Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features NGC 6744 - a large, barred spiral galaxy located approximately 30 million light-years away in the constellation Pavo.&nbsp;



The galaxy is often considered a close analog to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uma3-u1-faintest-star-system-found-orbiting-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> due to its similar structure and size, spanning about 175,000 light-years across.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-euclid-space-mission-nbsp">Euclid space mission&nbsp;</h2>



The image was captured by the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid</a> space telescope. NGC 6744 stands out as a prime example of the galaxies currently forming the majority of stars in the nearby universe, making it an ideal subject for study with the Euclid mission.&nbsp;



Euclid’s extensive field-of-view allows it to capture the entire galaxy, showcasing not only its large-scale spiral structure but also revealing intricate details on smaller scales across various wavelengths. These details include feather-like dust lanes, known as “spurs,” emerging from the spiral arms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-6744">Star formation in NGC 6744</h2>



Euclid's observations enable scientists to count individual stars within NGC 6744, trace the distribution of stars and dust throughout the galaxy, and map the dust associated with the gas that fuels the development of new stars. 



<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 a key process in the growth of galaxies, making these studies crucial for understanding galaxy evolution.



Researchers are utilizing Euclid’s data to explore the relationship between dust, gas, and star formation; to map the distribution of different stellar populations and identify regions of active star formation; and to investigate the underlying physics of spiral galaxy structures.&nbsp;



Spiral arms play a significant role in star formation by compressing gas, yet the precise mechanisms behind this process are still unclear. The presence of “spurs” along NGC 6744’s spiral arms offers valuable insights into the dynamics of star formation within these structures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-new-dwarf-galaxies-nbsp">Discovering new dwarf galaxies&nbsp;</h2>



Additionally, Euclid's dataset will help scientists identify clusters of old stars (globular clusters) and discover new dwarf galaxies around NGC 6744. Remarkably, Euclid has already identified a new dwarf satellite galaxy of NGC 6744 - a surprising discovery given that the galaxy has been studied extensively.



With Euclid’s detailed observations, scientists are gaining a deeper understanding of the processes shaping galaxies, providing essential clues to the evolution and appearance of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universes-expansion-rate-hubble-tension-puzzles-astronomers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-ngc-6744">More about NGC 6744</h2>



NGC 6744's disk is rich in star-forming regions and contains numerous young, bright blue stars. The galaxy's nucleus is slightly elongated and has a bar structure, which influences the motion of the stars and gas within it.&nbsp;



The spiral arms of NGC 6744 are well-defined and extend outward, wrapping around the central bar. Additionally, NGC 6744 has a smaller companion galaxy, NGC 6744A, which is interacting with it, adding to the complexity and interest of this distant system.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spiral-galaxies">Spiral galaxies</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spiral galaxies</a> are one of the most common types of galaxies in the universe, characterized by their distinct, spiral-shaped structure.&nbsp;



The galaxies typically consist of a flat, rotating disk containing stars, gas, and dust, along with a central concentration of stars known as the bulge. This bulge is often surrounded by a halo of older stars.&nbsp;



The spiral arms, which extend from the central bulge, are regions of active star formation and are rich in young, hot stars, giving them a bright, bluish appearance.&nbsp;



These arms are also sites where interstellar gas and dust are concentrated, leading to the formation of new stars.&nbsp;



Spiral galaxies are classified into different types based on the tightness of their spirals and the size of their central bulge, with classifications ranging from tightly wound arms in Sa galaxies to more loosely wound arms in Sc galaxies. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-amount-of-dark-matter-may-be-missing-from-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, our home galaxy, is a prime example of a spiral galaxy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-pavo">The constellation Pavo</h2>



Pavo, which means "peacock" in Latin, is a constellation in the southern sky. It was named by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius in the late 16th century, based on observations made during the Dutch explorations of the southern hemisphere. 



Pavo is one of the 12 constellations created by Plancius from the records of explorers Pieter Dirkszoon Keyser and Frederick de Houtman. 



The constellation is known for its distinctive shape, resembling a peacock with a long, curved tail. Pavo is not visible from most of the northern hemisphere, but it can be seen from the southern hemisphere, particularly during the winter months.



The constellation contains several interesting celestial objects, including the star Peacock, also known as Alpha Pavonis, which is the brightest star in the constellation. This star is a blue-white subgiant located about 179 light-years from Earth.



Image Credit: <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA&nbsp;



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Spiral galaxy NGC 6744 in the constellation Pavo

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Costa Atlántica Reserve stretching along the Atlantic coast in Argentina.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-refuge-for-migratory-birds-nbsp">A refuge for migratory birds&nbsp;</h2>



“At the far southern reaches of South America, a stretch of tidal flats, shoals, and beaches serves as a refuge for migratory shorebirds and copious aquatic life,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“The Costa Atlántica Reserve in Argentina extends for 220 kilometers (140 miles) along the eastern shore of Tierra del Fuego. The area was designated a Ramsar site in 1995 and a provincial nature reserve in 1998." 



According to NASA, the reserve is the southernmost site both on the Ramsar list and in the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-costa-atlantica-reserve">Significance of the Costa Atlántica Reserve</h2>



The Costa Atlántica Reserve is an important conservation site that signifies Argentina's commitment to preserving its rich <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal biodiversity</a>. 



This vast expanse of protected area serves as a sanctuary for many species, ranging from migratory birds to marine mammals and diverse plant life.



“Tidal habitats along the coast support some 135 species of birds, while crustaceans, mollusks, fish, and cetaceans feed in the productive coastal waters,” said NASA.&nbsp;



“The topography inland of Costa Atlántica, stretching into Chile to the west, is blanketed in shrubs and grassland vegetation adapted to dry conditions - part of a semiarid ecosystem known as the Fuegian steppe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maintaining-ecological-balance-nbsp">Maintaining ecological balance&nbsp;</h2>



Established to safeguard the delicate ecosystems of dunes, estuaries, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-lagoons-have-high-loads-of-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal lagoons</a>, the reserve plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.&nbsp;



It provides critical habitats for numerous threatened species, including the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/southern-right-whales-have-shifted-their-foraging-grounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Right Whale</a>, which finds refuge in these waters during its breeding season.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-costa-atlantica-reserve-a-living-laboratory-nbsp">Costa Atlántica Reserve: A living laboratory&nbsp;</h2>



The Costa Atlántica Reserve is not only a refuge for wildlife but also a living laboratory for scientific research. Conservationists and researchers work within its bounds to monitor ecosystems, study species behaviors, and develop strategies for sustainable management.&nbsp;



This ongoing research is pivotal in understanding the impacts of climate change on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-river-deltas-face-major-threats-beyond-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal environments</a> and in devising measures to mitigate these effects.



Furthermore, the reserve illustrates the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts. Local communities are engaged in sustainable tourism and educational programs. 



Through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-bird-photographers-improve-nesting-success/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eco-tourism</a> initiatives, visitors can experience the natural beauty of the reserve while contributing to its preservation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tierra-del-fuego-archipelago">Tierra del Fuego archipelago</h2>



According to NASA, the broader landscape of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago was shaped by glaciers.&nbsp;



“Ice advanced over the mountains and lowlands during cold climatic periods between the mid-Pleistocene, about 1 million years ago, and the Last Glacial Maximum, about 20,000 years ago. San Sebastián Bay formed in a tectonic depression that was deepened by glacial erosion," noted NASA. 



“Further evidence of glaciation, including hummocky moraines and fields of glacial erratics, appears around the bay, though it is too small to be visible in this image.”



“Partially enclosed by a long, sandy peninsula, San Sebastián Bay attracts copious migratory birds, some of which shuttle seasonally between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.”



“Large populations of the Hudsonian godwit, white-rumped sandpiper, and other long-distance flyers congregate in the vast intertidal zones. This part of the reserve, however, is vulnerable to the impact of oil and gas extraction from onshore and offshore deposits.”



The image was captured on February 20, 2024 by the <a href="https://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/satellites/landsat-9/landsat-9-instruments/oli-2-design/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OLI-2</a> (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Costa Atlántica Reserve in Argentina

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features Messier 82, a starburst galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major. This galaxy is actively forming new stars at a rate ten times that of the Milky Way.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



These observations will also assist in a broader understanding of similar processes in early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceers-2112-ancient-galaxy-looks-strikingly-similar-to-ours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>, which were common in the young universe.



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



Study co-author Torsten Böker of the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> emphasized the broader implications of these findings. 



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



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



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



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



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Messier 82: Unlocking the mysteries of star formation

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Hurricane Francine makes landfall in Louisiana 

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Crab Nebula: The brilliant remains of a massive star explosion

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Brazil's devastating 2024 fire season rages on

The path and odds of asteroid 99942 Apophis striking Earth are higher than we previously thought. This is the conclusion of Paul Wiegert, an astrophysicist at the University of Western Ontario.



It was back in 2004 when astronomers first observed an asteroid that received a notorious title - Apophis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-apophis-on-the-impact-hazard-scale">Apophis on the impact hazard scale</h2>



The asteroid grabbed attention, not for its name that resonates with an ancient Egyptian god of chaos, but due to its high placement on the Torino impact hazard scale. 



Upon assessing its size and trajectory, researchers rated Apophis as a 4, making it the highest-rated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-large-asteroids-will-pass-near-earth-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroid</a> yet.



But, this rating was still low enough to discard the possibility of Apophis striking Earth. Labeled "one to watch," Apophis is set for close encounters with our planet in 2029, 2036, and 2068.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-odds-of-a-collision-course">Exploring the odds of a collision course </h2>



In a recently published study in The Planetary Science Journal, Wiegert explores a new dimension of odds - the chance of a smaller <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-would-happen-small-asteroid-hit-earth-nasa-ai-simulation-found-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">object</a> striking Apophis and altering its course to an Earth-collision path.



Pondering over the odds might seem like an exercise in gloom, but in the realm of astrophysics, every possibility demands serious contemplation.



To investigate the chances of Apophis being pushed into Earth's path, Wiegert began by considering that objects moving at varying speeds and of different sizes result in different courses.



The results of his study suggest that an object as small as 0.6 meters across could potentially nudge the asteroid onto a collision trajectory post-2029. Astonishingly, an object just 3.4 meters across could strike with enough force to set Apophis on an Earth-collision path by 2029.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="IdTuOffP37-3857917-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assessing-the-impact-risk">Assessing the impact risk</h2>



The complex nature of assessing and predicting the risk of celestial impacts involves more than merely calculating probabilities. 



The work of researchers like Wiegert provides invaluable insights into the mechanics of potential disasters, where even the minutest variables can tip the scales in unforeseen directions. 



Through the use of advanced simulation techniques and observation technologies, scientists can predict with greater accuracy the interactions between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-dart-spacecraft-images-reveal-more-about-near-earth-binary-asteroids/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic objects</a> like Apophis and their potential paths. 



This knowledge not only advances our understanding but also underscores the importance of preparedness, offering humanity an opportunity to develop possible mitigation strategies well ahead of time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-apophis-and-other-asteroids">Monitoring Apophis and other asteroids</h2>



Technological advances have revolutionized our capability to monitor asteroids like Apophis. High-resolution telescopes and sophisticated space missions deliver real-time data, empowering astronomers to track the positions and velocities of asteroids with unprecedented precision. 



The development of systems such as the Near-Earth Object Observations program and proposed initiatives like the space-based infrared telescope further enrich our toolbox for managing cosmic threats. 



With these technologies, the scientific community aims to not only enhance the precision of impact predictions but also enable prompt response strategies, ensuring that potential threats are effectively neutralized before any encounter with Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-probability-of-an-encounter-with-apophis">Probability of an encounter with Apophis </h2>



After establishing the size of objects that could potentially change the course of Adophis, Wiegert set out to estimate the number of objects that could cause such a catastrophic change.



For this, he utilized the yearly count of 3.4 meter-sized objects striking Earth as a reasonable guide. Using this reference, he calculated the odds of such an object striking Apophis.



Wiegert found that the probability of an impact that could significantly displace Apophis (compared to its miss distance in 2029) is less than one in 109, which is quite low.



Yet, we must remember that a collision, no matter how powerful, must strike at just the right angle to propel Apophis towards Earth. Weigert suggests that the odds of a perfect hit are around 1 in 2 billion. And the likelihood of such an impact resulting in a later catastrophe? That stands at 1 in 1 million.



As humans, we're notoriously bad at <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-test-simulation-shows-earth-not-prepared-prevent-large-asteroid-strike/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interpreting probabilities</a>, but this is not just about playing with cosmic odds. It's about understanding the unpredictable nature of our universe and staying prepared. After all, as the saying goes, "forewarned is forearmed."



The study is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/PSJ/ad644d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Planetary Science Journal. </a>



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Asteroid could be pushed into a collision course with Earth

The path and odds of asteroid 99942 Apophis striking Earth...

Wounds that resist healing have long posed a significant challenge in medical care, but a recent discovery offers a solution that combines luxury with cutting-edge science.



Researchers have tapped into the remarkable healing properties of gold nanoparticles mixed with antioxidant-rich red wine.



This unexpected fusion of precious metal and natural compounds paves the way for a revolutionary approach to treating chronic wounds and other medical conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traditional-medicine-and-new-technology">Traditional medicine and new technology </h2>



In the heart of South Africa, the <a href="https://www.uwc.ac.za/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of the Western Cape</a> hosts a team of researchers driven to make significant strides in medical science.



The team's dedication to exploring novel solutions for persistent health challenges has led them to a fascinating discovery that blends traditional medicine with cutting-edge technology.



Their latest research was focused on a concoction combining gold nanoparticles with the potent antioxidants found in red wine. The innovative formula has shown tremendous potential, as lab tests revealed that it significantly accelerated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-protein-in-milk-could-revolutionize-wound-healing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wound healing</a>.



Remarkably, in just 72 hours, wounds treated with this unique mixture of gold and red wine healed almost entirely - a promising and exciting outcome that could pave the way for future advancements in chronic wound care.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dangers-of-chronic-wounds">The dangers of chronic wounds</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blueberries-could-be-key-to-treating-non-healing-wounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chronic wounds</a>, defined as those that fail to heal within three months, represent a widespread and persistent health challenge, affecting approximately 3.8 million patients each year. 



Chronic wounds often stall in the inflammatory phase, a stage where the body’s natural healing processes become hindered. This prevents progression to the crucial remodeling phase where new tissue begins to grow and repair the damaged area.



For individuals with underlying conditions like diabetes, this issue becomes even more serious. Poor blood circulation, a common complication of diabetes, exacerbates the healing process, leaving these wounds vulnerable to infections. 



In severe cases, the inability to heal can lead to devastating outcomes, including the risk of limb amputation. Identifying solutions for chronic wound care is a medical priority.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-wound-healing-power-of-gold">The wound healing power of gold</h2>



The research team hypothesized that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-secret-role-of-seawater-in-gold-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gold</a> could act as the ideal catalyst to jump-start the healing process for chronic wounds. 



Gold’s renowned <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-with-milk-has-powerful-anti-inflammatory-properties/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anti-inflammatory properties</a>, combined with its natural compatibility with human tissues, have made it a valuable element in medical treatments for centuries. 



Its unique ability to reduce inflammation without causing adverse reactions allows gold to interact harmoniously with the body, promoting faster recovery.



Historically, gold has played a significant role in medicine, with gold particles being used as early as the 20th century to treat chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis in the UK. 



Building on this legacy, the research team explored how gold could unlock similar benefits in the realm of wound care, providing a modern twist to an age-old remedy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powerful-antioxidants-of-red-wine">Powerful antioxidants of red wine</h2>



Red grapes, the foundation of many popular wines, are rich in powerful antioxidants like resveratrol. These naturally occurring compounds play a crucial role in protecting the body from oxidative stress by neutralizing harmful free radicals.



Free radicals can damage cells and impede the healing process, but the antioxidants in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/red-wine-grapes-have-unexpected-gut-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">red wine</a> help to counteract these effects.



By combating these damaging molecules, resveratrol and other antioxidants support the body’s ability to repair itself. 



The antioxidants ensure that tissues receive a sufficient oxygen supply, which is essential for regeneration and recovery, ultimately boosting the healing process and enhancing the body's natural defenses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combining-gold-and-red-wine">Combining gold and red wine</h2>



The team tested their hypothesis by drying red wine to obtain extracts, which were then mixed with chloroauric acid, a gold-containing chemical. 



The blend was applied to a lab dish containing human skin cells, with a scratch in the middle to simulate a wound.



Cells treated with this golden mixture saw an 80% wound closure within 72 hours, compared to 50% with wine alone. 



The combination of cabernet sauvignon and gold proved even more effective, healing wounds almost entirely in the same time frame.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-wound-care">The future of wound care</h2>



Renowned vascular surgeon Stella Vig of <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/services/hospital/croydon-university-hospital/RJ611" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Croydon University Hospital</a> praised the novel use of red wine and the innovative production of gold nanoparticles. Both silver and gold nanoparticles could play a critical role in reducing wound infections.



Dr. Ahmed Osman from <a href="https://www.qub.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen’s University, Belfast</a> added that gold particles encourage cell growth and enhance the natural healing process of the skin.



This revolutionary approach to wound healing, combining gold and red wine, holds remarkable promise for the future of wound care. 



While further research is needed, the implications are significant, opening new avenues for advanced medical treatments.



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Healing chronic wounds with gold and red wine

Wounds that resist healing have long posed a significant challenge...

Big,Bang,Universe

The Big Bang theory has long been regarded as the primary explanation for the origin of the universe. However, could it be that we are viewing the cosmos through an imperfect lens?



Professor Lior Shamir's recent study challenges this prevailing notion, suggesting that an alternative, less widely recognized theory may illuminate our understanding of the universe just as effectively, if not more so.



Shamir's research, published in the journal Particles, provides fresh evidence supporting the "tired light" theory.



This concept, introduced nearly a century ago, offers a different perspective on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/visible-matter-dark-matter-evolved-together-big-bang/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expansion of the universe</a> -- or the lack thereof.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-tired-light-theory">Understanding the "Tired Light" theory</h2>



Back in the 1920s, astronomers Edwin Hubble and George Lemaitre noticed something interesting: galaxies that are farther away from Earth seemed to be zooming away faster.



This led to the idea of the Big Bang theory, which suggests that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/origins-of-matter-discovered-by-recreating-the-big-bang/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe began expanding</a> from a single point about 13.8 billion years ago. But not everyone was on board with this theory.



Around the same time, Fritz Zwicky, a well-known astronomer, came up with a different idea. 



He proposed that 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">redshift we see in distant galaxies</a> -- basically a shift in the light spectrum towards red -- might not be because those galaxies are speeding away.



Instead, he thought that the light photons from these galaxies could be losing energy, or "tiring out," as they travel through space.



This energy loss could make it look like the farther galaxies are moving away from us faster than they actually are.



“The tired light theory was largely neglected, as astronomers adopted the Big Bang theory as the consensus model of the universe,” says Shamir. 



“But the confidence of some astronomers in the Big Bang theory started to weaken when the powerful James Webb Space Telescope (<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>) saw first light.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fresh-look-through-the-webb-telescope">Fresh look through the Webb telescope</h2>



The launch of the JWST has opened a new window into the universe, providing clearer and deeper images than ever before. 



Scientists anticipated these images to show a young, developing universe, as the Big Bang theory would suggest. 



But what they found instead were <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-holes-shaped-the-universe-before-galaxies-existed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mature galaxies</a> -- galaxies that appear older than the universe itself if we adhere strictly to Big Bang timelines.



“The JWST provided deep images of the very early universe, but instead of showing an infant early universe as astronomers expected, it showed large and mature galaxies,” Shamir notes. 



“If the Big Bang happened as scientists initially believed, these galaxies are older than the universe itself.”



This unexpected discovery by <a href="https://www.k-state.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kansas State University</a> engineers has led to <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/what-are-the-theories-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renewed interest in alternative theories</a>, including the "tired light" concept. 



Could it be that our understanding of the universe's expansion is based on assumptions that might need revisiting?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adding-weight-to-the-tired-light-theory">Adding weight to the "Tired Light" theory</h2>



Shamir's study involved measuring the redshift of over 30,000 galaxies using imaging from three different telescopes. 



The goal was to determine how this redshift changed based on the galaxies' distance from Earth and their movement relative to our planet. The findings were intriguing.



“The results showed that galaxies that rotate in the opposite direction relative to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> have lower redshift compared to galaxies that rotate in the same direction relative to the Milky Way,” explains Shamir. 



This difference reflects the motion of the Earth as it rotates with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>. But what was more significant was that the difference in redshift increased with the distance of the galaxies from Earth.



“Because the rotational velocity of the Earth relative to the galaxies is constant, the reason for the difference can be the distance of the galaxies from Earth," Shamir points out.



"That shows that the redshift of galaxies changes with the distance, which is what Zwicky predicted in his Tired Light theory.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-how-the-universe-began">Rethinking how the universe began</h2>



While Shamir's findings do not outright refute the Big Bang theory, they prompt significant inquiry. 



If the observed redshift in distant galaxies is not solely due to their velocity moving away from us, we may need to reevaluate the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-like-galaxies-were-present-in-the-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foundational premises</a> of the Big Bang theory.



Additionally, the "tired light" theory presents intriguing possibilities for phenomena that challenge the Big Bang model.



For example, why do we see <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-faint-glow-of-the-universe-is-slowly-dimming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies that appear older</a> than the universe itself? Could it be that the light we observe has simply lost energy over time, instead of the universe expanding at an accelerating pace?



To sum it all up, Shamir's work suggests we should look beyond established models to get a better grasp of our universe. He encourages other scientists to rethink the long-held assumptions that have shaped their research for decades.



While the "tired light" theory isn't close to replacing the Big Bang in mainstream science, it’s clear that our understanding of the cosmos is still a work in progress.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2571-712X/7/3/41" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Particles</a>.



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Big Bang theory of how the universe began is refuted by Webb telescope study

The Big Bang theory has long been regarded as the...

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has recently delivered intriguing insights about star clusters in the outer Milky Way. 



The telescope zeroed in on some key areas of the galaxy, providing fascinating snapshots of new stars, material jets, and a cluster of background galaxies with red clouds gadding about the space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-clusters-in-the-extreme-outer-galaxy">Star clusters in the extreme outer galaxy</h2>



There is a specific area of our galaxy that has piqued scientists' interest -- the Extreme Outer Galaxy. 



Situated a staggering 58,000 light-years from the Galactic Center, this remote region presents a stark contrast to our planetary home, which is approximately <a href="https://d2pn8kiwq2w21t.cloudfront.net/original_images/e-outer_milky_way_ANNOTATED.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">26,000 light-years from the center</a>.



Two critical instruments were used by a team of astronomers to study this far-flung space. 



Webb’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/nircam/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIRCam</a> (Near-Infrared Camera) and <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/mid-infrared-instrument-miri/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIRI</a> (Mid-Infrared Instrument) were utilized to capture images of Digel Clouds 1 and 2, molecular clouds inside the Extreme Outer Galaxy.



Armed with these top-notch tools, the team was able to observe these clusters in unprecedented detail.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stars-in-the-outer-milky-way">Stars in the outer Milky Way</h2>



Not only were the experts able to gather intel on star clusters undergoing bursts of star formation, but they also secured details about the components, including young protostars, jets, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secret-origins-of-young-star-clusters-traced-to-three-families/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distinctive structures</a>.



The telescope time that captured these observations was allocated to Mike Ressler, a scientist from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (<a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JPL</a>) in Southern California.



The work by Ressler and his team is helping us understand how stars form in the outer Milky Way.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-images-of-star-forming-regions">Images of star-forming regions </h2>



So, what do we know thus far? We are aware of regions where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-found-in-mysterious-milky-way-star-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> form, but detailed knowledge about their properties remained elusive until now.



Natsuko Izumi of <a href="https://www.gifu-u.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gifu University</a> and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (<a href="https://www.nao.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NAOJ</a>) noted that Webb's findings built upon existing observations.



“In the past, we knew about these star-forming regions but were not able to delve into their properties,” said Izumi. 



“The Webb data builds upon what we have incrementally gathered over the years from prior observations with different telescopes and observatories. We can get very powerful and impressive images of these clouds with Webb."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stars-within-a-dense-digel-clouds-sub-cluster">Stars within a dense Digel Clouds sub-cluster</h2>



The Digel Clouds in our galaxy are relatively deficient in elements heavier than hydrogen and helium, making them comparable to dwarf galaxies and the Milky Way in its early history.



The team leveraged this opportunity and captured images showing the activities within four clusters of young stars in the Digel Clouds -- labeled 1A, 1B, 2N, and 2S.



One particular attraction was Cloud 2S, where jets of material were seen ejecting from new stars within a dense sub-cluster.



“We know from studying other nearby star-forming regions that as stars form during their early life phase, they start emitting jets of material at their poles,” said Ressler. 



“What was fascinating and astounding to me from the Webb data is that there are multiple jets shooting out in all different directions from this cluster of stars. It’s a little bit like a firecracker, where you see things shooting this way and that.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elemental-composition-of-the-digel-clouds">Elemental composition of the Digel Clouds</h2>



The revelations concerning the elemental composition of the Digel Clouds offer profound insights into the chemical makeup of early star-forming regions. 



Studying the relative abundance of lighter elements has considerably enhanced our comprehension of conditions that might have prevailed in the primordial cosmos. 



These clouds, having roughly the same composition as nascent galaxies, act as time capsules, granting us access to the formative periods of the universe. 



The scientists emphasize the importance of this discovery, as it allows for the refinement of theoretical models regarding star formation and the evolutionary processes of galaxies, propelling our understanding of cosmic chronology forward.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-expeditions-and-star-clusters">Future expeditions and star clusters</h2>



The exploration of the Extreme Outer Galaxy is merely a prelude to the broader scientific possibilities that await with the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a>. 



As Webb continues to peel back layers of cosmic history, future missions are already on the horizon, aiming to probe ever deeper into the galaxy's mysterious corners. 



Astronomers are particularly enthusiastic about pursuing further study of similar molecular clouds in more remote, uncharted galactic spaces.



These endeavors will not only illuminate the conditions of our cosmic past but also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-collisions-hubble-spots-a-string-of-pearls-star-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inspire new inquiries</a> into the intricate dynamics of star formation.



The potential of Webb's ongoing mission is boundless, promising a cascade of astronomical discoveries that will etch an indelible imprint on our understanding of the universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-stellar-mysteries-left-to-unravel">Many stellar mysteries left to unravel</h2>



Webb's imagery provides a starting point for the team, as they intend to explore this "outpost" of the Milky Way further. 



The experts hope to answer questions about star clusters in the Extreme Outer Galaxy and the relative abundance of stars of various masses in these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intermediate-mass-black-holes-survive-and-thrive-in-giant-star-clusters/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clusters</a>.



Izumi is keen on studying how star formation occurs in these regions and aims to investigate the shorter lifetimes of circumstellar disks in the Extreme Outer Galaxy.



Although the complex process of star formation still houses many mysteries, Webb's findings are gradually helping us piecing together this stellar puzzle.



The study is published in the <a href="https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2024AJ....168...68I/abstract">Astronomical Journal</a>. 



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Stunning star clusters captured in the extreme outskirts of the Milky Way

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has recently delivered intriguing insights...

In an unprecedented development, astronomers have managed to capture detailed images of a star outside of our solar system, including gas bubbling on its surface.



These images, revealing giant hot gas bubbles larger than our sun, have been retrieved from the star R Doradus.



Interestingly, the gas bubbles seem to disappear into the interior of the star at a quicker rate than anticipated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bubbling-surface-of-r-doradus">Bubbling surface of R Doradus</h2>



"This is the first time the bubbling surface of a real star can be shown in such a way," noted study lead author Wouter Vlemmings, a professor from <a href="https://www.chalmers.se/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chalmers University of Technology</a>, Sweden.



"We had never expected the data to be of such high quality that we could see so many details of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/R-Doradus-star_surface-image_alma_ESO_1b.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">convection on the stellar surface</a>."



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How stars generate energy is a fascinating process. At their cores, stars undergo nuclear fusion. This prodigious energy then ascends toward the surface in the form of large, hot gas bubbles -- resembling movement within a lava lamp.



The bubbles eventually cool down and descend back into the core in a process known as convection.



The mixing motion of convection helps distribute heavy elements like carbon and nitrogen across the star. 



It is also believed to generate <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/cosmic-cannibalism-and-stellar-winds-unveiling-the-secrets-of-messier-76/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stellar winds</a> that propel these elements into the cosmos, contributing to the birth of new stars and planets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-convection-outside-of-our-star-system">Convection outside of our star system</h2>



In an exciting first, detailed tracking of convection movements has been achieved for stars other than our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/team-creates-video-showing-the-sun-in-gamma-rays-over-a-14-year-period/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sun</a>, using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (<a href="https://www.eso.org/public/teles-instr/alma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ALMA</a>), jointly owned by the European Southern Observatory (ESO).



The target, R Doradus, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mays-full-moon-will-eclipse-a-giant-red-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">red giant star</a> with a diameter nearly 350 times that of our sun, is conveniently located about 180 light-years away in the constellation Dorado.



Given its massive size and relative proximity to Earth, R Doradus proved to be an ideal candidate for the detailed observations. Interestingly, the star has a mass that is similar to the sun. 



The researchers noted that convection bubbles have been previously observed in detail on the surface of stars, including with the PIONIER instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope Interferometer. 



However, the new ALMA observations track the motion of the bubbles in a way that was not possible before.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-close-observations-of-granular-structures">Close observations of granular structures</h2>



"Convection creates the beautiful granular structure seen on the surface of our sun, but it is hard to see on other stars," explained study co-author Theo Khouri, a researcher at Chalmers.



"With ALMA, we have now been able to not only directly see convective granules - with a size 75 times the size of our sun! - but also measure how fast they move for the first time."



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/R-Doradus-star_surface-image_comparison_alma_ESO_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/R-Doradus-star_surface-image_comparison_alma_ESO_1s.webp" alt="These images of the star, R Doradus, were obtained with the ALMA telescope in July and August 2023. They show giant, hot bubbles of gas, 75 times the size of the Sun, appearing on the surface and sinking back into the star’s interior faster than expected. Credit: ESO" class="wp-image-1944696"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">These images of the star, R Doradus, were obtained with the ALMA telescope in July and August 2023. They show giant, hot bubbles of gas, 75 times the size of the Sun, appearing on the surface and sinking back into the star’s interior faster than expected. Credit: ESO</figcaption></figure>



The granules of R Doradus seem to operate on a monthly cycle. This is a speedier pace than expected based on the sun's convection process.



"We don’t yet know what is the reason for the difference. It seems that convection changes as a star gets older in ways that we don't yet understand," explained Vlemmings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-r-doradus-and-sun-like-stars">Evolution of R Doradus and sun-like stars</h2>



The recent observations are crucial as they deepen our understanding of sun-like stars when they mature into red giants as cool, large, and effervescent as R Doradus.



"It is spectacular that we can now directly image the details on the surface of stars so far away, and observe physics that until now was mostly only observable in our sun," said Behzad Bojnodi Arbab, a PhD student at Chalmers who also participated in the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glimpse-into-the-sun-s-future">Glimpse into the sun's future</h2>



The red giant R Doradus offers a preview of what our sun may become in about five billion years. As stars like the sun age, they expand dramatically, becoming cooler and more luminous as red giants.



During this phase, convection becomes a dominant process on their surface, where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-chimney-venting-found-heart-milky-way-galaxy-sagittarius-a/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hot gas</a> rises and cools, creating enormous granules of bubbling plasma. 



This phase plays a crucial role in the distribution of elements across the star and into space, enriching the interstellar medium. 



Understanding how red giants like R Doradus evolve not only helps astronomers study <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-sheds-light-on-earendel-the-most-distant-star-in-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distant stars</a> but also sheds light on the eventual fate of our own solar system.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07836-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Bubbling surface of a distant star captured in amazing video

In an unprecedented development, astronomers have managed to capture detailed...

The intricate dance of uranium trichloride (UCl3), a molten salt under extremely high temperatures, holds the key to unlocking the full potential of next-generation nuclear reactors. 



Its unique properties, when transformed into a liquid state, offer unparalleled opportunities to rethink nuclear fuel technology and improve reactor safety and efficiency.



Researchers from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and their collaborators have meticulously documented, for the first time, the elusive structure and complex chemistry dynamics of high-temperature liquid UCl3 salt. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-promising-source-of-nuclear-energy">Promising source of nuclear energy </h2>



The research positions this substance as a promising source of nuclear fuel. The critical insights pave the way for designing safer, more efficient, and innovative reactors that could reshape the future of nuclear energy.



In a paper published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, ORNL researcher Santanu Roy noted that this is a first critical step in enabling good predictive models for the design of future reactors. 



"A better ability to predict and calculate the microscopic behaviors is critical to design, and reliable data helps develop better models," said Roy.



The study highlights the significant leap toward understanding the behavior of molten uranium salts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nuclear-energy-and-molten-salt-reactors">Nuclear energy and molten salt reactors</h2>



For decades, molten salt reactors have been seen as a promising solution for producing safe and affordable nuclear energy. 



ORNL's prototyping experiments in the 1960s demonstrated the potential of this technology. With the global push for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/decarbonizing-worlds-industrial-emissions-possible-with-current-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decarbonization</a>, there has been renewed interest in making these reactors widely available.



However, designing the ideal system requires a deep understanding of how liquid fuel salts behave, particularly those involving actinide elements such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranium-detected-in-two-thirds-of-u-s-drinking-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">uranium</a>. 



Molten salts, which melt at extremely high temperatures, exhibit complex ion-ion coordination, making them challenging to study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-state-of-the-art-neutron-scattering-studies">State-of-the-art neutron scattering studies </h2>



The research was a collaboration between ORNL, Argonne National Laboratory, and the <a href="https://sc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of South Carolina</a>. The team utilized a combination of computational approaches and advanced facilities like the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS).



As one of the brightest neutron sources in the world, SNS allowed the team to perform state-of-the-art neutron scattering studies, enabling them to measure the chemical bond lengths of molten UCl3 for the first time.



"I've been studying actinides and uranium since I joined ORNL as a postdoc," said Alex Ivanov, who co-led the study. "But I never expected that we could go to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-molten-rock-layer-discovered-under-earths-crust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">molten</a> state and find fascinating chemistry." 



The findings revealed that, unlike most substances, the bonds between uranium and chlorine contracted rather than expanded as the substance became liquid.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breaking-stereotypes-in-chemistry">Breaking stereotypes in chemistry</h2>



One of the most surprising discoveries was the inconsistent behavior of the bonds, which oscillated between expanded and contracted states at ultra-fast speeds. 



"This is an uncharted part of chemistry and reveals the fundamental atomic structure of actinides under extreme conditions," noted Ivanov.



The bond lengths exhibited varying patterns, occasionally becoming shorter and temporarily transforming from an ionic to a more covalent nature. This fleeting change helped explain inconsistencies in previous studies.



These findings, along with the broader results of the study, will improve both experimental and computational approaches to reactor design, while also shedding light on challenges such as nuclear waste management and pyroprocessing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unlocking-the-future-of-nuclear-energy">Unlocking the future of nuclear energy</h2>



The insights gained from this study not only deepen our understanding of molten uranium salts but also highlight their potential in revolutionizing nuclear energy production. 



With the unpredictable behavior of UCl3 now more clearly defined, the path to developing more efficient and safer nuclear reactors becomes clearer.



These breakthroughs could play a crucial role in addressing challenges related to nuclear waste, pyroprocessing, and the advancement of sustainable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-a-nuclear-powered-spacecraft-shorten-the-trip-to-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nuclear technologies</a>. 



By improving predictive models and expanding the knowledge of molten salt behavior, scientists are one step closer to creating reactors that can help meet global energy demands while minimizing environmental impact.



As nuclear energy remains a key player in the race toward decarbonization, the discoveries in this study offer hope for more reliable, scalable, and eco-friendly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-wellbeing-is-a-more-effective-focus-area-when-discussing-energy-solutions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy solutions</a> in the near future.



The study is published in the <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.4c05765" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the American Chemical Society</a>.



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Molten salt could reshape the future of nuclear energy

The intricate dance of uranium trichloride (UCl3), a molten salt...

Gene regulation has become a key focus of scientific discovery since scientists first cracked the code of DNA, unraveling the intricate sequence of molecules that dictate our cells' behavior. But DNA, while pivotal, is only half of the story.



Our bodies consist of numerous cell types, from skin to muscle to brain cells, all containing the same DNA. Yet, the question remains: how does each cell know when to become skin, muscle, or brain cells?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-blueprint-of-dna">Complex blueprint of DNA</h2>



Picture <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-can-now-collect-human-dna-from-water-air-and-basically-everywhere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> as a long, twisted ladder, packed with billions of tiny building blocks. It carries the precise instructions that guide the growth, function, and repair of our bodies. When unraveled, this ladder can stretch up to two meters long, much too long to fit within the tiny confines of a cell.



Chromatin, a complex of DNA and proteins, solves this problem by packaging the DNA into a condensed, organized structure that fits within the cell nucleus. 



It functions like beads on a string, looped and packed into chromosomes, which allows DNA to be assembled in a small area and unpacked whenever the cell needs access to genetic information.



In this complex code, DNA contains both coding and non-coding sequences. Coding DNA, or genes, supply the instructions for building proteins, the essential cellular building blocks and mediators. Non-coding DNA plays a pivotal supporting role in controlling when and how these genes are switched on or off to form <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/junk-proteins-responsible-for-aging-cause-als/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proteins</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-chromatin-in-gene-regulation">Role of chromatin in gene regulation</h2>



Chromatin organization is crucial to the process of gene regulation. Tightly packed chromatin restricts access to genes, keeping them off. In contrast, loosely packed chromatin allows genes to be turned on and expressed.



Although all humans inherit a fixed set of genes, their expression can vary widely due to factors such as diet, stress, and exposure to pollution. 



This phenomenon, known as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/epigenetic-dna-clocks-predict-biological-age-more-accurately/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">epigenetics</a>, controls the identity and function of cells, thus shaping the cell's destiny.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emerging-frontiers-in-research">Emerging frontiers in research </h2>



Every two years, the Office of Emerging Frontiers and Multidisciplinary Activities (EFMA) under the <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United States National Science Foundation</a> identifies pioneering research topics for the NSF Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI) program. 



In 2018 and 2019, the EFRI program focused on chromatin and epigenetic engineering to uncover new ways to manipulate gene activation and deactivation.



Working under four-year grants, interdisciplinary teams tackle challenging, high-risk, high-reward projects to address some of the nation's most pressing challenges. 



Through increasing our understanding and developing innovative tools, these advancements have the potential to combat diseases, enhance crop performance, or even develop organisms that can remediate environmental damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gene-regulation-and-tissue-regeneration">Gene regulation and tissue regeneration</h2>



One team of scientists has developed a high-resolution <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/genome-mapping-completed-for-dozens-of-common-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genome</a> imaging platform to visualize chromatin in 3D, enabling more accurate predictions for genome engineering outcomes. 



This can lead to precise manipulation of genes with applications in cancer treatment, organ regeneration, injury prevention, and reversing aging. 



Drugs and interventions are being developed to target cells affected by cancer or oxygen loss from strokes or heart attacks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-dna-arrangement">Understanding DNA arrangement</h2>



Another team discovered that a special protein complex called INO80 is a crucial driver of chromatin movements inside the nucleus. 



Using a newly engineered device, the experts can now observe chromatin interactions happening in real time inside living cells. This can greatly contribute to the understanding of tissues made up of many different cell types, such as the brain or immune system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pioneering-genetic-delivery">Pioneering genetic delivery</h2>



Using principles derived from paper art origami, a group of researchers has made significant advances in delivering DNA into cells using nanostructures. 



DNA can be packaged very tightly within these intricate designs, enabling even the longest genes to be delivered into the nucleus. 



This method offers a safer, more cost-efficient alternative to traditional viral <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/revolutionary-gene-therapy-shows-promise-in-treating-autism/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gene therapy</a> and holds promise for treating diseases and enhancing live cell imaging.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-path-to-gene-regulation">A new path to gene regulation</h2>



Another project harnesses the power of chromatin and epigenetic engineering to combat disease. 



The researchers developed new genome-editing technologies to target the non-coding regulatory regions of DNA that turn genes on or off. 



These epigenetic marks can mimic changes that might occur in response to the environment - assisting in tailoring disease interventions more accurately.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-generations-of-scientists">New generations of scientists</h2>



EFRI teams provide valuable experiences for aspiring scientists through NSF Research Experience and Mentoring programs. 



These programs offer paid research experiences and mentoring to promote diversity and inclusion within the field of gene and epigenetic engineering. 



Such collaborative efforts are fuelling scientific advancement and cultivating a new generation of scientists equipped to tackle complex challenges in genetic and epigenetic engineering.



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Gene regulation: Controlling cells to improve medical treatments

Gene regulation has become a key focus of scientific discovery...

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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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

The midwife rushed over and between her and Cecilia, they worked to help the first of the puppies into the world. It was, however, after puppy number five that she noticed a lull in the birthing process. Something was very wrong. Her heart pounded like a jackhammer.

Labor Lull