Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> features the Sombrero Galaxy, with its magnificent structure captured in stunning detail by the Hubble Space Telescope.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sombrero-galaxy-nbsp">Sombrero Galaxy&nbsp;</h2>



The Sombrero Galaxy, also known as Messier 104, is one of the most intriguing and easily recognizable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-galaxies-that-are-too-old-to-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> in the night sky.



The galaxy is notable for its bright nucleus, large central bulge, and prominent dust lane that gives it a sombrero-like appearance when viewed from Earth. It is located in the constellation Virgo, about 29 million light-years away.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-appearance">Appearance</h3>



The most distinguishing feature is the dark dust lane that encircles the galaxy along its equator, resembling the rim of a sombrero hat. This dust lane is composed of interstellar dust and gas, where new stars are being born.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-type-and-structure">Galaxy type and structure</h3>



The Sombrero Galaxy is classified as an SA(s)a galaxy, indicating it is an unbarred spiral galaxy with a prominent nucleus. 



However, its large bulge and dust lane also give it characteristics of an elliptical galaxy and a lenticular galaxy, making it a hybrid of sorts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bright-nucleus">Bright nucleus</h3>



The galaxy has a very bright nucleus, which is thought to house a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-map-of-supermassive-black-holes-unveiled/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black hole</a>. Observations suggest the black hole at its center is one of the most massive known, with an estimated mass of hundreds of millions of solar masses.



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



The Sombrero Galaxy spans about 50,000 light-years in diameter, making it about half the size of our Milky Way. Its halo is also populated with globular clusters, similar to the Milky Way, though the exact number is still a subject of research.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-and-discovery">Research and discovery</h3>



Due to its unique features and relatively close proximity, the Sombrero Galaxy has been the focus of extensive research and has been studied across various wavelengths - from radio to X-ray. 



These studies help astronomers gain insights into the processes of galaxy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">formation</a> and evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-expanding-universe-model-nbsp">The expanding universe model&nbsp;</h2>



The expanding universe model is a fundamental concept in cosmology that describes the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-study-claims-our-universe-is-27-billion-years-old-double-the-current-age-estimate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a> as continuously growing in scale over time. 



This model is based on observations that galaxies are moving away from each other, with their separation increasing as time progresses.&nbsp;



The Sombrero Galaxy was one of the first galaxies to be identified as having a redshift, indicating it is moving away from us, which was an important piece of evidence supporting the expanding universe model. The key aspects of this model include:



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hubble-s-law">Hubble's Law</h3>



In 1929, Edwin Hubble discovered that galaxies are receding from each other at velocities proportional to their distances. 



This relationship, known as Hubble's Law, provided the first observational evidence for the expanding universe. It suggests that the farther away a galaxy is, the faster it appears to be moving away from us. 



This expansion is often described by the analogy of dots on an inflating balloon; as the balloon expands, the dots (representing galaxies) move away from each other.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-bang-theory">Big Bang Theory</h3>



The expanding universe model is a cornerstone of the Big Bang theory, which posits that the universe began as a singular, extremely hot and dense point approximately 13.8 billion years ago. 



The universe has been expanding and cooling ever since. This theory explains the creation of all space, time, matter, and energy.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-microwave-background-radiation">Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation</h3>



The discovery of cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation in 1965 provided strong evidence for the Big Bang theory and the expanding universe model. 



The CMB is the afterglow radiation from the Big Bang, observed as a faint microwave signal pervasive throughout the universe. It is considered a snapshot of the infant universe, showing a time about 380,000 years after the Big Bang when the universe had cooled enough for atoms to form and light to travel freely.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accelerated-expansion">Accelerated Expansion</h3>



Observations of distant supernovae in the late 20th century revealed that the universe's expansion is accelerating, not slowing down as previously assumed. 



This acceleration is attributed to a mysterious force termed "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-does-not-exist-universe-27-billion-years-old-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark energy</a>," which constitutes about 68% of the total energy content of the universe.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmological-principle">Cosmological Principle</h3>



The expanding universe model is based on the cosmological principle, which states that on large scales, the universe is homogeneous (uniform in composition) and isotropic (appearing the same in all directions). This principle supports the observation that the expansion of the universe is uniform and not directed outward from a central point.



The model has profoundly impacted our understanding of cosmology, leading to further inquiries into the nature of dark matter, dark energy, and the ultimate fate of the universe.



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



"NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has trained its razor-sharp eye on one of the universe's most stately and photogenic galaxies, the Sombrero galaxy, Messier 104 (M104). The galaxy's hallmark is a brilliant white, bulbous core encircled by the thick dust lanes comprising the spiral structure of the galaxy," said <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"As seen from Earth, the galaxy is tilted nearly edge-on. We view it from just six degrees north of its equatorial plane. This brilliant galaxy was named the Sombrero because of its resemblance to the broad rim and high-topped Mexican hat."



According to ESA, at a relatively bright magnitude of +8, Messier 104 is just beyond the limit of naked-eye visibility and can be easily viewed through small telescopes. 



"The Sombrero lies at the southern edge of the rich Virgo cluster of galaxies and is one of the most massive objects in that group, equivalent to 800 billion suns. The galaxy is 50,000 light-years across and is located 30 million light-years from Earth."



Image Credit: NASA/ESA and The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)



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The Sombrero Galaxy hints at an expanding universe 

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features Westerlund 1 - a young star cluster located in the Milky Way galaxy.&nbsp;



Discovered by Swedish astronomer Bengt Westerlund in 1961, the cluster is composed of thousands of stars - many of which are supergiants - and contains some of the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-stars-shape-planetary-systems-like-ours-with-ultraviolet-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">massive stars</a> ever observed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-image-of-westerlund-1">Webb image of Westerlund 1</h2>



“The open cluster Westerlund 1, showcased in this new Webb Picture of the Month, is located roughly 12,000 light-years away in the southern constellation Ara (the Altar) where it resides behind a huge interstellar cloud of gas and dust,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“Westerlund 1 is an incomparable natural laboratory for the study of extreme stellar physics, helping astronomers to find out how the most massive stars in our galaxy live and die.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-special-about-westerlund-1">What is special about Westerlund 1?</h2>



According to ESA, the unique draw of Westerlund 1 is its large, dense, and diverse population of massive stars. The star cluster is unparalleled in the known <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-galaxy-is-surrounded-by-massive-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> galaxy in terms of the number of stars and the richness of spectral types and evolutionary phases. 



“All stars identified in this cluster are evolved and very massive, spanning the full range of stellar classifications including Wolf-Rayet stars, OB supergiants, yellow hypergiants (nearly as bright as a million Suns) and luminous blue variables. Because such stars have a rather short life, Westerlund 1 is very young, astronomically speaking,” said ESA.



“Astronomers estimate the cluster’s age to be somewhere between 3.5 and 5 million years (its exact age is still a matter of debate), making it a newborn cluster in our galaxy.”



Westerlund 1 is expected to gradually evolve from an open cluster to a globular cluster - a spherical collection of stars that are tightly bound together by gravity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-the-milky-way-galaxy-nbsp">Star formation in the Milky Way galaxy&nbsp;</h2>



The Milky Way <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> forms roughly 1 to 2 stars per year on average. This star formation rate is relatively moderate compared to more active galaxies, which can produce dozens or even hundreds of stars annually.



The Milky Way galaxy used to produce many more stars, likely hitting its peak about 10 billion years ago. At that time, dozens (or possibly even hundreds) of stars were created in the Milky Way each year.&nbsp;



“Astronomers think that most of this star formation took place in massive clusters of stars, known as ‘super star clusters.’ These are young clusters of stars that contain more than 10,000 times the mass of the Sun, packed into an unbelievably small volume. They represent the most extreme environments in which stars and planets can form,” said ESA.&nbsp;



“Only a few super star clusters still exist in our galaxy - of which Westerlund 1 is one - but they offer important clues about this earlier era when most of our galaxy’s stars formed.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impressive-example-of-a-star-cluster-nbsp">Impressive example of a star cluster&nbsp;</h2>



ESA noted that Westerlund 1 is an impressive example of a super star cluster because it contains hundreds of very massive stars - some that shine brilliance of almost a million suns and others that are two thousand times larger than the sun.&nbsp;



“Indeed, if the Solar System was located at the heart of this remarkable cluster, our sky would be full of hundreds of stars as bright as the full Moon.”



The large population of massive stars in Westerlund 1 indicates that it will greatly influence its surroundings, noted ESA. With such a high concentration of these stars, the cluster is expected to host over 1,500 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a> within the next 40 million years. This "super" star cluster offers astronomers a rare glimpse into one of the most extreme environments in the Universe. 



Westerlund 1 is set to play a key role in advancing our understanding of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>, particularly massive ones, are formed, opening new doors in the ongoing quest for deeper insights.



The image was captured as part of the The Extended Westerlund 1 and 2 Open Clusters Survey (EWOCS) with Webb’s Near-InfraRed Camera (NIRCam).&nbsp;



Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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Westerlund 1: Stars with the brilliance of a million suns

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Columbia Glacier, a tidewater glacier located in Prince William Sound on the south coast of Alaska.



The Columba Glacier is one of the most rapidly changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-pose-great-threat-to-biodiversity-in-mountain-ranges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a> in the world and has been closely studied for the insights it provides into glacial mechanics and climate change impacts.&nbsp;



"Since the early 1980s, the Columbia Glacier has retreated more than 20 km and lost about half of its total volume. This one glacier accounts for nearly half of the ice lost in the Chugach Mountains," noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"The changing climate is thought to have caused its retreat. Until 1980, when its rapid and constant retreat began, the glacier’s terminus was observed at the northern edge of Heather Island, which lies near the end of Columbia Bay, the inlet into which the glacier currently flows before draining into Prince William Sound."



ESA noted that this satellite image, captured in September of 2023, reveals a mostly ice-free Columbia Bay dotted with numerous icebergs and fragmented sea-ice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dramatic-calving-events">Dramatic calving events</h2>



The Columbia Glacier is known for its dramatic calving events, where large chunks of ice break off from the glacier's terminus and fall into the sea, becoming icebergs. 



This process has been particularly active as the glacier has retreated, contributing to hazards for shipping in Prince William Sound.



The glacier has been the focus of extensive scientific research, serving as a case study for understanding the dynamics of tidewater glaciers and their responses to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/preparing-for-ocean-acidification-a-silent-killer-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. Studies have used satellite imagery, field observations, and modeling to track its changes over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-impact-on-the-columbia-glacier">Climate impact on the Columbia Glacier</h2>



"Columbia is just one of the many glaciers suffering from the effects of climate change. Most of the glaciers around the world are losing mass," said ESA.



"However, before the advent of satellites, measuring their retreat and studying their vulnerability to climate change was difficult considering their size, remoteness and rugged terrain they occupy."



Now, noted ESA, different satellite instruments are available to gather information systematically and over large areas, providing an effective means to monitor change, keep track of all calving stages, and quantify the melting rate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-columbia-s-retreat">Climate change and Columbia's retreat </h2>



Columbia Glacier flows from the Chugach Mountains into Columbia Bay. It was once one of the largest contributors to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-will-cost-coastal-cities-over-1-trillion-in-damages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rise</a> due to its significant ice loss.&nbsp;



The glacier's dynamics are influenced by its interaction with water, where the terminus meets the ocean. As the glacier flows into the sea, large chunks of ice calve off the front, leading to dramatic scenes of ice crashing into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shelf-sediment-ocean-composition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a>. 



This process has been intensifying due to warmer temperatures and changes in water circulation, which undermine the ice from below.



Columbia Glacier's retreat has significant implications for marine navigation and local ecosystems. The increase in icebergs calving into the bay poses hazards to ships, while the fresh meltwater impacts local water temperatures and salinity, affecting the habitat of fish and other marine life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-melting-glaciers-in-a-warming-climate">Melting glaciers in a warming climate </h2>



Glaciers, which are large masses of accumulated snow and ice, store about 69 percent of the world's freshwater. As the climate warms, these glaciers increasingly melt and release freshwater into nearby seas and the ocean at large.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-influx-of-freshwater">Influx of freshwater</h3>



The influx of freshwater from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-pose-great-threat-to-biodiversity-in-mountain-ranges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting glaciers</a> alters the salinity (salt concentration) of the ocean water. Since freshwater is less dense than saltwater, its addition can lead to stratification in which lighter, less salty water layers on top of denser, saltier water.&nbsp;



Stratification can disrupt ocean currents, which are driven in part by differences in water density and temperature. These currents are crucial for regulating global climate by distributing heat and nutrients around the planet.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-salinity-nbsp">Changes in salinity&nbsp;</h3>



Furthermore, changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salinity</a> can affect marine life, which often has narrow salinity tolerance ranges. For example, shifts in salinity can impact breeding cycles, migration patterns, and the availability of nutrients.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-carbon-cycle">Global carbon cycle</h3>



As the ocean's composition changes, its capacity to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere could also be altered, affecting the global carbon cycle and, by extension, climate change feedback mechanisms.



The melting of glaciers contributes to more pronounced changes in ocean conditions, impacting everything from global climate systems to local ecosystems in marine environments.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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Columbia Glacier on the south coast of Alaska

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features NGC 1333, a reflection nebula located in the Perseus molecular cloud about 960 light-years away from Earth.



The photo is a mosaic of images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-webb-nbsp-nbsp">The power of Webb&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



“Webb’s superb sensitivity allows astronomers to investigate young objects with extremely low masses. Some of the faintest ‘stars’ in the picture are in fact newly born free-floating brown dwarfs with masses comparable to those of giant planets,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



The same cluster was featured as the 33rd anniversary image of the Hubble Space Telescope in April 2023.&nbsp;



According to ESA, Hubble’s image just scratched the surface of this region, because clouds of dust obscure much of the star formation process. 



"Observing with larger aperture and in the infrared part of the spectrum, Webb is capable of peering through the dusty veil to reveal newborn stars, brown dwarfs and planetary mass objects."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-s-view-of-ngc1333">Webb’s view of NGC1333</h2>



ESA noted that the center of the image presents a deep peek into the heart of the NGC1333 cloud. 



“Across the image we see large patches of orange, which represent gas glowing in the infrared. These so-called Herbig-Haro objects form when ionized material ejected from young stars collides with the surrounding cloud. They are hallmarks of a very active site of star formation."



The disks of gas and dust that surround the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> in this image may eventually produce planetary systems.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-of-the-sun">Formation of the Sun</h2>



“Similar to the young stars in this mosaic, our own Sun and planets formed inside a dusty molecular cloud, 4.6 billion years ago. Our Sun did not form in isolation but as part of a cluster, which was perhaps even more massive than NGC 1333,” explained ESA.



Over time, the stars in the Sun's birth cluster would have drifted apart due to gravitational interactions and the dispersion of gas in the region.



Astronomers have been studying certain clues, such as isotopic signatures in meteorites, that hint the Sun may have formed near massive stars. These stars likely produced supernovae, which could have influenced the early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-objects-spotted-in-the-outer-solar-system-beyond-pluto/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a> by injecting heavy elements like iron-60.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-1333">Star formation in NGC 1333</h2>



NGC 1333 is a vibrant example of a stellar nursery, where active <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> is ongoing. It is known for its chaotic appearance, shaped by the interactions between newborn stars and the surrounding material.



Within NGC 1333, astronomers have observed a high level of turbulence, which makes the region dynamic and complex. 



These disturbances are caused by the outflows of young stars as they eject material into their surroundings, creating shock waves and influencing further star formation.&nbsp;



These outflows are often seen as jets, which are visible in multiple wavelengths of light, especially infrared, as the surrounding dust absorbs visible light.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-ngc-1333">Significance of NGC 1333</h2>



NGC 1333 is also an area of interest for studying the early stages of star and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet formation</a>, as many of the stars within the cluster are in their infancy, still in the process of gathering material and developing protoplanetary disks.&nbsp;



In images, NGC 1333 is marked by bright patches of blue and red, representing reflection <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-rogue-worlds-discovered-inside-a-young-star-forming-nebula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebulae</a> and the ionized gas created by energetic young stars.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-perseus-molecular-cloud-nbsp">The Perseus molecular cloud&nbsp;</h2>



The Perseus molecular cloud is a vast region of cold gas and dust located about 600 light-years away from Earth in the constellation <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/1500-billion-orphan-stars-discovered-in-the-perseus-galaxy-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseus</a>.&nbsp;



It is one of the most studied star-forming regions in our galaxy due to its relative proximity and the diversity of its young stellar objects. This cloud spans several hundred light-years and contains dense pockets of gas where new stars are actively forming.&nbsp;



These areas are often enshrouded in thick dust, which obscures them in visible light but allows astronomers to study them using infrared and radio wavelengths.



The Perseus molecular cloud is particularly interesting because of the chemistry taking place within it, including the formation of complex organic molecules that could be precursors to life.&nbsp;



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



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Stellar nursery NGC 1333 shines in the Perseus cloud

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the vibrant colors of the Mawrth Vallis region of Mars. The image reveals a landscape abundant in iron, magnesium, and aluminum. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-colors-of-mars">The colors of Mars</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-samples-from-mars-could-reveal-fascinating-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a> gets its distinctive red color from iron oxides, or rust, on its surface. The Martian soil and dust are rich in iron minerals, which oxidize when exposed to the small amounts of oxygen present in the Martian atmosphere.&nbsp;



This oxidation process gives the planet its reddish hue, similar to how iron objects on Earth develop rust. 



The scattering of sunlight by these iron oxide particles further enhances the reddish appearance when viewed from a distance. However, the human eye can only perceive a fraction of Mars' <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-captured-in-true-color-like-youve-never-seen-the-red-planet-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">true color</a> palette.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cassis-image">CaSSIS image</h2>



The European Colour and Stereo Surface Imaging System (CaSSIS) aboard the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) offers a more detailed view, showcasing a striking diversity of colors.&nbsp;



This CaSSIS <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2024/06/Metallic_Mars_landscape" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">image</a> reveals yellow layers rich in iron and magnesium clays, overlain by white and blue layers abundant in aluminum. 



The area is draped by a dark, heavily eroded layer, illustrating a vibrant, metallic landscape formed around 3.6 billion years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mawrth-vallis">Mawrth Vallis</h2>



Mawrth Vallis lies just south of the dichotomy boundary, a ridge marking the divide between Mars' southern highlands and northern lowlands.&nbsp;



This region continues to captivate scientists due to its geological complexity and history of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-has-a-water-reservoir-two-miles-deep-enough-to-fill-earths-red-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">liquid water</a> flow.&nbsp;



Although Mawrth Vallis was considered as a landing site for the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover, the mission ultimately chose Oxia Planum for its search for signs of life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-upcoming-rosalind-franklin-mission">Upcoming Rosalind Franklin mission</h2>



The Rosalind Franklin mission is a joint mission by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Roscosmos aimed at exploring the surface of Mars to search for signs of past or present life. 



The mission is named after Rosalind Franklin, the pioneering British scientist whose work was crucial in the discovery of DNA's structure.



The rover is designed to drill up to two meters below the Martian surface, where it is believed any signs of life may be better preserved, away from the harsh surface radiation. 



The Rosalind Franklin rover was originally scheduled to launch in 2020, but technical delays and the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the launch window to 2028. 



Once on Mars, the rover will collaborate with other missions like NASA's Perseverance and Curiosity rovers to advance our understanding of the Red Planet's habitability and history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mars-ancient-past">Mars’ ancient past</h2>



While Rosalind Franklin prepares for its mission, the TGO remains in orbit, conducting crucial research to unravel Mars' ancient past and assess its potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-mars-seismic-discoveries-and-the-quest-for-past-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitability</a>.&nbsp;



Since beginning its full science mission in 2018, TGO has not only captured stunning images but also provided a comprehensive inventory of Mars' atmospheric gases and mapped water-rich locations on the planet's surface.



For six years, CaSSIS has delivered breathtaking views of Mars in vivid color, documenting features ranging from volcanic landscapes to active dust devils and immense sand dunes.&nbsp;



Understanding Mars' water history and its implications for past <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-is-letting-out-mysterious-methane-burps-but-why/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a> remains a core focus of ESA’s ExoMars missions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-metals-on-mars">Metals on Mars</h2>



Mars is rich in various metals that contribute to its geological and mineralogical diversity.&nbsp;



While iron is the most prominent, magnesium is also abundant. It is often found in the form of clays, contributing to the planet's diverse mineral composition.&nbsp;



Aluminum is another significant metal present on Mars, commonly found in layered deposits and sediments.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-metal-layers-of-mars">Complex metal layers of Mars</h3>



These metals are not evenly distributed but are found in various concentrations across the Martian surface.&nbsp;



For instance, regions like Mawrth Vallis exhibit a complex layering of different metal-rich minerals, including iron and magnesium-rich clays overlain by aluminium-rich layers.&nbsp;



This diversity indicates a rich geological history involving water activity, volcanic processes, and sedimentary deposition.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-major-changes-over-time">Major changes over time</h3>



The presence of these metals suggests that Mars has undergone significant chemical and physical processes over billions of years, shaping its current landscape.&nbsp;



Understanding the distribution and composition of metals on Mars helps scientists piece together the planet's history and assess its past potential for habitability.



Image Credit: ESA/TGO/CaSSIS



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Metallic Mars: The diverse colors of the Red Planet

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

Luna's massive paws made quick work of the dirt and, before long, she had dug out a perfect den. But the bear wasn't satisfied. There was still more work to be done!

Finishing Touches

The Burmese python is a creature that can swallow prey you wouldn’t even dare to imagine. These snakes aren’t native to your backyard unless you live in Southern Florida, where they have largely replaced raccoons, foxes, and bobcats in their diet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extraordinary-python-diet">Extraordinary python diet</h2>



Pythons are known for their ability to make a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/python-gut-regeneration-offers-clues-for-treating-human-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hearty meal</a> out of deer, alligators, and other large creatures.



They consume these animals entirely, with jaws stretchy enough to accommodate a feast seemingly too large for their size.



This extraordinary ability to chow down on such big game is related to the snake's "gape," and guess what? Scientists have recently discovered that this gape is even more spacious than initially thought.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evaluating-the-burmese-python-gape">Evaluating the Burmese python gape</h2>



Professor Bruce Jayne from the <a href="https://www.uc.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cincinnati</a> said measurements of snakes captured in and around Everglades National Park show that the biggest pythons have an even bigger gape than mathematical models would suggest.



Collaborating with researchers Ian Easterling and Ian Bartoszek from the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Professor Jayne has evaluated some of these mammoth snakes measuring 15, 17, and 19 feet long.



The information unveiled was nothing short of startling. The most sizable python had a gape of 26 centimeters (or 10.2 inches), which is significantly larger than the previously recorded 22 centimeters (or 8.7 inches).



Professor Jayne said that at first, this doesn't sound like a significant change - just 18% larger. But the total area of the gape increased by a whopping 40%, he noted.&nbsp;



The largest pythons had a gape circumference of more than 81 centimeters, which is the equivalent of a 32-inch waist on a pair of pants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unbelievable-feasts">Unbelievable feasts </h2>



So, what's the big deal with some extra room? Well, it means <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pythons-can-make-their-heart-stronger-and-we-need-to-know-how/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pythons</a> can devour even larger prey than we realized.



Their astounding ability to swallow is backed by some eye-opening evidence. The researchers found one audacious snake gobbling down a deer weighing 77 pounds - about two-thirds of the snake's weight.



According to Bartoszek, observing this apex invader swallowing a full-sized deer is an unforgettable sight and serves as a stark reminder of the ecological impact of Burmese pythons.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-asian-rainforests-to-florida">From Asian rainforests to Florida</h2>



Interestingly, Burmese pythons aren't native to Florida but hail from the southeast Asian rainforests. They ended up in the Sunshine State due to the pet trade and the irresponsible practices of owners.



The unique anatomical structure of pythons, with a jawbone that's not fused at the front and super-stretchy skin, blesses them with a gobbling power six times that of other similar-sized snakes.



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



One of the fascinating aspects of studying pythons is the size range within the species; they vary from 24 inches long and 4 ounces at hatching to nearly 20 feet and 200 pounds as adults.



This diverse size range has influenced the researchers to understand better the correlation between the snake's gape, its cranial anatomy, and overall size, thereby getting a grasp of its predatory prowess.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-consequences-of-python-invasion">Consequences of python invasion</h2>



Although Burmese pythons of more than 16 feet are rare, their broader gape and increasing presence are alarming. The collective removal of 770 pythons, all more than 6.5 feet long, weighed over 33,000 pounds. 



If each snake were to consume just one deer as big as they could swallow, that would equal an astonishing 13,000 pounds of prey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-python-population-control">Python population control</h2>



In response to the burgeoning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/python-meat-is-a-more-sustainable-food-than-chicken-or-beef/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">python population</a>, various innovative control techniques are being tested. One promising approach involves the use of specially trained detector dogs that excel in identifying and tracking the scent of these elusive snakes. 



These canine companions have already proven effective in uncovering hidden pythons in the wild, supporting conservation efforts in restoring the balance of Florida's delicate ecosystems. 



Similarly, advanced technological solutions, including motion-activated trap systems and thermal imaging, are being deployed to further bolster efforts in managing and reducing python numbers. 



These creative methods highlight the increasing necessity of multidisciplinary approaches in battling invasive species.



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



Looking ahead, the future of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diverse-group-of-snakes-has-a-new-evolutionary-tree/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">python research</a> is expected to delve deeper into understanding their ecological impact and finding sustainable solutions to mitigate their spread. 



Continued collaboration between scientists, conservationists, and local communities will be vital in crafting strategies that are both effective and respectful of biological diversity. 



The insights gained from studying Burmese pythons in Florida not only enhance our understanding of invasive species but also inform broader ecological and conservation principles applicable worldwide. 



Ultimately, as research progresses, the balance between preserving local wildlife and managing invasive predators such as pythons will define the success of these conservation efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threat-from-burmese-pythons">Threat from Burmese pythons</h2>



These realities pose significant concerns about the Burmese python's ecological impact, particularly if they spread to other parts of Florida and, potentially, the rest of the American Southeast. 



Their increasing prevalence in various regions across Florida is a glaring testimony to their phenomenal (and frightening) impact on prey populations. 



"That's the tip of the iceberg of this phenomenal impact on prey <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universal-antivenom-to-heal-all-snakebites-is-closer-to-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">populations</a> in Florida," Jayne said. "Researchers are trying to get a handle on where the spread might stop."



This leaves us all with some questions - will the Burmese Pythons continue their reign of terror? How can we manage the growing python problem in Florida?



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.17161/randa.v31i1.21867">Reptiles &amp; Amphibians</a>.



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Burmese pythons are eating larger animals whole

The Burmese python is a creature that can swallow prey...

In this rapidly advancing world, we often assume our safety precautions, like using cleaners, are up-to-date. However, a recent discovery may shake that confidence. A widely prevalent pathogen shows a surprising level of resistance to common household and hospital cleaners.



In a recent study, a team of chemists from Emory University uncovered a potent bacterial pathogen's resilience.



The concerns revolve around a ubiquitous pathogen called P. aeruginosa, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-create-viruses-to-combat-antibiotic-resistant-bacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resistant to many antibiotics</a> and commonly found in hospitals.



"Pseudomonas aeruginosa&nbsp;is a major nosocomial pathogen that persists in healthcare settings despite rigorous disinfection protocols due to intrinsic mechanisms conferring resistance," noted the researchers.



The situation is grave as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/if-pathogens-wish-to-spread-why-make-their-hosts-sick/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pathogen</a> also shows an alarming resistance to key active ingredients in household cleaners and hospital sanitizing products.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quest-for-safer-sanitation">Quest for safer sanitation</h2>



On a brighter note, the research team identified some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chlorine-disinfectants-used-in-hospitals-are-no-more-effective-than-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biocides</a> that are effective against P. aeruginosa. The research sheds light on what makes these biocides' distinct from the disinfectants in use today.



The silver lining might be a novel compound developed by the team at <a href="https://www.emory.edu/home/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emory University</a> in collaboration with Villanova University.



Professor William Wuest, senior author of the study, hopes that the findings can help guide hospitals to reconsider protocols for the sanitation of patient rooms and other facilities.



According to Professor Wuest, this new understanding of the bacteria's resistance could help in designing future disinfectant products.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resistance-of-pathogen-to-cleaners">Resistance of pathogen to cleaners</h2>



The first authors of the study, Christian Sanchez and German Vargas-Cuebas, stressed that the resistance of pathogens to cleaning agents is an area often overlooked. 



However, it's an essential area of study, especially considering the global increase in antibiotic-resistant pathogens.



“There are a handful of QACs that have been the workhorse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/chlorine-disinfectants-used-in-hospitals-are-no-more-effective-than-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disinfectants</a> for around 100 years, on the frontline of most homes and hospitals," said Professor Wuest.



"Very little has been done to modify their structures because they have long worked so well against many common bacteria, viruses, molds and fungi and they’re so simple and cheap to make.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antimicrobial-resistant-infections">Antimicrobial-resistant infections</h2>



With over 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections taking place in the United States each year, including more than 35,000 deaths, the issue could not be more urgent.



The CDC highlights that P. aeruginosa, a multidrug-resistant pathogen, causes infections that have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to remain above pre-pandemic levels.



Worldwide, P. aeruginosa is responsible for more than half a million deaths annually and has been identified as a threat of critical priority by the World Health Organization.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-cleaners-for-the-pathogen">New cleaners for the pathogen</h2>



However, it's not all bad news. The research team found that a new quaternary phosphonium compound (QPC) - developed in collaboration between the Wuest and Minbiole labs - was highly effective in neutralizing all 20 strains of the resistant P. aeruginosa.



What's even more intriguing is the way this compound works. Instead of attacking both cellular membranes of the bacterium, as conventional biocides do, it diffuses passively through the outer membrane and selectively targets the inner membrane.



While the research team isn't exactly sure why this method is more effective, there is hope that this discovery may lead to new biocides and more effective cleaning protocols in hospitals and other settings.



"Our work is paving the way for much-needed innovations in disinfectant research," said Professor Wuest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-high-risk-environments">Implications for high-risk environments</h2>



The discovery of pathogen resistance to conventional cleaners raises critical questions about hygiene standards, especially in high-risk environments like hospitals, schools, and eldercare facilities.



While general household cleaning practices focus on maintaining a germ-free environment, high-traffic areas require a deeper level of sanitation to prevent the spread of infections. 



The research team suggests that common cleaning regimens may no longer be sufficient, highlighting the need for specialized biocides in these settings.



Future research may focus on ensuring that our cleaning solutions evolve alongside microbial threats.



The findings from Emory University could inspire new regulatory standards in healthcare and hygiene industries, aiming to curb the silent spread of resilient pathogens through more effective cleaning strategies.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00433#" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Infectious Diseases</a>. 



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Common pathogen is resistant to hospital disinfectant cleaners

In this rapidly advancing world, we often assume our safety...

Ever wonder why some farmers keep planting different crops or allowing wildflowers to flourish on the periphery of their field? It's not just to create a pretty scene. 



Planting diverse crops involves something as intricate and invisible as bacteria and as immense and palpable as carbon storage and climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-agriculture-has-a-carbon-issue">Agriculture has a carbon issue</h2>



A large portion of the carbon dioxide in our atmosphere originates from the soil. Plowing, tilling, and harvesting release carbon from the ground and send it skywards. 



Despite the well-intentioned green thumb, agriculture finds itself in the red. About 40% of the world's land is used for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-diversity-darkspots-need-urgent-attention/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farming</a>, making these practices a not-so-small matter.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-biodiversity-and-carbon-storage">Plant biodiversity and carbon storage</h2>



A new study suggests that letting many different plants grow in one field can help keep carbon in the ground.



Isn't that something? The answer could be as simple as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-in-dry-landscapes-have-surprising-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planting a variety of crops</a> or even letting those lovely wildflowers stay.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-roots-of-the-matter">Roots of the matter</h2>



Leading the charge on this novel idea is Luiz Domeignoz-Horta and a team of researchers from the <a href="https://www.uzh.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Zurich</a>. They conducted a brilliant experiment in Finland called the TwinWin experiment.



Here's the setup: barren fields were sowed with barley. Alongside the barley, different fields had up to a total of eight <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/islands-are-home-to-one-third-of-all-known-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">different plant species</a>.



Why these additional plants? The answer lies in the roots. Some of these plants are nitrogen-fixing, and some have deep roots. Both of these qualities help improve soil health, leading to more carbon storage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carbon-footprint-of-diverse-plants">Carbon footprint of diverse plants</h2>



The researchers had a specific measure in mind to gauge the effectiveness of microbial action – carbon use efficiency. They kept tabs on this by monitoring microbial growth, soil respiration, and community dynamics.



So what did it all mean? It turns out that a greater variety of plants lead to healthier microbe interaction in the soil around the roots. This not only means more efficient carbon use but also better soil health overall.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bigger-plants-reduced-carbon">Bigger plants, reduced carbon</h2>



Plant diversity also increased the overall plant biomass production. This means that even as carbon was reduced, crop yields were not. So, farmers can potentially keep this practice going without losing income.



The findings put in perspective the importance of identity, or rather diversity. By increasing diversity, we can have healthier ecosystems that are more resilient to changes.



But it's not just about the environments. This practice is a sustainable way for the agricultural sector to do its part in tackling climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-diversity-in-modern-farming">Plant diversity in modern farming</h2>



Adopting diverse planting strategies on a practical level entails planning, understanding soil conditions, and selecting compatible plant species. 



Farmers face challenges like learning which crops complement each other, how to fit this into crop rotation systems, and the initial costs of changing traditional methodologies. 



However, extension services and agricultural advisories are increasingly offering support to ease this transition, providing guidance on species selection suited to local conditions and tips for managing these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteraceae-is-the-worlds-most-diverse-flowering-plant-family/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diverse systems</a>. 



As more practitioners adopt these biodiverse systems, collective knowledge grows, and best practices circulate more widely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-agricultural-future">Sustainable agricultural future</h2>



With the growing body of research backing plant biodiversity's role in carbon sequestration, the potential policy implications are profound. 



Governments and international organizations might consider incentivizing these practices through subsidies or grants, encouraging farmers to incorporate diverse planting more widely. 



Such measures not only help reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also promote biodiversity, leading to more resilient ecosystems. 



Policymakers face the task of balancing immediate economic concerns with long-term environmental goals, yet the evidence suggests that these approaches could yield both financial and ecological dividends, supporting a sustainable agricultural future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implementation-of-plant-diversity">Implementation of plant diversity</h2>



Plant diversity might sound good on paper and look great in the lab, but applying it on the field (especially for small-scale farmers) can be quite an endeavor. The additional work and cost could present significant challenges.



“The implementation of plant diversity in farming systems is labor-intensive, particularly for small-scale farmers who are the key to sustainability,” noted Domeignoz-Horta.



“Nevertheless, our results suggest that with the right policy support, encouraging diverse crop mixtures could become a key component of ‘carbon farming,’ helping to sequester more carbon in soils while maintaining agricultural productivity."



According to Domeignoz-Horta, this could pave the way for new climate-resilient farming practices that benefit both the environment and farmers.



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



As we face the challenges of excess carbon and climate change, solutions like diverse plants offer hope. They offer a path to sustainable, resilient agricultural practices that benefit our environment and farmers alike. 



These are solutions that do not demand radical technological interventions or substantial policy upheavals. Instead, they ask us to return to our roots and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-some-plants-genus-spread-farther-grow-faster-than-others/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">embrace diversity</a>. Not just for the sake of a colorful landscape but for a healthier, more sustainable world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-52449-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Planting diverse crops traps carbon and boosts soil health

Ever wonder why some farmers keep planting different crops or...

In the realm of famous thieves and tricksters from Han Solo to Catwoman, scientists uncovered a new set of unusual suspects - tiny wasps from an understudied genus.



The wasps are not caped vigilantes or gallant galactic rogues, but minuscule marauders in the spotlight thanks to new research from Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. The experts have named 22 new species of gall wasps.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-rich-tapestry-of-wasp-thieves">A rich tapestry of wasp thieves</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invasive-wasps-are-expanding-northward-on-the-west-coast/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gall wasps</a> are insects that lead a kleptomaniac-like existence. They inhabit small structures called "galls," which they steal from other wasp species.



In recognition of their thieving ways, scientists named the newly discovered insects after infamous thieves and tricksters from history, mythology, and pop culture.



Consider the wasp known as Prometheus, borrowing its name from the titan in Greek mythology who stole fire from the gods and gave it to mankind. This wasp's vibrant, fiery red coloring made it an ideal candidate for such a legendary name.



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



This research is more than just a fancy naming ceremony for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-insect-decline-what-are-the-causes-and-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insects</a>. Study lead author Louis Nastasi, a doctoral student of entomology at Penn State, emphasized the significance of the team's work.



"By naming these species, we give other researchers an anchor they can carry forward to other studies because now they can identify wasps that were previously unknown," Nastasi said. 



"It provides a base and a tool kit for future work that could help us understand these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wasps-are-undervalued-as-predators-and-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> and their ecosystems more broadly."



The research begins a new chapter in understanding these elusive wasps and offers valuable insights into their biology.



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



The catalyst for the study was a tricky question raised by a separate study on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bee-evolution-occurred-tens-of-millions-of-years-earlier-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution of gall wasps</a>. A team from the <a href="https://uiowa.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Iowa</a> had DNA data from multiple wasps but struggled to identify the exact species.



This led to a collaboration with Nastasi, whose expertise is in species identification, description, and diagnosis.



“I ended up in conversation with Andrew Forbes, who’s the leader of the University of Iowa team, and he told me about the difficulties they were having,” Nastasi said. 



"And since my area of expertise is species identification, description and diagnosis of these tiny wasps, he asked if it would be possible for me to get involved and figure out what exactly is going on.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-new-wasp-thieves">Identifying new wasp thieves</h2>



Nastasi combined biological and molecular information from the team's previous study with his own anatomical and physical characteristic insect analysis. This multi-layered approach led to surprising findings.



"We found that some of the insects thought to be one&nbsp;single species&nbsp;were actually two independent species, and that using only the molecular data did not sufficiently separate them into multiple species," Nastasi said. 



"We had to combine that information with this new morphological analysis, and then by combining those types of data, it allowed us to get a clear vision of what each of these species are."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stories-behind-the-thieving-wasps">Stories behind the thieving wasps </h2>



Once the species were accurately categorized, it was time to christen them with names. The scientists named a wasp with a penchant for thieving Ceroptres selinae after Selina Kyle, also known as Catwoman from DC Comics. 



The experts named a species with a traitorous streak Ceroptres bruti after Marcus Junius Brutus, the infamous betrayer of Julius Caesar. 



A third wasp was named Ceroptres soloi after Hans Solo, the charming rogue and thief from the Star Wars franchise. Nastasi and his team said the naming process itself was creatively stimulating.



"A lot of effort goes into identifying these species and there's a lot of art in choosing a good species name, so it was exciting to exemplify that and really carefully select names for these new species," said Nastasi.



Our understanding of these tiny creatures is just beginning and there are many mysteries to uncover. In the future, researchers may take a closer look at the life cycles, biological traits, environment, and thieving strategies of gall wasps.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.5508.1.1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zootaxa</a>.



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New wasp species named after famous thieves

In the realm of famous thieves and tricksters from Han...

In a remarkable encounter off the coast of Alaska, human scientists had what they describe as a "conversation" with a humpback whale named Twain. Dr. Brenda McCowan from the University of California Davis was at the heart of this unexpected exchange.



Dr. McCowan and her team, known as Whale-SETI, have been studying how humpback whales communicate. They're aiming to understand whale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/language-like-patterns-decoded-in-sperm-whale-communication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">communication systems</a> to help in the search for life beyond Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whale-responds-to-a-human-greeting">Whale responds to a human greeting</h2>



Using an underwater speaker, the team played a recorded humpback "contact" call into the ocean. To their astonishment, Twain approached their boat and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conversation-with-humpback-whale-gives-seti-team-ideas-on-how-to-talk-to-aliens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">began responding</a>. 



For about 20 minutes, the whale circled them, matching the intervals between each call they played.



"We believe this is the first such communicative exchange between humans and humpback whales in the humpback 'language,'" said Dr. McCowan. 



The researchers were thrilled to see such direct interaction using the whale's own signals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-the-encounter">Science behind the encounter</h2>



The <a href="https://www.projectceti.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whale-SETI team</a> is working on developing filters to detect intelligent signals, which could be used in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. 



By studying how whales communicate, they hope to find patterns that could apply to signals from outer space.



Dr. Fred Sharpe from the Alaska Whale Foundation emphasized just how intelligent humpback whales are. He pointed out their complex social systems and unique behaviors. 



"They create tools such as nets made of bubbles to catch fish and extensively communicate through songs and social calls," Dr. Sharpe explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-whales-and-extraterrestrial-life">Humans, whales and extraterrestrial life</h2>



The behavior they observed in Twain supports an important idea in the search for life beyond Earth. 



"Because of current limitations on technology, an important assumption of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence is that extraterrestrials will be interested in making contact and so target human receivers," noted Dr. Laurance Doyle of the SETI Institute.



"This important assumption is certainly supported by the behavior of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-a-warming-climate-will-change-the-humpback-whales-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">humpback whales</a>."



By engaging with whales, the team believes they can learn how to detect and understand intelligent signals, whether they come from the depths of the ocean or the far reaches of space.



The details of this extraordinary encounter are published in the journal Peer J, in an article titled "Interactive Bioacoustic Playback as a Tool for Detecting and Exploring Nonhuman Intelligence: 'Conversing' with an Alaskan Humpback Whale."



The researchers plan to use mathematics and various forms of artificial intelligence (AI), specifically information theory and machine learning, to measure how complex the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/acoustic-tagging-helps-decode-whale-communication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whale's communication</a> is. They want to understand the rules and structures in the messages they receive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-and-whales-talking-what-s-next">Humans and whales talking -- what's next?</h2>



The Whale-SETI team isn't stopping there. They're preparing another paper focusing on the non-audio ways humpback whales might communicate, like the bubble rings they make around humans. 



Co-authors Dr. Josie Hubbard, Lisa Walker, and Jodi Frediani bring expertise in animal intelligence, whale song analysis, and whale behavior to the project.



The team acknowledges the financial support from the <a href="https://www.templetonworldcharity.org/our-priorities/diverse-intelligences" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Templeton Foundation Diverse Intelligences Program</a>, which helped make their research possible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-whale-seti">What Is Whale-SETI?</h2>



Whale-SETI, short for Whale Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, is a unique project that combines marine biology with the quest to find life beyond Earth. 



The researchers are trying to decode whale communication, working under the idea that these sounds might contain complex messages similar to human languages -- or even those of extraterrestrial beings.



Using advanced technology like sophisticated underwater microphones and artificial intelligence, they record and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noise-pollution-is-increasingly-disrupting-whale-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analyze whale sounds</a>. 



The AI looks for patterns that might indicate language-like structures. This not only helps us understand whales better but also could improve how we search for intelligent life elsewhere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-humans-should-care-about-humpback-whales">Why humans should care about humpback whales</h2>



Humpback whales are fascinating creatures. They can grow up to 60 feet long and weigh as much as 40 tons. 



Known scientifically as Megaptera novaeangliae, these whales are easily recognized by their long pectoral fins and knobbly heads.



They travel great distances, migrating up to 5,000 miles between feeding and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-whales-epic-voyage-exposes-perils-of-the-mediterranean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breeding grounds</a>. 



Their songs are complex and melodious, playing a crucial role in how they interact socially, especially during breeding season.



Once hunted nearly to extinction, humpback whale populations have been recovering thanks to international protections. 



However, they <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-benefits-of-whale-remains-and-their-proper-disposal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">still face threats</a> like getting caught in fishing gear, collisions with ships, and changes to their environment caused by climate change.



Understanding their communication and social structures can help in conservation efforts, ensuring these majestic creatures continue to thrive in our oceans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seti-institute-s-role">SETI Institute's role</h2>



The SETI Institute, founded in 1984, is dedicated to exploring life beyond Earth. 



By studying signals from space and understanding how life might arise elsewhere, they aim to answer the profound question: Are we alone in the universe?



Their work with Whale-SETI is an exciting intersection of this quest and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/whale-sharks-move-into-dangerous-territory-as-the-climate-warms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study of intelligent life</a> on our own planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-does-it-all-mean">What does it all mean?</h2>



To sum it all up, this encounter with Twain isn't just a fascinating story about humans and a whale. It's a step toward understanding intelligence in all its forms. 



By learning how to communicate with humpback whales, scientists hope to develop tools that could one day help us recognize and understand messages from extraterrestrial beings.



What does this mean for us? It highlights the importance of looking closely at the intelligent life we share our planet with. Perhaps by understanding the minds of whales, we can better prepare ourselves for encounters with life beyond Earth.



-----



The group behind this research includes scientists from the <a href="https://www.seti.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SETI Institute</a>, <a href="https://www.ucdavis.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a>, and the <a href="https://www.alaskawhalefoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alaska Whale Foundation</a>. 



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://peerj.com/articles/16349/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PeerJ</a>.



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AI helps humans have a 20-minute 'conversation' with a humpback whale named Twain

In a remarkable encounter off the coast of Alaska, human...

Particle,,Quantum,Entanglement,(quantum,Correlation).,3d,Illustration

In the world of quantum physics, events unfold at mind-boggling speeds. Processes once thought to happen in an instant, like quantum entanglement, are now being examined in the tiniest fractions of a second.



It's like freezing a fleeting moment to uncover the subtle details hidden in plain sight.



Together with a team of researchers from China, Prof. Joachim Burgdörfer and his colleagues from the <a href="http://www.itp.tuwien.ac.at/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Theoretical Physics</a> at TU Wien are measuring these fleeting moments to understand how quantum entanglement actually happens.



These scientists aren't focused on the existence of quantum entanglement, but are keen on uncovering how it begins -- how exactly do two particles become quantum entangled?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-quantum-entanglement">Understanding quantum entanglement</h2>



Using advanced computer simulations, they've managed to peek into processes that happen on attosecond timescales -- a billionth of a billionth of a second.



Quantum entanglement is a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-a-simple-way-to-grasp-this-impossible-concept-carl-kocher/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strange and fascinating phenomenon</a> where two particles become so interconnected that they share a single state.



It's like having two magic coins that always land on the same side -- flip one, and the other mysteriously shows the same result, even if it's miles away.



"You could say that the particles have no individual properties, they only have common properties. From a mathematical point of view, they belong firmly together, even if they are in two completely different places," explains Prof. Burgdörfer. 



This means that measuring one particle instantly affects the state of the other, no matter how far apart they are.



In simple terms, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/full-chemical-complexity-of-quantum-decoherence-finally-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entangled particles</a> share a connection that lets them "talk" to each other instantly. Measure one particle, and you'll immediately know something about its partner. 



This strange behavior defies our everyday understanding of how the world works, making entanglement one of the most mind-boggling concepts in quantum physics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-experimenting-with-lasers-and-electrons">Experimenting with lasers and electrons</h2>



As incomprehensible as the concept of quantum entanglement seems, it's no longer a matter of debate whether or not it's true, and that's not what this study is about.



“We, on the other hand, are interested in something else -- in finding out <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-entanglement-discovery-is-a-revolutionary-step-forward/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how this entanglement develops</a> in the first place and which physical effects play a role on extremely short time scales,” says Prof. Iva Březinová, one of the authors of the current publication.



To explore this, the team looked at atoms struck by an extremely intense and high-frequency laser pulse. Imagine shining a super-powered flashlight on an atom. 



One electron gets so excited that it breaks free and flies away. If the laser is strong enough, a second electron inside the atom also gets a jolt, moving to a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trapped-atoms-forced-to-serve-as-transistors-quantum-network/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">higher energy level</a> and changing its orbit around the nucleus.



So, after this intense blast of light, one electron is off on its own, and another is left behind but not quite the same as before. 



"We can show that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/finding-quantum-coherence-chemical-reaction-chaos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">two electrons</a> are now quantum entangled," says Prof. Burgdörfer. "You can only analyze them together -- and you can perform a measurement on one of the electrons and learn something about the other electron at the same time."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-time-gets-fuzzy">When time gets fuzzy</h2>



Here's where things get <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/simulation-hypothesis-leaped-serious-quantum-lab-experiments-consciousness-connection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">really intriguing</a>. The electron that flies away doesn't have a definite moment when it left the atom. 



"This means that the birth time of the electron that flies away is not known in principle. You could say that the electron itself doesn't know when it left the atom," Prof. Burgdörfer notes. 



It's in what's called a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/impossibility-paradox-calculating-incalculable-quantum-realm-particles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum superposition</a>, meaning it exists in multiple states at once.



But there's more. The time when the electron departs is linked to the energy state of the electron that stays behind. 



If the remaining electron has higher energy, the departing electron likely left earlier. If it's in a lower energy state, the electron probably left later -- on average around 232 attoseconds later.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-unmeasurable">Measuring the unmeasurable</h2>



An attosecond is so brief that it's beyond the ability for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/transmitting-quantum-information-using-electron-spin/">most people to understand</a>. Yet, these tiny differences aren't just theoretical.



"These differences can not only be calculated, but also measured in experiments," says Prof. Burgdörfer.



The team has devised a measurement protocol combining two different laser beams to capture this elusive timing. 



They're already collaborating with other researchers eager to test and observe these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/watching-electrons-move-1-quintillionth-of-second-attoseconds-attomicroscopy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ultrafast entanglements in the lab</a>.



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



Understanding how entanglement forms could have big implications for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-quantum-revolution-will-impact-all-aspects-of-society/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum technologies</a> like cryptography and computing. 



Instead of just trying to maintain entanglement, scientists can now study its very inception. This could lead to new ways of controlling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computer-can-instantly-execute-a-task-that-would-normally-take-47-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum systems</a> and enhancing the security of quantum communications.



The journey doesn't stop here. Prof. Burgdörfer and his team are excited about the next steps. 



"We are already in talks with research teams who want to prove such ultrafast entanglements," he shares. 



By exploring in these ultrashort time scales, they're not just observing quantum effects -- they're redefining how we understand the very <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-consciousness-and-you-what-happens-when-machines-become-sentient/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fabric of reality</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quantum-entanglement-and-the-future">Quantum entanglement and the future</h2>



It's clear that in the quantum world, even the briefest moments hold a wealth of information. &nbsp;



“The electron doesn't just jump out of the atom. It is a wave that spills out of the atom, so to speak -- and that takes a certain amount of time,” explains Iva Březinová. 



“It is precisely during this phase that the entanglement occurs, the effect of which can then be precisely measured later by observing the two electrons," she concludes.



So next time you blink, remember that in less than a trillionth of that time, entire quantum events are unfolding, revealing secrets that could change the future of technology and our understanding of the universe.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.133.163201" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Physical Review Letters</a>.



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Quantum entanglement speed is measured for the first time, and it's too fast to comprehend

In the world of quantum physics, events unfold at mind-boggling...

Almost a thousand years ago, stargazers in ancient China and Japan noticed a new star near the constellation of Cassiopeia. The star glowed brightly for six months before vanishing. 



This celestial event, known as a 'guest star,' mystified astronomers for centuries. Part of it was later discovered to be a 'zombie star,' reigniting debates and curiosity in the scientific community.



It was one of the few supernovas recorded before the invention of telescopes. The question remained, where did it go?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traceable-at-last">Traceable at last</h2>



The mystery deepened for centuries as the star remained an "orphan," meaning none of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-coronae-borealis-nova-explosion-nearby-star-light-up-earths-skies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">celestial objects visible today</a> are linked to it. 



Fast forward to the 21st century, and the orphan found a home. Scientists traced the remnant of supernova SN 1181 to the nebula Pa 30.



Amateur astronomer Dana Patchick discovered this in 2013 while rummaging through archives of the WISE telescope's images as part of a citizen scientist project.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zombie-star-that-never-died">“Zombie star” that never died</h2>



The SN 1181 remnant is not the usual supernova remnant. It has a “zombie star” at its heart. This is a dense, dead star called a white dwarf that triggers a thermonuclear explosion resulting in a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shockingly-bright-carbon-monoxide-detected-in-supernova-remnant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a>.



In most cases, the explosion obliterates the white dwarf. With SN 1181, some of the star survived and turned into a zombie star. This unusual partial explosion is a type Iax supernova.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strange-filaments-of-zombie-star">Strange filaments of zombie star</h2>



The zombie star radiates dandelion petal-like filaments. With the aid of Caltech’s Keck Cosmic Web Imager (KCWI), the research team went deep into the supernova remnant.



Assistant Professor <a href="https://ista.ac.at/de/forschung/caiazzo-gruppe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ilaria Caiazzo</a> from ISTA and lead author <a href="https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/people/tim-cunningham" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tim Cunningham</a>, a NASA Hubble Fellow at the <a href="https://www.cfa.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Astrophysics</a>, Harvard &amp; Smithsonian studied these features in unprecedented detail.



Positioned above 4,000 meters at the <a href="https://www.keckobservatory.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">W. M. Keck Observatory</a> in Hawaii, near the summit of Mauna Kea volcano, KCWI is a powerful asset for exploring deep space.



The highly sensitive KCWI captures spectral information for every pixel in an image and analyzes the matter's motion in a stellar explosion, similar to watching a 3D movie of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/string-of-pearls-found-around-supernova-sn-1987a-visible-with-naked-eye/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a>.



Using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-matter-seen-separating-from-normal-matter-after-galaxy-cluster-collision/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Doppler shift</a>, the principle that changes the frequency of objects as they move toward and away from a source, the researchers created a detailed 3D map of the nebula and its filaments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-asymmetry-of-zombie-star">Unusual asymmetry of zombie star</h2>



Researchers discovered the remnants of SN 1181 aren't flying through space in every direction like fireworks. Instead, there's an asymmetry to the shapes that show a gap around the zombie star.



This suggests the asymmetry stems from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-coronae-borealis-blaze-star-explosion-visible-one-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">initial explosion</a> and offers a unique peek into the celestial spectacle that amazed humanity centuries ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-supernova-basics">Understanding supernova basics</h2>



A supernova is an amazing explosion that happens when a massive star dies or when two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-dwarf-stars-may-be-billions-of-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarfs</a> crash together. Picture a star way bigger than our Sun running out of fuel; without enough energy to fight gravity, it collapses under its own weight. 



This collapse releases a massive amount of energy, blowing the star apart in a spectacular burst of light and energy that can outshine entire galaxies for a little while. There are different types of supernovae, but they all wrap up with this incredible explosion.



When a star explodes, it spreads heavy elements like carbon, oxygen, and iron into space, which eventually become the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lifes-building-blocks-may-have-formed-near-newborn-stars-and-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building blocks</a> for planets and even life. 



These explosions also kickstart the formation of new stars by compressing nearby gas clouds. Plus, supernovae can impact how galaxies evolve, contributing to their development over billions of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-cycle-of-a-type-iax-supernova">Life cycle of a type Iax supernova</h2>



Understanding the life cycle of a type Iax supernova like SN 1181 provides astronomers with insights into the universe's lifecycle and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/beautiful-stellar-nursery-herbig-haro-objects-orion-constellation-captured-by-hubble/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stellar evolution</a>.



Unlike the more commonly studied type Iax supernovas, which result from the disintegration of a white dwarf in a close binary system, type Iax supernovas only partially destroy their progenitor stars.



This leads to enigmatic phenomena such as the "zombie star," which exists after the explosion. The study of SN 1181 challenges conventional models and suggests there may be more diversity in supernova types than previously understood.



The findings urge the scientific community to reconsider certain fundamental theories about stellar deaths and to explore the potential for other oddities lurking across the cosmos.



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



The discoveries surrounding SN 1181 and its surviving zombie star hold substantial implications for future astronomical research and the comprehension of stellar phenomena.



By analyzing remnants like SN 1181, scientists can better predict potential supernova appearances and refine the criteria for persistent stellar survivability post-explosion.



This expanded understanding invites new investigative strategies about asymmetric structures formations in supernova remnants.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tale-of-a-vanishing-star">Tale of a vanishing star</h2>



While the study brought researchers closer to understanding the story of the SN 1181 supernova, it also posed new questions to astronomers worldwide.



“Our first detailed 3D characterization of the velocity and spatial structure of a supernova remnant tells us a lot about a unique cosmic event that our ancestors observed centuries ago. But it also raises new questions and sets new challenges for astronomers to tackle next,” said Caiazzo.



As technology advances, instruments like the Keck Cosmic Web Imager provide more detailed views of distant phenomena and pave the way for uncovering further anomalies.



As scientists examine each puzzle piece, the astronomical community edges closer to demystifying the secrets of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bright-star-documented-year-1181-was-actually-supernova-sn-1181/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic events</a>.



The study is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ad713b" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal Letters</a>. 



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Cosmic dandelion supernova creates death-defying 'zombie star'

Almost a thousand years ago, stargazers in ancient China and...

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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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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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

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

Since this was such an important moment, Luna decided that she couldn&#8217;t sleep in just any cave. She was going to build her own den! She found the right spot and started digging&#8230; Photo Credit: Four Paws

Building A Den

The German winter was approaching, so Luna needed to hibernate. For the first time in her adult life, she had to find her own den and settle down for a long winter's nap.