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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p><em>—--</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>.</p>

Columbia Glacier on the south coast of Alaska

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Columbia Glacier, a tidewater glacier located in Prince William Sound on the south coast of Alaska. The Columba Glacier is one of the most rapidly changing glaciers in the world and has been closely studied for the insights it provides into glacial mechanics and climate change impacts.  "Since the early 1980s, the Columbia Glacier has retreated more than 20 km and lost about half of its total volume. This one glacier...

<p>Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features Ksudach, a remarkable volcanic complex located on Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula.</p>



<p>“The peninsula is one of the world’s most active volcanic arcs due to tectonic plate movement, with the Pacific Plate subducting under the Eurasian Plate,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153779/ksudachs-nested-calderas-and-craters" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explosive-eruptions-of-ksudach">Explosive eruptions of Ksudach</h2>



<p>Ksudach is classified as a shield <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-camera-helps-scientists-forecast-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcano</a> due to the gentle slopes formed by its extensive lava flows. The combination of its shield-like structure and the prominent caldera system makes Ksudach a unique volcanic feature on the Kamchatka Peninsula.</p>



<p>“Several overlapping calderas and craters comprise the volcano. Calderas are large, bowl-shaped depressions created by the collapse of overlying material into an emptied subsurface magma chamber,” explained NASA.</p>



<p>“Craters are circular depressions created by volcanic activity, surface impacts, or explosions.”</p>



<p>This volcanic system has a fascinating geological history shaped by multiple explosive eruptions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The most significant of these occurred around 240 AD, leaving behind a prominent caldera that now hosts scenic crater lakes, such as Lake Ksudach. </p>



<p>“Lakes within the volcanic region are primarily recharged by rain and snowmelt from the winter season. This photo shows the water’s contrasting blue hues surrounded by green vegetation,” noted NASA.</p>



<p>“Traces of snow fill valleys within and outside the volcano’s caldera complex. These snow-covered areas highlight the drainage patterns from higher to lower elevations. Water that flows through these erosional pathways and into the caldera supports its vegetation and lakes.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-landscape-of-ksudach-nbsp">Unique landscape of Ksudach&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Ksudach's landscape also features pyroclastic deposits, lava flows, and hydrothermal features like fumaroles.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The surrounding environment - which is part of the UNESCO-listed Kamchatka Volcanoes - supports a diverse ecosystem with unique wildlife. </p>



<p>Despite its remote location, Ksudach has drawn the attention of geologists, offering insights into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-volcanic-eruptions-are-more-harmful-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic processes</a> and the dynamics of caldera formation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-nature-of-earth-s-geology-nbsp">Dynamic nature of Earth's geology&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The most well-documented eruption of Ksudach occurred in March 1907. This eruption ranks as one of the largest in Kamchatka in the 20th century, with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 5.</p>



<p>The eruption produced a colossal ash column that soared into the stratosphere, dispersing fine particles over vast distances and contributing to global atmospheric changes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The sheer force of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/icelands-volcanic-eruptions-may-continue-for-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eruption</a> unleashed pyroclastic flows - fast-moving avalanches of hot gas, ash, and volcanic debris - that raced down the volcano's slopes, obliterating everything in their path.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These flows, capable of reaching temperatures over 1,000°C, decimated vegetation and altered the topography of the surrounding region.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Simultaneously, tephra deposits blanketed the landscape in layers of thick volcanic material, smothering ecosystems and creating a barren wasteland.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Today, Ksudach is considered an active <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/axial-seamount-large-underwater-volcano-off-us-coast-will-likely-erupt-in-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcano</a> but remains dormant. The region is closely monitored due to its potential for renewed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activity</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pacific-ring-of-fire-nbsp">Pacific Ring of Fire&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Kamchatka Peninsula lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped zone encircling the Pacific Ocean where tectonic activity is highly concentrated.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This geologically dynamic area features numerous volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, and frequent seismic activity - making it a hotspot for both natural beauty and scientific study. </p>



<p>Kamchatka is home to over 160 volcanoes, with about 30 considered active, including Klyuchevskaya Sopka, the highest and one of the most active in the region.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-activity-nbsp">Volcanic activity&nbsp;</h3>



<p>As the Pacific Plate dives into the Earth's mantle, it melts and generates magma that feeds Kamchatka’s volcanic systems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This ongoing tectonic interaction also contributes to the broader activity of the Pacific Ring of Fire, which accounts for approximately 75% of the world's active and dormant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supervolcano-italy-solfatara-crater-phlegraean-fields-shows-signs-of-waking-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanoes</a> and about 90% of its earthquakes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-significance-nbsp">Broader significance&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Beyond its geological significance, the Kamchatka Peninsula boasts a diverse ecosystem that is home to animals such as snow sheep, brown bears, red foxes, and unique plants that are adapted to its harsh environment. </p>



<p>The coastal waters surrounding the peninsula support various fish species, including abundant salmon, as well as sea lions and killer whales.</p>



<p>The interplay of volcanic landscapes and pristine wilderness makes it a natural laboratory for understanding Earth's dynamic processes.</p>



<p>The image was captured by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station.</p>



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



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

Ksudach: A volcano shaped by explosive forces

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

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features NGC 1333, a reflection nebula located in the Perseus molecular cloud about 960 light-years away from Earth. The photo is a mosaic of images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.</p>



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



<p>The same cluster was featured in the 33rd anniversary image of the Hubble Space Telescope in April 2023. </p>



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



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-s-view-of-ngc-1333">Webb’s view of NGC 1333</h2>



<p>ESA noted that the center of the image presents a deep peek into the heart of the NGC 1333 cloud.&nbsp;</p>



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



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stars-in-the-sun-s-birth-cluster">Stars in the Sun's birth cluster</h2>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-stages-of-planet-formation">Early stages of planet formation </h2>



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



<p>These stars are still in the process of gathering material and developing protoplanetary disks. </p>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

Stellar nursery shines in the Perseus cloud

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

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features the star-forming region NGC 604. The nebula is located 2.73 million light-years away from Earth in the Triangulum Galaxy (M33). </p>



<p>By studying regions like NGC 604, astronomers can gain insights into the complex interactions between stars and the interstellar medium, as well as the conditions that lead to the birth of stars. This, in turn, helps in understanding the evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and the universe as a whole.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-stars-of-ngc-604">Massive stars of NGC 604</h2>



<p>"Sheltered among NGC 604’s dusty envelopes of gas are more than 200 of the hottest, most massive kinds of stars, all in the early stages of their lives," said <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.</p>



<p>"These types of stars are known as B-types and O-types, the latter of which can be more than 100 times the mass of our own Sun. It’s quite rare to find this concentration of them in the nearby universe. In fact, there’s no similar region within our own Milky Way galaxy."</p>



<p>According to ESA, this concentration of massive stars, combined with its relatively close distance, means that NGC 604 gives astronomers an opportunity to study these objects at a fascinating time early in their life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gigantic-region-of-ionized-hydrogen">Gigantic region of ionized hydrogen</h2>



<p>NGC 604 is one of the largest known regions of ionized hydrogen, also known as an H II region. This nebula is significantly larger than the Orion Nebula, which is one of the most well-known H II regions in our own <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 galaxy</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>NGC 604 spans about 1,500 light-years across, making it one of the largest H II regions in the Local Group of galaxies. This group includes the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and about 54 other smaller galaxies.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-604-starburst-phenomenon">NGC 604 starburst phenomenon </h2>



<p>Within NGC 604, there are hundreds of young, hot, massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>. These stars have ionized the surrounding gas, causing it to glow and creating the nebula. The region is a prime example of a starburst phenomenon, where stars form at a much higher rate than in typical galactic conditions.</p>



<p>“The bright orange streaks in this image signify the presence of carbon-based molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs," explained ESA.</p>



<p>"As you travel further from the immediate cavities of dust where the star is forming, the deeper red signifies molecular hydrogen. This cooler gas is a prime environment for star formation. Ionized hydrogen from ultraviolet radiation appears as a white and blue ghostly glow."</p>



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



<p>Star formation is crucial for the evolution of galaxies and the synthesis of heavy elements. In the cores of stars, elements heavier than helium are created.</p>



<p>The elements are spread throughout the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-stars-shakti-shiva-shaped-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> when stars reach the end of their lives and expel their material - either gently through winds or violently via supernova explosions. </p>



<p>This enriching process allows for the formation of new stars and planets, and ultimately, the potential for life.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cloud collapse</h3>



<p>The process begins when part of a molecular cloud becomes unstable and starts to collapse under its own gravity. This can be triggered by events like shock waves from nearby <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a>, galactic collisions, or the influence of other massive stars.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Formation of a protostar</h3>



<p>As the cloud collapses, it fragments into smaller clumps. Each clump will eventually form one or more stars. </p>



<p>The material within these clumps continues to fall inward, heating up as it does so, eventually forming a warm core called a protostar. At this stage, the protostar is not yet hot enough for nuclear fusion (the process that powers stars) to occur.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Accretion disk</h3>



<p>Around the protostar, material from the surrounding cloud continues to fall inward, forming a rotating disk. This material slowly accretes onto the protostar, increasing its mass.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nuclear fusion begins</h3>



<p>Once the core of the protostar reaches a high enough temperature and pressure, hydrogen atoms begin to fuse into helium, releasing energy in the process. This marks the transition from a protostar to a main sequence star, like our sun.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Main sequence and beyond</h3>



<p>The star will spend the majority of its life in the main sequence stage, where it balances the gravitational forces trying to collapse it and the outward pressure from nuclear fusion. </p>



<p>Eventually, the star will exhaust its hydrogen fuel. Its subsequent evolution will depend on its initial mass, leading to various end stages such as red giants, supernovae, neutron stars, or black holes.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

Young, massive stars in the Triangulum Galaxy

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features the galaxy ESO 300-16, which is located 28.7 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Eridanus. </p>



<p>The galaxy is part of the ESO (European Southern Observatory) catalog, which includes a vast collection of galaxies observed in the southern hemisphere.</p>



<p>ESO 300-16 is notable for its chaotic structure, lacking the well-defined <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/hubble-captures-a-collection-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiral arms</a> or elliptical shape seen in many other galaxies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ghostly-assemblage-of-stars">Ghostly assemblage of stars</h2>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>, ESO 300-16 is a ghostly assemblage of stars which resembles a sparkling cloud.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"A rogue’s gallery of distant galaxies and foreground stars complete this astronomical portrait, which was captured by the Advanced Camera for Surveys," said ESA.</p>



<p>"This observation is one of a series which aims to get to know our galactic neighbors; around three quarters of the known galaxies suspected to lie within 10 megaparsecs of Earth have been observed by Hubble in enough detail to resolve their brightest stars and establish the distances to these galaxies."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-irregular-galaxy-structure">Irregular galaxy structure </h2>



<p>ESO 300-16 lies at a relatively close distance to Earth compared to many other extragalactic objects, making it an interesting target for studies on galaxy formation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-galactic-explosion-provides-clues-about-galaxy-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>. </p>



<p>The galaxy's irregular structure suggests that it may have undergone past interactions with other galaxies or is in a stage of dynamic evolution.</p>



<p>One of the most striking features of ESO 300-16 is its wispy, diffuse appearance, with scattered patches of bright star-forming regions embedded within a fainter background. This indicates ongoing star formation, which is a common characteristic of irregular galaxies. </p>



<p>Unlike large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiral galaxies</a>, where star formation is often concentrated in well-organized arms, ESO 300-16's active regions are more randomly distributed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-raw-material-for-star-formation">Raw material for star formation</h2>



<p>Due to its irregular nature, the galaxy does not have a well-defined nucleus. Instead, it appears as a loose collection of stars, gas, and dust, which astronomers can study to understand the processes shaping such galaxies. </p>



<p>Irregular galaxies like ESO 300-16 are often rich in gas and dust, providing the raw material for new stars to form. </p>



<p>Observations in different wavelengths, such as infrared and ultraviolet, can help reveal the presence of young, hot stars and cooler dust clouds that might be sites of future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-formation-reignited-in-the-galaxy-leo-p-after-billions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-the-evolution-of-galaxies">Studying the evolution of galaxies </h2>



<p>Hubble observations of ESO 300-16 provide insight into the structure and stellar populations of the galaxy, helping astronomers piece together its history and evolutionary path. </p>



<p>The study of galaxies like ESO 300-16 contributes to our broader understanding of how galaxies form and evolve, especially those that do not fit into the traditional classifications of spirals and ellipticals.</p>



<p>Because irregular galaxies are often shaped by gravitational interactions or past mergers, ESO 300-16 may have had a turbulent past. </p>



<p>It could have once been part of a larger system before being disrupted, or it might have formed in an environment where gravitational influences from nearby galaxies prevented it from developing a more regular shape. </p>



<p>Studying its motion and the distribution of its stars can provide clues about any past interactions it may have experienced.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-glimpse-into-the-early-universe">A glimpse into the early universe </h2>



<p>ESO 300-16 also provides a glimpse into what some galaxies in the early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universe-is-expanding-faster-than-science-can-explain-hubble-tension-physics-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a> might have looked like. </p>



<p>Many early galaxies were irregular in shape before evolving into more structured forms over time. As a result, studying nearby irregular galaxies like ESO 300-16 can offer valuable analogs for understanding galaxy formation in the distant past.</p>



<p>Although ESO 300-16 is not one of the most famous galaxies, it remains an important object for astronomers studying irregular galaxies, star formation, and the role of interactions in shaping galactic structures. </p>



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



<p><em>—--</em></p>



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

Ghostly galaxy in the constellation Eridanus

<p>Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the spiral galaxy NGC 5643, which is located roughly 40 million light-years away in the constellation Lupus.&nbsp;</p>



<p>NGC 5643 belongs to the Hubble classification SBc, indicating that it is a barred spiral galaxy with loosely wound arms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Its orientation, nearly face-on to Earth, provides astronomers with an exceptional view of its detailed spiral structure and central bar.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-5643-a-grand-design-spiral-nbsp">NGC 5643: A grand design spiral&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“NGC 5643 is what’s known as a grand design spiral, referring to how the galaxy’s two large, winding spiral arms are clear to see,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images">ESA</a>. “The spiral arms are defined by bright blue stars, lacy reddish-brown dust clouds and pink star-forming regions.”</p>



<p>“As fascinating as the galaxy appears at visible wavelengths, some of NGC 5643’s most interesting features are invisible to the human eye.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intense-activity-in-ngc-5643">Intense activity in NGC 5643</h2>



<p>This galaxy is notable for its Seyfert 2 nucleus, a type of active galactic nucleus (AGN). The intense activity in its core is powered by a supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/awakening-of-a-black-hole-witnessed-for-the-first-time/">black hole</a> that accretes surrounding material, emitting energy across a wide range of wavelengths.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“When a supermassive black hole ensnares gas from its surroundings, the gas collects in a disc that heats up to hundreds of thousands of degrees. The superheated gas shines brightly across the electromagnetic spectrum, but especially at X-ray wavelengths,” said ESA.</p>



<p>Observations have revealed jets and outflows of material emanating from the nucleus, likely driven by the black hole’s activity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>NGC 5643’s AGN has been studied extensively for its role in galactic evolution, particularly in how its energetic processes interact with the galaxy’s interstellar medium.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mystery-of-ngc-5643-x-1">The mystery of NGC 5643 X-1</h2>



<p>ESA pointed out that NGC 5643’s active galactic nucleus isn’t the brightest source of X-rays in the galaxy. </p>



<p>“Researchers using ESA’s XMM-Newton discovered an even brighter X-ray-emitting object, called NGC 5643 X-1, on the galaxy’s outskirts. What could be a more powerful source of X-rays than a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-black-holes-become-supermassive/">supermassive black hole</a>?”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Surprisingly, the answer appears to be a much smaller black hole! While the exact identity of NGC 5643 X-1 is not yet known, evidence points to a black hole that is about 30 times more massive than the Sun.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Locked in an orbital dance with a companion star, the black hole ensnares gas from its stellar companion, creating a superheated disc that outshines the galactic center,” said ESA.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-5643">Star formation in NGC 5643</h2>



<p>NGC 5643 also exhibits prominent regions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-rogue-worlds-discovered-inside-a-young-star-forming-nebula/">star formation</a> within its spiral arms. These areas are rich in gas and dust - the raw materials for birthing new stars - and glow brightly in ultraviolet and infrared light.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Observations from the Hubble Space Telescope and the Very Large Telescope (VLT) have helped uncover the complex interplay between star formation and the galaxy's central activity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extended-ionized-gas-regions-nbsp">Extended ionized gas regions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>A defining feature of NGC 5643 is the presence of its extended ionized gas regions, which are shaped by the galaxy's AGN activity and star-forming regions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These structures have been mapped through optical spectroscopy, revealing intricate patterns that help astronomers understand the physical conditions of the gas, such as density, temperature, and composition.</p>



<p>The galaxy also has a dust lane that crosses its nucleus, partially obscuring direct observations of the central region in visible light.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Overall, NGC 5643 offers a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of barred <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/">spiral galaxies</a> with active nuclei, serving as a valuable resource for studying the interactions between supermassive black holes, star formation, and galactic evolution.</p>



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



<p>Lupus is a constellation located in the southern sky, its name meaning "wolf" in Latin. It has been known since antiquity and was cataloged by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Once part of the larger constellation Centaurus, Lupus was later recognized as a distinct constellation. It is relatively faint but holds historical significance in mythology, often associated with a sacrificial wolf in ancient stories.</p>



<p>Lupus is bordered by other constellations like Scorpius, Centaurus, and Libra. Its stars do not form a particularly striking pattern, but it contains a variety of interesting astronomical features. Among them are numerous double stars, globular clusters, and other deep-sky objects, visible through telescopes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For observers in the Southern Hemisphere, Lupus is best seen in the winter and spring months, while it appears closer to the horizon for those in northern latitudes.</p>



<p>This constellation also lies along the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/">Milky Way</a>, offering a rich field of stars and nebulae for stargazers. Despite its modest brightness, Lupus holds a special place in the science of astronomy.</p>



<p>Image Credit<strong>: </strong>NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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



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

Secrets of a spiraling galactic powerhouse

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features a brilliant stellar nursery located about 163,000 light-years away.</p>



<p>According to ESA, the image is one of the most photogenic examples of the many stellar nurseries observed by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope during its 30-year lifetime. </p>



<p>“The portrait features the giant nebula NGC 2014 and its neighbor NGC 2020 which together form part of a vast star-forming region in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-a-stellar-nursery">What is a stellar nursery?</h2>



<p>Stellar nurseries are regions in space where new stars are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">born</a> - often within vast clouds of gas and dust called molecular clouds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These areas are fascinating because they are cradles of stellar evolution, where gravity causes clumps of gas to collapse, eventually forming protostars.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Over time, the protostars will heat up and start the nuclear fusion process that powers a star.</p>



<p>One of the most well-known stellar nurseries is the Orion Nebula, which is visible to the naked eye and located about 1,350 light-years from Earth.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-nature-of-a-stellar-nursery-nbsp">Dynamic nature of a stellar nursery&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Within these nurseries, the balance between gravity and pressure determines the types of stars that form, from massive, luminous stars to smaller, cooler ones like our Sun.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The environment is incredibly dynamic, with powerful winds from young stars shaping the clouds and triggering the birth of even more stars.</p>



<p>These regions are often illuminated by the light from massive newborn stars - creating stunning, colorful displays. The light reveals the intricate structure of the dust and gas, sculpted by the energy of young stars.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-stellar-nurseries-nbsp">Significance of stellar nurseries&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Stellar nurseries are essential for understanding the early stages of planetary formation, as protoplanetary disks (the material from which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets form</a>) are often found around young stars in these regions.</p>



<p>Stellar nurseries play a crucial role in the ongoing evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-is-starving-its-host-galaxy-of-star-forming-fuel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>. They are responsible for the continuous birth of new stars that enrich the interstellar medium with heavier elements. This constant recycling of material is key to the development of future generations of stars and planets.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, the study of these regions helps astronomers understand the fundamental processes that govern the life cycles of stars and the overall dynamics of the universe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-local-group">The Local Group</h2>



<p>The Local Group is a collection of over 80 galaxies that includes the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and the Triangulum Galaxy, along with numerous smaller dwarf galaxies. These galaxies are bound together by gravity and span a region roughly 10 million light-years across.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-ways-thin-disk-is-billions-of-years-older-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> and Andromeda are the dominant members, with their respective satellite galaxies orbiting them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Local Group is part of a larger structure known as the Virgo Supercluster, and its galaxies are moving toward the gravitational center of the Local Group, contributing to its dynamic nature.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-magellanic-cloud">Large Magellanic Cloud</h2>



<p>The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) is the fourth largest galaxy in the Local Group and can be seen with the naked eye from the Southern Hemisphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This irregular dwarf galaxy is home to the Tarantula Nebula, one of the most active star-forming regions in our cosmic neighborhood.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Large Magellanic Cloud played a key role in astronomical history, particularly when the supernova SN 1987A was observed, providing valuable insights into stellar evolution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The LMC's interaction with the Milky Way, along with its own companion, the Small Magellanic Cloud, is believed to influence its shape and star formation activity. Its proximity and unique properties make it a crucial object of study for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-galactic-explosion-provides-clues-about-galaxy-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy evolution</a>, star formation, and the dynamics of interacting galaxies.</p>



<p>Image Credit<strong>: </strong>NASA, ESA, and STScI</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

Hubble captures a stunning stellar nursery

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features the Little Dumbbell Nebula, also known as Messier 76. The nebula is located in the constellation Perseus 3,400 light-years away from Earth.</p>



<p>Astronomers captured this image of the Little Dumbbell Nebula to commemorate the 34th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope, a joint venture between NASA and the European Space Agency (<a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>).</p>



<p>The snapshot provides not only a breathtaking view, but also deep insights into the life cycle of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-stars-scientists-discover-a-new-type-of-star-powered-by-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> and the dynamic processes within nebulae.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-messier-76">Understanding Messier 76</h2>



<p>Messier 76 is categorized as a planetary nebula - a term which refers to its round, planet-like appearance when viewed through early, low-power telescopes. </p>



<p>However, the term is somewhat misleading as planetary nebulae have no connection to actual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-finds-17-exoplanets-that-have-oceans-and-possibly-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Instead, they represent an expansive shell of luminous gases expelled by a dying red giant star, which subsequently collapses into a dense, hot white dwarf. </p>



<p>This transformation marks the late stages of stellar evolution for medium to low-mass stars.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure-of-messier-76">Structure of Messier 76</h2>



<p>The structure of Messier 76 is particularly notable. It includes a central ring, giving the appearance of a bar-like feature, with two distinct lobes emanating from either side. </p>



<p>This formation is believed to be the result of materials ejected by the star during its red giant phase, possibly sculpted by interactions with a companion star.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although this binary companion is not visible in current Hubble images, its presence is inferred from the thick disk of dust and gas aligned with its orbital plane. </p>



<p>The phenomenon of the companion star potentially being absorbed by the primary star, a process akin to stellar cannibalism, is a captivating aspect of the nebula's history.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dynamic-environment-of-the-nebula">The dynamic environment of the nebula</h2>



<p>At the core of the nebula, the primary star, now collapsing into a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-dwarf-stars-may-be-billions-of-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarf</a>, reaches extreme temperatures. This heat is estimated to be 120,000 degrees Celsius - about 24 times hotter than the surface of our Sun.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This intensely hot remnant is visible as a small, bright point at the center of the nebula. Directly below this, another star can be seen; however, it is merely aligned with the nebula by chance and is not a part of it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powerful-glow-of-messier-76">Powerful glow of Messier 76</h2>



<p>The dynamics within Messier 76 are driven by powerful forces. The central disk seems to constrict the material, creating two lobes of gas escaping along the rotational axis of the star, perpendicular to the disk.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The lobes are propelled outward by a potent stellar wind, moving at a staggering two million miles per hour. This rapid movement is sufficient to travel the distance from Earth to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timeless-mystery-solved-scientists-uncover-what-is-inside-the-moons-core/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a> in just over seven minutes.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The collision of the fast-moving gas with older, slower-moving material ejected during the star’s red giant phase results in the stunning glowing effect seen in the nebula. </p>



<p>The glow, ignited by the ultraviolet radiation from the white dwarf, is a spectacle of colors with red emanating from nitrogen and blue from oxygen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-cosmic-moment-in-time">A cosmic moment in time</h2>



<p>Despite its current brilliance, the existence of the Little Dumbbell Nebula is fleeting on a cosmological scale. It is expected to last only about 15,000 years - a mere moment in the lifespan of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-is-ripping-the-universe-apart-but-we-arent-sure-how/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This brief period highlights the transient nature of such cosmic phenomena, which, while short-lived, provide crucial insights into the mechanics of stellar evolution and the complex interactions within these celestial sculptures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-messier-76">More about Messier 76</h2>



<p>Messier 76 was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1780. It was later cataloged by Charles Messier, who included it in his famous list of nebulous objects.</p>



<p>The nebula's faintness and small size require a good telescope to be observed effectively, with larger telescopes able to reveal more of its fine details and structure.</p>



<p>Studying Messier 76 helps astronomers understand the life cycle of stars and the processes that occur during the late stages of stellar evolution. </p>



<p>The materials expelled by planetary nebulae like Messier 76 eventually contribute to the interstellar medium, from which new stars and planetary systems may form.</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA Space Agency&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

Secrets of the Little Dumbbell Nebula  

<p>Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency (ESA) features the distant galaxy LEDA 22057, which is located about 650 million light-years away in the constellation Gemini. </p>



<p>Within the galaxy lies a pale blue dot - SN 2024PI, a supernova explosion that was discovered by an automated survey in January 2024.</p>



<p>“The survey covers the entire northern half of the night sky every two days and has cataloged more than 10,000 supernovae,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2025/01/Pale_blue_supernova_dot" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.</p>



<p>“The supernova is visible in this image: located just down and to the right of the galactic nucleus, the pale blue dot of SN 2024PI stands out against the galaxy’s ghostly spiral arms.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remnants-of-a-supernova">Remnants of a supernova </h2>



<p>ESA noted that the image was taken about a month and a half after the supernova was discovered, so it appears many times fainter than its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shockingly-bright-carbon-monoxide-detected-in-supernova-remnant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maximum brilliance</a>.</p>



<p>“SN 2024PI is classified as a Type Ia supernova. This type of supernova requires a remarkable object called a white dwarf, the crystallized core of a star with a mass less than about eight times the mass of the Sun,” explained ESA.</p>



<p>“When a star of this size uses up the supply of hydrogen in its core, it balloons into a red giant, becoming cool, puffy and luminous. Over time, pulsations and stellar winds cause the star to shed its outer layers, leaving behind a white dwarf and a colorful planetary nebula.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fate-of-white-dwarfs">The fate of white dwarfs</h2>



<p>Most stars in 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> will eventually transition to white dwarfs after their death. Whether or not a star becomes a white dwarf depends on its mass.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Stars that are significantly more massive will end their lives differently. Stars that exceed the critical mass threshold of eight times the Sun undergo more violent deaths.&nbsp;</p>



<p>After exhausting their nuclear fuel, they collapse under their immense gravity and trigger a supernova explosion. Depending on the remaining core mass, they may leave behind either a neutron star or a black hole, rather than a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hungry-white-dwarf-stars-eat-heavy-metals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarf</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These remnants represent extreme outcomes of stellar evolution and are fundamentally different from white dwarfs.</p>



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



<p>Gemini is one of the twelve zodiac constellations located in the northern celestial hemisphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Its name means "twins" in Latin, reflecting its representation of the mythological twins Castor and Pollux from Greek and Roman mythology.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stars-of-gemini">Stars of Gemini</h3>



<p>The stars Castor and Pollux, which form the heads of the twins, are the brightest stars in Gemini and are key to its identification.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Pollux is a bright orange giant star, while Castor is a multiple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-found-in-the-habitable-zone-of-a-binary-star-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star system</a> made up of six stars.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neighboring-constellations">Neighboring constellations</h3>



<p>Gemini lies between Taurus to the west and Cancer to the east, and it is bordered by several other constellations, including Orion to the south.</p>



<p>It is most visible in the night sky during the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in January and February.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-gemini">Significance of Gemini</h3>



<p>The constellation is part of the ecliptic, the path that the Sun appears to take through the sky, making it significant in both astronomy and astrology.</p>



<p>Astronomically, Gemini is home to several interesting deep-sky objects, including the open star cluster M35, which is easily visible with binoculars or a small telescope.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The constellation also contains several stars and stellar systems of interest, such as variable stars and binary systems.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greek-mythology-nbsp">Greek mythology&nbsp;</h3>



<p>In Greek mythology, Castor and Pollux were the sons of Leda, but they had different fathers - Castor was mortal, while Pollux was divine, being the son of Zeus.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their story is one of loyalty and brotherhood, as Pollux begged Zeus to share his immortality with Castor after his brother's death. As a result, Zeus placed them in the sky as the constellation Gemini, symbolizing their eternal bond.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-culture">Modern culture</h3>



<p>In modern culture, Gemini continues to be associated with duality, adaptability, and communication in astrology.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The constellation also holds significance in space science, lending its name to NASA's Gemini program in the 1960s. This program conducted critical missions that paved the way for the Apollo moon landings.</p>



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



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

Supernova explosion captured in the constellation Gemini 

<p>Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the galaxy NGC 2090, located approximately 40 million light-years away in the constellation Columba.</p>



<p>NGC 2090 is a stunning spiral galaxy that is notable for its well-defined structure, featuring a bright central core surrounded by tightly wound spiral arms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These arms are filled with young, hot stars and interstellar gas, indicating active star formation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Captured by the Webb Telescope’s MIRI and NIRCam instruments, the image reveals the galaxy's winding spiral arms and the swirling gas and dust of its disc in magnificent and unique detail, noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-of-ngc-2090">Observations of NGC 2090</h2>



<p>The galaxy’s spiral pattern is relatively symmetrical, making it a fascinating object of study for astronomers interested in galactic evolution and dynamics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Observations of NGC 2090, including those conducted by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-helps-solve-the-mystery-of-a-young-eruptive-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble</a> Space Telescope, have provided valuable insights into the properties of its stellar populations, gas content, and the nature of its spiral structure.</p>



<p>“NGC 2090 was one of many galaxies studied by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope to refine the measurement of the Universe’s expansion rate, or ‘Hubble constant,’” said ESA.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This can be done by observing a special type of variable stars named ‘Cepheids’ in relatively nearby galaxies.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insights-into-ngc-2090">New insights into NGC 2090</h2>



<p>A Cepheid-based measurement from 1998 indicated that NGC 2090 is 37 million light-years away from Earth. However, the latest measurements suggest that the galaxy is 40 million light-years away.</p>



<p>“Already before that Hubble project in 1998, NGC 2090 had been well studied as a very prominent nearby example of star formation,” noted ESA.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Described as a ‘flocculent’ spiral, this galaxy has a patchy, dusty disc and arms that are flaky or not visible at all. We can see those patterns well in Hubble's visible-light images. However, Webb’s NIRCam near-infrared data reveal the spiral arms with remarkable clarity.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-spiral-galaxies">What are spiral galaxies?</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spiral galaxies</a> are among the most common and visually striking types of galaxies in the universe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They are characterized by their flat, disk-like shape with a bright central bulge surrounded by sweeping spiral arms.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spiral-arms-and-central-bulge-nbsp">Spiral arms and central bulge&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The arms of a spiral galaxy are regions where stars, gas, and dust are concentrated, often glowing brightly with the light of young, hot stars that form within them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The central bulge typically contains older stars and can host a supermassive black hole at its core.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-spiral-galaxies-nbsp">Types of spiral galaxies&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Spiral galaxies are classified into different types based on how tightly their arms are wound and the size of their central bulge, ranging from tightly wound "Sa" galaxies to loosely wound "Sc" types.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-nbsp">Star formation&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The structure of spiral galaxies is maintained by the interplay of gravity and angular momentum, with a rotating disk of stars and gas giving rise to their iconic shape.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They are active sites of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-star-redefines-our-understanding-of-stellar-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> due to the abundance of gas in their arms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Spiral galaxies often have a halo of older stars and globular clusters surrounding their disks, which provides clues about their formation and evolution.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barred-spiral-galaxy">Barred spiral galaxy</h3>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-galaxy-is-surrounded-by-massive-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, the galaxy that contains our Solar System, is a prime example of a barred spiral galaxy, a subtype where a bar-shaped structure of stars extends from the central bulge.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Columba is a small and relatively faint constellation in the southern sky, whose name means "dove" in Latin. It was introduced in the late 16th century by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius and first appeared in a celestial atlas by Johann Bayer in 1603.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-jupiter-discovered-in-the-great-bear-constellation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">constellation</a> is said to represent the dove sent out by Noah during the biblical flood, tying it to themes of hope and peace.</p>



<p>Columba lies near the larger constellation Canis Major and is bordered by others such as Lepus and Puppis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although it lacks particularly bright stars, its most notable star, Alpha Columbae (also called Phact), shines at a magnitude of approximately 2.6 and is a hot blue-white star. Beta Columbae, another prominent star in the constellation, is a slightly cooler, yellow-white star.</p>



<p>The constellation is best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere during the summer months, though it can also be seen from lower latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



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

Webb unveils a spiral galaxy in magnificent detail

<p>A burst of lightning near the geographic North Pole is stirring anxious questions about our changing climate. It showed up on August of, 2019, when atmospheric conditions lined up in a way few that had ever imagined.</p>



<p>Researchers discovered 342 lightning <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-meltdown-is-accelerating-global-warming-already-changing-earth-in-unimaginable-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">events</a>, with 122 being in a single thunderstorm that traveled over the ice and came within about 27 miles (43 kilometers) of the North Pole.</p>



<p>Jianqiu Zheng and colleagues from the <a href="https://en.ustc.edu.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Science and Technology of China</a> analyzed the event and found it was tied to an unusual surge of warm air.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-heat-now-fuels-rare-storms">Arctic heat now fuels rare storms</h2>



<p>Temperatures in the far north have been <a href="https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/arctic-sea-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climbing</a> faster than the global average. This shift opens the door for moisture to move into places where it once rarely ventured.</p>



<p>Warm air masses from lower <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drastic-warming-will-transform-the-arctic-beyond-recognition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">latitudes</a> can now slip into polar regions and create the unstable backdrop for storms. Ice sheets still dominate much of the area, but the air above them is no longer as consistently frigid.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lightning-formed-high-above-north-pole">Lightning formed high above North Pole </h2>



<p>Scientists noted a thundercloud that formed about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) above the surface of the ice. That formation defied the usual pattern, where storms typically begin closer to ground level.</p>



<p>“This thunderstorm was unlike anything we typically see in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-warming-may-fuel-the-spread-of-diseases-by-unleashing-frozen-viruses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a>,” said Zheng. It developed when a patch of warm, moist air was forced upward by a cooler layer that hugged the ice.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warm-and-cold-air-collided">Warm and cold air collided</h2>



<p>The team attributed this odd weather to a <a href="https://www.weather.gov/lmk/basic-fronts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frontal system</a> that lifted balmy, humid air over a wedge of cold air at the surface. That collision helped launch storm clouds into a zone where lightning is more likely to spark.</p>



<p>The experts relied on ERA5 reanalysis <a href="https://www.ecmwf.int/en/forecasts/dataset/ecmwf-reanalysis-v5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">data</a> (archived meteorological observations) to piece together how air parcels moved and converged at the time. </p>



<p>This data offered clues on how two conflicting air masses produced an elevated thundercloud in a zone known for extreme cold.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-lightning-near-the-north-pole">Tracking lightning near the North Pole</h2>



<p>The storm’s path was logged by the World Wide Lightning Location Network (<a href="https://wwlln.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WWLLN</a>), a global sensor system that monitors lightning strikes using radio waves. </p>



<p>This network recorded the closest-known lightning strike to the North Pole, just 27 miles (43 kilometers) away, which helps confirm just how far these unusual storms can reach.</p>



<p>Without systems like WWLLN, events like this could go unnoticed in remote parts of the planet. The ability to track such rare <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-industrialization-how-will-it-impact-delicate-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phenomena</a> offers scientists a clearer picture of atmospheric behavior in a rapidly warming Arctic.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-impact-on-future-forecasts">Potential impact on future forecasts</h2>



<p>“As temperatures rise, we may see more thunderstorms in areas where they were once extremely rare,” said Baohua Ren<strong>, </strong>a corresponding author of the study who hinted at the ripple effects of higher temperatures..</p>



<p>Shifts in polar climate may force meteorologists to adjust forecasting models. Storm frequency, lightning counts, and general weather patterns could all see new variations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-what-s-ahead">Predicting what's ahead</h2>



<p>Changes in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-arctic-may-be-ice-free-sooner-than-we-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> often extend beyond regional boundaries. Variations in sea ice coverage, wind patterns, and ocean currents can trickle down to mid-latitudes and transform familiar seasonal weather.</p>



<p>Some experts wonder whether more frequent lightning in high latitudes might disturb wildlife or disrupt shipping routes.</p>



<p>Elevated storm occurrence might also affect how the upper atmosphere behaves, though more research is needed before making firm predictions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-lightning-near-the-north-pole">Implications of lightning near the North Pole </h2>



<p>Lightning isn’t just a flash in the sky, it’s a sign of powerful atmospheric instability. For lightning to occur, there must be strong updrafts and separation of electrical charges within clouds, conditions that are rare in cold, dry regions like the Arctic.</p>



<p>When lightning appears near the North Pole, it signals a major shift in local energy balance. It means the atmosphere had enough moisture, warmth, and motion to support the buildup of charge, which is a clear sign that traditional <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-arctic-warming-map-shows-alarming-changes-in-climate-hotspots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic</a> norms are changing.</p>



<p>A single thunderstorm doesn’t rewrite climate science, but it emphasizes the importance of global temperature trends. <a href="https://acp.copernicus.org/articles/24/4451/2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polar warming events</a> and unexpected weather can align to produce conditions once thought impossible in icy places. </p>



<p>Scientists see this development as an indication of how quickly the environment can shift. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-polar-events">Extreme polar events</h2>



<p>Researchers note that more observational campaigns will help explain how moist air triggers lightning near the North Pole. These efforts could improve our ability to understand and track extreme polar weather events.</p>



<p>Polar scientists also emphasize the potential influence on local communities. People who depend on stable ice for hunting or travel might face new hazards when warmer air creates thunderstorms and slushier terrain.</p>



<p>The study was published in <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00376-024-4141-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Advances in Atmospheric Sciences</em></a>.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Lightning near the North Pole signals major climate shifts

A burst of lightning near the geographic North Pole is...

<p>Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia conditions do not simply rob individuals of memory; they also exact an extraordinary cost on families and on the nation as a whole.</p>



<p>A newly released estimate from researchers at the <a href="https://usc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southern California</a> (USC) concludes that the total monetary burden of dementia in the United States will reach roughly&nbsp;$781 billion in 2024.</p>



<p>That figure surpasses the annual revenues of many Fortune 500 companies and amounts to more than three percent of the nation’s gross domestic product.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-pays-and-how-much">Who pays, and how much?</h2>



<p>Although various organizations have attempted to calculate dementia costs in past years, the USC‐led project aims to be the most comprehensive to date. </p>



<p>The effort, supported by a multi‐year cooperative agreement with the <a href="https://www.nia.nih.gov/">National Institute on Aging</a>, combines detailed medical claims with large, nationally representative surveys and then applies a sophisticated simulation technique known as dynamic microsimulation.</p>



<p>The result is not only a single headline statistic but also a granular picture of who shoulders which costs, how those burdens change as patients age, and how new treatments or policies might shift the outlook over time.</p>



<p>Julie Zissimopoulos co-directs the <a href="https://schaeffer.usc.edu/programs/center-for-health-policy-and-economics/aging-and-cognition/">Aging and Cognition program</a> at the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy &amp; Economics and serves as principal investigator of the U.S. Cost of Dementia project. She noted that the goal is to give decision makers the kind of data they need to design smarter interventions.</p>



<p>“Having a better understanding of who bears these costs and how they change over time can inform evidence-based policies that may ultimately reduce the financial impact of dementia,” explained Zissimopoulos.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-the-dementia-model">Building the dementia model</h2>



<p>The research rests on several interlocking data sets. One is the <a href="https://hrs.isr.umich.edu/about">Health and Retirement Study</a>, a biennial survey of more than 20,000 Americans over age fifty that collects information on income, wealth, health status, and family structure.</p>



<p>Another is de-identified administrative data from the <a href="https://www.cms.gov/">Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services</a>, which capture hospitalizations, physician visits, prescription drug use, and long-term‐care claims.</p>



<p>By merging these resources and running them through dynamic microsimulation, the team can project how a representative cohort of older Americans will move through different health states, how their care needs will evolve, and how each phase translates into dollars.</p>



<p>The headline number of $781 billion covers several major domains of expense. Direct medical and long-term‐care cost for dementia patients - hospital stays, outpatient visits, skilled nursing facilities, home health aides, and other services - adds up to approximately $232 billion in 2024.</p>



<p>Out-of-pocket payments by patients and their families account for 22% of that sum, or about $52 billion. </p>



<p>Medicare remains the single largest payer at $106 billion, while Medicaid, which picks up many nursing-home charges for low-income or exhausted‐asset households, spends about $58 billion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dementia-cost-beyond-medical-bills">Dementia cost beyond medical bills</h2>



<p>Yet medical bills, staggering as they are, represent only the visible part of the iceberg. The USC model attaches a monetary value to <a href="https://www.cms.gov/">quality-of-life</a> losses for both patients and caregivers. </p>



<p>Economists do this by using survey data on health-related quality of life and applying standard “willingness‐to‐pay” techniques to convert utility losses into dollar terms.</p>



<p>By that yardstick, patients with dementia together lose an estimated $302 billion worth of well-being this year, while family caregivers forfeit an additional $6 billion.</p>



<p>Caregivers also surrender work hours. The model finds that friends and relatives will provide roughly 6.8 billion hours of unpaid care in 2024 - time that could otherwise be spent in the labor force or on personal pursuits. Using average wages to monetize that devotion yields an additional $233 billion. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enormous-economic-toll">Enormous economic toll </h2>



<p>On top of those unpaid hours are lost wages from people who reduce their schedules or quit altogether to look after loved ones; those forfeited earnings amount to $8.2 billion.</p>



<p>Dana Goldman, founding director of the <a href="https://schaeffer.usc.edu/">USC Schaeffer Institute for Public Policy &amp; Government Service</a> and co-principal investigator on the study, emphasized the stakes. </p>



<p>“This research demonstrates the enormous toll dementia places on patients, their families, and care partners," she said. "But it also points to the potential value of developing ways to prevent and treat <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alzheimers-may-not-be-a-brain-disease/">Alzheimer’s</a> and related diseases that cause dementia.” </p>



<p>Goldman noted that even modest delays in disease progression could yield huge economic dividends, not to mention immeasurable relief for families.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-dementia-dashboard">Dynamic dementia dashboard</h2>



<p>The study arrives at a moment of rapid change in dementia care. <a href="https://www.fda.gov/">The Food and Drug Administration</a> has recently approved anti-amyloid drugs that, for the first time, appear to slow cognitive decline in certain patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-blood-test-can-track-the-progression-of-alzheimers/">Blood-based biomarkers</a> promise cheaper and earlier detection, potentially moving diagnosis up by years.</p>



<p>Policymakers, insurers, and pharmaceutical companies are grappling with how to pay for these innovations and how to ensure equitable access. By updating the cost model annually, the experts hope to provide a real-time dashboard that will let stakeholders see how emerging therapies or policy reforms shift both costs and benefits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planning-for-dementia-costs">Planning for dementia costs </h2>



<p>Future reports will incorporate additional cost categories - legal fees, home modifications, transportation expenses, and mental-health impacts - aiming for the most exhaustive ledger yet of dementia’s drain on society. </p>



<p>For now, the $781 billion estimate stands as a stark reminder that the disease is not just a clinical challenge but an economic tsunami, already cresting and bound to grow as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-25-years-of-research-revealed-about-brain-aging/">aging</a> population swells. </p>



<p>Evidence-based planning, the researchers argue, is the only way to blunt the tide.</p>



<p>More information about the costs of dementia in the U.S. can be found <a href="https://schaeffer.usc.edu/research/the-cost-of-dementia-in-2025/">here</a>.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Dementia is a growing global health crisis with a staggering cost

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia conditions do not simply rob...

<p>The Sun’s newest portrait is not the fiery disc we remember from textbooks. Instead, it sprawls across a mosaic so detailed that you could stack a dozen Earths end to end inside a single pixel and still have room to spare. </p>



<p>The yellow filaments and bright arcs in this view are bubbles of million-degree plasma caught in magnetic loops that stretch thousands of miles above the surface.</p>



<p>That view comes from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Solar_Orbiter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Solar Orbiter</a> spacecraft, now five years into a planned seven-year tour of duty. </p>



<p>On March 9, 2025, it aimed its Extreme Ultraviolet Imager at the Sun from about 48 million miles away, gathering 200 separate frames over four and a half hours. </p>



<p>Technicians stitched those frames into the widest high-resolution ultraviolet image of our star to date - 12,544 pixels on a side.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-orbiter-captures-the-sun">Solar Orbiter captures the Sun</h2>



<p>Solar Orbiter left Earth on February 10, 2020, riding an Atlas V rocket. Built by the European Space Agency (<a href="https://www.esa.int" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>) with key help from NASA, the craft carries ten instruments designed to work as a team, pairing full-disk pictures with on-the-spot particle counts and magnetic-field readings. </p>



<p>In late 2021, it began routine science operations and has since looped ever closer to the Sun, stealing bits of speed from Venus to tip its orbit for future polar flybys.</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2020/01/Solar_Orbiter_s_instruments" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extreme Ultraviolet Imager</a> does its job while the spacecraft bakes in sunlight almost 15 times stronger than what we feel on Earth. </p>



<p>For the March 9 shoot, mission controllers pointed Solar Orbiter 25 different ways in a 5-by-5 grid. </p>



<p>At each stop, the camera captured six tight shots and two wider ones at a wavelength of 17.4 nanometers, light invisible to our eyes but perfect for tracing plasma at 1.8 million °F.</p>



<p>The craft sat 11.4 degrees below the solar equator, far enough off-center to reveal the corona’s towering loops yet close enough that every pixel represented roughly 185 miles. </p>



<p>The finished file measures 12,544 × 12,544 pixels - about 7,505 pixels across the Sun’s 870,000-mile diameter.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zooming-in-on-the-sun-s-surface">Zooming in on the Sun's surface</h2>



<p>During each close approach, Solar Orbiter swoops to within 0.28 astronomical units, roughly 26 million miles from the <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’s surface</a>. </p>



<p>From that vantage point, the probe can watch bright magnetic knots bubble up, twist, and snap, then match those events to bursts of charged particles that its own detectors sample minutes later. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.esa.int/var/esa/storage/images/esa_multimedia/images/2025/04/solar_orbiter_s_widest_high-res_view_of_the_sun/26672644-4-eng-GB/Solar_Orbiter_s_widest_high-res_view_of_the_Sun.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sun_Solar-Orbiter_widest-view-yet_ESA_1s.webp" alt="The image you see here combines a whopping 200 individual images into the widest high-resolution view of the Sun yet. Click image to enlarge. Credit: ESA" class="wp-image-1967019"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>The image you see here combines a whopping 200 individual images into the widest high-resolution view of the Sun yet. Click image to enlarge. Credit: ESA</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>These coordinated observations help explain how solar storms gain the punch that sometimes knocks out satellites or triggers blackouts on Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-orbiter-and-the-poles">Solar Orbiter and the poles</h2>



<p>Each gravity assist at Venus tilts the craft’s path a little higher above the ecliptic. By the end of the decade, the orbit should stand 33 degrees above the solar equator, offering humanity’s first sustained look at the poles.</p>



<p>Early images have already shown magnetic arches plunging back under the surface like the roots of a huge tree - clues to how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-sun-has-officially-reached-its-solar-maximum-period-in-this-solar-cycle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">11-year sunspot cycle</a> resets itself and why the corona flares so intensely.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



<p>Solar weather is no abstract threat. When a blast of energetic particles sweeps past our planet, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-can-survive-mars-space-journey-but-their-kidneys-will-be-permanently-damaged/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">astronauts retreat to shielded modules</a>, airlines reroute polar flights, and grid operators brace for geomagnetically induced currents.</p>



<p>By tracing a jet from the Sun’s face to the space around the craft, scientists can now link surface disturbances to the gusts that slam our magnetosphere about two days later. </p>



<p>Those links sharpen the lead time on solar-storm warnings, buying engineers precious hours to protect hardware.</p>



<p>The March 9 mosaic also hints at smaller, faster events. In March 2023, the mission spotted brief plasma jets - each no wider than Texas - shooting out of tiny sunspots. </p>



<p>Mapping those jets back to magnetic tangles in the photosphere suggests that even modest disturbances can pump significant heat into the corona, a step toward solving the long-standing mystery of why the outer atmosphere blazes far hotter than the visible surface below.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-orbiter-and-the-road-ahead">Solar Orbiter and the road ahead</h2>



<p>Solar Orbiter and NASA’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/parker-solar-probe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parker Solar Probe</a> already leapfrog one another, one providing panoramic snapshots, the other flying through the very plasma on display. </p>



<p>As Solar Orbiter climbs toward higher latitudes, those tandem passes will paint the most complete picture yet of our star’s weather engine. </p>



<p>The next close flyby comes later this year, and every pass brings the craft a little closer - both in miles and in insight - to the forces that light our skies and occasionally rattle our technology.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



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



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

Widest high-resolution photo of the Sun ever captured

The Sun’s newest portrait is not the fiery disc we...

<p>Over the past few years, more people across the United States have been experimenting with psilocybin, a hallucinogen found in “magic mushrooms.” </p>



<p>This increase in psilocybin use has drawn attention from health experts, who note that many users face challenges such as mental illness or chronic pain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sharp-rise-in-psilocybin-use">Sharp rise in psilocybin use </h2>



<p>Some U.S. states have started softening their policies around the use of psilocybin, which appears to match the timing of its recent surge in popularity. This increase also coincides with a jump in poison center calls, suggesting that not everyone understands the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magic-mushrooms-are-the-most-popular-psychedelic-drug/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">substance</a> or its risks.</p>



<p>“We found that, since 2019, the number of people using psilocybin has gone up sharply,” said Dr. Karilynn Rockhill, a researcher at the <a href="https://coloradosph.cuanschutz.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colorado School of Public Health</a>. </p>



<p>Dr. Rockhill led a project that tracked psilocybin use patterns across several age groups and geographic areas.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psilocybin-use-across-all-ages">Psilocybin use across all ages</h2>



<p>Young adults show the largest expansion in psilocybin experimentation. Older adults are not too far behind. </p>



<p>Looser restrictions and rising social acceptance might encourage some to view psilocybin as a quick fix for depression or anxiety. </p>



<p>Experts note that certain individuals appear to be self-treating serious conditions. They worry that casual use without medical guidance can create <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-psilocybin-mushrooms-got-their-magic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complications</a>. </p>



<p>These worries become more pressing when poison center data reveal an uptick in calls from across the age spectrum.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-health-and-psilocybin-use">Mental health and psilocybin use</h2>



<p>Psilocybin has drawn attention for potential <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27909165/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">benefits</a> in addressing PTSD, substance use disorders, and other challenges. Medical providers, however, warn that its use in these circumstances remains investigational.</p>



<p>People experiencing depression or anxiety sometimes turn to magic mushrooms if they lack immediate professional support.</p>



<p>“Public views on psilocybin are shifting. However, that means we also need to make sure people understand the risks, know how to use it safely if they choose to, and that health care systems are prepared,” said Dr. Joshua Black, a senior scientist at Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety, which is a division of Denver Health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-people-are-calling-poison-centers">More people are calling poison centers</h2>



<p>The steep increase in poison center calls, signals that many users do not fully grasp the substance’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/confirmed-magic-mushrooms-can-effectively-treat-depression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects</a>. Some calls involve disorientation or panic, which can be risky in certain settings.</p>



<p>Others reflect confusion about dosage or harmful interactions with existing prescriptions. Researchers suggest that hospitals and emergency departments might be under-reporting these cases. </p>



<p>A gap in hospital coding means psilocybin-related visits can slip by unnoticed. That hampers public health agencies that are trying to gauge what’s really happening.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-poor-tracking-hides-health-impacts">Poor tracking hides health impacts</h2>



<p>Officials have discovered that current systems for recording hallucinogen-related issues are not keeping up with the changing landscape. Inaccurate data collection may keep local clinics in the dark about how often patients arrive in crisis. </p>



<p>Health systems need reliable metrics for policy decisions. Some <a href="https://psychedelicalpha.com/data/psychedelic-laws" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">states</a> have already drafted policies allowing controlled use of psilocybin for medical study.</p>



<p>Others weigh more permissive models. Researchers stress that consistent tracking and standard coding practices can help officials measure any shifts in harm or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-did-magic-mushrooms-evolve-to-contain-psilocybin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">misuse</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-education-for-better-outcomes">Education for better outcomes</h2>



<p>Experts call for straightforward educational materials about psilocybin. Too many new users jump in without guidance, and that raises the risk of harmful experiences. </p>



<p>Medical offices, online platforms, and community centers could play a role in distributing simple facts. A deeper conversation among doctors, public health leaders, and policymakers might also help. </p>



<p>If people choose to explore psilocybin, they should know its possible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mushroom-magic-new-species-discovered-in-africa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects</a>. Broad awareness can reduce unintentional injuries and keep poison centers from bearing the brunt of emergencies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-responsible-research">Importance of responsible research</h2>



<p>Scientific studies on psilocybin are expanding, driven by interest in its potential therapeutic use. A handful of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27909164/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clinical trials</a> suggest it can relieve specific mental health symptoms under controlled conditions.</p>



<p>Still, experts advise caution until results are replicated and reviewed. Researchers hope to see more large-scale trials in the near future.</p>



<p>Trials help to confirm safety profiles, determine effective doses, and better understand who could benefit most. Once there is enough valid evidence, health authorities can make informed decisions about approving psilocybin-related therapies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-hope-and-risks">Balancing hope and risks</h2>



<p>Fans of magic mushrooms highlight experiences of spiritual or introspective growth. Others cite anecdotal relief from depression or chronic pain. </p>



<p>Medical professionals respond that each user brings a unique history, including mental health factors, that might heighten risks. Some also worry that blanket decriminalization could send the wrong message.</p>



<p>Substance misuse can surface if people jump into using potent compounds without a plan or supervision. Encouraging responsible decisions goes hand in hand with exploring psilocybin’s possible upsides.</p>



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



<p>A lack of comprehensive tracking tools prevents health facilities from planning for potential surges in psilocybin-related visits. Researchers urge policy revisions that integrate consistent psilocybin coding. Clear codes would allow doctors to pinpoint frequent complications and stock resources accordingly.</p>



<p>Hospitals operating in regions where psilocybin use is on the rise might train staff to handle its distinct side effects. This includes mental health professionals equipped with therapy insights, and emergency teams ready for psychedelic crises.</p>



<p>Supporters of psilocybin believe momentum will continue as studies gain traction and more states debate legalization. Experts will watch these policy shifts in real time.</p>



<p>Community programs or peer education campaigns may help encourage careful exploration of psilocybin rather than spur-of-the-moment decisions.</p>



<p>The study was published in the <a href="https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/ANNALS-24-03145" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Annals of Internal Medicine</em></a>.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Increased use of psilocybin in U.S. raises health concerns

Over the past few years, more people across the United...

<p>Picture Mars - not as the cold, dry and dusty world we see today - but as a temperate place with cloudy skies, rainfall, and rivers that carved valleys into the land. </p>



<p>This may have been the case billions of years ago, according to a recent study by scientists at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a>. The research suggests that Mars was once a planet shaped by weather cycles. </p>



<p>"Our study addresses a longstanding mystery about the climate of ancient Mars. Observations of large valley networks suggest formation by flowing water. However, most climate models cannot sustain temperatures above freezing," noted the researchers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-did-rainfall-feed-rivers-on-mars">Did rainfall feed rivers on Mars?</h2>



<p>The experts suggest that the familiar networks of valleys and channels etched across Mars were likely formed not just by melting ice, but by rainfall or snowfall that fed rivers over long periods.</p>



<p>The findings bring new credibility to the idea that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hot-water-on-ancient-mars-may-have-been-habitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient Mars</a> may have been warm and wet, offering a possible explanation for the geological features we still observe from space.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p>“You could pull up Google Earth images of places like Utah, zoom out, and you’d see the similarities to Mars,” said Amanda Steckel, who led the study and now works at the California Institute of Technology.</p>
</blockquote>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-water-on-mars">Mystery of water on Mars</h2>



<p>Today, most researchers agree that water once existed on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/clues-beneath-mars-surface-reveal-possible-habitats-for-ancient-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian surface</a> - especially during the Noachian epoch, which spanned from about 4.1 to 3.7 billion years ago. But there's been disagreement about how that water got there.</p>



<p>Some believe Mars was always a cold and dry planet, where sunlight barely melted the ice that covered its highlands. Others argue the planet experienced a warmer and wetter climate that allowed for ongoing rainfall or snowmelt.</p>



<p>To test these ideas, the team ran a series of computer simulations to see which conditions could best explain Mars’s ancient valley networks. The simulations were built using landscape modeling software originally designed for Earth studies, and adapted for Mars.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulations-of-martian-rivers">Simulations of Martian rivers</h2>



<p>The researchers created a digital Mars, mimicking the terrain near the equator where many valley systems are found. They modeled two scenarios: one where the landscape was fed by melting ice caps, and another where water came from falling precipitation.</p>



<p>Over simulated periods ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of years, water flowed across the terrain. Each scenario left a distinct mark. </p>



<p>"We found that the main difference between these scenarios was the location of the origin of the valleys that formed," noted the researchers.</p>



<p>In the melting ice simulation, valleys formed mostly around the edges of where ice would have sat at high elevations. In the precipitation scenario, valley heads emerged across a wide range of elevations - from low basins to areas over 11,000 feet (3,300 meters) high.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rainfall-could-have-helped-valleys-form">Rainfall could have helped valleys form</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p>“It’s very hard to make any kind of conclusive statement,” said Steckel. “But we see these valleys beginning at a large range of elevations. It’s hard to explain that with just ice.”</p>
</blockquote>



<p>The results suggest that the precipitation-fed valleys more closely matched the real Martian surface as seen in satellite images captured by NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor and Odyssey missions.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p>“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wave-ripples-discovered-mars-surface-indicate-liquid-water-present-4-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Water</a> from these ice caps starts to form valleys only around a narrow band of elevations,” Steckel said. “Whereas if you have distributed precipitation, you can have valley heads forming everywhere.”</p>
</blockquote>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reading-mars-like-a-history-book">Reading Mars like a history book</h2>



<p>Mars still holds clues to its watery past. Around the equator, images show vast channel networks spreading out from highlands into basins that may once have held lakes - or even oceans.</p>



<p>NASA’s Perseverance rover, which landed in 2021, is now exploring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lake-sediments-found-in-jezero-crater-hint-at-past-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jezero Crater</a>, a site that scientists believe once contained a lake that was fed by a powerful river.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p>“You’d need meters deep of flowing water to deposit those kinds of boulders,” said Brian Hynek, senior author of the study and a scientist at CU Boulder’s Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics.</p>
</blockquote>



<p>To reconstruct this Martian past, Steckel and Hynek used their simulations to trace where these ancient rivers might have started. The results suggest widespread precipitation was more likely responsible for shaping the valleys than occasional ice melt alone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-our-understanding-of-mars-is-evolving">Our understanding of Mars is evolving</h2>



<p>While the study doesn’t fully explain how Mars stayed warm enough to support snow or rainfall, it does add a new piece to the puzzle. The research gives scientists a more detailed view of the planet’s early climate - and may even help us better understand Earth’s own geological past.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
<p>“Once the erosion from flowing water stopped, Mars almost got frozen in time and probably still looks a lot like Earth did 3.5 billion years ago,” Hynek said.</p>
</blockquote>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-captured-in-true-color-like-youve-never-seen-the-red-planet-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red Planet</a> may be dry and desolate now, but its surface still tells stories of a time when water shaped its landscapes. And those stories might bring us closer to understanding both Mars and our own place in the solar system.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024JE008637" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Geophysical Research Planets</a></em>.</p>



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



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;</p>



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



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

Mars’ hidden past: Rainfall may have shaped the ancient landscape

Picture Mars - not as the cold, dry and dusty...

<p>Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. </p>



<p>The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



<p>Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. </p>



<p>Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.</p>



<p>Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. </p>



<p>They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).</p>



<p>Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.</p>



<p>Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.</p>



<p>This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.</p>

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

Columbia Glacier on the south coast of Alaska

News coming your way