Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features Tropical Storm Francine moving across the Gulf of Mexico on the afternoon of September 10, 2024. 



Just hours after the photo was captured by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the NOAA-21 satellite, the storm intensified into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-hurricanes-are-intensifying-faster-due-to-climate-change/">hurricane</a> strength.



By September 11, Francine had become a Category 2 hurricane, reaching wind speeds of 100 miles per hour. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-storms-fueled-by-rising-ocean-temperatures">Storms fueled by rising ocean temperatures</h2>



“Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) are a fair predictor of the readiness of the ocean to fuel and sustain storms. Meteorologists generally agree that SSTs should be above 82 degrees Fahrenheit to sustain and intensify hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153309/francine-bears-down-on-louisiana" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“During the time of Francine’s development on September 8 to 10, temperatures in the southwestern Gulf were several degrees above that threshold and slightly above the 2003-2014 average for those dates, according to data from the Multiscale Ultrahigh Resolution Sea Surface Temperature (MUR SST) project.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-hurricane-francine">Impacts of Hurricane Francine</h2>



Louisiana was hit hardest by Francine, with coastal areas experiencing life-threatening storm surges up to 10 feet, heavy rainfall, and significant flooding. In Terrebonne Parish, where Francine made landfall, more than 200,000 residents lost power.&nbsp;



Southern regions of Texas also experienced heavy rainfall and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flooding</a>. Despite some weakening as Francine moved inland, Mississippi and other parts of the Gulf Coast still experienced flash flooding and strong winds as the system degraded into a tropical depression.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2024-atlantic-hurricane-season">2024 Atlantic hurricane season</h2>



The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has been notably active, but with an unusual break in activity leading up to Hurricane Francine.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-start-for-storms">Early start for storms</h3>



The season officially began on June 1, 2024. By early September, there had been five named storms, including three hurricanes, with one reaching Category 5 status - Hurricane Beryl in July.&nbsp;



Beryl set an early-season record as it intensified rapidly due to exceptionally warm sea surface <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-has-nearly-doubled-in-the-last-decade/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a>.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-calm">Surprising calm</h3>



While the early part of the season saw significant activity, including Beryl's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-causes-the-rapid-intensification-of-hurricanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">explosive growth</a>, the basin has experienced a surprising calm since mid-August. 



From August 12 to September 3, there was no tropical activity, marking the quietest stretch in over 50 years. Experts attribute this inactivity to several factors, including cooling waters in parts of the Atlantic and shifts in atmospheric patterns over Africa that disrupted storm formation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-ahead">What's ahead</h3>



Looking ahead, forecasts are cautious but not pessimistic. Despite the quiet period, researchers still expect more activity, with potential for further storm development through September.



Predictions are pointing to up to 14 named storms - seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes - by the end of the 2024 season.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hurricanes-in-the-gulf-of-mexico-nbsp">Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico&nbsp;</h2>



The location of the Gulf of Mexico makes it a hotspot for hurricane development and landfall. Warm sea surface temperatures, especially in late summer and early fall, provide the energy needed for these storms to grow in intensity.&nbsp;



When atmospheric conditions such as low wind shear and high moisture are favorable, hurricanes can rapidly intensify, becoming major threats to coastal regions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-little-time-for-preparation-nbsp">Little time for preparation&nbsp;</h3>



The Gulf of Mexico's geography also means that hurricanes have a relatively short distance to travel before making landfall, often allowing little time for preparation.&nbsp;



Communities in coastal states like Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida are frequently in the path of these storms.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-devastating-impacts">Devastating impacts</h3>



Over the years, hurricanes like Katrina, Harvey, and Ida have highlighted the devastating impacts, from storm surges and flooding to wind damage and disruption of infrastructure.&nbsp;



Due to the Gulf's importance as an economic hub, especially for oil production and shipping, hurricanes can also have significant economic repercussions.



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



The region's vulnerability to hurricanes is compounded by climate change, which has led to warmer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-ocean-heating-signals-alarm-for-a-3c-warmer-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean temperatures</a> and more intense storms. 



Predictions suggest that while the overall number of hurricanes may not increase, the number of major hurricanes (Category 3 and above) could rise. This will make the Gulf Coast an even more dangerous area during hurricane season, which typically lasts from June to November.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Hurricane Francine makes landfall in Louisiana 

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features an incredible new image of the Crab Nebula in bright neon colors. 



“The unusual image was produced by combining data from telescopes spanning nearly the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to X-rays,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>. 



Colored in red, the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) provided information about the nebula gathered in the radio regime.



NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope took infrared images, which appear yellow, while the NASA/ESA <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-captures-another-cosmic-masterpiece-in-galaxy-ngc-2217/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble</a> Space Telescope provided images made in optical wavelengths, colored in green.&nbsp;



Blue colors represent ultraviolet observations made by ESA’s XMM-Newton telescope, and the purple colors are X-ray radiation data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-about-the-crab-nebula-nbsp">About the Crab Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



The Crab Nebula, located in the constellation Taurus, contains the remnants of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova explosion</a> first observed on Earth in 1054 AD. This explosion was recorded by Chinese astronomers and possibly by Native American rock art.&nbsp;



The nebula spans about 11 light-years across and lies approximately 6,500 light-years away from Earth. It is one of the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unraveling-the-mysterious-origins-of-the-crab-nebula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studied objects</a> in the sky, largely due to its status as a bright and dynamic supernova remnant.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-crab-pulsar">The Crab Pulsar</h2>



The Crab Nebula contains a pulsar at its center, which is a rapidly rotating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/slow-spinning-neutron-star-completely-defies-our-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutron star</a> that emits pulses of radiation. This pulsar, known as the Crab Pulsar, spins about 30 times per second and is a significant source of gamma rays and other forms of high-energy radiation.&nbsp;



The nebula itself is a complex structure of filaments and synchrotron radiation. The filaments are remnants of the original star's outer layers, while the synchrotron radiation emerges from electrons spiraling in the magnetic fields produced by the pulsar.



“Surrounding the pulsar lies a mix of material; some of it was originally expelled from the star before it went supernova, and the rest was ejected during the explosion itself,” explained ESA.&nbsp;



“Fast-moving winds of particles fly off from the neutron star, energizing the dust and gas around it. These different layers and intricacies of the nebula can be observed in all of the different wavelengths of light.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crab-nebula-observation-nbsp">Crab Nebula observation&nbsp;</h2>



Throughout its history, the Crab Nebula has provided critical insights into the processes of stellar death, the behavior of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pulsars-are-helping-astronomers-pinpoint-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pulsars</a>, and the mechanics of supernova remnants.&nbsp;



Its continuous observation has revealed changes over time, such as the expansion of its filaments and variations in its brightness, offering a dynamic laboratory for astrophysical studies.



Overall, the Crab Nebula is a highly energetic and object, providing valuable insights into the processes following a supernova explosion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-facts-about-nebulae">Fascinating facts about nebulae</h2>



Nebulae are some of the most breathtaking and intriguing structures in the universe. They are vast clouds of gas and dust, often considered stellar nurseries where new stars are born. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colors-of-nebulae">Colors of nebulae </h3>



One of the most fascinating aspects of nebulae is their ability to glow in different colors. This occurs because they either reflect the light of nearby stars or emit light due to the ionization of gases within them, particularly hydrogen. 



Some nebulae, like the famous Orion Nebula, are visible to the naked eye and serve as one of the nearest regions of active star formation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-nebulae">Planetary nebulae </h3>



Stars are born in dense regions of nebulae, and when they die, some will expel their outer layers, creating stunning structures known as planetary nebulae. The colorful clouds left behind can shine brightly for thousands of years. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-size">Massive size</h3>



Another amazing fact is that some nebulae are so vast that light can take years to travel from one side to the other, stretching across hundreds of light-years.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-remnants">Star remnants </h3>



Perhaps even more mind-boggling is the fact that nebulae are the remnants of previous generations of stars. Supernova explosions of massive stars can create these glowing clouds of gas and dust, seeding the cosmos with the elements necessary for the formation of new stars and planets.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, G. Dubner (IAFE, CONICET-University of Buenos Aires) et al.; A. Loll et al.; T. Temim et al.; F. Seward et al.; VLA/NRAO/AUI/NSF; Chandra/CXC; Spitzer/JPL-Caltech; XMM-Newton/ESA; and Hubble/STScI



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Crab Nebula: The brilliant remains of a massive star explosion

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

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 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 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

In a world where teens are often considered a complex mystery, an exciting new study brings something fascinating to the table. The findings? Ice Age teens, living 25,000 years ago, had experienced puberty just like their contemporaries today. 



This intriguing revelation is turning heads in the science community, promising to fill a significant gap in our understanding of early human growth and development.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-humans-not-so-different">Early humans: Not-so-different</h2>



This research gives a peek into the life of Pleistocene teens. Historically, we've imagined the prehistoric era as nasty, brutish, and short-lived, as described by philosopher Thomas Hobbes. 



Now, scientists have turned the tables on our assumptions, showing that teens way back then grew up in a way that mirrors modern adolescence.



Sneak peeks into the life stages of these prehistoric adolescents were discovered within the bones of 13 ancient humans aged between 10 and 20. 



This archaeological find has kick-started a novel way of understanding adolescence in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-age-viruses-hold-clues-to-earth-past-future-climate-and-microbial-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient ancestors</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-puberty-in-ice-age-teens">Puberty in Ice Age teens</h2>



The researchers behind this fascinating study, including paleoanthropologist April Nowell from the University of Victoria (<a href="https://www.uvic.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UVic</a>), found specific markers in these ancient bones. 



These markers revealed the progress of adolescence in the individuals.



Specific areas of the skeleton, when analyzed, revealed signs of menstruation and voice changes. “Our research helps to humanize these teens in a way that simply studying stone tools cannot,” says Nowell. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-determining-the-puberty-stage-in-ice-age-teens">Determining the puberty stage in Ice age teens</h2>



The pioneering technique used to excavate these biological insights was developed by lead author Mary Lewis, from the <a href="https://www.reading.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Reading</a>. 



Lewis's method involves assessing the mineralization of the canine teeth and the maturation of various bones to determine the individual's stage of puberty at the time of their demise.



"This is the first time my puberty stage estimation method has been applied to Paleolithic fossils. It is also the oldest application of another method -- peptide analysis -- for biological sex estimation," Lewis notes.



Surprisingly, the study's findings indicate a healthy lifestyle for these Ice Age teens. 



Most of them entered puberty by the age of 13.5, reaching full adulthood between 17 and 22 years old. This suggests that puberty began at a similar age to modern teens in wealthier societies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-story-of-romito-2">Story of 'Romito 2'</h2>



Peeking from these aged bones, we find the story of "Romito 2," <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ice-age-teenager_Romito-2_illustration_credit-ULiverpool_1b.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an Ice Age adolescent</a> believed to be male. Romito 2 was not just another teen, but the earliest known individual with a form of dwarfism.



With his distinctive physical features, his unique voice, and the potential to father children, he must have played an interesting role in his Ice Age <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-age-data-analysis-reshapes-climate-future-lowers-warming-estimates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">community</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ice-age-teenager_Romito-2-bones_dr-mary-lewis_credit-ULiverpool_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ice-age-teenager_Romito-2-bones_dr-mary-lewis_credit-ULiverpool_1s.webp" alt="Dr. Mary Lewis from the University of Reading (UK) inspects the skeletal remains of Romito 2 found in southern Italy." class="wp-image-1944438"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dr. Mary Lewis from the University of Reading (UK) inspects the skeletal remains of Romito 2 found in southern Italy.</figcaption></figure>



"The specific information about the physical appearance and developmental stage of these Ice Age adolescents derived from our puberty study provides a new lens through which to interpret their burials and treatment in death," says archaeologist Jennifer French from the <a href="https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Liverpool</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-romito-2-had-a-rich-social-life">Romito 2 had a rich social life</h2>



The insights gleaned from this study also enable us to surmise the rich social dynamics within Ice Age communities. 



Adolescence, a time traditionally marked by the onset of new social roles and responsibilities, likely mirrored some of these developments in young individuals 25,000 years ago. 



As these teens transitioned through puberty, they might have been entrusted with tasks essential to their community's survival, such as foraging, hunting, or crafting tools. 



Documented evidence such as burial artifacts provides further hints about their societal roles and status. 



The ongoing analysis of these contexts is gradually illuminating the nuanced social structures that supported and nurtured these young individuals during one of humanity's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-suffered-extremely-rapid-ice-loss-after-the-last-ice-age-alarming-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">most formative periods</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-paleoanthropology">Future of paleoanthropology</h2>



As promising as the findings of this study are, they pave the way for future research endeavors that could unearth even more secrets of prehistoric adolescence.



 Collaborative efforts among archaeologists, anthropologists, and geneticists are vital in expanding our understanding of early human life. 



Advancements in technology such as genomic analysis and three-dimensional imaging continue to sharpen our ability to reconstruct the lives of our ancestors with unprecedented clarity. 



By deepening our understanding of how these early humans navigated the journey of adolescence, we not only enrich our historical knowledge but also cultivate a greater appreciation for the shared human experience that transcends millennia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-romito-2-puberty-and-ice-age-teens">Romito 2, puberty, and Ice Age teens</h2>



This research was not the work of a lone institution. A strong team of researchers from six different institutions worldwide joined forces to shed light on the lives of Ice Age teens. 



Continuing collaborations promise even <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-amazon-became-a-biodiversity-hotspot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more intriguing insights</a> about their social roles and lifestyle.



What does all this mean for us today? 



As we tread the path of our own lives, it's fascinating to realize that our challenges, our growth, and our lives aren't all that different from our ancestors from 25,000 years ago.



This research adds another piece to our understanding of human evolution, encouraging further exploration of our shared human experience across the vast expanse of time.



The study is published in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004724842400085X?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Human Evolution</a>.



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Ice Age teens went through puberty and grew up just like modern teens

In a world where teens are often considered a complex...

If you've ever wondered how paleontologists figure out what animals from millions of years ago ate, their secret lies in the extraordinary fossils they find. Recently, they stumbled upon a fascinating discovery that shattered a long-standing hypothesis. Fossilized fruit seeds in the stomachs of ancient dinosaur birds with sharp teeth.



It's the first evidence that contradicts a widely held notion that this particular bird species, called Longipteryx chaoyangensis, feasted on fish or insects.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-longipteryx-chaoyangensis">Longipteryx chaoyangensis</h2>



Longipteryx chaoyangensis, the fruit-eater, lived 120 million years ago in present-day northeastern China. With a long skull and teeth only at the tip of its beak, this bluejay-sized bird is a favorite amongst paleontologists for its peculiar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaur-bird-may-soon-go-extinct/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">features</a>.



Alex Clark is a PhD student at the Field Museum and the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a> and a co-author of the paper.



“Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body, and&nbsp;Longipteryx’s tooth enamel is 50 microns thick. That’s the same thickness of the enamel on enormous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-theropod-dinosaurs-thrived-in-polar-environments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predatory dinosaurs</a> like&nbsp;Allosaurus&nbsp;that weighed 4,000 pounds, but&nbsp;Longipteryx&nbsp;is the size of a bluejay,” said Clark. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fruit-diet-of-a-bird-with-sharp-teeth">Fruit diet of a bird with sharp teeth</h2>



Upon its discovery in 2000, the Longipteryx, with its kingfisher-like elongated skull, was thought to be a fish hunter. 



Study lead author Jingmai O’Connor, associate curator of fossil reptiles in the Field Museum’s Neguanee Integrative Research Center (<a href="https://nirc.fieldmuseum.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIRC</a>), examined two Longipteryx specimens and found fossilized food in their stomachs.



A colleague confirmed these to be seeds from the fruits of an ancient tree, thus contradicting the previous hunting hypothesis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fruit-feasters-with-mysterious-teeth">Fruit feasters with mysterious teeth</h2>



Living in a temperate climate, Longipteryx probably feasted on fruits seasonally, turning to insects when fruits weren't available.



This discovery is significant as it marks the first time stomach contents from an Enantiornithine - the larger group of prehistoric birds that Longipteryx belonged to - have been found.



"Although diet is directly documented in several early-diverging avian lineages, only a single specimen preserves evidence of diet in Enantiornithes, the dominant group of terrestrial Cretaceous birds," noted the researchers.



With the diet question resolved, a new mystery arose: what was the purpose of the Longipteryx's weapon-like teeth? 



The experts hypothesized that these strong teeth and beak evolved under social or sexual selection, serving as a weapon during combats. 



Interestingly, modern hummingbirds exhibit similar behavior, using keratinous projections on their beaks to compete for resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flight-capabilities-of-longipteryx">Flight capabilities of Longipteryx</h2>



The structural anatomy of Longipteryx suggests that it possessed remarkable flight capabilities for its time. 



Comparative analysis with other avian species indicates that Longipteryx had a robust wing architecture, which likely helped it maneuver dense forested areas.



The researchers theorize that the bird's elongated wings and specialized shoulder joints allowed for rapid bursts of speed, essential for evading predators or catching fast-moving prey like insects during periods of fruit scarcity.



With these traits, Longipteryx exemplifies an evolutionary advantage in its niche, combining versatility in diet with physical adeptness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-avian-evolution">Implications for avian evolution</h2>



The recent findings on Longipteryx's fruit diet and teeth morphology contribute significantly to our understanding of bird <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-theropod-dinosaurs-thrived-in-polar-environments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>, particularly in the Cretaceous period. 



The discovery of fruit consumption challenges the homogeneity of early avian diets, suggesting a diversification that could have been key in the adaptive success of birds. 



Furthermore, the dual-purpose nature of Longipteryx's beak - both for feeding and potential combat - highlights the complexity of evolutionary pressures on early birds.



These insights prompt a re-evaluation of the ecological roles that such prehistoric species played, providing a richer context for how modern avians might have inherited and adapted these ancestral traits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-animal-behaviors-beyond-diet">Complex animal behaviors beyond diet</h2>



This discovery is a significant step for paleontologists, challenging their reliance on physical characteristics as the sole indicators of an animal's behavior and lifestyle. O’Connor emphasizes the need to consider complex behaviors beyond diet when examining structures like beaks.



By reconstructing Longipteryx's lifestyle, we now know that it was a fruit-feasting bird with a beak full of weaponized teeth, quite possibly used for interspecies combat. This bird may have enjoyed a peaceful meal of fruits but when needed, it wasn't afraid to show its teeth.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/abstract/S0960-9822(24)01124-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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This ancient bird ate fruit, so why did it have teeth like a carnivore?

If you've ever wondered how paleontologists figure out what animals...

It is a well-established fact that the ozone layer shields our planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation, playing a vital role in protecting life on Earth. 



Preserving this layer stands as a golden feather in the environmental preservation cap, representing one of humanity’s greatest successes in global environmental cooperation.



However, when ozone managed to take residence at the ground level, it ceased to be a silent guardian; it became a dangerous threat to both the environment and public health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-ground-level-ozone">Impacts of ground-level ozone </h2>



Ground-level ozone is a harmful combination of pollutants emitted from human activities such as industrial processes, vehicle emissions, and deforestation. 



Under the unforgiving glare of sunlight, ozone pollution is causing considerable disturbance to our ecosystems.



Not only does it pose serious health risks to humans, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular problems, but it also interferes with plants' ability to absorb carbon dioxide, undermining their role in mitigating climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ozone-and-stunted-forest-growth">Ozone and stunted forest growth</h2>



New research published in the journal Nature Geoscience paints an alarming picture of the growing threat posed by ground-level <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ozone-pollution-may-endanger-millions-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ozone pollution</a>. It is significantly stunting the annual growth of tropical forests, with an average reduction of 5.1% in new growth.



The situation is even more severe in Asia, where certain regions are experiencing a dramatic 10.9% decline in new forest growth, highlighting the unequal impact of ozone pollution across the globe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduction-in-forest-carbon-storage">Reduction in forest carbon storage </h2>



According to Dr. Alexander Cheesman from <a href="https://www.jcu.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Cook University</a> and the <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Exeter</a>, tropical forests play a crucial role in offsetting carbon dioxide emissions. "Our study shows that air pollution can jeopardize this critical ecosystem service."



The study estimates that ozone pollution has prevented the capture of a staggering 290 million tons of carbon annually since 2000.



This significant loss of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a> sequestration capacity underscores the detrimental effect ozone pollution is having on tropical forests, which are critical for absorbing excess atmospheric carbon and mitigating the impacts of climate change.



"The resulting cumulative loss equates to a 17% reduction in carbon removal by tropical forests so far this century," said Dr. Cheesman.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ozone-pollution-and-forest-restoration-efforts">Ozone pollution and forest restoration efforts</h2>



Urbanization, industrialization, and increased burning of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-from-fossil-fuels-kills-5-million-people-each-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil fuels</a> have escalated emissions of "precursor" molecules, such as nitrogen oxides, that lead to ozone formation. 



"Ozone concentrations across the tropics are projected to rise further due to increased precursor emissions and altered atmospheric chemistry in a warming world," said Dr. Flossie Brown, co-lead author of the study.



These rising ozone levels pose a significant threat to current and future forest restoration efforts, particularly in areas critical to mitigating climate change. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-air-quality">Improving air quality</h2>



"We found that areas of current and future forest restoration are disproportionately affected by this elevated ozone. It is clear that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-and-bushes-near-highways-improve-air-quality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air quality</a> will continue to play an important but often overlooked part in the way forests absorb and store carbon," said Dr. Brown. 



Improving air quality is vital for enabling forests to effectively absorb and store carbon, noted study co-author Professor Stephen Sitch.



"Embracing a future with greater environmental protection would lead to reduced ground-level ozone, improved air quality, and the additional benefit of enhanced carbon uptake in tropical forests," said Professor Stitch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dual-nature-of-ozone">The dual nature of ozone</h2>



Ozone exists in two forms: one as a protective shield in the stratosphere and the other as a harmful pollutant at ground level. 



While stratospheric ozone is essential for blocking harmful ultraviolet radiation, ground-level ozone (also known as tropospheric ozone) forms when pollutants from vehicles, industrial activities, and fires react with sunlight.



This ground-level ozone acts as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenhouse-gas-emissions-reach-another-all-time-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas</a>, trapping heat and contributing to climate change.



Ozone pollution is not only a threat to tropical forests but also to a wide range of ecosystems. In addition to stunting forest growth, ozone can damage crops, reduce agricultural productivity, and affect water quality by altering plant and soil interactions.



The broader ecological consequences of ozone pollution are becoming clearer, signaling an urgent need for stricter air quality regulations and the reduction of emissions that lead to its formation. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-024-01530-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.



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Ozone pollution is stunting tropical forest growth

It is a well-established fact that the ozone layer shields...

Have you ever paused to consider the hidden world of insect communication? For over 30 years, a scientist named Rex Cocroft has dedicated his career to understanding this fascinating arena. 



With a background in music and biology, Cocroft's work has been recognized across the globe, earning him a feature in a BBC documentary series and even inspiring fellow researchers to name a new species of treehoppers, Cladonota rex, in his honor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treehoppers-communicate-using-vibrations">Treehoppers communicate using vibrations</h2>



Treehoppers are tiny insects that inhabit every continent except Antarctica. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-boost-plant-evolution-in-surprising-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">small creatures</a> have advanced communication systems that are as intriguing as they are mysterious. 



The insects communicate by sending vibrations through a plant’s leaves and stem, almost like a silent symphony that humans cannot detect.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sending-messages-through-vibrations">Sending messages through vibrations</h2>



"Treehoppers have vibration sensors that detect when their legs move up and down, and they are extremely sensitive to that kind of motion," explained Cocroft, who is a biologist at the <a href="https://missouri.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Missouri</a>.



These vibrations work much like our sense of sound, allowing treehoppers to convey messages and signals. But remember, what we perceive as silence, is a robust conversation for treehoppers.



Cocroft uses unique sensors that function like guitar amplifiers. "Piezoelectric materials produce an electrical current when under mechanical stress," he noted. 



So, by using a piezo disk, the vibrations become an electrical signal that can be amplified, allowing him to tune into the chat between the bugs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treehoppers-diverse-way-of-communicating">Treehoppers' diverse way of communicating</h2>



Treehoppers <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-have-complex-biochemical-communication-networks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communicate</a> by vibrating different parts of their bodies, which transmits vibrations via their legs to the plant stem. 



Interestingly, these creatures can also mimic cicadas by creating a clicking sound, and some can even create song-like sounds that vary in pitch, tone, and volume.



"Treehoppers typically have several different types of signals in their repertoire, and they are good at distinguishing between those and responding appropriately," explained Cocroft. It might not be what we usually associate with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beneficial-insects-are-severely-impacted-by-air-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insect</a> sounds, but the mechanics of producing and transmitting these sounds are unique.



"With more than 3,000 species of treehoppers worldwide, every species has different songs, so you don’t know what you’re going to hear until you begin to listen," said Cocroft.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-musician-turned-biologist">Musician turned biologist</h2>



Having been drawn to the piano during his high school days, Cocroft initially pursued a degree in music in college. 



But the call of biology, a childhood passion, was too strong for him to ignore. After a stint as a research assistant at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Cocroft's interest in animal communication took flight, a journey that led him to the fascinating world of treehoppers. 



"Communication is such a key part of the behavior of any animal,” said Cocroft, who embodies a unique blend of passion, curiosity, and dedication.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-communication-for-survival">Communication for survival</h2>



One might wonder, what evolutionary advantage does such complex communication provide to treehoppers? These small insects are not just engaging in idle chatter; their communication is essential for survival and reproduction. 



Through vibrational signals, treehoppers can relay alarms about potential predators, coordinate collective movements, and even engage in mating duets, where males and females signal back and forth to evaluate compatibility. 



Such intricate layers of communication have likely evolved to ensure that treehoppers can efficiently interact with their environment and make adaptive decisions critical for their biodiversity. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secrets-of-insect-communication">Secrets of insect communication</h2>



Reflecting on decades of research, Cocroft is optimistic about the future of studying insect communication. 



With advancing technology, researchers are poised to uncover even more secrets about how treehoppers and other insects communicate. 



Innovations in sensor technology and computational analysis promise to deepen the understanding of vibrational ecology and its implications across <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-using-technology-to-protect-our-natural-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystems</a>. 



Cocroft envisions a future where these insights could impact agriculture, conservation, and even robotics, by emulating the efficient communication systems found in nature. 



"We are just scratching the surface of what these tiny creatures can teach us about communication and adaptation."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subtle-sounds-of-treehoppers">Subtle sounds of treehoppers </h2>



As we appreciate the subtle sounds of treehoppers, we witness the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nighttime-buzz-insect-activity-increases-by-31-4-at-night/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">boundless wonders</a> that nature has to offer.



For over 30 years, Cocroft has studied these insects and their unique communication strategies, bringing closer to us a world that's often overlooked. 



And even as we marvel at these discoveries, it's clear that there's still much left to be understood. "I’ve always liked the exploration side of natural history, and there’s a lot we can still discover about how insects like treehoppers communicate," said Cocroft.



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Treehoppers secretly communicate by making plants vibrate

Have you ever paused to consider the hidden world of...

Global methane emissions have continued to rise at an alarming rate despite international efforts to curb them.&nbsp;



More than 150 countries have pledged to reduce methane emissions by 30% by the end of this decade, yet new research reveals that in the past five years, methane emissions have surged faster than ever before.



In a perspective article published on September 10 in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ad6463" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a>, alongside data in Earth System Science Data, researchers warned that the current trend “cannot continue if we are to maintain a habitable climate.”&nbsp;



Both papers were part of the <a href="https://www.globalcarbonproject.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Carbon Project</a>, led by <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a> scientist Rob Jackson, which tracks global greenhouse gas emissions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-trajectory-of-rising-methane-rates-nbsp">Extreme trajectory of rising methane rates&nbsp;</h2>



The data reveals that atmospheric methane levels are now more than 2.6 times higher than pre-industrial levels, marking the highest concentration in at least 800,000 years.&nbsp;



Methane <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/methane-emissions-are-greatly-underestimated-by-the-epa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emission rates</a> are currently rising along the most extreme trajectory predicted by climate scientists. This trend could lead to global warming of more than 3 degrees Celsius (5 degrees Fahrenheit) by the end of the century.&nbsp;



“Right now, the goals of the Global Methane Pledge seem as distant as a desert oasis,” said Jackson, who is the Michelle and Kevin Douglas Provostial Professor at Stanford's Doerr School of Sustainability. “We all hope they aren’t a mirage.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spike-in-methane-emission-rates">Spike in methane emission rates</h2>



Methane, though short-lived compared to carbon dioxide, is a potent greenhouse gas. During its first 20 years in the atmosphere, methane traps heat nearly 90 times more effectively than carbon dioxide, making it a critical target in efforts to limit global warming.&nbsp;



However, despite increased attention on methane reduction, total emissions have surged by 61 million tons - or about 20% - over the past two decades.&nbsp;



This spike has been primarily driven by increases in coal mining, oil and gas production, livestock farming, and decomposing organic waste in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/landfills-emit-exorbitant-amount-methane-into-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">landfills</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regional-disparities-in-methane-emissions-nbsp">Regional disparities in methane emissions&nbsp;</h2>



Marielle Saunois of <a href="https://www.universite-paris-saclay.fr/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Université Paris-Saclay</a>, lead author of the Earth System Science Data paper, emphasized the regional disparities in methane emissions.



“Only the European Union and possibly Australia appear to have decreased methane emissions from human activities over the past two decades. The largest regional increases have come from China and southeast Asia.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-methane-from-human-activities-nbsp">Methane from human activities&nbsp;</h2>



In 2020, the most recent year for complete data, around 400 million tons - or 65% - of global methane emissions were linked to human activities.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/agriculture-higher-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Agriculture</a> and waste management together contributed two-thirds of these emissions, while the fossil fuel industry was responsible for the remainder. The researchers found that methane emissions from human sources have continued to rise through at least 2023.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduced-emissions-of-nitrogen-oxides">Reduced emissions of nitrogen oxides</h2>



A particularly sharp increase in atmospheric methane was recorded in 2020, with 42 million tons added - double the average annual increase during the 2010s and more than six times the increase seen during the early 2000s.&nbsp;



Pandemic lockdowns in 2020 temporarily reduced emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), pollutants that typically degrade methane in the atmosphere. This reduction in NOx emissions contributed to the methane buildup.&nbsp;



“We’re still trying to understand the full effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-lockdowns-had-unexpected-impacts-on-wildlife-behavior/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID lockdowns</a> on the global methane budget,” Jackson explained. “COVID changed nearly everything - from fossil fuel use to emissions of other gasses that alter the lifetime of methane in the atmosphere.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-influence-of-humans-on-methane-rates">Growing influence of humans on methane rates</h2>



In their most recent assessment, Global Carbon Project scientists revised how they classify methane sources.&nbsp;



Previously, all methane from wetlands, lakes, and rivers was considered natural. However, the latest methane budget accounts for the growing influence of human activities on these emissions.&nbsp;



For example, human-made reservoirs contribute an estimated 30 million tons of methane annually, as submerged organic material decays and releases the gas.&nbsp;



“Emissions from reservoirs behind dams are as much a direct human source as methane emissions from a cow or an oil and gas field,” noted Jackson.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threat-to-global-climate-goals-nbsp">Threat to global climate goals&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers estimate that about one-third of methane emissions from wetlands and freshwater sources in recent years have been influenced by human factors, such as agricultural runoff, wastewater, land use changes, and rising temperatures.



The continued rise in methane emissions poses a significant threat to global climate goals. As extreme weather events and heat waves become more frequent, the consequences of this trend are becoming increasingly clear.&nbsp;



“The world has reached the threshold of 1.5C increases in global average surface temperature, and is only beginning to experience the full consequences,” noted the study authors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-action-is-needed">Urgent action is needed </h2>



Addressing this challenge will require global efforts to reduce methane emissions at their source. This includes implementing measures such as leak detection in the fossil fuel industry, improved waste management, and changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-detect-methane-emission-from-cow-burps/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">livestock</a> farming practices.&nbsp;



Without urgent and concerted action, methane emissions will continue to drive global temperatures beyond critical thresholds, threatening the planet's habitability.



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Rising methane emissions threaten Earth's habitability

Global methane emissions have continued to rise at an alarming...

When Ilber Manavbasi practices a challenging piano riff, he doesn’t just focus on hitting the right notes. He pushes himself to rehearse under a variety of different conditions.



Manavbasi is a graduate student researcher in the <a href="https://beckman.illinois.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology</a> at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.



“I practice in diverse conditions and contexts. I practice hungry, tired, angry, and happy. I practice different songs at different speeds and sometimes with different pianos,” said Manavbasi. "It’s the variety of practice that makes me a better performer.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-variety-improves-learning-nbsp">Variety improves learning&nbsp;</h2>



Manavbasi's approach reflects findings from recent research he and his colleagues conducted at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, suggesting that variety in practice might also improve <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-learning-how-the-brain-stores-new-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learning</a>, particularly in older adults.&nbsp;



The study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.intell.2024.101829" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intelligence</a>, demonstrated that engaging in diverse practice activities, rather than repetitive drills, helped older adults learn a new working memory task more effectively. 



The research highlights the potential of varied cognitive training in maintaining mental sharpness as we age.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-varied-practice-and-mental-skills">Varied practice and mental skills</h2>



“People often think that the best way to get better at something is to simply practice it over and over again, but robust skill learning is actually supported by variation in practice,” said lead investigator Elizabeth A. L. Stine-Morrow, a researcher at the Beckman Institute.



“While the importance of diversity in practice has been well established in the area of motor learning, our study demonstrated that this principle applies to the development of mental skills as well.”



The concept of varied practice isn't new. In 1978, a <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/003151257804600201" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> by Kerr and Booth showed that children who practiced tossing a beanbag from different distances were more accurate than those who practiced from a fixed distance.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-more-diverse-approach-to-learning-nbsp">A more diverse approach to learning&nbsp;</h2>



Similar patterns have been observed in athletics and academics - world-class athletes often have early exposure to multiple sports, and Nobel laureates frequently have experience outside their main field of study.



This led Stine-Morrow to wonder how varied practice might apply to cognitive training. Could a more diverse approach to learning improve mental performance, particularly in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/working-memory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">working memory</a>?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-study">Focus of the study</h2>



The researchers focused on working memory, the ability to hold one piece of information in mind while engaging in another task.&nbsp;



“We chose working memory because it is a core ability needed to engage with reality and construct knowledge,” Stine-Morrow said. “It underpins language comprehension, reasoning, problem-solving, and many sorts of everyday cognition.”



Because working memory often declines with age, the researchers recruited 90 local participants between the ages of 60 and 87. They began the study by assessing each participant’s working memory through a reading span task, which tested their ability to remember information while reading unrelated sentences.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-variety-of-practice-methods-for-learning">Variety of practice methods for learning</h2>



Participants were asked to read and comprehend sentences like, “Headwear worn by royalty is called a crown,” or “An animal with orange and black stripes is a zebra,” and then recall a series of letters presented alongside each sentence.



After this initial assessment, participants underwent four weeks of cognitive training. For the first two weeks, they trained using one of four different practice methods. 



The various methods included practicing the reading span task itself, learning a new working memory activity, engaging in multiple working memory activities, or completing a control task unrelated to working memory. 



During the last two weeks, all of the participants practiced a variation of the reading span task.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-training-variety-improves-learning-nbsp">Training variety improves learning&nbsp;</h2>



The results were clear: those who engaged in a variety of practice, using multiple working memory activities, showed the most improvement on the final reading span test, outperforming participants who only practiced the same task throughout.



Interestingly, the mixed practice group didn’t start off as the top performers. “They needed to work for it,” Stine-Morrow said. “Mixed practice did not directly lead to better performance; it led to better learning. That group was the slowest to improve on the reading span task, but they ultimately reached the highest peak.”



One possible explanation for this is the principle of mutualism, where related abilities improve together. Varied practice may have triggered mutual growth among different <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/kids-instrument-cognitive-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive skills</a>, leading to more substantial improvements over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-effects-of-varied-cognitive-training">The effects of varied cognitive training</h2>



“With this study, we have demonstrated the broad principle of mutualism through the small lens of how it applies to working memory,” Stine-Morrow explained. “If you scale up this principle and combine it with different kinds of skills, that could demonstrate broader effects.”



The study was conducted remotely, with participants using home computers or iPads provided by the research team due to COVID-19 restrictions. Despite the challenges of fitting these activities into their daily lives, participants were eager to engage with the tasks.



“We are grateful to the folks in the Chambana community who support our research, especially in this case, where they had to fit these activities into their lives over the course of four weeks,” Stine-Morrow said. “Most people thought the activities were challenging, but fun, and treated them as a game they wanted to win.”



This study provides early evidence that varied cognitive training could be an effective tool for improving working memory and mental acuity in older adults, offering a hopeful strategy for maintaining <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-for-the-aging-brain-mediterranean-diet-protects-cognitive-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive health</a> as we age.



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When it comes to practice and learning, variety is key

When Ilber Manavbasi practices a challenging piano riff, he doesn’t...

Recent observations using the ultra-widefield prime focus camera of the Subaru Telescope have shown that there may be a population of small astronomical objects further out in the Kuiper Belt still waiting to be discovered. 



According to the experts, the findings are essential for a better understanding of the formation of the solar system.



The research was made possible through an international collaboration between the Subaru Telescope and the New Horizons spacecraft traveling through the outer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-water-travel-through-our-solar-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kuiper-belt-what-you-should-know">Kuiper Belt: What you should know</h2>



The Kuiper Belt is a huge area in our solar system that lies beyond Neptune, packed with icy bodies and leftovers from the solar system’s early days. 



Think of it as a distant, cold junkyard orbiting the Sun, filled with things like dwarf planets, comets, and rocky debris.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pluto-got-its-heart-in-a-violent-collision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pluto</a>, which used to be our ninth planet, is the most famous inhabitant of the Kuiper Belt, but it's just one of many. These objects, known as Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs), come in all sizes, from tiny rocks to massive ones that could compete with small planets.



The belt stretches from about 30 to 55 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun -- that’s 30 to 55 times the distance between Earth and the Sun!



Scientists think the Kuiper Belt might hold key insights into how our solar system formed. It’s like a frozen time capsule, keeping materials that haven’t changed much in billions of years.



By studying KBOs, astronomers hope to figure out the conditions that were around when the Sun and planets were just getting started.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-horizons-flew-through-the-kuiper-belt-nbsp">New Horizons flew through the Kuiper Belt&nbsp;</h2>



NASA's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-horizons-ultima-thule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Horizons</a> spacecraft was launched in 2006 in order to observe the surfaces of outer solar system bodies up close for the first time in our history. 



The spacecraft successfully completed a flyby of the Pluto system (2015), and later on (2019)  it made a flyby of one of the Kuiper Belt objects, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-snowman-arrokoth-celestial-objects-become-ice-bombs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(486958) Arrokoth</a>.



Although there were four other spacecraft which have flown to the outer solar system, New Horizons is the only one that has flown through the Kuiper Belt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viewing-objects-in-the-kuiper-belt-nbsp">Viewing objects in the Kuiper Belt&nbsp;</h2>



When examining Kuiper Belt objects from the ground, we can only observe them at small solar phase angles (the angle between the sun, the object, and the observer).&nbsp;



However, when looking at an object in the outer solar system from a spacecraft in the Kuiper Belt, these objects can be observed at different phase angles and their reflection characteristics can be utilized to estimate their surface properties.&nbsp;



Yet, the camera on the New Horizon spacecraft has a narrow field-of-view and cannot find Kuiper Belt objects on its own.&nbsp;



Fortunately, the Subaru Telescope can use its wide-field camera to discover a variety of Kuiper Belt objects and then narrow down the collection of objects which the spacecraft can fly by and examine.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-horizons-and-the-subaru-telescope-nbsp">New Horizons and the Subaru telescope&nbsp;</h2>



The collaboration between the New Horizons spacecraft and the Subaru Telescope was initiated in 2004.



During the 2004–2005 observations with the Subaru Telescope’s prime focus camera (Suprime-Cam), the orbital alignment between Pluto and the spacecraft caused a portion of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-galaxy-is-surrounded-by-massive-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>’s center to appear in the background of the search area for Kuiper Belt objects.



While it was highly difficult to search for solar system objects with multiple background stars, the scientists were able to localize 24 Kuiper Belt objects.



Unfortunately, the Kuiper belt objects discovered until now require too much fuel for New Horizons to flyby, but new ones at greater distances might fall within the available fuel reach of the spacecraft.&nbsp;



In 2020, deeper observations with the Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) on the Subaru Telescope began, and, by 2023, 239 Kuiper Belt objects were discovered.



“The most exciting part of the HSC observations was the discovery of 11 objects at distances beyond the known Kuiper Belt,” said team member Fumi Yoshida, a scientist at the <a href="https://www.uoeh-u.ac.jp/english.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences</a> and the Planetary Exploration Research Center at the <a href="https://www.it-chiba.ac.jp/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chiba Institute of Technology</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-discovery-of-mysterious-objects-nbsp">Unexpected discovery of mysterious objects&nbsp;</h2>



A large number of objects discovered with HSC are located at distances ranging from 30 to 55 astronomical units (au) from the Sun (with one au corresponding to the distance between the Sun and Earth) and are thought to belong to the known Kuiper Belt.



However, the experts were not expecting to discover what looks to be a cluster of objects in the 70–90 au region and a valley between 55 and 70 au, where only a small number of objects are distributed.



Is there a new population of Kuiper Belt objects located at 70–90 au?&nbsp;"If this is confirmed, it would be a major discovery. The primordial solar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unraveling-the-mysterious-origins-of-the-crab-nebula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a> was much larger than previously thought, and this may have implications for studying the planet formation process in our solar system,” Yoshida explained.



“This is a groundbreaking discovery revealing something unexpected, new, and exciting in the distant reaches of the solar system; this discovery probably would not have been possible without the world-class capabilities of the Subaru observatory,” added New Horizons mission principal investigator Alan Stern.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-solar-system-formation-nbsp">Understanding solar system formation&nbsp;</h2>



In order to determine the precise orbits of these objects, the scientists are continuing observations with HSC. 



“I think the discovery of distant objects and the determination of their orbital distribution are important as a stepping stone to understanding the formation history of the solar system, comparing it with exoplanetary systems, and understanding universal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet formation</a>,” Yoshida said.



New Horizons is currently traveling further out, at approximately 60 au from the Sun, hoping to discover many more distant objects.



The findings will be published in two articles in the <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/2632-3338" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Planetary Science Journal</a> and are currently available on the <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/2403.04927" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arXiv</a> preprint server.



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Mysterious objects spotted in the outer solar system beyond Pluto

Recent observations using the ultra-widefield prime focus camera of the...

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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



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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

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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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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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

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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

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The movement suddenly stopped. Onlookers shared a puzzled look with one another. Where did the beast go?
Perhaps it was nothing more than a trick of the ocean current. They continue to film, oblivious to what is about to happen in front of their eyes. Photo Credit: YouTube_gekkovision

Trick Of The Ocean