<p>Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a vibrant and detailed depiction of the Gulf of Oman. The image was captured on March 17, 2024 by the primary sensor on the PACE satellite. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pace-satellite-nbsp">PACE satellite&nbsp;</h2>



<p>NASA launched the PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on February 8, 2024. The mission marks a significant advancement in our ability to study Earth’s oceanic and atmospheric systems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The PACE satellite is equipped with a state-of-the-art Ocean Color Instrument (OCI), designed to capture intricate details of ocean phenomena that are often invisible to the naked eye. This technology aims to provide new insights into the complex interactions between the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-news-ocean-oxygen-loss-may-ultimately-reverse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> and the atmosphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-compelling-visual-data-nbsp">Compelling visual data&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Less than two months after its launch, the PACE satellite has already begun delivering compelling visual data, thanks to the efforts of NASA engineer Joseph Knuble and his team. Knuble, who serves as the lead instrument systems engineer for OCI, compiled a remarkable gallery of 36 images.</p>



<p>This standout image of the Gulf of Oman has been crafted using a combination of red, green, and blue wavelengths of light, specifically at 630, 532, and 465 nanometers, respectively.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enhanced-image-of-the-gulf-of-oman">Enhanced image of the Gulf of Oman</h2>



<p>The image Knuble selected is not a natural-color representation but an enhanced one designed to highlight specific details within the water.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This technique allows for a more vivid portrayal of oceanic features, such as the swirling bands of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/phytoplankton-remain-surprisingly-active-underneath-arctic-sea-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton</a> bloom. Jeremy Werdell, PACE project scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, noted: "The image highlights the beauty and complexity of that area."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phytoplankton-bloom-in-the-gulf-of-oman-nbsp">Phytoplankton bloom in the Gulf of Oman&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Phytoplankton blooms, like the one visible in the Gulf of Oman, occur when environmental conditions - such as light availability and nutrient levels - are favorable, leading to rapid growth. These blooms can have significant ecological impacts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The swirls of green seen in the image likely include Noctiluca scintillans, a type of marine dinoflagellate known for its striking appearances. However, despite their beauty, Noctiluca blooms can deplete <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cautionary-tale-todays-ocean-oxygen-levels-may-have-cascading-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oxygen levels</a> in the water, resulting in hypoxia and creating dead zones that severely impact marine life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-dynamics-in-the-arabian-sea-nbsp">Changing dynamics in the Arabian Sea&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The changing dynamics in the Arabian Sea are also noteworthy. Historically rich in diatoms, vital components of the marine food chain, the region now sees a dominance of Noctiluca. This shift could be attributed to changes in water stratification and nutrient availability, with Noctiluca thriving under conditions that are less favorable for diatoms.</p>



<p>One of the groundbreaking aspects of the OCI is its ability to detect hundreds of different wavelengths of light. This capability is not just about capturing beautiful images; it provides a critical tool for identifying and differentiating between various types of phytoplankton from space. Previously, such determinations could only be made through direct water samples.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-the-health-of-marine-ecosystems-nbsp">Tracking the health of marine ecosystems&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The PACE mission is poised to transform our understanding of oceanic and atmospheric interactions. By providing detailed, high-resolution images and data, the satellite will enable scientists to monitor environmental changes, track the health of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a>, and better understand the global climate system. </p>



<p>This mission highlights the importance of continued investment in space technology and research, offering a clearer view of our planet's intricate and changing natural systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gulf-of-oman">Gulf of Oman</h2>



<p>The Gulf of Oman is a strategically significant body of water located in the Middle East, connecting the Arabian Sea with the Strait of Hormuz, which then leads into the Persian Gulf. This gulf borders several countries including Iran, Oman, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates, making it a crucial geographic and economic zone.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transportation-nbsp">Transportation&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The Gulf of Oman is particularly important for its role in global oil transportation. A large percentage of the world's petroleum, as it is shipped from the oil-rich countries of the Persian Gulf, passes through the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman and then to various destinations across the globe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This makes the area not only economically significant but also a hot spot for geopolitical tensions and security concerns.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-ecosystems-nbsp">Marine ecosystems&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Ecologically, the Gulf of Oman is diverse, hosting various species of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-noise-is-getting-louder-what-does-this-mean-for-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a> which support local fishing communities. However, the area faces environmental challenges, including the risk of oil spills and the impacts of industrialization and maritime traffic which threaten its marine ecosystems.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-history-nbsp">Cultural history&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Additionally, the Gulf of Oman has a rich cultural history, influenced by the various civilizations that have inhabited its shores and traded across its waters. This history is reflected in the diverse cultures of the region today, making it a place of significant cultural heritage.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;</p>



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The Gulf of Oman in the Middle East

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features...

<p>Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Shasta Lake, which has reached near-full capacity for the second consecutive year in 2024. Following similarly high levels in spring 2023, this marks a significant recovery from the severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megadrought-in-the-western-u-s-is-the-worst-in-at-least-1200-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> and reduced water levels experienced from 2019 to 2022.</p>



<p>The Operational Land Imager (OLI) on the Landsat 8 satellite captured this image of Shasta Lake on May 7, 2024, showing the reservoir at 96 percent of its total capacity, which is 114 percent of the average for that date. By contrast, an image from Landsat 9 in April of 2022 showed the lake at only 39 percent capacity, with the year's maximum reaching just 40 percent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transformation-of-shasta-lake-nbsp">Transformation of Shasta Lake&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The turnaround began in early 2023, driven by heavy rains and substantial runoff from an above-average <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/despite-record-snowpack-in-the-west-early-melting-could-lead-to-water-scarcity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowpack</a> in the mountains. By May 29, 2023, the reservoir had filled to 98 percent of its capacity, erasing the visible "bathtub ring" that had marked its perimeter in previous years.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water levels</a> at Shasta Lake began to rise significantly again by mid-January 2024 due to persistent storms, leading to higher levels at the start of 2024 than in the previous year. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abundance-of-rainfall">Abundance of rainfall</h2>



<p>By mid-February 2024, the reservoir was considered excessively full for the season. In an effort to accommodate more inflow and reduce flood risks, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation increased water discharges to up to seven times the winter baseline rate.</p>



<p>The abundance of rainfall in early 2024 also benefited other state reservoirs like Lake Oroville, which reached full capacity for a second year. Despite ongoing water releases, it held 128 percent of its average capacity in early May 2024.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-groundwater-gains-nbsp">Groundwater gains&nbsp;</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-depletion-is-accelerating-but-it-is-not-inevitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Groundwater</a>, which typically makes up 40 percent of California's water supply and up to 60 percent in dry years, also saw improvements. The California Department of Water Resources reported a net gain of 4.1 million acre-feet in managed groundwater recharge during the last water year (October 2022 through September 2023), marking the first annual increase since 2019.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, the department estimates it would require five consecutive above-average water years to recover from the deficits of the past two decades.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-shasta-lake">More about Shasta Lake</h2>



<p>Shasta Lake, located in Northern California, is the largest reservoir in the state. It was created by the damming of the Sacramento River with the construction of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-strategy-fish-species-river/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shasta Dam</a> in the 1940s. This massive lake is a popular destination for a variety of recreational activities including fishing, boating, and water skiing.</p>



<p>The lake's surroundings are characterized by scenic landscapes, including the Shasta-Trinity National Forest which is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and exploring diverse wildlife and natural beauty. The area is also known for its geological significance, featuring a variety of volcanic features and the nearby Mount Shasta, a prominent volcanic peak.</p>



<p>Additionally, Shasta Lake plays a crucial role in water supply, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control in California. Its capacity and strategic location make it integral to the Central Valley Project, which manages the water resources of the region for agricultural, urban, and environmental uses.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;</p>



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Shasta Lake is full for the second consecutive year

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> features Messier 82, a starburst galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major. This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceers-2112-ancient-galaxy-looks-strikingly-similar-to-ours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> is actively forming new stars at a rate ten times that of the Milky Way.</p>



<p>In a groundbreaking study using the <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> (JWST), an international team of astronomers has taken an unprecedented look at Messier 82 (M82), revealing intricate details about its frenzied star formation. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-nircam-and-infrared-observations">The power of NIRCam and infrared observations</h2>



<p>The study, led by Alberto Bolatto, utilized Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) to penetrate the thick dust and gas veiling the galaxy's core, a region critical to understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>. </p>



<p>"M82 has garnered a variety of observations over the years because it can be considered as the prototypical starburst galaxy," noted Bolatto. “With Webb’s size and resolution, we can look at this star-forming galaxy and see all of this beautiful new detail.”</p>



<p>Webb's NIRCam has proven crucial for observing areas like M82’s center, where layers of dust typically obscure the view in other wavelengths. The camera's ability to capture infrared light allows it to reveal the galaxy's core and its dynamic processes.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-messier-82-image-shows-the-power-of-webb-nbsp">Messier 82 image shows the power of Webb&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“This image shows the power of Webb. Every single white dot in this image is either a star or a star cluster. We can start to distinguish all of these tiny point sources, which enables us to acquire an accurate count of all the star clusters in this galaxy,” noted study second author Rebecca Levy from the University of Arizona.</p>



<p>One of the NIRCam's innovative features is its mode that prevents bright sources from overwhelming the detector, which was particularly useful in studying the intensely active center of Messier 82.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the image, the dark brown tendrils of dust weave through the galaxy's glowing white core, interspersed with small green specks that represent concentrated areas of iron from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> remnants. Red patches highlight regions where molecular hydrogen is illuminated by the radiation from nearby young stars.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-galactic-winds">Insights into galactic winds</h2>



<p>The study also focused on understanding how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spin-of-a-new-black-hole-is-unlocking-galactic-mysteries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galactic wind</a>, driven by the rapid rate of star formation and subsequent supernovae, influences M82’s environment. The NIRCam images showed clumpy tendrils of gas, appearing in red, which extend above and below the galaxy's plane, marking the path of this wind rushing out from the starburst's core.</p>



<p>A key revelation came from the NIRCam’s tracing of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), sooty chemical molecules that map out the structure of the galactic wind. To the surprise of researchers, the PAH emissions closely resembled the patterns of the hot, ionized gas, suggesting a more complex interaction within the wind than previously understood.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"It was unexpected to see the PAH emission resemble ionised gas," said Bolatto. "PAHs are not supposed to live very long when exposed to such a strong radiation field, so perhaps they are being replenished all the time. It challenges our theories and shows us that further investigation is required."</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-observations-of-messier-82">Future observations of Messier 82</h3>



<p>The findings from Webb are just the beginning. The team plans to further analyze Messier 82 with additional data, including spectroscopic observations, to determine the ages of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-collisions-hubble-spots-a-string-of-pearls-star-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star clusters</a> and the duration of each star formation phase within the starburst environment. </p>



<p>These observations will also assist in a broader understanding of similar processes in early galaxies, which were common in the young universe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-study">Broader implications of the study</h2>



<p>Study co-author Torsten Böker of the European Space Agency (ESA) emphasized the broader implications of these findings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“With these amazing Webb images, and our upcoming spectra, we can study how exactly the strong winds and shock fronts from young stars and supernovae can remove the very gas and dust from which new stars are forming,” explained Böker.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“A detailed understanding of this ‘feedback’ cycle is important for theories of how the early universe evolved, because compact starbursts such as the one in M82 were very common at high redshift.”</p>



<p>The study not only illuminates the specific mechanics of star formation in M82 but also enhances our general understanding of galactic evolution and the lifecycle of galaxies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA</p>



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Messier 82: Unlocking the mysteries of star formation

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency...

<p>Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features smoke from fires around the Canadian community of Fort Nelson and streaming east into Alberta on May 11, 2024.</p>



<p>Canada is currently facing an intense start to its wildland fire season, following a severe season last year.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By mid-May, parts of British Columbia were already shrouded in smoke from early and aggressive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-threaten-environmental-gains-in-the-amazon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>, a phenomenon typically seen much later in the summer. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satellite-observations-of-canada-fires">Satellite observations of Canada fires</h2>



<p>The image was captured by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA's Aqua satellite.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additional observations by NASA's Terra satellite and others showed the smoke plume rising several kilometers into the air and spreading into the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes regions of the United States, where it raised air quality concerns.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fires-fueled-by-dry-conditions-and-high-winds">Fires fueled by dry conditions and high winds</h2>



<p>One particularly dangerous fire, which ignited on May 10, rapidly expanded southeast of Fort Nelson and a nearby First Nation community, threatening around 3,400 residents.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Dry conditions and high winds from a passing cold front fueled the blaze, prompting immediate evacuation orders for the area.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Cliff Chapman, British Columbia’s Wildfire Service Director of Provincial Operations, advised against travel near Fort Nelson due to the fire's severe intensity and rapid spread.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-holdover-fires-in-canada">Holdover fires in Canada</h2>



<p>To the north, several other fires consumed tens of thousands of hectares. Some of these were "holdover" fires, which persisted under the snow throughout the winter and rekindled in the spring, fed by vegetation dried from ongoing severe drought conditions as per the North American Drought Monitor.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-emissions">Carbon emissions</h2>



<p>This year's fire intensity and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon emissions</a> in British Columbia are notably high, with Mark Parrington, an atmospheric scientist at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, reporting over 5 megatons of carbon emissions from the province's wildfires by mid-May - marking the highest May emissions in 22 years. </p>



<p>Parrington's assessments, part of the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, utilize data from the Global Fire Assimilation System, which incorporates MODIS fire observations from NASA's satellites.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-canada-fires-in-2023">Canada fires in 2023</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-wildfires-of-2023-were-a-global-environmental-setback/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023 wildfire season</a> in Canada was particularly intense and significant due to a combination of factors including climate conditions and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fear-and-anxiety-the-mental-health-impacts-of-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human impacts</a>. </p>



<p>Throughout the season, Canada experienced an unusually high number of wildfires, which affected vast areas across the country, particularly in regions like British Columbia and Alberta.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenging-conditions-nbsp">Challenging conditions&nbsp;</h3>



<p>These fires were fueled by a combination of dry weather, higher than average temperatures, and strong winds, creating challenging conditions for firefighting efforts.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-quality">Air quality</h3>



<p>The smoke from the wildfires had a profound impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-massive-amounts-of-methane-gas-spews-from-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air quality</a>, not only in Canada but also in parts of the United States, leading to health advisories and concerns over air pollution. The fires prompted widespread evacuations and significant damage to properties and ecosystems. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change">Climate change</h3>



<p>The season highlighted the growing concerns over climate change as a driving force behind the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfire events.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Canadian government and local authorities were actively engaged in firefighting and mitigation efforts, but the scale of the fires called for an increased focus on long-term strategies for fire prevention and forest management.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-wildfires-on-human-health">Impact of wildfires on human health</h2>



<p>Wildfires have a significant impact on human health, affecting both physical and mental well-being.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-health">Physical health</h3>



<p>The most immediate health issue is the inhalation of smoke, which contains a mix of harmful gases and fine particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This can lead to respiratory problems, such as asthma exacerbations, bronchitis, and other chronic lung conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Additionally, exposure to wildfire smoke has been linked to cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks and strokes, particularly in older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-health">Mental health</h3>



<p>Beyond physical health, wildfires can also have a profound effect on mental health. The stress and trauma of experiencing a wildfire, losing property, or being displaced can lead to mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Moreover, the recovery and rebuilding process can be lengthy and stressful, further impacting mental health.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-additional-challenges-nbsp">Additional challenges&nbsp;</h3>



<p>People in affected areas often face challenges with water and food safety due to contamination from fire-related chemicals and debris. The destruction of infrastructure can also limit access to medical care and health services, exacerbating all these health issues.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Overall, the impact of wildfires on human health is complex and can be long-lasting, necessitating both immediate and long-term public health interventions to support affected communities.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;</p>



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Canada's fire season is off to an intense start

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency </a>features the barred spiral galaxy NGC 3783, which is located about 130 million light-years away in the constellation Centaurus. NGC 3783 is also the most prominent of a galaxy group (by the same name) that contains 47 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-galaxies-that-are-too-old-to-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-groups">Galaxy groups</h2>



<p>“Like galaxy clusters, galaxy groups are aggregates of gravitationally bound galaxies. Galaxy groups, however, are less massive and contain fewer members than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/titanic-galaxy-cluster-collision-defies-all-current-understanding-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy clusters</a> do: where galaxy clusters can contain hundreds or even thousands of constituent galaxies, galaxy groups do not typically include more than 50,” noted ESA.</p>



<p>“The Milky Way is actually part of a galaxy group, known as the Local Group, which contains two other large galaxies (Andromeda and the Triangulum galaxy), as well as several dozen satellite and dwarf galaxies.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hd-101274-a-blue-giant-star">HD 101274: A blue giant star</h2>



<p>The bright object that appears to the right of the galaxy is the star HD 101274. “The perspective in this image makes the star and the galaxy look like close companions, but this is an illusion. HD 101274 lies only about 1,530 light-years from Earth, meaning it is about 85 thousand times closer than NGC 3783,” explained ESA.&nbsp;</p>



<p>HD 101274 is part of the NGC 3766 cluster, which is sometimes referred to as the Pearl Cluster, an open cluster known for its richness in bright stars and its relatively young age.</p>



<p>HD 101274 is categorized as a blue giant star, characterized by its high temperature and luminosity. Blue giants are massive stars that have left the main sequence phase of stellar evolution and are burning helium or heavier elements in their cores. These stars are known for their short lifespans relative to smaller stars due to their rapid consumption of nuclear fuel.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-stars-scientists-discover-a-new-type-of-star-powered-by-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stars</a> like HD 101274 are important for astronomers because they help in studying the properties of stellar populations in clusters and the dynamics of stellar evolution in different environments. The spectral and photometric observations of such stars can provide valuable insights into the characteristics of their atmospheres, internal structures, and the processes occurring within and around them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bright-central-region-of-ngc-3783">Bright central region of NGC 3783</h2>



<p>One of the most interesting aspects of NGC 3783 is that it harbors an active galactic nucleus, meaning its central region is exceptionally luminous, likely due to the presence of a supermassive black hole. This black hole is actively accreting material, which emits a substantial amount of radiation as it spirals inward and heats up.</p>



<p>This galaxy is particularly known for its bright central region and has been studied extensively in the ultraviolet and X-ray light spectra to understand better the properties of the accretion disk around the black hole and the complex dynamics of the material surrounding it. These studies are crucial for understanding the physics of active galactic nuclei and the role they play in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy evolution</a>.</p>



<p>According to ESA, NGC 3783 is a Type I Seyfert galaxy. “In this image it is recorded by Hubble in incredible detail, from its glowing central bar to its narrow, winding arms and the dust threaded through them, thanks to five separate images taken in different wavelengths of light," noted ESA.</p>



<p>“In fact, the galactic center is bright enough to Hubble that it exhibits diffraction spikes, normally only seen on stars such as HD 101274.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-ngc-3783-galaxy-group">More about the NGC 3783 galaxy group</h2>



<p>The NGC 3783 group is part of the larger Hydra-Centaurus Supercluster, which itself is a massive collection of galaxies and galaxy clusters located primarily in the constellations of Hydra and Centaurus.</p>



<p>The NGC 3783 group consists of several galaxies that are gravitationally bound and interact with each other. These interactions can influence the galaxies' evolution through mechanisms like tidal forces and merger events, which can trigger star formation, fuel central black holes, and reshape the galaxies' structures.</p>



<p>Studying groups like the NGC 3783 group helps astronomers understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceers-2112-ancient-galaxy-looks-strikingly-similar-to-ours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> evolve together in a common gravitational environment, offering insights into the dynamics and evolution of structures on cosmic scales. This is especially relevant in understanding how galaxies influence each other through gravitational interactions and the environmental effects on galaxy evolution.</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA</p>



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The luminous galaxy NGC 3783 and a blue giant star

<p>Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features severe flooding in downtown Porto Alegre, the capital city of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. Nearly two million people have been affected by the historic floods. More than 100 people were killed and 140 are still missing. </p>



<p>Floodwaters inundated the historic district, forced the closure of the international airport, affected major stadiums, and rendered several highways unusable.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-upheaval-across-rio-grande-do-sul">Upheaval across Rio Grande do Sul</h2>



<p>Severe weather systems, characterized by strong winds and heavy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-will-wreak-havoc-on-mountain-ranges-as-warming-climate-turns-snow-to-rain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a>, impacted Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil's southernmost state, beginning on April 27, 2024. In a matter of days, some regions recorded over 300 millimeters (approximately 12 inches) of rain, resulting in rivers overflowing their banks and causing extensive, destructive flooding throughout the area.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flooding</a> has led to significant upheaval across Rio Grande do Sul. According to the state's civil defense agency, over 160,000 individuals have been displaced, and there have been numerous fatalities. </p>



<p>The state, a key hub for the production and export of soy, rice, wheat, and meat, has seen considerable agricultural damage. Disruptions to grain exports are anticipated due to the impact on silos, storage facilities, transportation networks, and ports.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intense-storms-in-rio-grande-do-sul-nbsp">Intense storms in Rio Grande do Sul&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Brazil's National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) attributes the extreme weather to the weakening El Niño phenomenon, which influenced cold fronts to move towards Rio Grande do Sul and increased atmospheric instability over the area. </p>



<p>Additionally, unusually warm waters in the South Atlantic Ocean elevated humidity levels, intensifying the storms through the convergence of warm, moist air from the Amazon and cooler southern air.</p>



<p>This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/compound-weather-extremes-are-now-more-frequent-and-severe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme weather</a> event aligns with broader climatic changes anticipated for the region, as highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Sixth Assessment Report. </p>



<p>Projections indicate significant increases in annual precipitation totals and extreme <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-gets-an-unpredictable-boost-from-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">precipitation</a> events by 2050, based on simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP-6) and incorporating findings from NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies' GISS ModelE.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-weather-events-nbsp">Extreme weather events&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Brazil experiences a wide variety of extreme weather events due to its vast size and diverse ecosystems. Droughts are a significant issue, especially in the Northeast and parts of the Southeast, affecting water supplies, agriculture, and energy production.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Conversely, the rainy season brings floods that can inundate large regions, including the Amazon basin and densely populated urban areas like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, where inadequate drainage systems often lead to severe waterlogging.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/landslide-predictions-could-become-94-percent-more-accurate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Landslides</a> are another common consequence of heavy rains, posing risks in hilly cities such as Rio de Janeiro. As global temperatures rise, heatwaves have become more frequent and intense, particularly in urban centers where the heat island effect can amplify high temperatures.</p>



<p>The ongoing impact of climate change is likely to increase both the frequency and severity of these extreme weather events across Brazil, highlighting the need for enhanced disaster preparedness and adaptive strategies to mitigate future risks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-porto-alegre-nbsp">Porto Alegre&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Porto Alegre is known for its rich cultural heritage and strong European influence, reflecting the diverse immigrant populations that have settled there, including Germans, Italians, and Portuguese. The city combines a bustling urban atmosphere with charming old architecture and expansive public parks, making it a vibrant center for culture, politics, and commerce in the region.</p>



<p>Porto Alegre hosts numerous cultural events, such as the annual Porto Alegre Book Fair, one of the largest book fairs in Brazil, and it's renowned for its lively arts scene, including theaters, museums, and galleries. The city is also a significant educational hub, home to several universities and research institutions, contributing to its reputation as a center of intellectual and academic activity.</p>



<p>Economically, Porto Alegre is an important trade and service center. It has a diverse economy with strong sectors in commerce, services, and manufacturing. The city serves as a critical transportation and logistics hub due to its strategic location near the Mercosur (Southern Common Market) capitals, enhancing its role in regional trade.</p>



<p>Despite its urban advancements, Porto Alegre is also known for its environmental initiatives, including extensive recycling programs and a high number of green spaces, which are integrated into the urban landscape and offer residents and visitors alike a respite from the bustling city life.</p>



<p>The image of flooding in Porto Alegre was captured on May 8, 2024 by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on the Landsat 8 satellite.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;</p>



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Historic flooding in Rio Grande do Sul

Reduce,Co2,Emission,Concept.,Renewable,Energy-based,Green,Businesses,Can,Limit

<p>The current rate of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) increase is 10 times faster in the present day than at any other point in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/co2-levels-linked-to-cascading-effects-that-last-for-millennia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">past 50,000 years</a>. </p>



<p>This finding, based on a detailed chemical analysis of ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-ice-shelves-melting-faster-due-to-ocean-currents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic ice</a>, provides crucial insights into abrupt climate change periods in Earth's history and sheds light on the potential impacts of climate change today.</p>



<p>The study, led by Kathleen Wendt, an assistant professor in Oregon State University's College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences (<a href="https://ceoas.oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CEOAS</a>), and published in the <em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em>, emphasizes the unprecedented nature of the current CO2 rise. </p>



<p>"Studying the past teaches us how today is different. The rate of CO2 change today really is unprecedented," Wendt stated. "Our research identified the fastest rates of past natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jurassic-rocks-reveal-new-details-about-earths-climate-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2 rise ever observed</a>, and the rate occurring today, largely driven by human emissions, is 10 times higher."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-co2-increases-impact-climate-change">How CO2 increases impact climate change</h2>



<p>Carbon dioxide, a naturally occurring greenhouse gas, plays a significant role in the Earth's climate. When CO2 enters the atmosphere, it contributes to the warming of the climate through the greenhouse effect. </p>



<p>While CO2 levels have fluctuated in the past due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-age-data-analysis-reshapes-climate-future-lowers-warming-estimates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice age cycles</a> and other natural causes, today's rising levels are primarily attributed to human emissions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unearthing-the-secrets-of-antarctic-ice">Unearthing the secrets of Antarctic ice</h2>



<p>To analyze past climate conditions, scientists drill cores up to 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) deep into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-shelves-are-fracturing-from-meltwater-weight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic ice</a>, which has built up over hundreds of thousands of years. </p>



<p>The ice contains ancient atmospheric gases trapped in air bubbles, allowing researchers to study trace chemicals and reconstruct past climate records.</p>



<p>Previous research had indicated several periods during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-suffered-extremely-rapid-ice-loss-after-the-last-ice-age-alarming-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">last ice age</a>, which ended about 10,000 years ago, where carbon dioxide levels appeared to jump much higher than the average. </p>



<p>However, those measurements lacked the necessary detail to fully understand the nature of these rapid changes, limiting scientists' ability to comprehend the underlying processes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-co2-increases-throughout-history">Rapid CO2 increases throughout history</h2>



<p>Intrigued by these findings, Wendt and her colleagues set out to investigate these periods in greater detail using samples from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/west-antarctic-ice-sheet-melting-will-accelerate-regardless-of-climate-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Antarctic Ice Sheet Divide</a> ice core. </p>



<p>They identified a pattern revealing that the jumps in carbon dioxide coincided with North Atlantic cold intervals known as Heinrich Events, which are associated with abrupt climate shifts worldwide.</p>



<p>Christo Buizert, an associate professor in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences and co-author of the study, described the significance of these events.</p>



<p>"These Heinrich Events are truly remarkable. We think they are caused by a dramatic collapse of the North American ice sheet. This sets into motion a chain reaction that involves changes to the tropical monsoons, the Southern hemisphere westerly winds and these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/changes-in-ocean-circulation-linked-to-drastic-rise-in-co2-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">large burps of CO2</a> coming out of the oceans," Buizert explained.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-rate-of-co2-rise">Unprecedented rate of CO2 rise</h2>



<p>The study found that during the largest of the natural CO2 rises, the concentration increased by about 14 parts per million in 55 years, occurring approximately once every 7,000 years. </p>



<p>In stark contrast, at today's rates, that magnitude of increase takes only 5 to 6 years, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/met-office-2024-co2-levels-will-surpass-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">current CO2 rise</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-westerly-winds-and-the-southern-ocean">Role of westerly winds and the Southern Ocean</h2>



<p>Evidence suggests that during past periods of natural carbon dioxide rise, the strengthening of westerly winds played a crucial role in the circulation of the deep ocean, leading to a rapid release of CO2 from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/acidity-levels-of-antarctic-waters-will-soon-double-harming-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Ocean</a>. </p>



<p>Other research has indicated that these westerlies are likely to strengthen over the next century due to climate change. The new findings suggest that if this occurs, it will reduce the Southern Ocean's capacity to absorb human-generated carbon dioxide.</p>



<p>Wendt emphasized the importance of this finding: "We rely on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-ice-shelves-melting-faster-due-to-ocean-currents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Ocean</a> to take up part of the carbon dioxide we emit, but rapidly increasing southerly winds weaken its ability to do so."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-understanding-earth-s-climate-past">Importance of understanding Earth's climate past</h2>



<p>This disturbing study highlights the significance of understanding Earth's climate history in the context of current climate change. </p>



<p>By unraveling the secrets hidden within ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-sheet-fracture-sets-a-speed-record-in-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic ice</a>, researchers have provided valuable insights into the potential impacts of rapidly increasing CO2 levels and the role of the Southern Ocean in absorbing human-generated carbon dioxide.</p>



<p>As we face the challenges of a changing climate, studies like this underscore the need for continued research and action to mitigate the effects of human-induced climate change. By learning from Earth's past, we can better understand and prepare for the future of our planet.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2319652121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a></em>.</p>



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CO2 increase is 10 times faster today than in the past 50,000 years

The current rate of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) increase is...

<p>Long considered cold-blooded behemoths, new research challenges the conventional wisdom about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megaraptor-species-named-fujianipus-yingliangi-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a>. The study suggests that some of these ancient creatures may have been <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/sites/news/files/styles/large_image/public/dromaeosaur_in_the_snow_by_davide_bonadonna_squared_-_hd_cropped_again.jpg?itok=yP90Eftt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warm-blooded</a>, a revelation that could rewrite our understanding of their evolutionary history and physiology.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-impact-on-dinosaurs-warm-blooded-traits">Climate impact on dinosaurs' warm-blooded traits</h2>



<p>Picture this: It's the Early Jurassic period. Intense volcanic activity triggers a global warming event known as the Jenkyns event. This dramatic climate shift leads to the extinction of various plant species. It paves the way for the emergence of many new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-of-the-dinosaurs-were-warm-blooded/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur</a> groups.</p>



<p>But what's truly remarkable is the impact of this environmental crisis. It may have been the catalyst for endothermy, which is the ability to internally generate heat. This trait is a defining characteristic of mammals and birds.</p>



<p>Endothermy allowed certain dinosaurs to thrive in changing climates. This adaptation enabled them to maintain high activity levels and survive in colder environments. The evolution of endothermy marks a significant turning point in dinosaur physiology. It highlights their incredible ability to adapt to environmental challenges.</p>



<p>"Our analyses show that different climate preferences emerged among the main <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-were-less-intelligent-than-modern-day-monkeys/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur</a> groups around the time of the Jenkyns event 183 million years&nbsp;ago,"&nbsp;explained study lead author Dr. Alfio Alessandro Chiarenza of <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/earth-sciences/ucl-earth-sciences" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL Earth Sciences</a>.</p>



<p>"The adoption of endothermy, perhaps a result of this environmental crisis, may have enabled theropods and ornithischians to thrive in colder environments."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theropods-and-ornithischians">Theropods and ornithischians</h2>



<p>Theropods, the group that includes the iconic T. rex and Velociraptor, and ornithischians, which include relatives of the plant-eating Stegosaurus and Triceratops, were the first to embrace this newfound ability to regulate their body temperature. </p>



<p>This allowed the dinosaurs to venture into colder climates, where they could remain active for longer periods, grow faster, and produce more offspring.</p>



<p>"Theropods also include birds and our study suggests that birds' unique temperature regulation may have had its origin in this Early Jurassic epoch,"&nbsp;noted co-author Dr. Sara Varela of the <a href="https://www.uvigo.gal/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universidade de Vigo</a>.</p>



<p>But what about the other major dinosaur group, the sauropods? These gentle giants, including the Brontosaurus and Diplodocus, opted to stick to warmer climates. They achieved this by growing to enormous sizes, which helped them retain heat due to their smaller surface area to volume ratio.</p>



<p>"Sauropods, on the other hand, which stayed in warmer climates, grew to a gigantic size at around this time – another possible adaptation due to environmental pressure,"&nbsp;said Dr. Varela.&nbsp;"Their smaller surface area to volume ratio would have meant these larger creatures would lose heat at a reduced rate, allowing them to stay active for longer."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaur-revolution-from-cold-to-warm-blooded">Dinosaur revolution from cold to warm-blooded</h2>



<p>This study fundamentally challenges the long-held notion that all dinosaurs were cold-blooded. It reveals a more complex picture of their physiology. Dinosaurs were not uniform in thermoregulation. They showcased diverse adaptations to their environments.</p>



<p>The evolution of endothermy, or warm-bloodedness, occurred in <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/are-birds-dinosaurs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">theropods</a> and ornithischians during the Early Jurassic period. This development was potentially triggered by environmental pressures like the Jenkyns event. It gave them a significant edge over their cold-blooded counterparts.</p>



<p>This adaptation allowed dinosaurs to thrive in colder climates. It drove their diversification and success. The ability to internally regulate body temperature was pivotal in dinosaur evolution. This trait potentially contributed to the rise of birds - the only surviving dinosaur lineage.</p>



<p>This new understanding of dinosaur physiology opens up intriguing research avenues. It prompts scientists to re-evaluate long-held assumptions about their biology, behavior, and evolutionary trajectories.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warm-blooded-dinosaur-evolution">Warm-blooded dinosaur evolution</h2>



<p>While this study offers fascinating insights into the evolution of warm-blooded traits in dinosaurs, many questions remain unanswered. For instance, researchers are still unsure exactly how this adaptation occurred and what other factors may have contributed to its emergence.</p>



<p>"This research suggests a close connection between climate and how dinosaurs evolved,"&nbsp;said co-author Dr. Juan L. Cantalapiedra of the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales.&nbsp;"It sheds new light on how birds might have inherited a unique biological trait from dinosaur ancestors and the different ways dinosaurs adapted to complex and long-term environmental changes."</p>



<p>As researchers continue to delve into the mysteries of dinosaur evolution, one thing is certain. These ancient creatures were far more complex and fascinating than we ever imagined. Their ability to adapt to diverse environments showcases their evolutionary ingenuity. </p>



<p>Each new discovery adds layers to our understanding of dinosaur biology and behavior. Fossil evidence continues to surprise scientists with unexpected traits and adaptations. Advances in technology and methods allow for deeper exploration of their physiology.</p>



<p>And who knows what other surprises they might have in store for us? The world of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-debunk-bergmanns-rule-classic-climate-theory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaurs</a> remains full of undiscovered secrets waiting to be unveiled.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)00525-6?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982224005256%3Fshowall%3Dtrue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a></em>.</p>



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Some dinosaurs became warm-blooded to survive climate change

Long considered cold-blooded behemoths, new research challenges the conventional wisdom about...

<p>Grasslands often fly under the radar when it comes to public awareness of their ecosystem services. While forests are well-known for their timber production, water regulation, climate impact, and recreational value, grasslands are rarely mentioned in the same breath. </p>



<p>However, these unassuming landscapes play a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grasslands-play-a-major-role-in-mitigating-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crucial role</a> in our food supply and offer a wide range of benefits that are essential for human well-being.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revealing-the-secrets-of-grassland-ecosystem-services">Revealing the secrets of grassland ecosystem services</h2>



<p>Valentin Klaus, a senior scientist at ETH Zurich's Institute of Agricultural Sciences (<a href="https://www.ias.ethz.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IAS</a>), and his colleagues from Agroscope recently published a study in <em>Nature Communications</em> that highlights the diverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-grasslands-take-a-long-time-to-recover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem services</a> provided by grasslands. </p>



<p>The researchers examined 90 permanent grassland areas on over 30 farms in the canton of Solothurn, Switzerland, to understand how different farming practices influence these services.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-provisioning-regulating-and-cultural-services">Provisioning, regulating, and cultural services</h2>



<p>Grasslands are not just vast expanses of green. They serve as important carbon stores, helping to mitigate climate change. They also provide a haven for biodiversity, supporting a wide range of plant and animal species. </p>



<p>Additionally, grasslands protect against <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grasslands-can-be-managed-to-benefit-biodiversity-and-soil-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil erosion</a> and offer cultural services, such as an attractive landscape with grazing animals that delights hikers and tourists.</p>



<p>The researchers considered three main grassland farming practices in their study: fertilization (use of fertilizer or unfertilized extensive grassland), type of use (meadow or pasture), and farming system (conventional IP Suisse or organic). </p>



<p>They analyzed the soils and plant communities of all the grasslands involved and split their analysis into three groups: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elephants-thrived-on-early-african-grasslands/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">provisioning services</a>, regulating services, and cultural services.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unlocking-grassland-ecosystem-potential-through-farming">Unlocking grassland ecosystem potential through farming</h2>



<p>The study revealed that farming practices have a significant effect on many ecosystem services. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach that delivers all ecosystem services simultaneously.</p>



<p>"We've observed that farming practices have a significant effect on many ecosystem services," says Valentin Klaus. "However, there's no one 'Swiss army knife' of farming practice that delivers all ecosystem services."</p>



<p>Extensive farming without fertilizer, such as semi-natural pastures and meadows, greatly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-activities-grassland-plant-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enhances biodiversity</a>, soil protection, and landscape aesthetics. However, it significantly reduces the quantity and quality of feed production for farmers.</p>



<p>"This trade-off between feed production and cultural or regulating services is well known. However, we were able to clearly show that extensive grassland farming produces not only biodiversity benefits but also many societally relevant ecosystem services," Klaus explains.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pastures-vs-meadows-debate-continues">Pastures vs. meadows debate continues</h2>



<p>The researchers found a pronounced effect on ecosystem services depending on whether grassland was used as pasture or meadow. </p>



<p>Pastures are richer in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drier-savannas-store-more-soil-carbon-than-previously-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant species</a>, have a higher quality of animal feed, and are aesthetically pleasing due to the presence of livestock. </p>



<p>On the other hand, meadows produce a higher amount of animal feed, which is important to farmers. Additionally, the plant communities in meadows, particularly unfertilized ones, are more visually appealing due to the abundance of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-meadow-full-of-flowers-benefit-mankind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flowering herbs</a>.</p>



<p>Klaus attributes these differences to the frequent mowing of meadows, which favors certain plant species while suppressing others. </p>



<p>Meadows are also fertilized more intensively on average than pastures, which has an additional impact on many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grassland-ecosystem-stability-is-driven-by-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem services</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-organic-farming-provides-a-surprising-twist">Organic farming provides a surprising twist</h2>



<p>Surprisingly, organic farming had only a slight positive effect on the grassland's ecosystem services. </p>



<p>Although the researchers found more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/symbiotic-relationship-plant-roots-underground-mycorrhizal-fungi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">symbiotic fungi</a> and a lower risk of nitrogen leaching in organically farmed areas, conventionally and organically farmed grassland performed roughly equally well in terms of all ecosystem services.</p>



<p>"Although we found more symbiotic fungi and a lower risk of nitrogen leaching in such areas, conventionally and organically farmed grassland performs roughly equally well in terms of all ecosystem services," Klaus says.</p>



<p>Klaus assumes that the reason for this weak effect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-costs-of-organic-farming-wildlife-may-struggle-through-the-transition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">organic farming</a> is due to the high similarity in how conventionally and organically farmed grassland is managed. Both can be relatively intensively used with ample fertilizer.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mosaic-of-farming-practices-needed">Mosaic of farming practices needed</h2>



<p>The study highlights that no one type of grassland management provides all ecosystem services simultaneously. To promote grassland ecosystem services in our landscapes effectively, a mosaic of different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cattle-farming-expansion-could-expose-more-than-a-billion-cows-to-heat-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farming practices</a> is necessary.</p>



<p>"To specifically increase and promote grassland ecosystem services in our landscapes, we need a mosaic of the farming practices mentioned; in other words, a combination of areas with and without fertilization as well as meadows and pastures next to each other," Klaus explains. </p>



<p>He notes that there is no one ideal type of grassland, so weighing the pros and cons is important, saying, "We have to ask ourselves: Who's benefiting the most from what kind of management and in what location?"</p>



<p>If a meadow is used mainly to produce feed, biodiversity and other important services suffer. In extensive unfertilized meadows, farmers must reckon with considerable production losses. </p>



<p>"If we want to sustain and facilitate the provision of all ecosystem services, we need a combination of different grassland types at the farm and landscape level," Klaus emphasizes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maximizing-grassland-ecosystems-benefits">Maximizing grassland ecosystems benefits</h2>



<p>The researchers plan to use these findings to support farmers, land cooperatives, and cantonal authorities. The study helps to balance the various demands and interests and to achieve a high level of ecosystem service multifunctionality at the landscape level.</p>



<p>In summary, this important study unveils the hidden benefits of grasslands and emphasizes the importance of diverse farming practices in promoting ecosystem services. The findings challenge our perception of grasslands and highlight the need for a mosaic approach to grassland management. </p>



<p>By combining different farming practices, such as fertilization, use, and farming systems, we can unlock the full potential of grasslands and ensure the provision of essential ecosystem services. </p>



<p>The study serves as a valuable tool for farmers, land cooperatives, and decision-makers, empowering them to make informed choices that balance the various demands and interests while promoting sustainable grassland management. </p>



<p>As we move forward, it is crucial to recognize the unsung heroes of our landscapes -- grasslands -- and work towards preserving and enhancing these valuable ecosystems for the benefit of both humans and the environment.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-48049-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a></em>.</p>



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Grasslands are a critical component of global agriculture and ecosystems

Grasslands often fly under the radar when it comes to...

<p>A team of astronomers led by the <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> (MIT) and the <a href="https://www.uliege.be/cms/c_8699436/en/uliege" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Liège</a> in Belgium has discovered a unique, low-density <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-planet-discovered-with-an-ocean-not-far-from-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet</a> orbiting a distant star within our Milky Way galaxy. This finding could provide significant insights into the formation of such massive, lightweight planets.</p>



<p>The newly identified gas giant, WASP-193b, is notably larger than Jupiter, yet much less dense. Researchers determined that the planet is 50 percent larger than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbial-life-may-exist-on-one-of-jupiters-moons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jupiter</a> but only a tenth as dense, with a density comparable to cotton candy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-giant-planet-with-incredibly-low-density-nbsp">Giant planet with incredibly low density&nbsp;</h2>



<p>WASP-193b is the second least dense planet discovered so far, following the smaller, Neptune-like Kepler 51d. Its combination of large size and extremely low density makes it an outlier among the more than 5,400 known <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-have-identified-85-new-exoplanets-that-could-harbor-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a>.</p>



<p>“To find these giant objects with such a small density is really, really rare,” said lead author Khalid Barkaoui, a postdoctoral fellow in astronomy at MIT. “There’s a class of planets called puffy Jupiters, and it’s been a mystery for 15 years now as to what they are. And this is an extreme case of that class.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-explanation-for-how-the-planet-formed">No explanation for how the planet formed</h2>



<p>“We don’t know where to put this planet in all the formation theories we have right now, because it’s an outlier of all of them,” added co-author Francisco Pozuelos, a senior researcher at the <a href="https://www.iaa.es/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Astrophysics of Andalucia</a>. </p>



<p>“We cannot explain how this planet was formed, based on classical evolution models. Looking more closely at its atmosphere will allow us to obtain an evolutionary path of this planet.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-of-the-cotton-candy-planet">Discovery of the “cotton candy planet”</h2>



<p>The planet was first detected by the <a href="https://wasp-planets.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wide Angle Search for Planets</a> (WASP), an international collaboration operating two robotic observatories. These observatories use wide-angle cameras to monitor the brightness of thousands of stars across the sky.</p>



<p>Between 2006 and 2008, and again from 2011 to 2012, the WASP-South observatory recorded periodic dips in light from WASP-193, a nearby sun-like star 1,232 light years away. These dips indicated a planet blocking the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-molecule-detected-in-space-where-stars-are-born/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star</a>'s light every 6.25 days. The amount of light blocked during each transit helped estimate the planet's super-Jupiter size.</p>



<p>To determine the planet's mass, which would reveal its density and composition, astronomers used radial velocity techniques. This involves analyzing a star’s light spectrum as a planet orbits it. The gravitational pull of an orbiting planet shifts the star's spectrum, providing clues about the planet’s mass.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-difficult-to-detect-due-to-low-density">Difficult to detect due to low density</h2>



<p>For WASP-193b, astronomers collected high-resolution spectra but struggled to detect the planet’s mass due to its low density.</p>



<p>“Typically, big planets are pretty easy to detect because they are usually massive, and lead to a big pull on their star,” explained co-author Julien de Wit, an assistant professor of planetary sciences at MIT. </p>



<p>“But what was tricky about this planet was, even though it’s big - huge - its mass and density are so low that it was actually very difficult to detect with just the radial velocity technique. It was an interesting twist.”</p>



<p>“WASP-193b is so very light that it took four years to gather data and show that there is a mass signal, but it’s really, really tiny,” Barkaoui added.</p>



<p>“We were initially getting extremely low densities, which were very difficult to believe in the beginning,” Pozuelos said. “We repeated the process of all the data analysis several times to make sure this was the real density of the planet because this was super rare.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-super-fluffy-cotton-candy-planet-nbsp">Super fluffy cotton candy planet&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team confirmed that the planet is indeed extremely light, with a mass approximately 0.14 times that of Jupiter and a density of about 0.059 grams per cubic centimeter.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For comparison, Jupiter's density is 1.33 grams per cubic centimeter, and Earth's is 5.51 grams per cubic centimeter. WASP-193b’s density is similar to that of cotton candy, which is about 0.05 grams per cubic centimeter.</p>



<p>“The planet is so light that it’s difficult to think of an analogous, solid-state material,” Barkaoui explained. “The reason why it’s close to cotton candy is because both are mostly made of light gasses rather than solids. The planet is basically super fluffy.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intriguing-mystery-of-wasp-193b">Intriguing mystery of WASP-193b</h2>



<p>The researchers believe WASP-193b is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, like other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-gas-planets-are-cosmic-wrecking-balls-that-wreak-havoc-in-habitable-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gas giants</a>. Its inflated atmosphere likely extends tens of thousands of kilometers further than Jupiter's atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>How such an atmosphere can expand so much while remaining so light remains unexplained by current planetary formation theories.</p>



<p>To better understand this fluffy planet, the team plans to use a technique developed by de Wit to analyze its atmosphere’s temperature, composition, and pressure at various depths.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These characteristics will help accurately determine the planet’s mass. For now, WASP-193b is considered an excellent candidate for further study by observatories like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-detects-signs-of-life-on-exoplanet-k2-18b/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a>.</p>



<p>“The bigger a planet’s atmosphere, the more light can go through. So it’s clear that this planet is one of the best targets we have for studying atmospheric effects. It will be a Rosetta Stone to try and resolve the mystery of puffy Jupiters,” de Wit concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41550-024-02259-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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New planet is as light as cotton candy, but bigger than Jupiter 

A team of astronomers led by the Massachusetts Institute of...

Close,Up,Of,Colorful,Atomic,Particle,Background,Science,3d,Illustration

<p>In the realm of quantum physics, proximity plays a crucial role. As atoms interact more strongly when they are positioned closely together, scientists have long sought ways to arrange them as tightly as possible in quantum simulators. </p>



<p>These simulators allow researchers to explore exotic states of matter and build novel <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/graviton-like-particle-observed-in-quantum-material-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum materials</a>. However, there has been a limit to how close atoms could be positioned...until now.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atoms-in-very-close-quarters">Atoms in very close quarters</h2>



<p>Typically, scientists cool the atoms to a stand-still and use laser light to arrange them, but the wavelength of light has restricted the minimum distance between particles to around 500 nanometers.</p>



<p>Now, a team of physicists at <a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a> has developed a breakthrough technique that enables them to position atoms a mere 50 nanometers apart. To put this into perspective, a red blood cell measures about 1,000 nanometers in width.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harnessing-the-power-of-dysprosium">Harnessing the power of dysprosium</h2>



<p>The MIT team, led by Wolfgang Ketterle, the John D. MacArthur Professor of Physics, demonstrated their new approach using <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/what-is-dysprosium/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dysprosium</a>, the most magnetic atom in nature. </p>



<p>By manipulating two layers of dysprosium atoms and precisely positioning them 50 nanometers apart, they observed magnetic interactions 1,000 times stronger than if the layers were separated by the previous limit of 500 nanometers.</p>



<p>"We have gone from positioning atoms from 500 nanometers to 50 nanometers apart, and there is a lot you can do with this," says Ketterle. "At 50 nanometers, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/finding-quantum-coherence-chemical-reaction-chaos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior of atoms</a> is so much different that we're really entering a new regime here."</p>



<p>Furthermore, the researchers were able to measure two new effects caused by the atoms' proximity: thermalization, where heat transfers from one layer to another, and synchronized oscillations between the layers. These effects diminished as the layers were spaced farther apart.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-the-optical-resolution-limit">Overcoming the optical resolution limit</h2>



<p>Conventional techniques for manipulating and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/x-ray-single-atom-captured-by-scientists-for-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arranging atoms</a> have been limited by the wavelength of light, which typically stops at 500 nanometers. This optical resolution limit has prevented scientists from exploring phenomena that occur at much shorter distances.</p>



<p>"Conventional techniques stop at 500 nanometers, limited not by the atoms but by the wavelength of light," explains Ketterle. "We have found now a new trick with light where we can break through that limit."</p>



<p>The team's innovative approach begins by cooling a cloud of atoms to about 1 microkelvin, just above absolute zero, causing the atoms to come to a near-standstill. </p>



<p>They then use two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-realm-controlled-at-room-temperature-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">laser beams</a> with different frequencies and circular polarizations to create two groups of atoms with opposite spins.</p>



<p>Each laser beam forms a standing wave, a periodic pattern of electric field intensity with a spatial period of 500 nanometers. </p>



<p>By tuning the lasers such that the distance between their respective peaks is as small as 50 nanometers, the atoms gravitating to each laser's peaks are separated by the same distance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stabilizing-the-lasers-for-atom-positioning">Stabilizing the lasers for atom positioning</h2>



<p>To achieve this level of precision, the lasers must be extremely stable and resistant to external noise. The team realized they could stabilize both lasers by directing them through an optical fiber, which locks the light beams in place relative to each other.</p>



<p>"The idea of sending both beams through the optical fiber meant the whole machine could shake violently, but the two laser beams stayed absolutely stable with respect to each others," says lead author and physics graduate student Li Du.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-strange-quantum-phenomena">Observing strange quantum phenomena</h2>



<p>By applying their technique to dysprosium atoms, the researchers observed two novel quantum phenomena at the extremely close proximity of 50 nanometers. </p>



<p>First is collective oscillation, where vibrations in one layer caused the other layer to vibrate in sync. Next is thermalization, where one layer transferred heat to the other purely through magnetic fluctuations in the atoms.</p>



<p>"Until now, heat between atoms could only by exchanged when they were in the same physical space and could collide," notes Du. "Now we have seen atomic layers, separated by vacuum, and they exchange heat via fluctuating magnetic fields."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atom-positions-and-quantum-simulators">Atom positions and quantum simulators</h2>



<p>The team's results introduce a new technique that can be applied to many other atoms to study quantum phenomena. </p>



<p>They believe their approach can be used to manipulate and position atoms into configurations that could generate the first purely magnetic quantum gate. </p>



<p>This would be a key building block for a new type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computing-giant-leap-forward-breakthrough-ultra-pure-silicon-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum computer</a>.</p>



<p>"We are really bringing super-resolution methods to the field, and it will become a general tool for doing quantum simulations," says Ketterle. "There are many variants possible, which we are working on."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-positioning-atoms-for-better-quantum-computers">Positioning atoms for better quantum computers</h2>



<p>In summary, the MIT team's pioneering technique opens up a new frontier in quantum physics, enabling scientists to explore previously inaccessible phenomena and build novel quantum materials. </p>



<p>By positioning atoms a mere 50 nanometers apart, they have unlocked a realm where magnetic interactions reign supreme and quantum effects emerge in stunning clarity. </p>



<p>As researchers continue to refine and expand upon this approach, they inch closer to the development of purely magnetic quantum gates and the realization of cutting-edge quantum computers. </p>



<p>The future of quantum simulations looks brighter than ever, and the possibilities are limited only by the imagination of the scientists who dare to push the boundaries of what is possible.</p>



<p>The study's co-authors include Pierre Barral, Michael Cantara, Julius de Hond, and Yu-Kun Lu, all members of the MIT-Harvard Center for Ultracold Atoms, the Department of Physics, and the Research Laboratory of Electronics at MIT.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adh3023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a></em>.</p>



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‘Impossible’ quantum effects observed in atoms positioned closely together

In the realm of quantum physics, proximity plays a crucial...

<p>During its 59th close flyby of Jupiter on March 7, 2024, NASA's Juno mission captured breathtaking views of the giant planet's colorful belts and swirling storms, including the iconic Great Red Spot. However, upon closer examination, the images revealed something more: <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/amalthea_jupiter-moon_juno-spacecraft_NASA_1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">two glimpses of the tiny moon</a> Amalthea.</p>



<p>Amalthea, discovered by Edward Emerson Barnard in 1892, was the last planetary satellite to be found by direct visual observation. </p>



<p>Named after the mythical goat who nursed the infant Zeus in Greek mythology, Amalthea is the largest of Jupiter's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-now-leads-the-solar-system-moon-race-with-145/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inner moons</a> and the fifth-largest moon overall.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amalthea-s-unique-characteristics">Amalthea's unique characteristics</h2>



<p>With dimensions of 250 × 146 × 128 kilometers, Amalthea has an irregular shape and a low average density of around 0.85 g/cm³, indicating that it is composed mostly of ice with a small fraction of rock. </p>



<p>Orbiting Jupiter at a distance of approximately 181,400 kilometers, Amalthea completes one orbit around the gas giant in just under 12 hours.</p>



<p>Interestingly, Amalthea is the reddest object in the solar system and gives out more heat than it receives from the Sun. </p>



<p>This phenomenon may be due to electric currents induced in the moon's core as it orbits within <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-jupiters-magnetosphere-will-help-us-predict-space-weather/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jupiter's powerful magnetic field</a>, or it could be caused by tidal stresses from Jupiter's gravity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-jupiter-s-moon-amalthea-influences-its-ring-system">How Jupiter's moon Amalthea influences its ring system</h2>



<p>Amalthea's orbit lies within Jupiter's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jupiters-turbulent-atmosphere-includes-a-high-speed-jet-stream/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">main ring system</a>, and the moon is thought to be a significant contributor to the ring's dust content. </p>



<p>Its surface is heavily cratered, with the largest crater, Pan, measuring about 90 kilometers in diameter. The moon's surface also features a number of bright patches, which are believed to be relatively fresh impact craters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galileo-gets-the-first-up-close-view">Galileo gets the first up-close view</h2>



<p>The Galileo spacecraft provided the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/amalthea_jupiter-moon_galileo-spacecraft_NASA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first detailed images of Amalthea</a> during its mission to study the Jovian system from 1995 to 2003, revealing the moon's irregular shape and heavily cratered surface. </p>



<p>Although no dedicated missions to Amalthea are currently planned, future missions to study the Jovian system may provide further insights into this intriguing inner moon.</p>



<p>At the time that the first of these two images was taken, the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/juno/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Juno spacecraft</a> was about 165,000 miles (265,000 kilometers) above Jupiter's cloud tops, at a latitude of about 5 degrees north of the equator. </p>



<p>Citizen scientist Gerald Eichstädt made these images using raw data from the JunoCam instrument, applying processing techniques to enhance the clarity of the images.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amalthea-and-the-significance-of-jupiter-s-inner-moons">Amalthea and the significance of Jupiter's inner moons</h2>



<p>Jupiter's inner moons, including Amalthea, are important for several reasons:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-formation-and-evolution-of-the-jovian-system">Understanding the formation and evolution of the Jovian system</h3>



<p>Studying the inner moons can provide insights into how they formed and evolved alongside Jupiter, offering clues about the early history of our solar system.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-influence-on-jupiter-s-ring-system">Influence on Jupiter's ring system</h3>



<p>The inner moons, particularly Amalthea, are thought to be significant contributors to the dust content in Jupiter's ring system. Investigating their role in shaping and maintaining the rings can help us better understand the dynamics of planetary ring systems.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-physical-properties">Unique physical properties</h3>



<p>Jupiter's inner moons exhibit unusual characteristics, such as Amalthea's low density and high heat output. Exploring these properties can help scientists develop new theories about the composition and internal structure of small, irregular moons.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tidal-forces-and-orbital-resonances">Tidal forces and orbital resonances</h3>



<p>The inner moons are subjected to strong tidal forces from Jupiter and may also interact with each other through orbital resonances. Studying these interactions can provide valuable information about the complex gravitational dance within the Jovian system.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amalthea-tiny-moon-with-a-big-impact">Amalthea: Tiny moon with a big impact</h2>



<p>In summary, the Juno mission's serendipitous capture of Amalthea during its 59th flyby of Jupiter has provided us with a tantalizing glimpse into the fascinating world of this tiny, yet influential moon. </p>



<p>As we continue to explore the Jovian system, we eagerly anticipate the discoveries that future missions and citizen scientists will uncover, further unraveling the mysteries surrounding Amalthea and its role in shaping Jupiter's complex environment. </p>



<p>Through these endeavors, we will undoubtedly deepen our understanding of not only this mythical moon but also the intricate dynamics at play within our solar system's largest and most captivating planetary system.</p>



<p><a href="https://missionjuno.swri.edu/junocam/processing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JunoCam’s raw images</a> are available for the public to peruse and process into image products.</p>



<p>More information about NASA citizen science <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/citizenscience" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">can be found here</a>.</p>



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Jupiter’s tiny moon Amalthea captured by the Juno spacecraft

During its 59th close flyby of Jupiter on March 7,...

<p>In the face of natural disasters like flooding, fire <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/fire-ants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ants</a> demonstrate a remarkable survival tactic. These tiny creatures come together, interlocking to form a buoyant structure akin to a raft. </p>



<p>This living raft is not only about survival but also represents a dynamic, adaptive system, much like the materials scientists aspire to create.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-fire-ants-shape-material-science">How fire ants shape material science</h2>



<p>Professor Rob Wagner from <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a> has taken a deep dive into understanding these natural phenomena.</p>



<p>Previously part of the Vernerey Soft Matter Mechanics Lab, Professor Wagner has been exploring how fire ants adjust and change their structure under various conditions. His research aims to decipher the secrets of these living systems to enhance our material sciences.</p>



<p>“Living systems have always fascinated me because they achieve things that our current engineered materials cannot - not even close,” said Wagner.</p>



<p>He highlighted the contrast between passive materials used today, like metals and ceramics, and the active, energy-converting mechanisms observed in living systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mimicking smart behaviors</h2>



<p>In their recent work, the team investigated how fire ant rafts react to mechanical stress. They observed that unlike polymers that flow or break under different stresses, the ant bonds held strong consistently.</p>



<p>“Many polymers are held together by dynamic bonds that break, but can reform,” explained Professor Wagner. “When pulled slowly enough, these bonds have time to restructure the material so that - instead of fracturing - it flows like the slime our kids play with, or soft-serve ice cream."</p>



<p>"When pulled very fast, though, it breaks more like chalk. Since the rafts are held together by ants clinging onto one another, their bonds can break and reform. So, my colleagues and I thought they’d do the same thing.”</p>



<p>However, the researchers found that the ants’ bonds did not weaken or flow regardless of the pulling speed. Professor Wagner speculates that the fire ants intensify their grip under stress, likely due to a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ants-build-mini-eiffel-tower/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survival</a> instinct that maintains cohesion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Catch bond behavior</h2>



<p>The phenomenon where bonds strengthen under force is termed "catch bond behavior." This feature likely serves as a protective mechanism, enhancing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ant-role-colony-neurobiology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colony</a>'s cohesion, crucial for their survival.</p>



<p>“As you pull on typical bonds with some amount of force, they’re going to let go sooner, and their lifetime goes down - you’re weakening the bond by pulling on it. That is what you see in almost any passive system,” noted Professor Wagner. “But in living systems, because of their complexity, you can sometimes have catch bonds that hold on for longer durations under some range of applied force."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fire ants inspire the next wave of engineered materials</h2>



<p>Looking ahead, Professor Wagner believes that replicating catch bonds in engineered materials could revolutionize various fields. This adaptation could significantly improve the durability and functionality of biomedical implants, adhesives, fiber composites, and components used in soft robotics.</p>



<p>Inspired by collective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ant-queen-behavior-changes-based-on-social-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect behaviors</a>, other researchers are also venturing into materials with responsive mechanical properties. </p>



<p>“A natural progression of this work is to answer how we can get the interactions between these ribbons or other soft building blocks to ‘catch’ under load like the fire ants and some biomolecular interactions do,” said Professor Wagner.</p>



<p>The ongoing research inspired by fire ants not only deepens our understanding of nature but also paves the way for innovations in material science, illustrating once again how much we can learn by observing the world around us.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about fire ants</h2>



<p>Fire ants are remarkable engineers, constructing intricate nests that serve both as shelters and as a means of regulating their internal environment. </p>



<p>These ants start building by digging out soil with their mandibles, creating underground networks of tunnels and chambers. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Fire ant nests</h3>



<p>The architecture of a fire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ant-nests-could-help-humans-build-better-transportation-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ant nest</a> is primarily designed to maintain a stable internal climate, protect against predators, and manage water ingress during rain.</p>



<p>The nests vary in depth and complexity based on the soil type and environmental conditions. In sandy soils, fire ants can build deeper and more elaborate tunnels, while in clay-rich soils, the structures might be shallower but spread wider.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Air flow and temperature&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Fire ants also cleverly use the soil they excavate to build mounds above ground, which help regulate the nest’s temperature and provide an emergency exit during floods.</p>



<p>These mounds are not just piles of dirt; they are engineered to optimize air flow and temperature. The tunnels within allow heat from the sun-warmed mound to circulate down and warm the nest on cool days, and conversely, let heat escape to the cooler earth when it’s hot above ground.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This natural air conditioning is crucial for the survival and productivity of the colony, as it helps maintain an optimal environment for raising their young.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2314772121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a></em>. </p>



<p>-----</p>



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Fire ants can teach us how to create stronger materials

In the face of natural disasters like flooding, fire ants...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.</p>



<p>"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.</p>



<p>"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: ESA</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="http://csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.</p>



<p>"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.</p>



<p>To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.</p>



<p>"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."</p>



<p>"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."</p>



<p><em>Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="http://csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Staff Writer</em></p>

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.</p>



<p>In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. </p>



<p>Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.</p>



<p>Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. </p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.</p>



<p>“We need to double crop production by 2050 to feed a growing global population, and not only are we not on track to do that, but climate change is further complicating things,” said Amanda Cavanagh, a lecturer at the University of Essex. </p>



<p>The study is part of Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), an international research project that aims to develop food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently.</p>



<p>“Using an engineering approach we designed multiple alternative metabolic pathways to photorespiration. Testing them in the field showed increases in productivity which led Amanda to significantly move the project forward by showing our engineered plants can withstand pretty extreme temperature stress,” said study co-author and RIPE researcher Paul South.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“As the climate changes and temperature stresses increase the pressure on our global food supply, farmers will need every tool available including engineering approaches like the synthetic biology used here to maintain safe and productive harvests.”</p>



<p>The experts tested plants modified to have more efficient photorespiration to see if they were better adapted to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team found that the engineered plants produced 26 percent more biomass than the wild-type plants exposed to the same temperatures, and had 15 percent less yield loss under the higher temperatures.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...


<p>Shepard passed away in 1998, the same year that he gave an interview reflecting on his lunar golfing. At that late stage of his life, it seems, the astronaut was happy with his decision to take those shots. In his words, “It was designed to be a fun thing. Fortunately, it is still a fun thing.”     Photo Credit: SDASM</p>


<p>As for the golf balls themselves, Shepard had sourced these from Jack Harden Sr. And apparently, they even bore the words “Property of Jack Harden.” So, as Brandel Chamblee has pointed out, “Technically – if the balls aren’t melted – Jack is the only person who owns property on the Moon.”     Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons</p>