A sparkling galactic neighbour

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the galaxy ESO 300-16, which is located 28.7 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Eridanus



According to ESA, the galaxy is a ghostly assemblage of stars which resembles a sparkling cloud.&nbsp;



"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.



"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."



"A team of astronomers proposed using small gaps in Hubble’s observing schedule to acquaint ourselves with the remaining quarter of the nearby galaxies."



ESO 300-16 is a relatively small and remote dwarf galaxy. It is sometimes known as a "compact blue dwarf galaxy" because of its size and the intense blue colors indicating active star formation.&nbsp;



These galaxies are typically small, but they have high star-forming rates for their size. This kind of galaxy can provide insights into the process of star formation as well as galaxy evolution in general.



Dwarf galaxies are of particular interest to astronomers because they can help to provide understanding about the formation and evolution of galaxies in the early universe. They're also thought to play a role in the assembly of larger galaxies over cosmic time.



By studying galaxies like ESO 300-16, astronomers can hope to better understand how galaxies grow, evolve, and interact over time.&nbsp;



Image Credit: ESA



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A ghostly assemblage of stars make up the galaxy ESO 300-16

Today's Image of the Day 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 According to ESA, the galaxy is a ghostly assemblage of stars which resembles a sparkling cloud.&nbsp; "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. "This observation is one of a series which aims to get to know our galactic neighbors;...

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features an astronaut view of the Tunupa Volcano, a dormant volcano in southwestern Bolivia. The volcano is located on a peninsula between two of Bolivia’s largest salt flats - Salar de Uyuni and Salar de Coipasa.



"Tunupa Volcano is located at the center of the Southern Altiplano, or the Andean Plateau, and rises as high as 5.3 kilometers (3.3 miles) in elevation," says NASA. "The volcano is a composite cone - a large, complex volcano that is often covered by lava flows, pyroclastic and mudflow deposits, and domes. Last active about 1.4 million years ago, Tunupa is now considered dormant."



"The flanks of the volcano’s cone are incised by valleys that were eroded by ancient glaciers and stream flows. Domes and lava flows appear on the eastern side of Tunupa, and the volcano is adjacent to other eroded volcanic fields and craters, including Jayu Khota and Titivilla."



According to NASA. the salt flats are typically a bright white color when viewed from orbit - but during Bolivia’s rainy season, rivers can carry sediment rich in microbes and dark-colored volcanic minerals onto the flats.&nbsp;



The image was captured on February 5, 2022 by a member of the Expedition 66 crew.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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



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Tunupa Volcano in southwestern Bolivia

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features Hurricane Lee as it moved west across the Atlantic Ocean on September 12, 2023.



"The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite 16 (GOES-16) acquired this image of the major storm at approximately 1 p.m. Eastern Time (17:00 UTC) as it advanced toward the southeastern United States," said NASA.



"Around this time, the center of the hurricane was located about 500 miles (800 kilometers) south of Bermuda and moving at 6 miles (9 kilometers) per hour. Sustained winds were measured at 115 miles (185 kilometers) per hour, making it a category 3 storm on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale."



According to NASA, Hurricane Lee fluctuated dramatically in strength along its path. Lee was a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 80 miles per hour on Thursday. Just 24 hours later, the storm had strengthened to a Category 5 hurricane with wind speeds of 165 miles per hour.



"Only Hurricane Felix in 2007 and Hurricane Wilma in 2005 intensified more over a 24-hour period. Following this ramp-up, moderate to strong wind shear disrupted the storm’s circulation and weakened it to a category 2," said NASA.



"That would not be the last momentum swing, however. On September 10, Hurricane Lee began to regain strength as wind shear abated and it passed over very warm waters."



"High sea surface temperatures are among the conditions favorable to hurricane intensification. And 2023 has been a banner year for warm oceans. Decades of gradual warming due to climate change, along with El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean, helped drive global sea surface temperatures into record territory for several months in the summer."



Hurricane Lee is expected to make landfall over the northeastern U.S. or Nova Scotia as a Category 2 storm later this week. However, the coastal impacts of the storm could be severe and widespread due to the storm's massive size and slow movement.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Hurricane Lee is a slow-moving storm with a massive wind field

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Eighty Mile Beach on the northwest coast of Australia. The photograph was captured by an astronaut onboard the International Space Station.



Eighty Mile Beach Marine Park is a protected area that contains mangrove forests and seagrass meadows, as well as the Cape Keraudren Nature Reserve.



"The area shown in this photograph is an example of an intertidal zone ecosystem - where the coastline is above seawater at low tide and submerged in seawater at high tide," explains NASA.



"As low tide approaches, the ebb current takes seawater toward the Indian Ocean and exposes salt flats, intertidal flats, and mangrove forests. As high tide approaches, the flood current takes seawater inland and floods the coastline. During both incoming and outgoing tides, seawater flows through coastal waterways called tidal creeks."



"Mangrove trees withstand the fluctuation between high and low tide by means of an elongated root system that is exposed at low tide. Local fauna, such as the north-western mangrove seasnake, can be found living in this root system. Other species, like the mangrove golden whistler, are found in the tree canopy."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Eighty Mile Beach in Western Australia

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features an astronaut photograph of the Espíritu Santo Archipelago, a group of islands located in the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez, off the eastern coast of the Baja California Peninsula in <a href="http://mexico">Mexico</a>.&nbsp;



"Sunglint reflects off the water surface, accentuating wave movement, ship wakes, and cloud shadows," said NASA. "The islands appear rust-colored due to previous tectonic and volcanic activity that deposited layers of black lava and pink volcanic ash."



"The Baja Peninsula acts as a natural wind and wave break that protects islands in the Gulf of California from erosion. Slowed erosion has resulted in the preservation of rock shelters and caves."



"Exploration and excavation of these shelters contribute to understanding the geomorphology, geology, and ancient human patterns on the islands. Archeologists have found human artifacts artifacts dating back approximately ten thousand years, providing evidence of human activity on the islands."



The Espíritu Santo Archipelago is part of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur and consists of several islands, the largest and most well-known of which is Isla Espíritu Santo. The other main islands in the archipelago are Isla Partida, Los Islotes, and a few smaller islets.



Espíritu Santo and its surrounding islands are known for their stunning natural beauty, featuring dramatic cliffs, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters. The region is home to a rich diversity of marine life, including sea lions, manta rays, whale sharks, and various species of whales and dolphins. It also supports a variety of bird species, such as blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and pelicans, making it a popular destination for birdwatching.



The Espíritu Santo Archipelago has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a Mexican Protected Natural Area, which helps to preserve its unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Ecotourism is popular in the area, with visitors participating in activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and wildlife watching.



The islands are accessible by boat from the nearby city of La Paz, which is the capital of Baja California Sur. There are numerous tour operators that offer day trips and multi-day excursions to the Espíritu Santo Archipelago, allowing visitors to explore the islands and their remarkable natural features.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Espíritu Santo Archipelago in the Gulf of California

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features salt flats in the Bolivian Andes, Salar de Coipasa and Salar de Uyuni. The photograph was captured by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station.



"Visible from low Earth orbit, the salt flats display stark white hues that contrast with the darker surrounding rock. Various volcanic cones are scattered through the image, such as Cerro Tetivilla, which divides the two salt lakes; Wila Pukarani, located within the Coipasa Salt Flat; and Paryani, on the northern edge of Coipasa," said NASA.



"In recent years, Andean salt flats have been the subject of climate and space-based analog studies, serving as a proxy for Earth’s climate history and the Martian environment. Salt textures tell the story of the landscape’s climatic and geologic history, while saltwater brines and hydrated clays beneath the salt crust are of interest to both Earth and Mars scientists."



Salt flats, or "salares" in Spanish, are expansive flat areas covered with salt and other minerals. They form in regions where water evaporates from a shallow lake or pond, leaving behind the salts. The most famous salt flat in the Bolivian Andes, and perhaps the world, is the Salar de Uyuni.



Located in southwest Bolivia, the Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat, spanning over 10,000 square kilometers. It was formed as a result of prehistoric lakes evaporating over thousands of years. It's a major tourist attraction and offers one of the most unique landscapes on Earth.&nbsp;



When it rains, the surface becomes a giant mirror, reflecting the sky. The Salar de Uyuni also contains 50-70% of the world's lithium reserves, which is becoming increasingly important due to the rise of electric vehicles.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Salt flats in the Bolivian Andes

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the northern Rocky Mountains, also known as the Canadian Rockies.



The Rockies are the largest mountain range in North America, with a length of 3,000 miles, and a width of up to nearly 400 miles.&nbsp;



The photograph was captured on December 21, 2022 by an astronaut onboard the International Space Station as it orbited over western Montana.



"The Rocky Mountains extend from British Columbia, Canada, southeast toward New Mexico, in the United States," says NASA..



"At least 100 separate ranges comprise the Rockies, and they are separated into four geologic subdivisions: the Canadian and Northern Rockies, Middle Rockies, the Southern Rockies, and the Colorado Plateau."



"This image features the greater portion of the Canadian Rockies, which extends through northern British Columbia and southwestern Alberta. While there are approximately 50 peaks in the Canadian Rockies surpassing 3,350 meters (11,000 feet) in elevation, Mount Robson - in the center of the photo - is the highest peak at about 3,950 meters (12,970 feet) tall."



The Canadian Rockies are famous for their stunning landscapes, featuring towering mountain peaks, forests, turquoise lakes, and diverse wildlife.&nbsp;



The region is home to several national parks, including Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, and Waterton Lakes. Each park offers unique landscapes and recreational opportunities.



Located in Banff National Park, Lake Louise is a famous glacier-fed lake known for its turquoise hue and the picturesque Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise at its shores.



Moraine Lake is another stunning lake in Banff National Park. Its Valley Of The Ten Peaks backdrop and blue waters make it a photographer's dream.



One of the most scenic drives in the world is on the Icefields Parkway, connecting Banff and Jasper National Parks. Along the parkway, visitors can view the Columbia Icefield and the Athabasca Glacier. It's also common to see elk, bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep in the region.



Hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and horseback riding are just a few of the activities that tourists enjoy in the Canadian Rockies.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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



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Astronaut's view of the Canadian Rockies 

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features trails of distinctive clouds off the coast of the Canary Islands. These cloud swirls, called von Kármán vortices, are formed when a fluid passes a tall, isolated object like a mountain.&nbsp;



"The atmosphere and the ocean are fluids, both in constant motion. This motion is not always visible to the naked eye, but in the atmosphere, clouds can act like fingerprints for the movement of air," explains NASA.



"Von Kármán vortices routinely appear in satellite imagery. They can occur whenever an object interrupts air flow. In this case, they occurred as winds rushed past the tall volcanic peaks of the Canary Islands. Cloud vortices are often spotted downwind of isolated islands including near Guadalupe Island, near the coast of Chile, and in the Indian Ocean."



Professor Theodore von Kármán of the California Institute of Technology was the first to describe how the swirling cloud patterns are formed. He was also one of the principal founders of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.



The image was captured on March 19, 2023 by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) sensor on the NASA-NOAA Suomi NPP satellite.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/ Allison Nussbaum



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



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Cloud swirls off the Canary Islands

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency </a>&nbsp;features the first image of the full Earth disc from the Meteosat Third Generation Imager.&nbsp;



This is the first of a new generation of satellites that is expected to revolutionize weather forecasting by enabling more precise monitoring of our changing atmosphere, land and oceans.



Simonetta Cheli, ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes, said that the image is a great example of what European cooperation in space can achieve.&nbsp;



"The level of detail MTG-I1’s image reveals, unachievable over Europe and Africa from a geostationary orbit until now, will give us a greater understanding of our planet and the weather systems that shape it."



“This image represents not just what can be achieved through European expertise but our determination to ensure the benefits of new technology are felt by communities in Europe and beyond," said Cheli.



The photo shows much of Northern and Western Europe and Scandinavia covered in clouds, with mostly clear skies over Italy and the Western Balkans.



"The higher-resolution images provided by the instruments on board give weather forecasters more information about the clouds cloaking much of Europe and visible in the equatorial region of Africa and the Atlantic Ocean," explained ESA.



"Sand and sediment in the waters off Italy are also visible, as well as dust or smog being carried from south Asia. This degree of detail is not possible from the instruments on the Meteosat Second Generation satellites."&nbsp;



The image was captured on March 18, 2023 by the Flexible Combined Imager on MTG-I1.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Meteosat weather satellite captures Earth in stunning detail

Today's Image of the Day from European Space Agency &nbsp;features...

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a storm spinning over the Atlantic Ocean after drenching parts of Spain with torrential rainfall and deadly flooding on September 3, 2023.&nbsp;



"According to news reports, the low-pressure system flooded streets southwest of Madrid, and caused rivers to spill over their banks and destroy bridges. The downpours came amid a major drought across the country, which has emptied reservoirs and led to water use restrictions," said NASA.



"The flooding was brought on by a low-pressure system that became isolated, or cut-off from the westerly current, causing it to slow down. This type of storm, known as a cut-off low, can produce severe weather and heavy rainfall."



On September 3, nearly 7 inches of rain fell near Cádiz on the southwestern coast and 6 inches of fell in San Rafael near Madrid, according to Spain’s meteorological agency AEMET



By Tuesday, at least three people had died and three others were missing due to severe flooding in the central part of the country. In the Toledo area, helicopters were sent to rescue people who were trapped on the roofs of their homes.



"The downpours eased on September 4, when the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the NOAA-20 satellite captured the image above," said NASA.



"The storm’s winds carried Saharan dust from Morocco and Algeria over eastern Spain, southern France, and the Atlantic Ocean."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Torrential rainfall causes deadly flooding in Spain

A young child’s body and <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/anatomy-of-the-brain">brain</a> are literally designed to be playful, and this is crucial for neural development, says Dr. Jacqueline Harding, a renowned early childhood expert at Middlesex University and the director of <a href="https://www.tomorrowschild.co.uk/">Tomorrow’s Child</a>.



In her new book, "The Brain that Loves to Play," Dr. Harding emphasizes the indispensable role of play in fostering the holistic development of young children.



“Children are naturally wired to play and any sustained deviation from this masterful design comes at a price."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-play-and-learning">Play and learning</h2>



Dr. Harding challenges the long-standing dichotomy between play and learning, highlighting play's pivotal function in the educational spectrum of early childhood.&nbsp;



“At this very moment, his brain also starts to 'jump' and light up with joy as connections between neurons make impressive progress. Does this experience count as learning? Absolutely yes."



The book signifies joyous moments of play as monumental instances of cognitive progression. Dr. Harding advocates for the essential and inseparable integration of play into the learning processes of children ranging from birth to five years old.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neuroscientific-foundations">Neuroscientific foundations</h2>



Dr. Harding provides insightful observations on how a child's brain inherently yearns and optimally flourishes through play.&nbsp;



She notes that engaging in playful activities and sensory experiences significantly facilitates the creation of new neural pathways, establishing a robust foundation for future learning and growth.&nbsp;



These neural pathways, carved through play before reaching six years of age, significantly influence the child's future learning capacities and opportunities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traditional-perspectives-on-play">Traditional perspectives on play</h2>



The book invites readers to reassess and discard the outdated belief that dismisses play as a trivial recreational activity.&nbsp;



Instead, Dr. Harding supports a holistic perspective, asserting play as a fundamental element of a child's developmental architecture.



"There is no doubt, according to all the latest research, that the brain loves to play - and it is time that as adults we got on board with this notion too.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pandemic-induced-challenges">Pandemic-induced challenges</h2>



Dr. Harding’s book explores the acute challenges precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly its detrimental effects on children's mental health.&nbsp;



In navigating through these unprecedented challenges, she emphasizes the urgency of prioritizing play and early intervention strategies to effectively support the children who have weathered through the storm of the pandemic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supporting-children-through-play">Supporting children through play</h2>



By simplifying complex terminologies and offering illustrative case studies, Dr. Harding empowers adults with practical knowledge and tools to seamlessly incorporate play into their daily interactions with children, fostering an environment conducive to both play and learning.



“As we emerge from a pandemic which has significantly impacted all our lives, there can be no better place to begin than considering how we can rewrite the narrative through support in the early years,” she says.



Dr. Harding also emphasizes that the book is not an exhaustive compilation of scientific findings but rather a practical guide for adults seeking to better understand the value of play in young children’s development.&nbsp;



“It is my belief that a greater awareness of how we can support children is vital for all who care for young children,” she says.



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Lighting up the brain: The power of play in child development

A young child’s body and brain are literally designed to...

Scientists have recently discovered the massive fossil of a trapdoor spider in Australia, providing significant insights into the ancient arachnids’ history and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-practices-could-greatly-reduce-species-extinction-risk/">extinction</a> patterns in the region.



The fossil was unearthed at a site in the Central Tablelands in New South Wales. It represents the second-largest spider fossil ever found.&nbsp;



The astonishingly large spider, which has been named Megamonodontium mccluskyi, was more than five times the size of its modern relatives.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dismal-fossil-record">Dismal fossil record</h2>



The researchers explained that it has been challenging to piece together the intricate history of Australian spiders.&nbsp;



"Mygalomorph spiders have been present on the Australian landmass since before the break-up of Gondwana. Today, mygalomorphs are represented on the continent by a diverse fauna of 12 families," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"Despite this extensive evolutionary history, only one fossil mygalomorph spider has been found in Australia: Edwa maryae from the Triassic of Queensland."



"Presumably, this dismal fossil record is the result of a combination of the fragility of the animals and the tendency of females to stay within burrows, both of which prevent many spiders from entering the fossil record."&nbsp;



"The lack of fossils from Australia has made it difficult to decipher the evolutionary history of the group."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolutionary-implications-nbsp">Evolutionary implications&nbsp;</h2>



Matthew McCurry, a palaeontologist at UNSW, noted that only four spider fossils have previously been discovered in Australia.



“This discovery is so significant, it reveals new information about the extinction of spiders and fills a gap in our understanding," said McCurry. “The closest living relative of this fossil now lives in wet forests in Singapore through to Papua New Guinea."



“This suggests that the group once occupied similar environments in mainland Australia but have gone extinct as Australia became more arid.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-megamonodontium-mccluskyi">Megamonodontium mccluskyi</h2>



Notably, Megamonodontium mccluskyi shares a resemblance with the present-day brush-footed trapdoor spiders found in western New South Wales. It marks an essential milestone for researchers studying the ancient biodiversity and ecological shifts in Australia. The newfound fossil is believed to be between 11 to 16 million years old.



The fossilized spider draws its name from Dr. Simon McClusky, the scientist credited with its discovery. This monumental finding is the result of the collaborative efforts of scientists from ANU, UC, and UNSW.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brush-footed-trapdoor-spiders">Brush-footed trapdoor spiders</h2>



"Brush-footed trapdoor spiders (Araneae: Barychelidae) are a diverse clade of mygalomorph spiders that have evolved several features, including tufts of setae that allow them to climb smooth surfaces," wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



"Furthermore, their spinnerets are fairly short, which distinguishes them readily from the larger sympatric tarantulas (Theraphosidae). Australia is currently home to 10 genera of brush-footed trapdoor spiders, a center of biodiversity, if not also their origin."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-significance">Global significance</h2>



Robert Raven, a Queensland Museum arachnologist and the supervising author of the research, offered further context on the discovery’s global significance.&nbsp;



"Not only is it the largest fossilized spider to be found in Australia but it is the first fossil of the family Barychelidae that has been found worldwide," said Raven.&nbsp;



"There are around 300 species of brush-footed trapdoor spiders alive today, but they don't seem to become fossils very often. This could be because they spend so much time inside burrows and so aren't in the right environment to be fossilized."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovery-site">Discovery site</h2>



The spider fossil is now part of the Australian Museum’s palaeontology collection and is accessible online for research purposes, further facilitating the study of ancient arachnids. 



Interestingly, the discovery site, known as McGraths Flat near Gulgong, has also been identified as the location where a new fossilized jumping spider was recently found.



The research is published in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/zoolinnean/advance-article/doi/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad100/7274985">Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society</a>.



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Prehistoric trapdoor spider was five times bigger than its modern relatives

Scientists have recently discovered the massive fossil of a trapdoor...

The long-held belief that jellyfish are simple creatures with limited cognitive abilities has been dramatically overturned.&nbsp;



A new study from the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> reveals that Caribbean box jellyfish are far more advanced than previously thought, displaying complex learning abilities despite their rudimentary nervous systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-not-so-simple-nbsp">Not so simple&nbsp;</h2>



While jellyfish have inhabited our planet for over 500 million years, their reputation has mostly been that of uncomplicated beings.&nbsp;



This notion has been largely based on their primitive nervous systems, particularly when compared to organisms with advanced centralized <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nutrition-for-neurons-the-role-of-breast-milk-in-shaping-our-brains/">brains</a>. The research, however, challenges this perspective.



"It was once presumed that jellyfish can only manage the simplest forms of learning, including habituation – i.e., the ability to get used to a certain stimulation, such as a constant sound or constant touch," said study co-author Professor Anders Garm.



"Now, we see that jellyfish have a much more refined ability to learn, and that they can actually learn from their mistakes. And in doing so, modify their behavior."



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



The focus of this research was the Caribbean box jellyfish, Tripedalia cystophora. Despite having only about a thousand nerve cells, these jellyfish displayed sophisticated learning mechanisms that allowed them to adapt their behavior based on experiences. Remarkably, they achieve this advanced learning at a rate similar to that of fruit flies and mice.



The team's experiments highlighted how these jellyfish use visual contrasts to gauge their distance from mangrove roots, enabling them to avoid potential harm.&nbsp;



What's even more fascinating is their ability to adjust their behavior based on changes in contrast conditions due to various environmental factors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-associative-learning-nbsp">Associative learning&nbsp;</h2>



"Our experiments show that contrast, i.e., how dark the root is in relation to the water, is used by the jellyfish to assess distances to roots, which allows them to swim away at just the right moment. Even more interesting is that the relationship between distance and contrast changes on a daily basis due to rainwater, algae and wave action," said Professor Garm.



"We can see that as each new day of hunting begins, box jellyfish learn from the current contrasts by combining visual impressions and sensations during evasive maneuvers that fail."



"So, despite having a mere one thousand nerve cells – our brains have roughly 100 billion – they can connect temporal convergences of various impressions and learn a connection – or what we call associative learning. And they actually learn about as quickly as advanced animals like fruit flies and mice."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



This research is redefining our understanding of the capabilities of simple nervous systems. It presents the intriguing idea that advanced learning might have been a fundamental evolutionary advantage from the very inception of nervous systems.



"For fundamental neuroscience, this is pretty big news. It provides a new perspective on what can be done with a simple nervous system. This suggests that advanced learning may have been one of the most important evolutionary benefits of the nervous system from the very beginning," said Garm.



Further studies are now focusing on identifying the specific nerve cells responsible for this learning in jellyfish.&nbsp;



This knowledge could ultimately lead to a broader understanding about memory processes across different species and might even contribute to our comprehension of complex conditions like dementia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-supermodel-system-nbsp">A supermodel system&nbsp;</h2>



The research team has also shown where the learning is happening in these box jellyfish. This has given them the unique opportunity to study the precise changes that occur in a nerve cell when it is involved in advanced learning.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



"We hope that this can become a supermodel system for looking at cellular processes in the advanced learning of all sorts of animals," said Professor Garm.



"We are now in the process of trying to pinpoint exactly which cells are involved in learning and memory formation. Upon doing so, we will be able to go in and look at what structural and physiological changes occur in the cells as learning takes place."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-how-memory-works-nbsp">Learning how memory works&nbsp;</h2>



Professor Garm said that the team will eventually look for the same mechanisms in other animals, to see if this is how memory works in general.&nbsp;



"Understanding something as enigmatic and immensely complex as the brain is in itself an absolutely amazing thing. But there are unimaginably many useful possibilities."&nbsp;



"One major problem in the future will undoubtedly be various forms of dementia. I don’t claim that we are finding the cure for dementia, but if we can gain a better understanding of what memory is, which is a central problem in dementia, we may be able to lay a building block to better understand the disease and perhaps counteract it."



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.08.056" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Jellyfish can learn from past experiences - even without a central brain

The long-held belief that jellyfish are simple creatures with limited...

Lunar,Base,,Spatial,Outpost.,First,Settlement,On,The,Moon.,Space

China has recently expressed interest in the idea of constructing bases within lunar caves, as these environments may offer unique protections for astronauts stationed on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/man-in-the-moon-craters-are-200-million-years-older-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a>.&nbsp;



Lunar caves could provide valuable protection from a myriad of hazards such as cosmic and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-on-earth-may-have-been-kickstarted-by-a-stormy-and-active-sun/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar radiation</a>, meteorites, extreme temperature variations, and impact ejecta.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lava-tubes-nbsp">Lava tubes&nbsp;</h2>



The <a href="https://lunar.gsfc.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter</a> (LRO) has identified hundreds of lunar "skylights" - openings into lava tubes formed through ancient volcanic activity on the Moon’s surface.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-protection-nbsp">Natural protection&nbsp;</h3>



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/7-surprising-facts-you-didnt-know-about-lava-tubes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lava tubes</a>, or pyroducts, might exist in substantial sizes, potentially several hundred meters in diameter, offering significant space for establishing bases. Astronauts inside these tubes would benefit from the natural protection offered by the thick rock ceilings of these structures.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation">Formation</h3>



The formation of these lava tubes is attributed to the cooling of lava that once flowed across the lunar surface, leaving behind empty tubes after the molten material drained away.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pristine-environment-nbsp">Pristine environment&nbsp;</h3>



Although lunar volcanism's exact timeline remains uncertain, the tubes represent ancient, untouched structures, potentially providing a pristine environment for scientific exploration and habitation.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-regulation-nbsp">Temperature regulation&nbsp;</h3>



Temperature regulation is a crucial advantage of these lunar caves. The Moon experiences extreme temperature swings, with one side facing temperatures as high as 127°C (260°F) in sunlight and the dark side plummeting to -173°C (-280°F).&nbsp;



The steady-temperature environment within the lava tubes presents a more hospitable and manageable setting for both astronauts and their equipment.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-radiation">Radiation</h3>



Radiation on the lunar surface is about 150 times more powerful than on Earth, posing a severe risk to humans.&nbsp;



However, the several meters of rock overhead in the lunar caves can act as a substantial barrier, offering effective protection from this deadly hazard. The caves also minimize the risk of impacts from meteorites and other debris.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fieldwork-in-china">Fieldwork in China</h2>



At a conference, Zhang Chongfeng from the <a href="https://www.sast.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology</a> presented a study delving into the underground world of these lava tubes, according to state-run news outlet <a href="https://english.news.cn/20230925/6cde7085c8a949fb9c785af1858770f3/c.html">Xinhua</a>.



According to Zhang, his team has conducted fieldwork in several lava caves in China to build up their understanding of lunar lava tubes.



Zhang said there is a certain similarity between lava tubes on Earth and the Moon, explaining that they can be divided into the vertical entrance tube and the slope entrance tube.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robotic-exploration-nbsp">Robotic exploration&nbsp;</h2>



China plans to deploy robotic systems designed to explore lunar caves, starting with the one in Mare Tranquillitatis. The primary probe, equipped to navigate challenging terrains, will carry scientific instruments.&nbsp;



Auxiliary vehicles, designed to perform various functions including reconnaissance and providing energy support, will accompany the main probe. These might include multi-legged crawlers, rollers, and bouncing probes, all equipped with scientific instruments.



Plans are also underway for flight-capable robots that can autonomously navigate through the lunar tubes using microwave and laser radars.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-underground-research-base-nbsp">Underground research base&nbsp;</h2>



Following successful exploration missions, China envisions establishing a long-term underground research base within one of the lunar lava tubes. This base would incorporate residential and research facilities, supported by an energy and communication center at the entrance.



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



Though China has been somewhat reserved in sharing information about their space activities, it is evident that their space exploration endeavors are on the rise.&nbsp;



In Spring 2023, China announced plans to begin construction of a Moon base by 2028, though it is unclear whether this refers to a lunar lava tube base.&nbsp;



Ding Lieyun, a top scientist at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, told the China Science Daily: "Eventually, building habitation beyond the Earth is essential not only for all humanity's quest for space exploration but also for China's strategic needs as a space power."



In anticipation of future lunar missions, Chinese researchers have been actively studying various lunar regions, including Mare Tranquillitatis and Mare Fecunditatis, with a focus on their volcanic features and potential suitability for hosting lunar bases.



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China aims to use lunar caves to build an underground moon base

China has recently expressed interest in the idea of constructing...

NASA was recently forced to pause its examination of the Bennu asteroid samples that landed on Earth this week, following the discovery of unexplained black dust within the container.&nbsp;



The samples, originally gathered from the surface of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mission-prevent-earth-collision-asteroid-bennu-lands-utah/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroid Bennu</a> in 2020 during NASA’s <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/osiris-rex/">OSIRIS-REx</a> mission, made their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/osiris-rex-safely-delivers-rock-samples-from-asteroid-bennu-back-to-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">landing</a> in the Utah desert last Sunday.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unknown-substances-on-bennu-sample">Unknown substances on Bennu sample</h2>



Upon opening the canister, which held approximately eight ounces of debris, scientists discovered unknown substances on the Touch and Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM) located above the avionics deck.&nbsp;



A photograph taken by the scientists clearly showed that the interior of the silver lid was marked with black material. NASA announced that this dust is set for a preliminary analysis to verify whether it originates from asteroid Bennu.



“The TAGSAM, which holds the bulk of the sample, will be carefully opened in the coming weeks,”&nbsp;experts from NASA declared.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-securely-transferring-the-sample">Securely transferring the sample</h2>



The residue observed on the avionics deck, detected on Tuesday, is presumed to have originated during the collection process. NASA reported that this issue was resolved, enabling the secure transfer of the sample, but confirmation by scientists is pending.



Dante Lauretta, the OSIRIS-REx principal investigator, captured the image of the sample canister following the successful lid removal, adhering to the stipulated curation process.&nbsp;



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



The information acquired from the OSIRIS-REx mission is anticipated to enhance our understanding of potentially hazardous asteroids and contribute to future asteroid deflection strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-curation-facility-nbsp">Curation facility&nbsp;</h2>



For thorough examination and preservation, the asteroid samples are to be managed at a newly established curation facility. This facility is overseen by NASA’s <a href="https://ares.jsc.nasa.gov/">Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science</a> division (ARES), situated at the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/johnson/">Johnson Space Center</a> in Texas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-osiris-rex">OSIRIS-REx</h2>



Launching in 2016, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft embarked on a $1 billion mission, reaching Bennu in 2018 and collecting samples in 2020 using a vacuum-equipped arm. By the time it returned, the spacecraft had traversed four billion miles.&nbsp;



Despite entering the atmosphere at 27,650 mph, it was vital to prevent the sample from contamination, slowing it to 11 mph using a parachute.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recovery-mission-nbsp">Recovery mission&nbsp;</h2>



NASA orchestrated a meticulous recovery mission in Utah, involving helicopters and a temporary clean room.&nbsp;



The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft deposited the sample container into Earth’s orbit on Sunday before proceeding to its next destination.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-extraterrestrial-sample-nbsp">Large extraterrestrial sample&nbsp;</h2>



The retrieved pebbles and dust are the largest extraterrestrial sample since the lunar missions and offer invaluable insights into the formation of Earth and life, giving us “an extraordinary glimpse” into the past 4.5 billion years, according to NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bennu-nbsp">Bennu&nbsp;</h2>



Bennu, currently orbiting the sun 50 million miles away from Earth, is roughly the size of the Empire State Building.&nbsp;



The asteroid is a fragment of a larger space rock and is considered the most hazardous object in the Solar System due to its potential collision course with Earth, expected to come dangerously close to our planet in September 2182.&nbsp;



The observations and data from OSIRIS-REx will be instrumental in any future asteroid-deflection efforts. The spacecraft is now on course to reach asteroid Apophis in 2029.



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Mysterious black dust found on Bennu asteroid samples forces NASA to pause

NASA was recently forced to pause its examination of the...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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