Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features wildfires in the state of Mato Grosso in Brazil. These fires have been some of the most devastating in recent history.&nbsp;



The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission on September 9, 2024. “The infrared signal acquired by the mission’s multispectral instrument allows the extent of the burned areas to be seen and highlights where the fires were still active on the date of acquisition,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brazil-fires-of-2024">Brazil fires of 2024</h2>



2024 has shaped up to be one of Brazil's most intense fire seasons. The country is facing its worst drought since national measurements began, which has fueled a surge in wildfires across critical regions like the Amazon, the Pantanal wetlands, and the Cerrado savanna.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-amazon">The Amazon</h3>



By September 2024, Brazil had already recorded nearly 160,000 fires - the highest number since 2010. In the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-threaten-environmental-gains-in-the-amazon/">Amazon</a>, the first half of the year saw the most wildfires in 20 years, with fire activity up by 40% compared to previous record years.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-deforestation-nbsp">Climate change and deforestation&nbsp;</h3>



Climate change and human-driven deforestation are worsening the situation. The combination of extreme drought, slash-and-burn agriculture, and the ongoing degradation of forests has created ideal conditions for fire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-wildfires-of-2023-were-a-global-environmental-setback/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">outbreaks</a> to spread uncontrollably. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fires-in-the-pantanal-nbsp">Fires in the Pantanal&nbsp;</h2>



Regions like the Pantanal have been especially hard-hit, with large portions of the biome burned earlier than usual, long before the peak of fire season.



The fires have significantly impacted the fragile ecosystem of the Pantanal, which is one of the world’s largest tropical wetlands.&nbsp;



Between August 1 and 27, over 3,800 fires were recorded in the Pantanal, marking an alarming increase compared to the previous year.&nbsp;



These fires have led to severe damage to local wildlife, with hundreds of animals, including jaguars and anteaters, suffering from burns. Firefighters have been mobilized, but the scale of the fires and the vast, difficult-to-access areas have made containment efforts challenging.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-irreversible-impacts-on-biodiversity">Irreversible impacts on biodiversity</h2>



Furthermore, the fires have released toxic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/twenty-years-of-air-quality-improvement-erased-by-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smoke</a> that has spread across Brazil, affecting cities as far as São Paulo and Brasília. The use of satellite imagery from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission has been crucial in monitoring the active fires and the extent of burned areas. 



Environmentalists are warning that the destruction of native vegetation and animal habitats could have long-term, irreversible effects on the region’s biodiversity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-wildfires">Climate change and wildfires</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-people-attribute-extreme-heat-and-wildfires-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a> and wildfires are deeply interconnected. As the Earth's climate warms due to the increase in greenhouse gases, many regions around the world are experiencing hotter, drier conditions. 



These changes create the perfect environment for wildfires to ignite and spread. Warmer temperatures dry out vegetation, making forests and grasslands more flammable.&nbsp;



When a spark - whether from a lightning strike, a human activity, or another source - hits this dry vegetation, fires can erupt rapidly and become difficult to control.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-longer-fire-seasons">Longer fire seasons</h3>



In addition, changing weather patterns have led to longer fire seasons in many parts of the world. Areas that were once too wet or cool to experience frequent fires are now seeing them more often.&nbsp;



For example, the Arctic and subarctic regions, including parts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-in-siberia-are-a-growing-global-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Siberia</a> and Alaska, have experienced unusually intense wildfires in recent years, partly due to warming temperatures and thawing permafrost.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-severity">Fire severity</h3>



Climate change also affects the severity of fires. Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to more extreme weather events such as thunderstorms, which can generate lightning and ignite fires.&nbsp;



Furthermore, prolonged droughts caused by changing rainfall patterns make forests more susceptible to large, destructive wildfires. Once a fire starts, the hot, dry conditions fuel its rapid spread, often overwhelming firefighting efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reinforcing-feedback-loop">Reinforcing feedback loop</h2>



The aftermath of wildfires further exacerbates climate change. When forests burn, they release large amounts of carbon dioxide stored in trees and soil into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.&nbsp;



This creates a feedback loop, where more fires lead to more carbon emissions, which in turn accelerate climate change, making future fires more likely and more intense. As climate change continues to progress, wildfires are expected to become more frequent, larger, and more destructive across many parts of the world.



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Brazil's devastating 2024 fire season rages on

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a 9.5-mile section of Pangong Lake on the western end of the Tibetan Plateau. The image was captured on by a crew member onboard the International Space Station. 



“In this winter scene, a sheet of cracked ice tops part of the lake,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>. “On the left side, open water appears blue. Shallow water offshore of a delta, formed by a small, winding river, appears green."



"Parallel lines along the coastlines of bays are visible in the high-resolution version of this image. These lines indicate raised beaches, which formed in the past when lake levels were higher.”



NASA pointed out that several roads cut across the landscape, including one with switchbacks that ascends a steep slope. "These roads facilitate tourist travel from both India and China.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migratory-birds-at-pangong-lake-nbsp">Migratory birds at Pangong Lake&nbsp;</h2>



Pangong Lake and its surroundings are home to numerous bird species, particularly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-burn-unexpected-amounts-of-protein/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a>. Visitors can spot various waterfowl and waders that are rarely seen elsewhere.



“During the summer, species such as bar-headed geese and Brahminy ducks attract bird watchers to the lake, which is a major breeding ground for migrating birds,” said NASA.



Pangong Lake is one of the few places in India where the endangered black-necked crane is found during its breeding season. 



Ruddy shelduck and brown-headed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gulls-are-shifting-their-habitats-to-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gulls</a> are also frequently spotted around the lake. The ruddy shelduck is known for its striking orange-brown body and creamy white head, while the brown-headed gulls are often seen flying or swimming in the lake.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pangong-lake-nbsp">Pangong Lake&nbsp;</h2>



Pangong Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake situated in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperatures-are-rising-unexpectedly-fast-on-the-tibetan-plateau/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himalayas</a>, extending from India to the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. It is renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic setting, with the lake lying at an elevation of about 4,350 meters.



One of the most distinctive features of Pangong Lake is its changing colors, ranging from shades of blue to green and even red, influenced by the sky's reflection and the lake's mineral content.



This saline water lake is approximately 134 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide at its broadest point, despite its considerable size, it's relatively shallow.&nbsp;



The lake gained additional popularity after being featured in several Indian films, most notably the Bollywood hit "3 Idiots." Its remote location requires a permit for visitors, especially due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control between India and China. 



Despite the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding its location, Pangong Lake remains a favorite among tourists for its unparalleled natural beauty and serene environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-altitude-lakes">High-altitude lakes</h2>



High-altitude lakes are unique bodies of water found at elevations typically above 3,000 meters (about 10,000 feet) in mountain ranges like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/himalayan-glaciers-retreating-threat-is-much-worse-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himalayas</a>, Andes, and Rockies. 



These lakes are formed either by glacial activity, where glaciers erode the earth to create depressions that fill with melted snow and rainwater, or when natural dams created by landslides or moraines trap water in valleys.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-environments">Extreme environments</h3>



The conditions at high altitudes make these lakes distinct in several ways. The climate is typically colder and harsher, with significant temperature variations between day and night. 



This extreme environment affects both the physical characteristics of 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">lakes</a> and the types of ecosystems they support. For example, due to lower atmospheric pressure, the boiling point of water is reduced, which can affect the type of life that can survive in these regions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-habitats">Critical habitats</h3>



Biologically, high-altitude lakes often have limited biodiversity because only certain types of plants and animals can tolerate the cold temperatures and lower oxygen levels in the water. 



Despite this, these lakes are crucial habitats for some unique species of fish, birds, and other wildlife. They also serve as important indicators of climate change, as variations in their water levels and temperatures can reflect environmental shifts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-high-altitude-lakes">Significance of high-altitude lakes </h3>



Lakes at high altitudes are often clear and pristine, due to the low density of human populations in these areas and minimal industrial activity, making them significant for ecological studies and attractive for tourism. 



However, they are sensitive ecosystems, and increased tourist activity brings challenges like pollution and habitat disruption.



High-altitude lakes are not only beautiful and scientifically significant but also hold cultural importance for local communities, often considered sacred and associated with historical and spiritual significance.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Pangong Lake in the Himalayas

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Webb Images features an extraordinary view of Uranus, the seventh planet from the sun in our solar system. 



The photo reveals the rings, moons, and extreme seasons of the ice giant Uranus in unprecedented detail.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-north-polar-cap-nbsp">Dynamic north polar cap&nbsp;</h2>



“The Webb image exquisitely captures Uranus’s seasonal north polar cap, including the bright, white, inner cap and the dark lane in the bottom of the polar cap,” noted NASA.



Unlike Earth, where polar ice caps are formed by the freezing of water, Uranus's polar caps are thought to be primarily composed of a dense concentration of haze in the atmosphere.&nbsp;



The polar cap's haze is likely composed of methane particles. Methane in Uranus's atmosphere condenses into ice particles, which then create a thick haze that scatters sunlight, giving the polar cap its distinct bright appearance in visible and infrared light.



The polar cap is dynamic and changes over time. It becomes more prominent during the summer season of each pole. As Uranus moves along its orbit, the cap's appearance transforms, with the haze becoming thicker and brighter when the pole is in continuous sunlight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-zeta-ring-nbsp">The Zeta ring&nbsp;</h2>



The inner and outer rings of Uranus are visible in the image, including Zeta - the innermost ring which is the faintest and most difficult to observe.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-photo-of-uranus-and-its-rings-and-moons-captured-by-the-webb-telescope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rings of Uranus</a> are primarily composed of narrow bands of particles, likely made of water ice mixed with a dark material. These rings are distinct from those of Saturn in that they are much darker and narrower.



The faintness and characteristics of the Zeta ring make it a subject of interest in studies related to the dynamics and composition of planetary ring systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moons-of-uranus-nbsp">Moons of Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



The <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/multimedia/images/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Webb</a> photo also features nine of the planet’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-four-uranus-moons-may-have-oceans-that-are-miles-deep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moons</a>, which appear as blue dots surrounding the rings. 



“Clockwise starting at 2 o’clock, they are: Rosalind, Puck, Belinda, Desdemona, Cressida, Bianca, Portia, Juliet, and Perdita. The orbits of these moons share the 98-degree tilt of their parent planet relative to the plane of the solar system,” noted NASA.



Uranus has 27 known moons, and they are divided into three main groups based on their orbits: the inner moons, the major moons, and the irregular moons.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranus-moon-ariel-may-have-a-hidden-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moons</a> of Uranus are unique because they are named after characters from the works of William Shakespeare and Alexander Pope, rather than being named after figures from classical mythology, as is common for the moons of other planets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ice-giant-uranus-nbsp">The ice giant Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



Uranus is classified as an "ice giant" because, unlike the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn, which are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, Uranus has a significant proportion of "ices" in its composition.&nbsp;



In astronomical terms, ices refer to volatile substances like water, ammonia, and methane, which exist in solid or liquid forms at the low temperatures found in the outer solar system.



Uranus has a thick atmosphere of hydrogen and helium, but beneath that, it contains a large, dense mantle composed of these ices, along with rock and other heavier elements.&nbsp;



The term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diamond-rain-may-be-common-on-giant-icy-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice giant</a> differentiates Uranus (and Neptune, the other ice giant) from the larger gas giants, emphasizing the different chemical compositions and internal structures of these planets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-of-uranus-nbsp">Climate of Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



Uranus has a unique and extreme climate, largely influenced by its unusual tilt, which causes the planet to rotate almost on its side. This tilt leads to extreme seasonal variations, with each pole experiencing 42 years of continuous sunlight followed by 42 years of darkness.&nbsp;



Even though it is closer to the sun than Neptune, Uranus is the coldest planet in the solar system, with temperatures plunging to as low as -224°C (-371°F). The reason for this is not fully understood, but it might be due to an internal heat distribution anomaly.



Despite these frigid conditions, Uranus experiences intense weather patterns, including powerful storms and winds that can reach speeds of up to 900 kilometers per hour. These winds blow in the same direction as the planet’s rotation and are some of the fastest in the solar system.



Storms on Uranus are driven by its internal heat and the interaction of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranus-is-more-gassy-less-icy-than-we-ever-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric gases</a>. Observations have shown that these storms can be quite large, sometimes comparable in size to the Earth, and can last for several years.&nbsp;



The planet’s extreme axial tilt also means that the storms and weather patterns are highly variable, depending on the season. During equinoxes, when the Sun is directly over the equator, Uranus exhibits more storm activity compared to when the poles are pointed towards the Sun or away from it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-of-uranus">Observations of Uranus</h2>



“One day on Uranus is about 17 hours, so the planet’s rotation is relatively quick. This makes it supremely difficult for observatories with a sharp eye like Webb to capture one simple image of the entire planet - storms and other atmospheric features, and the planet’s moons, move visibly within minutes,” explained NASA.



“This image combines several longer and shorter exposures of this dynamic system to correct for those slight changes throughout the observing time.”



The first recorded observations of Uranus were made by John Flamsteed on December 13, 1690. However, Flamsteed mistakenly identified the planet as a star, which he named “34 Tauri."&nbsp;



It wasn't until March 13, 1781, that Uranus was officially identified as a planet by William Herschel. He initially thought he had discovered a comet, but further observations and calculations by other astronomers confirmed that it was a new planet, making Uranus the first planet discovered in modern history with the aid of a telescope.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI



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The ice giant Uranus in stunning detail

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Webb Images features...

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543), located about 3,300 light-years from Earth in the constellation Draco. 



The nebula's name comes from its eye-like appearance when viewed through a telescope. This particular image, which reveals the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/horsehead-nebula-webb-telescope-captured-unprecedented-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a> in stunning detail, was captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-nebulae-nbsp">Planetary nebulae&nbsp;</h2>



According to ESA, the Cat's Eye Nebula is one of the most complex planetary nebulae that has ever been discovered.



“A planetary nebula forms when Sun-like stars gently eject their outer gaseous layers to form bright nebulae with amazing twisted shapes," explained <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"Until recently, it was thought that shells around planetary nebulae were a rare phenomenon. However, astronomers have instead shown that these rings are likely to be the rule rather than the exception."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-appearance-of-the-cat-s-eye-nebula-nbsp">Appearance of the Cat's Eye Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



The central focus of the Cat's Eye is a hot, dying star that has shed its outer layers to form the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragons-egg-nebula-is-a-truly-stunning-sight-to-behold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a>. It is surrounded by concentric gas shells, jets of high-speed gas, and unusual shock-induced knots of gas.



“Although the rings may be the key to explaining the final ‘gasp’ of the dying central star, the mystery behind the Cat’s Eye Nebula’s nested ‘Russian doll’ structure remains largely unsolved,” noted ESA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rings-around-the-cat-s-eye">Rings around the Cat’s Eye</h2>



“This image, taken with Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS), reveals the full pattern of eleven or more concentric rings, or shells, around the Cat’s Eye. Each ‘ring’ is actually the edge of a spherical bubble seen projected onto the sky - which is why it appears bright along its outer edge.”



According to ESA, observations suggest that the star ejected its mass in a series of pulses at 1,500-year intervals. “These convulsions created dust shells that each contains as much mass as all of the planets in our solar system combined.”



Several explanations have been proposed for this phenomenon, including cycles of magnetic activity similar to our Sun's sunspot cycle, the influence of companion stars orbiting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dying-stars-may-be-a-source-of-gravitational-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dying star</a>, or stellar pulsations.&nbsp;



Another theory suggests that the material is ejected smoothly from the star, with the rings forming later due to the creation of waves in the outflowing material.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-draco-nbsp">The constellation Draco&nbsp;</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extrasolar-ocean-planet-discovered-in-the-draco-constellation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Draco</a> is a constellation in the northern sky that represents a dragon. It's one of the largest constellations, winding between the Big and Little Dippers.&nbsp;



In Greek mythology, Draco is often identified as the dragon Ladon, who guarded the golden apples in the garden of the Hesperides.



Draco is a circumpolar constellation for most northern hemisphere observers, meaning it never sets below the horizon and can be seen all year round.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-famous-planetary-nebulae">Famous planetary nebulae </h2>



Planetary nebulae are some of the most beautiful and intriguing objects in the universe.&nbsp;



One of the most famous is the Ring Nebula, or M57, located in the constellation Lyra. This nebula is renowned for its nearly perfect ring shape, which is the result of a dying star shedding its outer layers.&nbsp;



Another well-known planetary nebula is the Helix Nebula, or NGC 7293, often referred to as the "Eye of God" due to its eye-like appearance. The Helix Nebula is one of the closest planetary nebulae to Earth, making it a popular target for amateur astronomers.&nbsp;



The Dumbbell Nebula, or M27, in the constellation Vulpecula, is another striking example. It is named for its resemblance to a dumbbell and is notable for being the first planetary nebula ever discovered, by Charles Messier in 1764.&nbsp;



The Butterfly Nebula, or NGC 6302, is located in the constellation Scorpius. Its name comes from its distinctive bipolar structure, resembling the wings of a butterfly. The nebula's central star is one of the hottest known, with a surface temperature of around 250,000 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;



Finally, the Eskimo Nebula, or NGC 2392, in the constellation Gemini, is known for its resemblance to a face surrounded by a fur parka, which gives it its name. Its intricate structure, including filaments and bubble-like shapes, makes it a fascinating object of study.&nbsp;



These nebulae not only captivate us with their beauty but also provide valuable insights into the life cycles of stars and the processes that shape our galaxy.



Image Credit: NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope



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Cat's Eye Nebula in the constellation Draco

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Southern Ring Nebula, also known as NGC 3132, located about 2,000 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Vela. This remarkably detailed image was created using data from Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam).



The Southern Ring Nebula is one of the more famous examples of planetary nebulae, often studied for its beauty and valuable insights into the end stages of stellar evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stars-power-the-southern-ring-nebula">Stars power the Southern Ring Nebula </h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragons-egg-nebula-is-a-truly-stunning-sight-to-behold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a> is powered by two central stars in a binary system. The brighter star in visible light is actually a less massive companion, while the fainter, dimmer star is the dying, hot central star that has shed its outer layers to form the nebula. This star is a white dwarf and is responsible for the ionization of the gas in the nebula, causing it to glow.



“The bright star at the center of NGC 3132, while prominent when viewed by NASA’s Webb Telescope in near-infrared light, plays a supporting role in sculpting the surrounding nebula. A second star, barely visible at lower left along one of the bright star’s diffraction spikes, is the nebula’s source. It has ejected at least eight layers of gas and dust over thousands of years,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“But the bright central star visible here has helped ‘stir’ the pot, changing the shape of this planetary nebula’s highly intricate rings by creating turbulence. The pair of stars are locked in a tight orbit, which leads the dimmer star to spray ejected material in a range of directions as they orbit one another, resulting in these jagged rings.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-characteristics-of-the-southern-ring-nebula-nbsp">Key characteristics of the Southern Ring Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



The Southern Ring Nebula displays a complex structure with multiple layers of gas and dust. The outer shells of the nebula consist of hydrogen and other elements that were ejected from the dying star in previous stages of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-stellar-objects-observing-the-early-lives-of-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>.&nbsp;These layers are illuminated by ultraviolet radiation from the central white dwarf.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coloration">Coloration</h3>



The colors seen in the Southern Ring Nebula come from the different gases present. For example, hydrogen emits red light, while oxygen emits blue-green light. These colors help astronomers study the composition and dynamics of the nebula.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size-and-shape">Size and shape</h3>



The nebula spans about half a light-year in diameter. Its intricate, symmetrical structure provides valuable insights into the late stages of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-collapse-black-hole-instead-of-supernova-vanish-from-sky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stellar evolution</a>, especially the processes involved in the shedding of outer layers by dying stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spotlights-from-the-bright-star">Spotlights from the bright star</h2>



ESA noted that hundreds of straight, brightly-lit lines pierce through the rings of gas and dust. “These ‘spotlights’ emanate from the bright star and stream through holes in the nebula like sunlight through gaps in a cloud.



“But not all of the starlight can escape. The density of the central region, set off in teal, is reflected by how transparent or opaque it is. Areas that are a deeper teal indicate that the gas and dust are denser - and light is unable to break free.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-image">More about the image</h2>



According to ESA, this is not only a crisp image of a planetary nebula - it also shows us objects in the vast distances of space behind it. The transparent red sections of the nebula are filled with distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-have-hearts-and-lungs-that-help-them-live-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>.



“Look for the bright angled line at the upper left. It is not starlight - it is a faraway galaxy seen edge-on. Distant spirals, of many shapes and colors, also dot the scene. Those that are farthest away - or very dusty - are small and red,” said ESA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-vela-nbsp">The constellation Vela&nbsp;</h2>



Vela is a southern constellation that represents the sails of a ship. It was once part of a larger constellation called Argo Navis, which depicted the ship of the mythological hero Jason and the Argonauts. In the 18th century, Argo Navis was divided into three separate constellations: Vela (the sails), Carina (the keel), and Puppis (the stern).



Vela is notable for containing several interesting astronomical features. One of its most prominent stars is Gamma Velorum, also known as Suhail or Regor, which is a bright, massive star system consisting of multiple stars.&nbsp;



The constellation also hosts the Vela Supernova Remnant, the remains of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> explosion that occurred about 11,000 years ago. This remnant is associated with the Vela Pulsar, a neutron star formed from the supernova explosion, which is one of the brightest pulsars in the sky.



Vela is best observed in the Southern Hemisphere, where it can be seen in the summer months, though it is partially visible in the Northern Hemisphere as well. Its position along the Milky Way makes it a popular region for both amateur and professional astronomers to explore.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI



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Southern Ring Nebula in the constellation Vela 

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features Harrat Khaybar, one of the largest volcanic fields in Saudi Arabia. This extensive lava field, which covers 5,400 square-miles, was formed by eruptions over the last five million years.



“According to the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program, the volcanic field is still active, and eight lava flows are less than 1,500 years old. The last known eruption was reported in Harrat Khaybar in the 7th century,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



A couple of the youngest volcanic vents in Harrat Khaybar can be seen in this <a href="https://eoimages.gsfc.nasa.gov/images/imagerecords/152000/152839/harratkhaybar_oli2_20240425_lrg.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">image</a>, which was captured by the OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jabal-qidr-nbsp">Jabal Qidr&nbsp;</h2>



“These volcanoes resulted from different eruptive styles: Jabal Qidr is a stratovolcano (or composite cone); Jabal Abyad is a felsic dome; and Jabal Bayda is a tuff cone,” explained NASA.



“Jabal Qidr, in the northern part of the volcanic field, is built from several generations of dark, basaltic lava flows. Qidr has a 400-meter-diameter summit crater and exhibits the textbook cone shape of a stratovolcano. This is the only stratovolcano in the harrats of western Saudi Arabia.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jabal-abyad-nbsp">Jabal Abyad&nbsp;</h2>



Visible in the center of the image, Jabal Abyad was formed from a more viscous, silica-rich lava classified as rhyolite, noted NASA.



"While Jabal Qidr exhibits the cone shape of a stratovolcano, Jabal Abyad is a lava dome - a rounded mass of thicker, more solidified lava flows. Abyad’s dome reaches over 2,090 meters above sea level, the highest elevation amongst all the surrounding harrats.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jabal-bayda-nbsp">Jabal Bayda&nbsp;</h2>



To the west of Jabal Abyad is Jabal Bayda, a tuff cone <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-aspect-of-volcanic-eruptions-observed-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcano</a> with a much larger summit crater measuring 1,400 meters in diameter, stated NASA.



"Tuff cones form from the interaction of rising magma with water. When heated rapidly by lava, water turns to steam and expands violently, fragmenting the lava into plumes of very fine grains of ash.”



In Arabic, abyad and bayda are the masculine and feminine words for “white.” The lighter color of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/mount-erebus-breaks-through-the-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountains</a> is associated with lava that has high silica content. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-harrat-khaybar-nbsp">More about Harrat Khaybar&nbsp;</h2>



One of the notable features of Harrat Khaybar is its striking contrast between the black basaltic lava fields and white-colored rhyolitic lava domes. This contrast creates a visually stunning terrain, with some areas of the field resembling a lunar or Martian landscape.



Harrat Khaybar is part of a larger series of harrats, or lava fields, which are prevalent in the Arabian Peninsula. The largest of these volcanic fields is Harrat Rahat, which stretches over 20,000 square kilometers.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-eruptions-play-an-overlooked-role-in-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic activity</a> in Harrat Khaybar began millions of years ago and has continued into relatively recent times, with the last known eruptions occurring several thousand years ago.



The field is also notable for its archaeological sites, including ancient rock art, which provide insights into the early human habitation of the area. 



The harsh environment of Harrat Khaybar has shaped both the natural ecosystem and the human activities throughout its history, making it a place of interest not only for volcanologists but also for archaeologists and ecologists.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-activity-in-saudi-arabia">Volcanic activity in Saudi Arabia </h2>



Saudi Arabia, despite being more commonly associated with vast deserts, has a surprising history of volcanic activity.



Volcanic eruptions have occurred over the past few thousand years, with the most recent major eruption occurring in the year 1256. That eruption, from a series of fissures, sent lava flowing towards the city of Medina, but it stopped before reaching the urban area. Historical records document the panic that followed, as people feared the destruction of the city.



While there hasn't been a significant eruption since, there are still signs of geothermal activity, such as hot springs and occasional minor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-music-will-yellowstones-seismic-activity-produce/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seismic activity</a>. 



Researchers monitor the volcanic fields for any signs of future eruptions, though none are currently expected. Despite the long periods of dormancy, Saudi Arabia's volcanic landscape remains an important part of the country's natural history.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Harrat Khaybar: An active lava field in Saudi Arabia

When you reach into your fridge for an ice cube, or you view a chilly winter landscape dotted with icy formations, you're interacting with a substance we all know as ice, or scientifically known as hexagonal ice (Ice Ih). But what if i told you that there are about twenty different kinds of ice, each completely different from what you're familiar with? One form of ice is so unique it only exists deep within the mantles of celestial bodies like Neptune and Uranus. Introducing Ice XVIII, also known as superionic ice.



Professor Maurice de Koning published a study that explains the complexities of superionic ice and its potential to reveal more about the strange characteristics observed in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-comets-hidden-near-earth-ice-giants-can-be-both-friend-and-foe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our solar system's "ice giants."</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intriguing-phenomenon-of-superionic-ice">Intriguing phenomenon of superionic ice</h2>



So, what makes superionic ice so special? 



Ice XVIII is anything but ordinary. It's produced under extreme conditions -- temperatures as high as 5,000 Kelvin (about 4,700 degrees Celsius) and pressures approximately 340 gigapascals, over 3.3 million times the atmospheric pressure at Earth's surface. 



Earth doesn't have these harsh conditions, but they are found deep inside the ice giants <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mors-somnus-provides-clues-neptune-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neptune</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-ice-giant-uranus-in-stunning-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uranus</a>, owing to their massive gravitational fields.



Within superionic ice, water doesn't maintain its typical molecular structure. The oxygen atoms form a rigid lattice, whereas the hydrogen atoms, now stripped of their electrons, float freely as positively charged ions. 



"It's like a metal conductor such as copper, but with the positive ions forming the crystal lattice and the negatively charged electrons free to roam," explains de Koning, an esteemed professor at the <a href="https://portal.ifi.unicamp.br/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gleb Wataghin Physics Institute</a> at the State University of Campinas in São Paulo, Brazil,



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-superionic-ice-matter">Why does superionic ice matter?</h2>



Superionic Ice or Ice XVIII captivates scientists due to its unique arrangement. The way these free-floating hydrogen ions move through the oxygen lattice could potentially explain unusual features of Uranus and Neptune, specifically, the peculiar behavior of their magnetic fields.



Unlike Earth, where the magnetic field aligns with its rotational axis, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/three-new-moons-discovered-around-neptune-and-uranus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uranus and Neptune</a> have notably tilted magnetic field axes -- 47 and 59 degrees off their rotation axes, respectively. 



This misalignment has puzzled scientists for a long time. De Koning's research infers that the movement of these protons through the superionic ice might be the cause. 



He explains, "The electricity conducted by the protons through the oxygen lattice relates closely to the question of why the axis of the magnetic field doesn't coincide with the rotation axis in these planets."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-inside-the-mantles-of-ice-giants">Deep inside the mantles of "ice giants"</h2>



To investigate this theory further, De Koning and his team ditched traditional experimentation and turned to advanced computer simulations. 



Using density functional theory (DFT), they modeled the mechanical properties of Ice XVIII to comprehend how it would behave under the intense conditions within Neptune and Uranus.



This task wasn't a walk in the park. Simulating ice XVIII required considering an overwhelming number of molecules -- around 80,000. 



The calculations involved cutting-edge computational techniques, neural networks, and machine learning algorithms. 



The primary objective was to discover how different types of defects in the crystal structure might correlate to large-scale deformations and thus, the mysterious magnetic fields.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crystal-defects-and-other-imperfections">Crystal defects and other imperfections</h2>



In the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/perovskite-crystals-appear-to-dance-when-they-get-excited/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world of crystals</a>, defects are typically seen as flaws that disrupt the normal atom arrangement. However, in superionic ice, these defects might be the key to its enigma. 



The study investigated a specific defect type known as "dislocation," which happens when there's an angular difference between adjacent crystal layers. 



De Koning uses a simple analogy, "imagine a rug that's been scrunched up; the resulting wrinkles are somewhat akin to dislocations in a crystal." He further explains, "Dislocation is to metallurgy what DNA is to genetics."



By simulating these dislocations within Ice XVIII, the team concluded the required force to cause the ice to deform could explain these planets' unique magnetic properties. 



They found that the particular conditions within Neptune and Uranus, combined with Ice XVIII's properties, create the perfect environment for these phenomena.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-superionic-ice-in-the-lab">Superionic ice in the lab</h2>



Despite sounding like a concept from science fiction, superionic ice is becoming increasingly critical to our understanding of the universe. 



In 2019, scientists created a small amount of Ice XVIII by using high-powered lasers to compress a thin water layer between diamond surfaces -- an achievement that has opened up vast possibilities for future research.



For now, however, our understanding of superionic ice is primarily through simulations like the one led by De Koning. 



He explains, "This was a most interesting aspect of the study, integrating knowledge in metallurgy, planetology, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum mechanics</a>, and high-performance computing."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-ice-to-learn-about-the-universe">Studying ice to learn about the universe</h2>



Understanding superionic ice not only satisfies our curiosity about what's inside distant planets, but can also revolutionize how we understand the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-new-theory-finally-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fundamental physics</a> that govern all matter. 



As we uncover more about states like those found on Uranus and Neptune, we might discover new materials or properties that could have applications here on Earth -- from superconductors to new types of energy storage.



So, the next time you fetch an ice cube from your freezer, take a moment to appreciate the fascinating world of Ice XVIII. It's a reminder of how much we've yet to discover, in our universe and here on Earth.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2203397119" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Strange kind of ice found inside many planets only melts at very high temperatures

When you reach into your fridge for an ice cube,...

We all appreciate a good night's sleep, not just because it helps us feel refreshed, but also because it can be really important for our overall health. Recent research is uncovering just how crucial sleep is, showing that it might play a key role in brain function and preventing diseases such as Alzheimer's.



For example, a new study suggests that a common insomnia medication could help reduce the buildup of harmful proteins in the brain linked to Alzheimer’s disease.



This finding emphasizes the complex connection between sleep quality, medication, and brain health, suggesting that focusing on getting good sleep could offer benefits that go way beyond just feeling rested.



Recent research, led by neurologist Dr. Brendan Lucey from Washington University in St. Louis (<a href="https://washu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WUSTL</a>), sheds light on the surprising connection between sleep and Alzheimer's.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alzheimer-s-connection-to-sleep">Alzheimer's connection to sleep</h2>



In our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-why-some-brains-resist-alzheimers-disease-symptoms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quest to understand Alzheimer's</a>, multiple factors have surfaced, each adding another layer of complexity to this ailment. 



Recent developments, however, have highlighted an unexpected protagonist in this drama -- sleep. The role of a good night's sleep in maintaining brain health and potentially delaying Alzheimer's onset has come into sharp focus.



As we embrace slumber, our brain switches gears to become a janitor, executing a critical cleaning process. 



Activating the glymphatic system, the brain eliminates metabolic waste, including well-known culprits like amyloid-beta and tau proteins. 



Though invisible to the eye, these proteins wreak havoc when they accumulate, clashing with brain function and becoming telltale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magnetic-particles-in-air-pollution-may-lead-to-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's indicators</a>.



The catch? This cleaning process requires uninterrupted sleep. Any disruptions can pave the way for these harmful proteins to proliferate, potentially fueling Alzheimer's progression. 



Indeed, the linkage between disrupted sleep and Alzheimer's is so robust that often sleep disturbances precede even memory loss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-suvorexant-an-unlikely-alzheimer-s-weapon">Suvorexant: An unlikely Alzheimer's weapon?</h2>



The same research team decided to dig deeper, investigating if a common sleeping pill, Suvorexant, could combat protein buildup. The results delivered a tantalizing glimmer of hope. 



Test subjects who took Suvorexant recorded a slight reduction of these proteins in their cerebrospinal fluid -- the very fluid cushioning our brain and spinal cord.



Pause before you rush to hoard sleeping pills, though. This research was limited to healthy adults, sans sleep problems, observed over a mere two nights. 



Moreover, the sample size was small. While the study lights a beacon of hope, it remains a baby step in an unsolved puzzle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-disorders-and-alzheimer-s">Sleep disorders and Alzheimer's</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-disease-earliest-biomarker-protein-psd-95-identified/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer's research</a> has historically been fixated on abnormal protein clusters as the disease's prime suspect. Still, despite years of unyielding research, we are yet to find an effective treatment. 



This led trailblazers like Dr. Lucey to venture into uncharted territories, probing factors such as sleep and lifestyle impact.



Intriguingly, the bond between sleep and Alzheimer's is not one-sided. Worsening Alzheimer's can wreak havoc on the brain's natural sleep-wake cycle, compounding sleep disturbances. 



In turn, this catalyzes the buildup of damaging proteins, thrusting the disease progression into overdrive.



Sleep disorders like sleep apnea, prevalent in older adults, necessitate immediate intervention. Addressing these conditions could be our 'low-hanging fruit' in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-pollution-increases-the-risk-of-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safeguarding brain health</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-there-s-a-catch-of-course">There's a catch, of course</h2>



Despite the promising study, popping sleeping pills as a preventive measure for Alzheimer's isn't risk-free. 



Extended use can lead to dependence and might even induce shallow sleep. Ironically, this might propel protein buildup rather than curb it.



Dr. Lucey advises caution, asserting that it's premature for those worried about Alzheimer's to begin a daily regimen of Suvorexant. 



Much remains to be learned about optimizing these medications for safe, long-term employment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sleep-hygiene-brain-wellness-and-alzheimer-s">Sleep hygiene, brain wellness, and Alzheimer's</h2>



Regardless of whether sleeping pills will be part of our arsenal against Alzheimer's, the worth of quality sleep is undeniable. 



Regular sleep schedules, a comfy sleeping environment, and immediate attention to sleep disorders are tangible steps we can all harness to secure cognitive functioning.



Dr. Lucey voices his optimism about future developments, saying, "I’m hopeful that we will eventually develop drugs that take advantage of the link between sleep and Alzheimer’s to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/traffic-related-air-pollution-might-increase-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prevent cognitive decline</a>." 



Yet, he also adds a note of caution: “We’re not quite there yet.”



So, as you prepare for a good night's rest, remember, it's much more than a simple pleasure. It's a powerful tool for brain health. 



While we may not have a miracle pill yet, ensuring quality sleep is a step we can all take toward a healthier and happier brain.



The full study was published in <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ana.26641" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Annals of Neurology</a>.



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Common sleeping pill shows promise in preventing Alzheimer's disease

We all appreciate a good night's sleep, not just because...

Earth's evolution has been shaped by a series of severe environmental crises that occurred millions of years ago, profoundly impacting both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. 



These events triggered mass extinctions, disrupted chemical cycles, and paved the way for new forms of life to emerge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-evolution-and-catastrophes">Earth's evolution and catastrophes</h2>



New research has revealed that a catastrophic "tag-team" between continents and oceans devastated marine life, depleted oxygen levels, and dramatically altered the course of evolution on our planet. The events left a lasting legacy on Earth's biodiversity.



The study was led by a team of scientists from the <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a>. The findings uncover new explanations for oceanic anoxic events -- periods when the seas were critically depleted of dissolved oxygen -- occurring between 185 and 85 million years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-oxygen-depletion-in-the-mesozoic-era">Ocean oxygen depletion in the Mesozoic era</h2>



The focus of the research was on several significant oceanic anoxic events, spanning from 185 to 85 million years ago, during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-were-not-the-only-animals-that-grew-fast-during-the-mesozoic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mesozoic</a> era. 



Study lead author Professor Tom Gernon of the University of Southampton described these events as the planet's “reset button.” 



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-caused-marine-mass-extinctions-millions-of-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oceanic anoxic events</a> were like hitting the reset button on the planet’s ecosystems. The challenge was understanding which geological forces hit the button," said Professor Gernon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breakup-of-gondwana">Breakup of Gondwana</h2>



Through complex statistical analyses and advanced computer modeling, the team explored how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/supercontinents-101-pannotia-gondwana-and-pangea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breakup of Gondwana</a>, a supercontinent once inhabited by dinosaurs, could have affected chemical cycles in the ocean.



“The Mesozoic era witnessed the breakup of this landmass, in turn bringing intense volcanic activity worldwide,” noted Professor Gernon.



As tectonic plates shifted and new seafloors formed, large amounts of phosphorus were released into the oceans from volcanic rocks, which acted as a natural fertilizer supporting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-impacting-marine-life-more-than-we-realized/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a> growth.



"We show that enhanced weathering of mafic lithologies during continental breakup and nascent seafloor spreading can plausibly drive a succession of anoxic events," wrote the researchers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-profound-impacts-on-marine-ecosystems">Profound impacts on marine ecosystems </h2>



Professor Benjamin Mills, an Earth system evolution specialist at the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a>, elaborated on the consequences of these fertilization episodes.



“The increase in biological activity led to huge amounts of organic matter sinking to the ocean floor, where it consumed large quantities of oxygen," said Professor Mills. This process created marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/excess-nutrients-are-creating-ocean-dead-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dead zones</a> where most marine life perished.



“These anoxic events typically lasted around one to two million years and had profound impacts on marine ecosystems. The rocks rich in organic matter that accumulated during these events are by far the largest source of commercial oil and gas reserves globally," Mills concluded.



The researchers emphasized that today’s human activities, such as pollution, deforestation, and the overuse of fertilizers in agriculture, are reducing mean oceanic oxygen levels by about two percent. 



The decline is accelerating the expansion of anoxic water masses, creating larger dead zones in the oceans where marine life struggles to survive. This further threatens global biodiversity and the stability of marine ecosystems.



“Studying geological events offers valuable insights that can help us grasp how the Earth may respond to future climatic and environmental stresses,” said Professor Gernon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-linking-earth-s-interior-to-its-exterior">Linking Earth's interior to its exterior</h2>



The study highlights the often underestimated connection between Earth's interior and surface environments, showing how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-lost-mega-plate-pontus-resurfaces-after-160-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tectonic activity</a> deep within the planet can dramatically influence surface conditions.



These interactions drive processes such as volcanic eruptions, nutrient cycles, and shifts in ocean chemistry, all of which play a crucial role in shaping ecosystems and evolutionary pathways over millions of years.



"It’s remarkable how a chain of events within the Earth can impact the surface, often with devastating effects. Tearing continents apart can have profound repercussions for the course of evolution," said Professor Gernon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-from-earth-s-evolution">Lessons from Earth's evolution</h2>



The study not only illuminates key moments in Earth's evolution but also offers valuable perspectives on current environmental issues.



By analyzing the geological and biological processes that triggered ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mammals-that-survive-mass-extinctions-arent-always-boring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mass extinctions</a>, researchers can draw parallels with modern climate challenges. 



This understanding could be instrumental in developing strategies to address the ongoing impacts of climate change and the degradation of marine ecosystems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-024-01496-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Cataclysmic events caused mass extinctions during Earth's early evolution

Earth's evolution has been shaped by a series of severe...

The world is constantly facing the impacts of climate change. PREFIRE, a new NASA mission, advances our understanding of polar heat emissions by studying far-infrared radiation (FIR) in Earth's heating and cooling dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-polar-heat-emissions">Tracking polar heat emissions</h2>



The <a href="https://prefire.ssec.wisc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-Infrared Experiment</a> (PREFIRE) is a key NASA mission aimed at deepening our understanding of how polar regions radiate heat into space. 



By studying the far-infrared radiation emitted by the Arctic and Antarctica, PREFIRE is providing critical data that will improve our ability to predict how climate change impacts Earth's ice, oceans, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-influences-us-weather-patterns-ai-machine-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather patterns</a>.&nbsp;



Launched with two CubeSats in late May and early June, this mission has already begun transmitting valuable insights that will help scientists better comprehend the dynamics of heat exchange in these regions.



The mission’s primary objective is to map the far-infrared radiation -- wavelengths exceeding 15 micrometers -- emitted by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-polar-regions-changing-fundamental-alarming-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar regions</a>. 



Understanding how atmospheric elements, like clouds and water vapor, trap this heat close to Earth's surface is essential to grasp the full scope of the greenhouse effect, where gases such as carbon dioxide and methane act as heat insulators, amplifying global warming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-knowledge-gaps-with-prefire">Bridging knowledge gaps with PREFIRE</h2>



"We are constantly looking for new ways to observe the planet and fill in critical gaps in our knowledge. With CubeSats like PREFIRE, we are doing both," said Karen St. Germain, director of the Earth Science Division at NASA Headquarters.&nbsp;



PREFIRE is an exciting partnership between <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, universities, and various industries, showcasing what can be achieved when talented individuals collaborate. 



The mission focuses on how the tropics absorb substantial solar energy, emphasizing the beauty and power of our planet.



This heat is then transported towards the Arctic and Antarctica, regions that receive less sunlight, by weather and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-ocean-currents-slowing-as-water-temperature-rises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean currents</a>.&nbsp;



Yet, these Polar Regions, with their unique environments of ice, snow and clouds, emit a substantial amount of this heat back into space, predominantly in the form of far-infrared radiation.&nbsp;



This cyclic process had never been systematically studied -- until PREFIRE.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revealing-polar-heat-emissions">Revealing polar heat emissions</h2>



"It's so exciting to see the data coming in," said Tristan L’Ecuyer, PREFIRE’s principal investigator and a climate scientist at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wisc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wisconsin, Madison</a>.&nbsp;



The visualization of PREFIRE data shows varying intensities of radiation emitted from Earth at numerous wavelengths, including the far-infrared.&nbsp;



For the first time, we are witnessing the full energy spectrum that Earth radiates into space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prefire-in-action-a-closer-look">PREFIRE in action: a closer look</h2>



The two PREFIRE CubeSats are in asynchronous, near-polar orbits, passing over the same polar spots within hours of each other.&nbsp;



This enables the collection of the same type of data, providing a time series that facilitates the study of relatively short-lived phenomena like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-melting-new-tipping-point-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice sheet melting</a> or cloud formation and how they affect far-infrared emissions over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-prefire-s-potential-impact">PREFIRE’s potential impact</h2>



As PREFIRE continues to send back critical data, the mission's long-term implications extend far beyond understanding polar heat emissions.&nbsp;



The insights gathered from this mission could help refine climate models, leading to more accurate predictions of global temperature changes, sea-level rise, and extreme weather patterns.&nbsp;



This information is crucial for policymakers and environmental organizations working to develop adaptive strategies in the face of a rapidly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">changing climate</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-space-based-climate-research">Future of space-based climate research</h2>



Beyond the immediate scientific advancements, PREFIRE also represents a shift in how space-based climate research is conducted.&nbsp;



By using small, cost-effective CubeSats, NASA is pioneering a new era of efficient and targeted missions that can deliver impactful data without the need for large, expensive satellites.&nbsp;



This approach could pave the way for more agile, frequent launches to monitor other critical climate variables, enhancing our ability to respond swiftly to environmental challenges.



Ultimately, PREFIRE is not just about solving the mysteries of polar heat dynamics but also about equipping humanity with the tools and knowledge needed to mitigate the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-polar-regions-changing-fundamental-alarming-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects of climate change</a> for future generations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-driving-force-behind-prefire">Driving force behind PREFIRE</h2>



The PREFIRE mission was jointly developed by NASA and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.&nbsp;



A division of Caltech in Pasadena, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the mission, with the CubeSats built and operated by Blue Canyon Technologies.&nbsp;



The University of Wisconsin-Madison plays a crucial role in processing and analyzing the data collected by the instruments.



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NASA's PREFIRE satellites monitor polar heat emissions from space

The world is constantly facing the impacts of climate change....

Desert regions may seem synonymous with drought - where dry, parched landscapes dominate the narrative of environmental challenges. However, new research reveals that these arid areas face a far more unpredictable and devastating threat from flooding.



While drought has long been considered the primary concern in deserts, the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events are proving to be equally, if not more, destructive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-desertification-and-catastrophic-flooding">Desertification and catastrophic flooding</h2>



A new study from the <a href="https://viterbischool.usc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USC Viterbi School of Engineering</a> and the Institute de Physique du Globe de Paris at the <a href="https://u-paris.fr/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Paris Cité</a> has uncovered a worrying trend. The experts found that desertification is escalating the severity of flood impacts on port cities in the Middle East and North Africa.



The research was focused on the deadly 2023 floods in Derna, Libya, which claimed more than 11,300 lives. The experts noted that soil erosion, intensified by desertification, played a significant role in the catastrophe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drought-and-intense-rainfall-can-turn-deadly">Drought and intense rainfall can turn deadly </h2>



Study co-author Essam Heggy is a research scientist at the USC Microwave Systems, Sensors, and Imaging Lab (MiXIL). He pointed out that these increasingly arid conditions, interrupted by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-floods-what-turns-a-rainstorm-into-a-catastrophe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intense rainstorms</a>, are generating lethal mudflows that the region's aging dams struggle to control.



"Together, these two extreme conditions - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-drought-crisis-un-warns-of-unprecedented-emergency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drought</a> and intense rainfall - are enhancing soil erosion, creating deadly floods," said Heggy. "The evidence is clear in our paper, 'Assessing flash flood erosion following <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/catastrophic-flooding-has-killed-up-to-20000-people-in-derna-libya/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Storm Daniel in Libya</a>.'"



In autumn 2023, Storm Daniel (also known as "Medicane Daniel") struck Libya's eastern coast, resulting in unprecedented flash floods. Researchers estimate this was Africa’s deadliest flood in over a century. Yale Climate Connections noted that such floods have not been observed in over 100 years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dangerous-combination-of-desert-conditions">Dangerous combination of desert conditions</h2>



The researchers noted that a mix of factors contributed to this devastating flood: unusually high rainfall, the collapse of two dams, and the failure of the region’s water infrastructure.



Jonathan Normand is a visiting graduate student at the USC AWARE Center and first author of the study. 



"Sediment loading from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-erosion-rates-have-exploded-in-the-midwestern-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil erosion</a> increased the water’s density, amplifying the flood’s destructive power. This led to widespread infrastructure failure in Derna, where 66% of the city’s urban area sustained moderate-to-high damage," explained Normand.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-case-study-the-fallout-of-storm-daniel">Case study: the fallout of storm Daniel</h2>



Using advanced radar technology, the research team analyzed the changes in surface texture before and after the storm. This data allowed them to map erosion and assess the extent of the damage. 



"The flow was heavily loaded with eroded soil, which increased the destructive nature of the floods and contributed to the collapse of the dams," said Heggy.



"Current runoff models fail to account for the full impact of surface erosion in deserts. But radar satellites overcome this limitation. Improving the monitoring of arid watersheds using these technologies will be critical to mitigating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/as-flood-risks-increase-worldwide-who-is-prepared/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flood risks</a> across the Sahara, the Arabian Peninsula, and other desert regions."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-desert-disasters">Preventing desert disasters</h2>



Normand emphasized the need for better technological resources to study desert dynamics.



"You can post on social media from the middle of a desert thanks to hundreds of communication satellites, but we still don’t have enough satellites to fully understand Earth’s surface processes in deserts," said Normand. 



The research team warned that the situation seen in Libya could easily happen again in other populous areas of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.



"The deadliest enemy is our own belief that these extreme events are rare and won’t repeat," said Heggy. "Climate models tell us they will come back stronger. Policymakers in the region need to listen to the science before it's too late."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-implications-of-desert-flooding">Global implications of desert flooding</h2>



While the Middle East and North Africa face the immediate threat of desert floods, the implications of these extreme weather events extend far beyond the region. 



Climate scientists warn that similar patterns of desertification, soil erosion, and unpredictable rainstorms are becoming more prevalent in other arid regions across the globe, from the southwestern United States to parts of Central Asia. 



As these regions become more vulnerable, the risks to human life, infrastructure, and agriculture grow exponentially. In particular, the combination of desertification and flooding could have a profound impact on global food security.



Arid regions often rely on limited but crucial agricultural zones that are susceptible to erosion and flood damage. 



As storms intensify and soil stability decreases, these agricultural areas could become less productive, exacerbating existing challenges related to water scarcity and food supply.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-re-evaluating-the-flood-potential-of-deserts">Re-evaluating the flood potential of deserts </h2>



Understanding the mechanisms behind desert floods is not just a local concern but a global priority. 



Desert environments worldwide must be re-evaluated for their flood risk potential, and proactive measures should be taken to safeguard vulnerable communities and ecosystems.



The tragic floods in Libya serve as a stark reminder that these extreme weather events are no longer isolated incidents, but part of a growing pattern of climate-related disasters that could affect arid regions globally.



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Floods are becoming more deadly in the desert

Desert regions may seem synonymous with drought - where dry,...

Ever wonder where the edge of our solar system lies? You have likely assumed it is just beyond Neptune, the furthest planet from our Sun. Yet, according to astrophysicist Susanne Pfalzner of Forschungszentrum Jülich, a stellar flyby may have stretched the boundaries of the solar system even further.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thousands-of-objects-with-eccentric-orbits">Thousands of objects with eccentric orbits </h2>



"Several thousand celestial bodies are known to move beyond the orbit of Neptune," said Pfalzner. "Surprisingly, many of these so-called trans-Neptunian objects move on eccentric orbits that are inclined relative to the common orbital plane of the planets in the solar system.“



But why do they behave like this? Pfalzner, along with her student Amith Govind and Simon Portegies Zwart from <a href="https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leiden University</a>, may have found the answer.



The researchers noted that some force must have lifted these trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) from the disk where they formed and altered their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-60-miles-wide-smashed-into-ganymede-jupiter-moon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">orbits</a>.



"One popular hypothesis is that the planets originally were in a more compact configuration; the TNOs formed between them and were scattered outwards when the planets moved to their current locations," wrote the study authors. "Here, we build on a completely different hypothesis for the TNOs’ origin."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blame-it-on-the-star-flyby">Blame it on the star flyby</h2>



The trio conducted over 3,000 computer simulations to test a captivating theory: what if another star caused these peculiar orbits? They found that a close flyby of another star can indeed explain why these TNOs move the way they do.



This hypothetical star could even be responsible for the bizarre orbits of specific TNOs like the dwarf planet Sedna, discovered in 2003, and those that move almost perpendicular to the planet's orbits, such as 2008 KV42 and 2011 KT19.



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"The best match for today's outer solar system is a star slightly lighter than our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunspot-region-ar3664-blasted-earth-mars-may-2024-still-very-active/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sun</a> - about 0.8 solar masses," noted Govind.



"This star passed our Sun at a distance of around 16.5 billion kilometers - about 110 times the distance between the Earth and the Sun, or just under four times the distance to Neptune."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-influence-of-close-star-flybys">The influence of close star flybys</h2>



The findings not only shed light on the motion of trans-Neptunian objects but also open avenues for future astronomical research.



Understanding the influence of close stellar flybys may help astronomers refine their models of solar system formation and dynamics. 



Furthermore, the research prompts the question of whether other stellar encounters have similarly shaped the orbits of celestial bodies within our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-objects-spotted-in-the-outer-solar-system-beyond-pluto/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a> and beyond. 



As we continue to explore the mysteries of the outer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-worlds-do-not-fit-the-definition-of-a-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a>, we are reminded that our local cosmic landscape is both rich and varied. The existence of numerous TNOs, including intriguing objects like the enigmatic Eris and Haumea, illustrates the complex gravitational dance that defines this region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ripple-effects-closer-to-home">Ripple effects closer to home</h2>



In a twist, the team discovered that the star's flyby could explain additional mysteries within our solar system.



In their simulations, some trans-Neptunian objects got flung toward the inner solar system, right into the domain of the outer gas giants - Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.



"Some of these objects could have been captured by the giant planets as moons," said Portegies Zwart. "This would explain why the outer planets of our solar system have two different types of moons."



While regular moons orbit close to planets on circular orbits, irregular moons orbit their planets at a greater distance on inclined, elongated orbits. The research provides the first possible explanation for this intriguing phenomenon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solving-the-mysteries-of-our-solar-system">Solving the mysteries of our solar system</h2>



The seemingly straightforward model may hold answers to additional questions as well. "The beauty of this model lies in its simplicity. It answers several open questions about our solar system with just a single cause," said Susanne Pfalzner.



So, perhaps it's time to revisit our view of the solar system's boundaries and consider the impact of a close flyby star from billions of years ago. Ultimately, the research suggests that these types of interstellar interactions may be pivotal in the evolution of planetary systems.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-024-02349-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a>.



Video Credit: Forschungszentrum Jülich



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Rogue star zoomed by our solar system and disrupted planetary orbits

Ever wonder where the edge of our solar system lies?...

Islands, with their limited resources yet reduced competition, create a milieu of unique survival challenges. Isolated from their mainland brethren, island-dwelling animals adapt in fascinating ways to squeeze out a living.&nbsp;



These evolutionary adaptations can range from changes in physical size, termed as island dwarfism or gigantism, to alterations in behaviors and metabolic rates. 



But what happens when these slow-paced island inhabitants encounter rapid, human-induced changes?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-island-vs-mainland-animals">Island vs mainland animals</h2>



The scientific community, till now, didn't have much clarity about how the metabolic rates of island <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/island-bird-communities-are-changing-in-unexpected-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> differ from those on the mainland.



Dr. Roberto Rozzi of <a href="https://www.uni-halle.de/?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg</a>, along with his team of researchers from the <a href="https://english.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a> and the <a href="https://ic.sicau.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sichuan Agricultural University</a>, aimed to fill this knowledge gap. 



Through a comprehensive analysis of data from 2,813 vertebrate species, encompassing both warm-blooded creatures like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bird-behavior-productivity-being-directly-impacted-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> and mammals and cold-blooded ones such as reptiles and amphibians, they made some intriguing observations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slow-pace-of-island-life">Slow pace of island life</h2>



After sifting through the data, it appeared that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-life-on-islands-loses-diversity-when-humans-arrive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> and mammals living on islands tend to have slower metabolism than their counterparts on the mainland.&nbsp;



This slow pace extends to their reproductive cycles too, with these animals producing offspring at a later stage.&nbsp;



According to Rozzi, these adaptations are all about maximizing chances of survival and reproduction in island environments, where resources can be limited.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-achilles-heel-of-island-animals">Achilles heel of island animals</h2>



This slow pace of life, while beneficial in untouched island <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-birds-are-at-great-risk-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environments</a>, becomes a vulnerability when faced with rapid changes -- mainly those induced by human activities. 



Island dwellers already stand out due to their unique sizes, but their slow metabolism and delayed reproduction make them particularly susceptible to external threats.&nbsp;



They become easy targets for non-native predators, including humans, and struggle to recover swiftly from environmental disturbances such as invasive species introduction or habitat loss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saving-island-species">Saving island species</h2>



The findings from this study are crucial in identifying and protecting vulnerable island <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-birds-use-sophisticated-thermoregulation-strategies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a>.&nbsp;



Taking cue from Rozzi's conclusion, conservation efforts should consider the unique physiological differences between these animals and their mainland counterparts, and not just their peculiar sizes.&nbsp;



The secret to their survival lies in understanding their slower pace of life and factoring that into their protection measures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-climate-change">Role of climate change</h2>



Climate change poses an additional layer of threat to island ecosystems, exacerbating the challenges faced by their inhabitants.&nbsp;



Rising sea levels, shifting weather patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events can drastically alter the delicate balance of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-100-bird-species-have-been-lost-for-over-a-decade/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">isolated environments</a>.&nbsp;



For instance, saltwater intrusion into freshwater habitats can lead to profound ecological shifts, while changes in temperature may disrupt breeding and feeding patterns of native species.&nbsp;



The interplay between these climate-driven changes and the unique adaptations of island fauna must be closely examined to better forecast potential impacts and devise effective conservation strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bridging-research-on-island-animal-conservation">Bridging research on island animal conservation</h2>



Turning scientific discoveries into effective conservation strategies is all about teamwork. It takes researchers, policymakers, and local communities working hand in hand. 



When we engage island communities in these efforts, we not only create a sense of ownership but also weave in their traditional ecological knowledge with modern practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-funding-insights">Funding insights</h2>



By bringing together experts from various fields like ecology, climate science, and social science, we can tackle the tough challenges that island ecosystems face. 



Bridging the gap between research and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-birds-can-handle-climate-variability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> allows us to develop thoughtful, culturally sensitive ways to protect these unique wildlife populations and their habitats for future generations. Let's work together to make a difference.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-significance">Study significance</h2>



"In order to better protect the remaining island species, conservation efforts would benefit from taking into account the unique morphological and physiological differences between these animals and their mainland counterparts," concludes Rozzi.



In a nutshell, the slow pace of island life, once an evolutionary advantage, is now a vulnerability in the face of rapid, human-induced changes.



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This important research was facilitated by funds from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation), the Scientific Research Foundation, and National Natural Science Foundation in China.&nbsp;



The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adm8240" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Slower pace of 'island life' is as true for animals as it is for humans

Islands, with their limited resources yet reduced competition, create a...

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Today’s Video of the Day 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.



"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.



"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."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today's Video of the Day 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.



"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.



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.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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.

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day 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;



"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.



"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."



"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."



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today's Video of the Day 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;



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;



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.



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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.

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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



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;



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;



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. 



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.



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. 



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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.

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day 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.



“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. 



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.



“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;



“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.”



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



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.



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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.

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

By the time new Arab invaders flooded into the area, they found very little of what the Nabataeans had built over their centuries-long history. Instead, their land had been divvied up by successive occupying powers, and many of the warriors’ descendants had become peasants. Even the glorious Petra lost its luster until 1812, when Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, a Swiss explorer, introduced Westerners to its beauty. Photo Credit: Western Eyes Photography / Getty Images

An empire in ruins