enrichment radio series Earth & Sky debuted in the United States in 1991 September on 30 public radio stations. Today it is heard by millions of listeners on over 600 commercial and public stations throughout the U.S., Canada, the South Pacific and, now, on several international networks.

What Topics are Covered by Earth & Sky?

Earth & Sky topics fall generally into the following categories:

Established ideas in science.

Programmes in the series explore the surface of Earth from the tallest mountains to the deepest trenches on the ocean floor. They explain dynamic processes such as the movement of tectonic plates. Some biology is presented; a recent program introduced the idea of life near hot-water vents on the ocean floor. Other shows focus on chemical processes in Earth's air and oceans. The series also takes people on imaginary journeys into space, with programs exploring the planets and sun, the possible birth of new solar systems, the evolution of stars andgalaxies, and exotic objects such as quasars and pulsars.
News and discoveries in Earth science, astronomy, and environmental science.

This includes information usually only covered by the science press.
Listener questions.

Listener questions are solicited on air and used at a rate of about one or two per week. Recent questions include, "How wide is lightning?" and "What does the Sun look like from the planet Pluto?"
Sky events, and astronomy and Earth science anniversaries.
Insight into the process of science.

A recent programme explained why--despite the evidence-- it's difficult to convince all scientists that the dinosaurs became extinct 65 million years ago due to a collision of an asteroid with Earth.
Background on environmental issues.

What is the optimum size for a national forest? Why can't scientists agree on the subject of global warming? Listeners are given the tools to aid in understanding today's complex environmental issues. This year, the global ramifications of human activity on the planet's finite qualities are being emphasized.

Who Makes Earth & Sky?

Earth & Sky is produced by Byrd and Block Communications, Inc. (BBCI) of Austin, Texas. BBCI was formed in 1991 by the show's producers/host team, Deborah Byrd and Joel Block. The programme is currently funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Earth & Sky has two regular "content consultants." Dr. Derek Wills, a professional astronomer at the University of Texas McDonald Observatory, and Dr. Arthur Maxwell, Director of the Institute for Geophysics of the University of Texas at Austin. Both consultants read and comment on every script before it is recorded to tape.

How Do Listeners Get More Information About Topics Featured On Earth & Sky?

By using the Internet to go to

http://earthsky.com

How Do I Hear Earth & Sky?

Earth & Sky is played several times a day on 88.3 Southern FM.

Particular programmes dealing with space, astronomy and sometimes Earth science are also played on The Space Show