Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a 9.5-mile section of Pangong Lake on the western end of the Tibetan Plateau. The image was captured on by a crew member onboard the International Space Station. 



“In this winter scene, a sheet of cracked ice tops part of the lake,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>. “On the left side, open water appears blue. Shallow water offshore of a delta, formed by a small, winding river, appears green."



"Parallel lines along the coastlines of bays are visible in the high-resolution version of this image. These lines indicate raised beaches, which formed in the past when lake levels were higher.”



NASA pointed out that several roads cut across the landscape, including one with switchbacks that ascends a steep slope. "These roads facilitate tourist travel from both India and China.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migratory-birds-at-pangong-lake-nbsp">Migratory birds at Pangong Lake&nbsp;</h2>



Pangong Lake and its surroundings are home to numerous bird species, particularly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-burn-unexpected-amounts-of-protein/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a>. Visitors can spot various waterfowl and waders that are rarely seen elsewhere.



“During the summer, species such as bar-headed geese and Brahminy ducks attract bird watchers to the lake, which is a major breeding ground for migrating birds,” said NASA.



Pangong Lake is one of the few places in India where the endangered black-necked crane is found during its breeding season. 



Ruddy shelduck and brown-headed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gulls-are-shifting-their-habitats-to-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gulls</a> are also frequently spotted around the lake. The ruddy shelduck is known for its striking orange-brown body and creamy white head, while the brown-headed gulls are often seen flying or swimming in the lake.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pangong-lake-nbsp">Pangong Lake&nbsp;</h2>



Pangong Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake situated in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperatures-are-rising-unexpectedly-fast-on-the-tibetan-plateau/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himalayas</a>, extending from India to the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. It is renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic setting, with the lake lying at an elevation of about 4,350 meters.



One of the most distinctive features of Pangong Lake is its changing colors, ranging from shades of blue to green and even red, influenced by the sky's reflection and the lake's mineral content.



This saline water lake is approximately 134 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide at its broadest point, despite its considerable size, it's relatively shallow.&nbsp;



The lake gained additional popularity after being featured in several Indian films, most notably the Bollywood hit "3 Idiots." Its remote location requires a permit for visitors, especially due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control between India and China. 



Despite the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding its location, Pangong Lake remains a favorite among tourists for its unparalleled natural beauty and serene environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-altitude-lakes">High-altitude lakes</h2>



High-altitude lakes are unique bodies of water found at elevations typically above 3,000 meters (about 10,000 feet) in mountain ranges like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/himalayan-glaciers-retreating-threat-is-much-worse-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himalayas</a>, Andes, and Rockies. 



These lakes are formed either by glacial activity, where glaciers erode the earth to create depressions that fill with melted snow and rainwater, or when natural dams created by landslides or moraines trap water in valleys.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-environments">Extreme environments</h3>



The conditions at high altitudes make these lakes distinct in several ways. The climate is typically colder and harsher, with significant temperature variations between day and night. 



This extreme environment affects both the physical characteristics of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lakes</a> and the types of ecosystems they support. For example, due to lower atmospheric pressure, the boiling point of water is reduced, which can affect the type of life that can survive in these regions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-habitats">Critical habitats</h3>



Biologically, high-altitude lakes often have limited biodiversity because only certain types of plants and animals can tolerate the cold temperatures and lower oxygen levels in the water. 



Despite this, these lakes are crucial habitats for some unique species of fish, birds, and other wildlife. They also serve as important indicators of climate change, as variations in their water levels and temperatures can reflect environmental shifts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-high-altitude-lakes">Significance of high-altitude lakes </h3>



Lakes at high altitudes are often clear and pristine, due to the low density of human populations in these areas and minimal industrial activity, making them significant for ecological studies and attractive for tourism. 



However, they are sensitive ecosystems, and increased tourist activity brings challenges like pollution and habitat disruption.



High-altitude lakes are not only beautiful and scientifically significant but also hold cultural importance for local communities, often considered sacred and associated with historical and spiritual significance.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Pangong Lake in the Himalayas

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Webb Images features an extraordinary view of Uranus, the seventh planet from the sun in our solar system. 



The photo reveals the rings, moons, and extreme seasons of the ice giant Uranus in unprecedented detail.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-north-polar-cap-nbsp">Dynamic north polar cap&nbsp;</h2>



“The Webb image exquisitely captures Uranus’s seasonal north polar cap, including the bright, white, inner cap and the dark lane in the bottom of the polar cap,” noted NASA.



Unlike Earth, where polar ice caps are formed by the freezing of water, Uranus's polar caps are thought to be primarily composed of a dense concentration of haze in the atmosphere.&nbsp;



The polar cap's haze is likely composed of methane particles. Methane in Uranus's atmosphere condenses into ice particles, which then create a thick haze that scatters sunlight, giving the polar cap its distinct bright appearance in visible and infrared light.



The polar cap is dynamic and changes over time. It becomes more prominent during the summer season of each pole. As Uranus moves along its orbit, the cap's appearance transforms, with the haze becoming thicker and brighter when the pole is in continuous sunlight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-zeta-ring-nbsp">The Zeta ring&nbsp;</h2>



The inner and outer rings of Uranus are visible in the image, including Zeta - the innermost ring which is the faintest and most difficult to observe.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-photo-of-uranus-and-its-rings-and-moons-captured-by-the-webb-telescope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rings of Uranus</a> are primarily composed of narrow bands of particles, likely made of water ice mixed with a dark material. These rings are distinct from those of Saturn in that they are much darker and narrower.



The faintness and characteristics of the Zeta ring make it a subject of interest in studies related to the dynamics and composition of planetary ring systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moons-of-uranus-nbsp">Moons of Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



The <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/multimedia/images/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Webb</a> photo also features nine of the planet’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-four-uranus-moons-may-have-oceans-that-are-miles-deep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moons</a>, which appear as blue dots surrounding the rings. 



“Clockwise starting at 2 o’clock, they are: Rosalind, Puck, Belinda, Desdemona, Cressida, Bianca, Portia, Juliet, and Perdita. The orbits of these moons share the 98-degree tilt of their parent planet relative to the plane of the solar system,” noted NASA.



Uranus has 27 known moons, and they are divided into three main groups based on their orbits: the inner moons, the major moons, and the irregular moons.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranus-moon-ariel-may-have-a-hidden-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moons</a> of Uranus are unique because they are named after characters from the works of William Shakespeare and Alexander Pope, rather than being named after figures from classical mythology, as is common for the moons of other planets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ice-giant-uranus-nbsp">The ice giant Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



Uranus is classified as an "ice giant" because, unlike the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn, which are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, Uranus has a significant proportion of "ices" in its composition.&nbsp;



In astronomical terms, ices refer to volatile substances like water, ammonia, and methane, which exist in solid or liquid forms at the low temperatures found in the outer solar system.



Uranus has a thick atmosphere of hydrogen and helium, but beneath that, it contains a large, dense mantle composed of these ices, along with rock and other heavier elements.&nbsp;



The term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diamond-rain-may-be-common-on-giant-icy-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice giant</a> differentiates Uranus (and Neptune, the other ice giant) from the larger gas giants, emphasizing the different chemical compositions and internal structures of these planets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-of-uranus-nbsp">Climate of Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



Uranus has a unique and extreme climate, largely influenced by its unusual tilt, which causes the planet to rotate almost on its side. This tilt leads to extreme seasonal variations, with each pole experiencing 42 years of continuous sunlight followed by 42 years of darkness.&nbsp;



Even though it is closer to the sun than Neptune, Uranus is the coldest planet in the solar system, with temperatures plunging to as low as -224°C (-371°F). The reason for this is not fully understood, but it might be due to an internal heat distribution anomaly.



Despite these frigid conditions, Uranus experiences intense weather patterns, including powerful storms and winds that can reach speeds of up to 900 kilometers per hour. These winds blow in the same direction as the planet’s rotation and are some of the fastest in the solar system.



Storms on Uranus are driven by its internal heat and the interaction of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranus-is-more-gassy-less-icy-than-we-ever-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric gases</a>. Observations have shown that these storms can be quite large, sometimes comparable in size to the Earth, and can last for several years.&nbsp;



The planet’s extreme axial tilt also means that the storms and weather patterns are highly variable, depending on the season. During equinoxes, when the Sun is directly over the equator, Uranus exhibits more storm activity compared to when the poles are pointed towards the Sun or away from it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-of-uranus">Observations of Uranus</h2>



“One day on Uranus is about 17 hours, so the planet’s rotation is relatively quick. This makes it supremely difficult for observatories with a sharp eye like Webb to capture one simple image of the entire planet - storms and other atmospheric features, and the planet’s moons, move visibly within minutes,” explained NASA.



“This image combines several longer and shorter exposures of this dynamic system to correct for those slight changes throughout the observing time.”



The first recorded observations of Uranus were made by John Flamsteed on December 13, 1690. However, Flamsteed mistakenly identified the planet as a star, which he named “34 Tauri."&nbsp;



It wasn't until March 13, 1781, that Uranus was officially identified as a planet by William Herschel. He initially thought he had discovered a comet, but further observations and calculations by other astronomers confirmed that it was a new planet, making Uranus the first planet discovered in modern history with the aid of a telescope.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI



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The ice giant Uranus in stunning detail

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Webb Images features...

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543), located about 3,300 light-years from Earth in the constellation Draco. 



The nebula's name comes from its eye-like appearance when viewed through a telescope. This particular image, which reveals the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/horsehead-nebula-webb-telescope-captured-unprecedented-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a> in stunning detail, was captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-nebulae-nbsp">Planetary nebulae&nbsp;</h2>



According to ESA, the Cat's Eye Nebula is one of the most complex planetary nebulae that has ever been discovered.



“A planetary nebula forms when Sun-like stars gently eject their outer gaseous layers to form bright nebulae with amazing twisted shapes," explained <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"Until recently, it was thought that shells around planetary nebulae were a rare phenomenon. However, astronomers have instead shown that these rings are likely to be the rule rather than the exception."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-appearance-of-the-cat-s-eye-nebula-nbsp">Appearance of the Cat's Eye Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



The central focus of the Cat's Eye is a hot, dying star that has shed its outer layers to form the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragons-egg-nebula-is-a-truly-stunning-sight-to-behold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a>. It is surrounded by concentric gas shells, jets of high-speed gas, and unusual shock-induced knots of gas.



“Although the rings may be the key to explaining the final ‘gasp’ of the dying central star, the mystery behind the Cat’s Eye Nebula’s nested ‘Russian doll’ structure remains largely unsolved,” noted ESA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rings-around-the-cat-s-eye">Rings around the Cat’s Eye</h2>



“This image, taken with Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS), reveals the full pattern of eleven or more concentric rings, or shells, around the Cat’s Eye. Each ‘ring’ is actually the edge of a spherical bubble seen projected onto the sky - which is why it appears bright along its outer edge.”



According to ESA, observations suggest that the star ejected its mass in a series of pulses at 1,500-year intervals. “These convulsions created dust shells that each contains as much mass as all of the planets in our solar system combined.”



Several explanations have been proposed for this phenomenon, including cycles of magnetic activity similar to our Sun's sunspot cycle, the influence of companion stars orbiting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dying-stars-may-be-a-source-of-gravitational-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dying star</a>, or stellar pulsations.&nbsp;



Another theory suggests that the material is ejected smoothly from the star, with the rings forming later due to the creation of waves in the outflowing material.



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extrasolar-ocean-planet-discovered-in-the-draco-constellation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Draco</a> is a constellation in the northern sky that represents a dragon. It's one of the largest constellations, winding between the Big and Little Dippers.&nbsp;



In Greek mythology, Draco is often identified as the dragon Ladon, who guarded the golden apples in the garden of the Hesperides.



Draco is a circumpolar constellation for most northern hemisphere observers, meaning it never sets below the horizon and can be seen all year round.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-famous-planetary-nebulae">Famous planetary nebulae </h2>



Planetary nebulae are some of the most beautiful and intriguing objects in the universe.&nbsp;



One of the most famous is the Ring Nebula, or M57, located in the constellation Lyra. This nebula is renowned for its nearly perfect ring shape, which is the result of a dying star shedding its outer layers.&nbsp;



Another well-known planetary nebula is the Helix Nebula, or NGC 7293, often referred to as the "Eye of God" due to its eye-like appearance. The Helix Nebula is one of the closest planetary nebulae to Earth, making it a popular target for amateur astronomers.&nbsp;



The Dumbbell Nebula, or M27, in the constellation Vulpecula, is another striking example. It is named for its resemblance to a dumbbell and is notable for being the first planetary nebula ever discovered, by Charles Messier in 1764.&nbsp;



The Butterfly Nebula, or NGC 6302, is located in the constellation Scorpius. Its name comes from its distinctive bipolar structure, resembling the wings of a butterfly. The nebula's central star is one of the hottest known, with a surface temperature of around 250,000 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;



Finally, the Eskimo Nebula, or NGC 2392, in the constellation Gemini, is known for its resemblance to a face surrounded by a fur parka, which gives it its name. Its intricate structure, including filaments and bubble-like shapes, makes it a fascinating object of study.&nbsp;



These nebulae not only captivate us with their beauty but also provide valuable insights into the life cycles of stars and the processes that shape our galaxy.



Image Credit: NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope



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Cat's Eye Nebula in the constellation Draco

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Southern Ring Nebula, also known as NGC 3132, located about 2,000 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Vela. This remarkably detailed image was created using data from Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam).



The Southern Ring Nebula is one of the more famous examples of planetary nebulae, often studied for its beauty and valuable insights into the end stages of stellar evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stars-power-the-southern-ring-nebula">Stars power the Southern Ring Nebula </h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragons-egg-nebula-is-a-truly-stunning-sight-to-behold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a> is powered by two central stars in a binary system. The brighter star in visible light is actually a less massive companion, while the fainter, dimmer star is the dying, hot central star that has shed its outer layers to form the nebula. This star is a white dwarf and is responsible for the ionization of the gas in the nebula, causing it to glow.



“The bright star at the center of NGC 3132, while prominent when viewed by NASA’s Webb Telescope in near-infrared light, plays a supporting role in sculpting the surrounding nebula. A second star, barely visible at lower left along one of the bright star’s diffraction spikes, is the nebula’s source. It has ejected at least eight layers of gas and dust over thousands of years,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“But the bright central star visible here has helped ‘stir’ the pot, changing the shape of this planetary nebula’s highly intricate rings by creating turbulence. The pair of stars are locked in a tight orbit, which leads the dimmer star to spray ejected material in a range of directions as they orbit one another, resulting in these jagged rings.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-characteristics-of-the-southern-ring-nebula-nbsp">Key characteristics of the Southern Ring Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



The Southern Ring Nebula displays a complex structure with multiple layers of gas and dust. The outer shells of the nebula consist of hydrogen and other elements that were ejected from the dying star in previous stages of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-stellar-objects-observing-the-early-lives-of-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>.&nbsp;These layers are illuminated by ultraviolet radiation from the central white dwarf.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coloration">Coloration</h3>



The colors seen in the Southern Ring Nebula come from the different gases present. For example, hydrogen emits red light, while oxygen emits blue-green light. These colors help astronomers study the composition and dynamics of the nebula.



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



The nebula spans about half a light-year in diameter. Its intricate, symmetrical structure provides valuable insights into the late stages of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-collapse-black-hole-instead-of-supernova-vanish-from-sky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stellar evolution</a>, especially the processes involved in the shedding of outer layers by dying stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spotlights-from-the-bright-star">Spotlights from the bright star</h2>



ESA noted that hundreds of straight, brightly-lit lines pierce through the rings of gas and dust. “These ‘spotlights’ emanate from the bright star and stream through holes in the nebula like sunlight through gaps in a cloud.



“But not all of the starlight can escape. The density of the central region, set off in teal, is reflected by how transparent or opaque it is. Areas that are a deeper teal indicate that the gas and dust are denser - and light is unable to break free.”



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



According to ESA, this is not only a crisp image of a planetary nebula - it also shows us objects in the vast distances of space behind it. The transparent red sections of the nebula are filled with distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-have-hearts-and-lungs-that-help-them-live-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>.



“Look for the bright angled line at the upper left. It is not starlight - it is a faraway galaxy seen edge-on. Distant spirals, of many shapes and colors, also dot the scene. Those that are farthest away - or very dusty - are small and red,” said ESA.



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



Vela is a southern constellation that represents the sails of a ship. It was once part of a larger constellation called Argo Navis, which depicted the ship of the mythological hero Jason and the Argonauts. In the 18th century, Argo Navis was divided into three separate constellations: Vela (the sails), Carina (the keel), and Puppis (the stern).



Vela is notable for containing several interesting astronomical features. One of its most prominent stars is Gamma Velorum, also known as Suhail or Regor, which is a bright, massive star system consisting of multiple stars.&nbsp;



The constellation also hosts the Vela Supernova Remnant, the remains of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> explosion that occurred about 11,000 years ago. This remnant is associated with the Vela Pulsar, a neutron star formed from the supernova explosion, which is one of the brightest pulsars in the sky.



Vela is best observed in the Southern Hemisphere, where it can be seen in the summer months, though it is partially visible in the Northern Hemisphere as well. Its position along the Milky Way makes it a popular region for both amateur and professional astronomers to explore.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI



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Southern Ring Nebula in the constellation Vela 

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features Harrat Khaybar, one of the largest volcanic fields in Saudi Arabia. This extensive lava field, which covers 5,400 square-miles, was formed by eruptions over the last five million years.



“According to the Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program, the volcanic field is still active, and eight lava flows are less than 1,500 years old. The last known eruption was reported in Harrat Khaybar in the 7th century,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



A couple of the youngest volcanic vents in Harrat Khaybar can be seen in this <a href="https://eoimages.gsfc.nasa.gov/images/imagerecords/152000/152839/harratkhaybar_oli2_20240425_lrg.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">image</a>, which was captured by the OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jabal-qidr-nbsp">Jabal Qidr&nbsp;</h2>



“These volcanoes resulted from different eruptive styles: Jabal Qidr is a stratovolcano (or composite cone); Jabal Abyad is a felsic dome; and Jabal Bayda is a tuff cone,” explained NASA.



“Jabal Qidr, in the northern part of the volcanic field, is built from several generations of dark, basaltic lava flows. Qidr has a 400-meter-diameter summit crater and exhibits the textbook cone shape of a stratovolcano. This is the only stratovolcano in the harrats of western Saudi Arabia.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jabal-abyad-nbsp">Jabal Abyad&nbsp;</h2>



Visible in the center of the image, Jabal Abyad was formed from a more viscous, silica-rich lava classified as rhyolite, noted NASA.



"While Jabal Qidr exhibits the cone shape of a stratovolcano, Jabal Abyad is a lava dome - a rounded mass of thicker, more solidified lava flows. Abyad’s dome reaches over 2,090 meters above sea level, the highest elevation amongst all the surrounding harrats.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jabal-bayda-nbsp">Jabal Bayda&nbsp;</h2>



To the west of Jabal Abyad is Jabal Bayda, a tuff cone <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-aspect-of-volcanic-eruptions-observed-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcano</a> with a much larger summit crater measuring 1,400 meters in diameter, stated NASA.



"Tuff cones form from the interaction of rising magma with water. When heated rapidly by lava, water turns to steam and expands violently, fragmenting the lava into plumes of very fine grains of ash.”



In Arabic, abyad and bayda are the masculine and feminine words for “white.” The lighter color of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/mount-erebus-breaks-through-the-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountains</a> is associated with lava that has high silica content. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-harrat-khaybar-nbsp">More about Harrat Khaybar&nbsp;</h2>



One of the notable features of Harrat Khaybar is its striking contrast between the black basaltic lava fields and white-colored rhyolitic lava domes. This contrast creates a visually stunning terrain, with some areas of the field resembling a lunar or Martian landscape.



Harrat Khaybar is part of a larger series of harrats, or lava fields, which are prevalent in the Arabian Peninsula. The largest of these volcanic fields is Harrat Rahat, which stretches over 20,000 square kilometers.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/volcanic-eruptions-play-an-overlooked-role-in-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic activity</a> in Harrat Khaybar began millions of years ago and has continued into relatively recent times, with the last known eruptions occurring several thousand years ago.



The field is also notable for its archaeological sites, including ancient rock art, which provide insights into the early human habitation of the area. 



The harsh environment of Harrat Khaybar has shaped both the natural ecosystem and the human activities throughout its history, making it a place of interest not only for volcanologists but also for archaeologists and ecologists.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-activity-in-saudi-arabia">Volcanic activity in Saudi Arabia </h2>



Saudi Arabia, despite being more commonly associated with vast deserts, has a surprising history of volcanic activity.



Volcanic eruptions have occurred over the past few thousand years, with the most recent major eruption occurring in the year 1256. That eruption, from a series of fissures, sent lava flowing towards the city of Medina, but it stopped before reaching the urban area. Historical records document the panic that followed, as people feared the destruction of the city.



While there hasn't been a significant eruption since, there are still signs of geothermal activity, such as hot springs and occasional minor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-music-will-yellowstones-seismic-activity-produce/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seismic activity</a>. 



Researchers monitor the volcanic fields for any signs of future eruptions, though none are currently expected. Despite the long periods of dormancy, Saudi Arabia's volcanic landscape remains an important part of the country's natural history.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Harrat Khaybar: An active lava field in Saudi Arabia

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Wapiti Fire in central Idaho, which was ignited by lightning on July 24, 2024.&nbsp;



More than a month later, the fire continues to devastate areas across the Boise, Sawtooth, and Salmon-Challis National Forests.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explosive-fire-activity">Explosive fire activity</h2>



In its first month, the Wapiti Fire burned about 9,000 acres. It has now grown twelve times larger, burning more than 108,000 acres.



“Fire activity ramped up in late August, expanding its footprint to over 100,000 acres (400 square kilometers) by early September. The Wapiti fire, as well as the Middle Fork Complex fires burning nearby, have spurred evacuation orders and highway and public lands closures,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153274/wildland-fires-scorch-idaho-wilderness" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



By September 3rd, the Wapiti Fire was 2% contained, with firefighting efforts heavily focused on protecting nearby structures and communities, particularly around Stanley and Lowman.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unpredictable-behavior-of-the-wapiti-fire-nbsp">Unpredictable behavior of the Wapiti Fire&nbsp;</h2>



The fire's behavior has been unpredictable, intensifying during periods of unstable weather, especially when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thunderstorms-are-becoming-more-intense-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thunderstorms</a> with strong winds have passed through. This has made containment difficult and forced the evacuation of multiple areas, including the communities along Idaho Highway 21.&nbsp;



Efforts to manage the fire include using air tankers to drop fire retardant and creating containment lines to prevent further spread. However, the fire continues to threaten homes and critical infrastructure, with many structures already lost. 



Local authorities have emphasized the importance of residents being prepared for evacuation, advising them to gather essential documents and possessions in advance.



The fire has led to the closure of vast sections of national forest land, with restrictions expected to remain in place until at least the end of the year, depending on the fire's progression.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intensity-of-the-wapiti-fire-nbsp">Intensity of the Wapiti Fire&nbsp;</h2>



According to media reports, the intensity of the Wapiti Fire can be largely attributed to certain types of vegetation in the area that rapidly fuel fire. The main fuel in this case is timber in forests that already have “60-80% tree mortality from insects and disease,” 



To make matters worse, the Wapiti Fire is burning in areas that are difficult to reach. The fire is located in steep and rugged terrain within the Boise National Forest that is challenging for firefighting crews to access. The difficult terrain and limited access routes have greatly complicated firefighting efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lightning-caused-wildfires-nbsp">Lightning-caused wildfires&nbsp;</h2>



Lightning is often responsible for igniting large, destructive fires, particularly in remote and forested areas. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-in-siberia-are-a-growing-global-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a> occur when a lightning strike, typically from dry thunderstorms, ignites dry vegetation like grass, leaves, or trees.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-contributing-factors">Contributing factors</h3>



The intensity and frequency of these wildfires are influenced by several factors, including the amount of available dry fuel, the local climate, and the specific characteristics of the lightning strike itself, such as its intensity and duration.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-western-united-states-nbsp">Western United States&nbsp;</h3>



In some regions, like the western United States, lightning is responsible for the majority of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-threaten-environmental-gains-in-the-amazon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>, especially during the summer months when thunderstorms are more common. These fires can spread rapidly, driven by winds and the availability of dry fuel, making them difficult to control.&nbsp;



Lightning-caused wildfires can also lead to the formation of large fire complexes, where multiple fires merge into one, further complicating firefighting efforts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-role">Ecological role</h3>



Interestingly, while lightning-caused wildfires can be destructive, they also play a crucial role in certain ecosystems. These fires can help to clear out dead vegetation, promote new growth, and maintain the health of fire-adapted ecosystems.&nbsp;



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



The future of fire weather is deeply concerning, as climate change is expected to significantly worsen the conditions that lead to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-wildfires-of-2023-were-a-global-environmental-setback/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildfires</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-climate-paradox">The climate paradox</h2>



As global temperatures rise, the atmosphere will hold more moisture, but paradoxically, many regions will experience more intense and prolonged droughts. This will dry out <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/increased-co2-is-making-wildfires-more-severe-and-frequent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation</a>, turning forests and grasslands into tinderboxes ready to ignite.&nbsp;



Additionally, higher temperatures will increase the likelihood of extreme heat waves, which can further desiccate landscapes and create the perfect conditions for fires to spread rapidly and uncontrollably.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-precipitation-patterns-nbsp">Changing precipitation patterns&nbsp;</h3>



Another factor influencing fire weather is changing precipitation patterns. While some areas might experience more rain, others will become drier, with rain increasingly falling in intense, short bursts rather than steady, prolonged periods. This leads to rapid runoff, reducing soil moisture and leaving the ground dry and more susceptible to fire. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wind-events-nbsp">Wind events&nbsp;</h3>



The intensity and frequency of wind events, driven by shifting atmospheric patterns, are also expected to increase, which can fan the flames of wildfires, causing them to spread more quickly and making them harder to control.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extended-fire-seasons">Extended fire seasons</h3>



In the future, fire seasons will likely become longer, and fires will grow in both size and intensity. Regions that have historically been less prone to wildfires may begin to see more frequent fire events as their climates change.&nbsp;



The combination of these factors will make managing wildfires more challenging, putting greater pressure on firefighting resources and leading to increased risks to human life, property, and ecosystems. 



The future of fire weather is a harsh reminder of the broader impacts of climate change, and the urgent need to adapt to our new reality.



The Wapiti Fire image was captured on August 31, 2024 by the OLI (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 8.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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

Wapiti Fire in Idaho: Unpredictable and difficult to contain

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



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



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



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



NASA's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-horizons-ultima-thule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Horizons</a> spacecraft was launched in 2006 in order to observe the surfaces of outer solar system bodies up close for the first time in our history. The spacecraft successfully completed a flyby of the Pluto system (2015), and later on (2019)&nbsp; it made a flyby of one of the Kuiper Belt objects, (486958) Arrokoth.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Mysterious objects spotted in the outer solar system beyond Pluto

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

The ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission has successfully completed its fourth of six scheduled gravity-assist flybys of Mercury, capturing impressive images of two notable impact craters. 



By utilizing Mercury's gravitational pull, the spacecraft is fine-tuning its trajectory to eventually enter Mercury’s orbit in November 2026.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bepicolombo-mission-to-mercury">BepiColombo mission to Mercury</h2>



BepiColombo made its closest pass to Mercury at 23:48 CEST (21:48 UTC) on September 4, 2024, coming within just 165 kilometers of the planet’s surface. 



For the first time, this flyby provided the spacecraft with a clear view of Mercury's south pole.



“The main aim of the flyby was to reduce BepiColombo’s speed relative to the Sun, so that the spacecraft has an orbital period around the Sun of 88 days, very close to the orbital period of Mercury,” said Frank Budnik, BepiColombo Flight Dynamics Manager.&nbsp;



“In this regard, it was a huge success, and we are right where we wanted to be at this moment. But it also gave us the chance to take photos and carry out science measurements, from locations and perspectives that we will never reach once we are in orbit.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viewing-mercury-from-different-angles">Viewing Mercury from different angles</h2>



Three monitoring cameras onboard the <a href="https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/bepicolombo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spacecraft</a> captured unique views of Mercury from different angles. 



BepiColombo approached the planet from the “nightside,” where the surface of Mercury gradually became illuminated by the Sun as the flyby continued. 



M-CAM 2 delivered the clearest views of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-there-life-on-mercury-possibly-in-the-planets-craters-study-reveals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet</a>, while M-CAM 3 also captured an impressive image of a newly named impact crater.



M-CAMs 2 and 3 have now been powered down, but M-CAM 1 will continue photographing Mercury until about midnight, giving one last view of the planet as it recedes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dramatic-images-of-mercury-s-craters">Dramatic images of Mercury's craters</h2>



A few minutes after its closest approach, BepiColombo spotted a large “peak ring basin” - a crater formed by the impact of an asteroid or comet. 



These craters, ranging from 130 to 330 kilometers across, are defined by their inner ring of peaks.



One such crater is Vivaldi, named after the renowned Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/BepiColombo_Mercury-image2_fourth-flyby_annotated_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/BepiColombo_Mercury-image2_fourth-flyby_annotated_ESA_1s.webp" alt="The sunlit part of Mercury comes into view at the top right of this image, taken at 23:54 CEST on 4 September 2024 as the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission sped by for its fourth of six gravity assist maneuvers at the planet. Credit: ESA" class="wp-image-1944075"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The sunlit part of Mercury comes into view at the top right of this image, taken at 23:54 CEST on 4 September 2024 as the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission sped by for its fourth of six gravity assist maneuvers at the planet. Credit: ESA</figcaption></figure>



The crater spans 210 kilometers, and because BepiColombo observed it near the planet's sunrise line, shadows dramatically highlighted its features. 



A visible break in the peak ring shows where lava flows have recently entered and filled the crater.



Shortly after, another notable peak ring basin came into view. This one, 155 kilometers in diameter, was recently named Stoddart after New Zealand artist Margaret Olrog Stoddart.



“When we were planning for this flyby, we saw that this crater would be visible and decided it would be worth naming due to its potential interest for BepiColombo scientists in the future,” said David Rothery, member of the BepiColombo M-CAM imaging team.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mercury-s-peak-ring-basins">Mercury's peak ring basins</h2>



Mercury’s peak ring basins remain a subject of curiosity, with many questions still unanswered about their formation. 



The peaks within 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">craters</a> are believed to have been created by a rebound process during the impact, but scientists are still unclear about how deep these materials originated.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/BepiColombo_Mercury-image1_fourth-flyby_annotated_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/BepiColombo_Mercury-image1_fourth-flyby_annotated_ESA_1s.webp" alt="Mercury is receding into the distance in this image taken by the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission in the early hours of 5 September 2024 as the spacecraft sped by for its fourth of six gravity assist maneuvers at the planet. Credit: ESA" class="wp-image-1944073"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mercury is receding into the distance in this image taken by the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission in the early hours of 5 September 2024 as the spacecraft sped by for its fourth of six gravity assist maneuvers at the planet. Credit: ESA</figcaption></figure>



Additionally, many of Mercury’s basins, including Vivaldi and Stoddart, have been partially filled by lava flows long after the impacts. Stoddart’s crater, for instance, shows traces of a smaller 16-kilometer crater beneath the newer lava layer.



These peak ring basins are a top priority for further study once BepiColombo begins its detailed survey of Mercury with its full array of scientific instruments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-the-scars-of-billions-of-years">Observing the scars of billions of years</h2>



The images taken during this flyby, from BepiColombo's closest pass to date, provide a fascinating look at Mercury’s surface. 



These shots reveal the scars of billions of years of impacts by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-would-happen-small-asteroid-hit-earth-nasa-ai-simulation-found-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">asteroids</a> and comets, offering clues about the planet's history and its role in the broader evolution of the Solar System.



It’s important to remember, however, that these photos were an added bonus. The M-CAMs are not intended for studying Mercury but were designed to monitor the spacecraft during critical phases, such as after launch.&nbsp;



They produce black-and-white images at a resolution of 1024x1024 pixels. BepiColombo’s main science camera is protected during its journey to Mercury and will capture much higher-resolution images once the spacecraft enters orbit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-the-bepicolombo-mission-nbsp">Future of the BepiColombo mission&nbsp;</h2>



By 2027, BepiColombo’s primary science mission will begin. The mission's full suite of instruments will then reveal much more about Mercury, uncovering details that are currently invisible to us, and helping scientists better understand the planet’s origin and its proximity to the Sun.



Meanwhile, science is already underway. Most of BepiColombo’s instruments were activated during the flyby to measure Mercury’s magnetic field, plasma, and particle environment. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/BepiColombo_fourth_Mercury_flyby_graphic_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/BepiColombo_fourth_Mercury_flyby_graphic_ESA_1s.webp" alt="Graphic explaining BepiColumbo's fourth Mercury flyby. Credit: ESA" class="wp-image-1944071"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Graphic explaining BepiColumbo's fourth Mercury flyby. Credit: ESA</figcaption></figure>



These data are crucial, as they come from regions that the spacecraft won’t be able to access once it is in orbit.



BepiColombo comprises two scientific orbiters: ESA’s Mercury Planetary Orbiter and JAXA’s Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter. These orbiters are being transported to Mercury by the Mercury Transfer Module.&nbsp;



Even though the spacecraft is in a “stacked” configuration during this cruise phase, preventing full operation of many instruments, scientists can still gather valuable data and prepare the instruments for the mission’s main phase.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solving-the-mysteries-of-mercury-nbsp">Solving the mysteries of Mercury&nbsp;</h2>



“BepiColombo is only the third space mission to visit Mercury, making it the least-explored planet in the inner <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-delicate-balance-of-our-solar-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Solar System</a>, partly because it is so difficult to get to,” said Jack Wright, an ESA research fellow, planetary scientist, and M-CAM imaging team coordinator.



“It is a world of extremes and contradictions, so I dubbed it the ‘Problem Child of the Solar System’ in the past. The images and science data collected during the flybys offer a tantalizing prelude to BepiColombo's orbital phase, where it will help to solve Mercury's outstanding mysteries.”



The fourth flyby is just one step in BepiColombo’s journey. The spacecraft is now on course for its fifth and sixth flybys of Mercury, scheduled for December 1, 2024, and January 8, 2025. 



Each flyby brings BepiColombo closer to Mercury’s orbit around the Sun.



After the sixth flyby, the BepiColombo flight control team will return to a regular cruise phase until the spacecraft finally enters orbit around Mercury in November 2026.



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BepiColombo mission captures Mercury in unprecedented detail

The ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission has successfully completed its fourth of...

A breakthrough filtration system developed by MIT researchers offers hope for removing harmful "forever chemicals" -- dangerous pollutants that have plagued water supplies globally for decades.



These long-lasting pollutants, known as PFAS, persist in the environment and have contaminated water sources worldwide.



A recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control found that 98% of people tested had detectable levels of PFAS in their bloodstream, highlighting the severity of the contamination.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-troublesome-scale-of-pfas-contamination">Troublesome scale of PFAS contamination</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/skiers-are-spreading-pfas-forever-chemicals-around-the-worlds-mountains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PFAS chemicals</a> are present in a wide array of products, including cosmetics, food packaging, water-resistant clothing, firefighting foams, and nonstick cookware. 



In the U.S. alone, an estimated 57,000 sites are contaminated with these chemicals.



According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the cost of remediation to meet regulations limiting PFAS to less than 7 parts per trillion in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/epa-reveals-new-evidence-of-forever-chemicals-in-drinking-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">drinking water</a> could reach $1.5 billion annually.



Contamination by PFAS and similar compounds “is actually a very big deal, and current solutions may only partially resolve this problem very efficiently or economically,” noted Yilin Zhang, a postdoctoral researcher at MIT. “That’s why we came up with this protein and cellulose-based, fully natural solution."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-accidental-discovery">An accidental discovery </h2>



Researchers at the <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a>, led by Zhang and Professor Benedetto Marelli, have developed a new filtration material made from natural silk and cellulose.



This hybrid material shows great promise in removing persistent PFAS compounds and heavy metals from water while offering antimicrobial properties to reduce filter fouling. 



The research is published in ACS Nano and includes contributions from MIT postdocs Hui Sun, Meng Li, graduate student Maxwell Kalinowski, and recent graduate Yunteng Cao, who is now a postdoc at Yale.



“We came to the project by chance,” noted Marelli. Initially, the technology was developed for an unrelated purpose -- to create a labeling system to counter the spread of counterfeit seeds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hybrid-material-with-distinct-properties">Hybrid material with distinct properties </h2>



The team devised a method of processing silk proteins into uniform nanoscale crystals, known as nanofibrils, using an environmentally friendly water-based method at room temperature.



Zhang hypothesized that these silk nanofibrils might be effective at filtering contaminants, but early attempts with silk alone were unsuccessful. 



The team decided to try adding cellulose, a readily available material derived from agricultural wood pulp waste.



By integrating cellulose into the silk-based nanofibrils and tuning the electrical charge, they developed a hybrid material with distinct properties, including remarkable contaminant removal and antimicrobial capabilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-water-filtration-contender">New water filtration contender</h2>



“These materials can really compete with the current standard materials in water filtration when it comes to extracting metal ions and these emerging contaminants, and they can also outperform some of them currently,” noted Marelli.



Lab tests demonstrated that the hybrid materials can remove contaminants more effectively than standard materials like activated carbon.



The team’s findings could serve as a proof of concept for larger-scale applications. As Zhang suggests, the material could first be used as a point-of-use filter, such as an attachment for kitchen faucets. 



Eventually, it could be scaled up for municipal water filtration, pending thorough testing to ensure no risks of <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/detecting-mercury-contamination-with-the-tap-of-a-finger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contamination</a>.



One significant advantage of the material, said Zhang, is that both silk and cellulose are food-grade substances, making harmful contamination highly unlikely. 



“Most of the normal materials available today are focusing on one class of contaminants or solving single problems,” noted Zhang. “I think we are among the first to address all of these simultaneously.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advanced-water-filtration-systems">Advanced water filtration systems</h2>



While this discovery is a promising first step, the team is already working on improving the material’s durability and exploring alternative protein sources to ensure scalability. 



Enhancing the material’s lifespan and resistance to wear will be crucial for its widespread application in real-world <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/destroying-microplastics-tap-water-surprisingly-simple-solution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water filtration systems</a>, especially in regions with heavily <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-drinking-water-often-contains-unsafe-levels-of-toxic-contaminants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contaminated water</a> sources.



According to Marelli, while silk proteins can be sourced as a byproduct of the silk textile industry, alternatives may offer lower-cost, more abundant solutions for global water filtration needs.



Therefore, alternatives such as plant-based or synthetic proteins are being considered, which could offer lower-cost, more abundant solutions for global water filtration needs without compromising performance or sustainability. 



These alternative materials could also help expand the technology's reach, ensuring that even regions with fewer resources can benefit from advanced filtration systems.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.4c07409" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Nano</a>.



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New filtration system removes 98% of PFAS "forever chemicals" from water

A breakthrough filtration system developed by MIT researchers offers hope...

Researchers are transforming how we visualize internal organs by rendering overlying skin tissues "invisible." Using a common food dye (with minor alterations), the experts have developed a new way to see organs by making the skin transparent to visible light.



This innovative approach holds the potential to revolutionize medical diagnostics, enabling doctors to more effectively locate injuries, monitor digestive disorders, and identify cancers with unprecedented clarity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dye-for-transparent-skin-imaging">Dye for transparent skin imaging </h2>



The process, involving the topical application of a food-safe dye, was tested on animal subjects and showed promise in a wide range of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/medical-breakthrough-new-vaccine-may-prevent-alzheimers-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medical</a> applications. 



"Looking forward, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neuromorphic-computing-where-ai-meets-human-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">technology</a> could make veins more visible for drawing blood, simplify laser-based tattoo removal, or assist in early cancer detection and treatment," noted Dr. Guosong Hong, one of the lead researchers at <a href="https://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="1e6oCDTz13-3844410-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-the-field-of-optics">Insights from the field of optics</h2>



To develop this technique, the researchers investigated how light interacts with biological tissues containing dyes. They predicted how refractive indices, which dictate how light bends and scatters, could be manipulated to render tissues transparent.



The research built on fundamental insights from the field of optics, including the Kramers-Kronig relations and Lorentz oscillation - concepts that are documented in textbooks from the 1970s and 1980s.



Graduate researcher Nick Rommelfanger was among the first to connect the dots between these optical theories and their applications in visible light, working under an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. 



Rommelfanger's work was instrumental in identifying tartrazine (FD &amp; C Yellow 5) as a key dye for the process. 



"We realized that the same modifications that make materials transparent to microwaves could be tailored for the visible spectrum with potential applications in medicine," noted Rommelfanger.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-the-optical-properties-of-dyes">Testing the optical properties of dyes</h2>



In lab tests, the researchers applied a temporary tartrazine solution to mice, rendering the skin transparent and revealing the intricate network of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-ever-3d-map-of-human-brain-created-by-harvard-and-google/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blood vessels in the brain</a>, as well as the abdomen's internal movements.



Once rinsed, the transparency effect faded with no long-term consequences. The team speculates that injecting the dye might provide even deeper visibility within organisms.



Zihao Ou, the study’s lead author, directed the experimental phase of the research. "We ordered a range of strong dyes and meticulously evaluated each for its optical properties," said Ou.



One key tool in the evaluation process was an ellipsometer, a piece of equipment typically used in semiconductor manufacturing but critical in predicting the optical properties of the dyes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tissue-transparency-breakthrough">Tissue transparency breakthrough</h2>



<a href="https://www.nsf.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Science Foundation</a> Program Officer Richard Nash emphasized the importance of accessible advanced research facilities.



"While a basic workhorse such as an ellipsometer would rarely make headlines, it plays a crucial role when deployed for atypical uses like this," said Nash.



Dr. Hong highlighted the role that funding played in the success of the project, especially during the pandemic.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/skin-tissue_made-transparent_illustration_credit-NSF_1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/skin-tissue_made-transparent_illustration_credit-NSF_1s.webp" alt="Illustration of skin tissues rendered transparent following saturation by FD &amp; C Yellow 5. Credit: NSF" class="wp-image-1944056"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Illustration of skin tissues rendered transparent following saturation by FD &amp; C Yellow 5. Credit: NSF</figcaption></figure>



"NSF’s support was instrumental in enabling us to continue our work during the most challenging times," said Dr. Hong. "The flexibility and encouragement provided by the NSF grants allowed us to explore new, uncharted territories in the field."



As an optics researcher, NSF Program Officer Adam Wax expressed amazement at the research team’s novel application of fundamental physics. 



"This team has used the Kramers-Kronig relationship in an exciting new way, showing how a strongly absorbing dye can make skin transparent," said Wax. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-frontier-in-skin-imaging">A new frontier in skin imaging</h2>



This breakthrough in skin transparency could lead to applications in biology and medicine, ranging from more efficient diagnostic imaging to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/better-cancer-tests-produce-better-cancer-treatments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">improved cancer treatments</a>.



As Dr. Hong’s lab continues to explore this exciting new field, the future of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-diagnose-diseases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medical imaging</a> looks remarkably clear.



However, it is important to note that this technique of transparent imaging tissues with dye has not yet been tested on humans. 



The use of dyes in medical applications must always follow strict safety guidelines, and they should never be consumed or applied (to people or animals) without proper medical supervision.



Video Credit: Keyi "Onyx" Li/U.S. National Science Foundation



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adm6869" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Common food dye makes skin 'invisible' for medical imaging

Researchers are transforming how we visualize internal organs by rendering...

Ever had that moment when you throw a rock into a pond and observe the ripples moving away from the spot? Now, imagine something similar happening, but on a much bigger scale -- in space. That's what happened when NASA's DART spacecraft made history by altering the path of a gigantic space rock hurling through the cosmos.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dart-mission-and-human-made-meteors">DART mission and human-made meteors</h2>



In 2022, DART made more than just ripples, it made waves of debris in space. It strategically collided with the Dimorphos asteroid, causing a ripple effect that shifted its orbit around its larger sibling, the Didymos asteroid.



The interaction didn't just stop there. The impact kicked up an astronomical dust storm, a cloud of debris that may soon become a tad bit personal for us Earthlings and our rusty neighbor, Mars. 



The most recent models suggest that some of the smaller meteoroids from this debris might make their way to both Earth and Mars.



Not to worry, though. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turning-moon-soil-lunar-regolith-space-debris-into-building-materials/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">debris</a> shower won't be disastrous, but rather a sight to behold, quite safely from our terrains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-defense-collaboration">Planetary defense collaboration </h2>



With a diameter of about 160 meters, the small moon Dimorphos orbits the larger body Didymos in what is known as a binary asteroid system. 



The DART <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/dart/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spacecraft</a>, or the Double Asteroid Redirect Test, made contact with Dimorphos on September 26, 2022.



The outcome? A significant shortening of Dimorphos' orbit around Didymos by half an hour. It was the first act in an international planetary defense collaboration - a literal game-changer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hera-will-investigate-further">Hera will investigate further</h2>



Now, who's going to clean up this mess? Enter ESA's <a href="https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/Hera" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hera spacecraft</a>. Scheduled for launch this October, Hera will reach Dimorphos for a close-up "crash scene investigation," following the DART mission's impact.



"The DART impact offers a rare opportunity to investigate the delivery of ejecta to other celestial bodies, thanks to the fact that we know the impact location and that this impact was observed by the Italian LICIACube deployed from DART as well as by Earth-based observers," said ESA Hera mission scientist and co-author of this exciting development, Michael Kueppers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-will-dart-debris-reach-earth">Will DART debris reach Earth?</h2>



To understand how the debris from the Dimorphos impact might reach us, it's essential to assess its speed. 



“Our results indicate the possibility of ejecta reaching the gravitational field of Mars in 13 years for launch velocities around 450 m/s, while faster ejecta launched at 770 m/s could reach its vicinity in just seven years," explained Eloy Peña-Asensio, lead author of the study.



"Particles moving above 1.5 km/s could reach the Earth-Moon system in a similar timescale.”



However, whether the debris would indeed make it to Mars or Earth is subject to several factors. In essence, the location of the debris in the impact plume plays a deciding role.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-human-made-meteor-shower">First "human-made meteor shower"</h2>



“In the coming decades, meteor observation campaigns will be crucial in determining whether fragments of Dimorphos, resulting from the DART impact, will reach our planet. If this happens, we will witness the first human-made meteor shower,” noted Peña-Asensio.



As for the consequential meteoroids, the largest ones would likely be about the size of a softball. These larger particles would burn up in Earth’s atmosphere. However, they might manage to slip through the thinner <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sky-cranes-are-shaping-the-future-of-mars-missions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Martian</a> atmosphere.



However, it's the smaller particles that move at higher speeds which stand a chance to reach the Earth's atmosphere. But there's no need to panic. We have plenty of time and resources to track the debris and ensure our safety.



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



The significance of the DART impact is not solely about potential meteor showers or altered space debris routes. It's also about the human spirit of curiosity, exploration, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-first-lunar-earth-flyby-gave-juice-spacecraft-successful-gravity-boost-to-jupiter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conquering new frontiers</a>.



"Our accurate knowledge of the impact site and impactor properties in terms of size, mass, and velocity plus the observations of the ejecta are what allowed us to estimate the long-term fate of the material leaving the Didymos system," said Michael Kueppers.



Hera, named after the Greek goddess of marriage, is expected to begin its investigation of the asteroid pair in late 2026. 



According to ESA, the spacecraft will perform high-resolution mapping of Dimorphos, providing extremely valuable information for future asteroid deflection missions and science.



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NASA: First 'human-made meteor shower' will light up Earth skies

Ever had that moment when you throw a rock into...

Scientists have ventured to the far reaches of the solar system, at least virtually, to gather the most precise measurements of the faint glow that fills the universe. The combined light from all sources outside of the Milky Way galaxy is known as the cosmic optical background.



In a recent study, published in <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/ad5ffc">The Astrophysical Journal</a>, experts analyzed data from NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, which flew past Pluto in 2015 and is now nearly 5.5 billion miles from Earth.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-faint-light-of-a-trillion-galaxies-nbsp">Faint light of a trillion galaxies&nbsp;</h2>



The research addresses a seemingly simple but profound question, according to co-author Michael Shull, an astrophysicist at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado Boulder</a>: “Is the sky really dark?”&nbsp;



“At the dawn of time, the universe was a sea of light. But as it expanded, it cooled, dimmed, and matter came to the fore. Nearly 14 billion years after the Big Bang, space is now cold and dark,” noted the researchers.



“While our horizon encompasses almost a trillion galaxies that have formed over that time, they are terribly faint, and we need our most powerful telescopes to tally their presence directly.”



Although <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-space-is-even-darker-than-we-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space</a> appears black to human eyes, scientists believe it’s not entirely devoid of light. Over the course of cosmic history, trillions of galaxies filled with stars have come and gone, leaving behind a faint, almost imperceptible light - a sort of cosmic night light.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-glow-of-the-universe-nbsp">Measuring the glow of the universe&nbsp;</h2>



Shull and his team, led by Marc Postman from the <a href="https://www.stsci.edu/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space Telescope Science Institute</a> in Baltimore, calculated the intensity of this faint glow. The findings suggest that the cosmic optical background is about 100 billion times dimmer than the sunlight that reaches Earth’s surface - far too faint for human eyes to detect.



The results may help scientists better understand the history of the universe since the Big Bang.&nbsp;



“We’re kind of like cosmic accountants, adding up every source of light we can account for in the universe,” said Shull, nothing that this effort to quantify the cosmic optical background has fascinated scientists for nearly half a century.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fading-light-throughout-the-universe">Fading light throughout the universe</h2>



Shull explained that after decades of research, astrophysicists believe they have a reasonably clear picture of how the universe evolved.&nbsp;



Galaxies first formed during a period called the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/during-the-cosmic-dawn-of-our-universe-empty-space-looked-very-different/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cosmic Dawn</a>, a few hundred million years after the Big Bang. The light from these galaxies reached its peak brightness about 10 billion years ago and has been gradually fading ever since.



Accurate measurements of the cosmic optical background could help confirm whether this understanding of the universe is correct - or if there might be hidden, undiscovered <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-map-all-of-the-matter-in-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">objects</a> contributing light to space. However, measuring this faint light isn’t easy, especially from Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-opportunity-to-observe-the-universe-s-glow-nbsp">Rare opportunity to observe the universe’s glow&nbsp;</h2>



The area around Earth is filled with dust and debris. Sunlight reflects off this material, obscuring any signals from the cosmic optical background.



“A metaphor I use is if you want to see the stars, you need to get out of Denver,” Shull said. “You have to go way out, right to the northeast corner of Colorado where all you have ahead of you are South Dakota and Nebraska.”



New Horizons has provided scientists with a rare opportunity to achieve something similar in space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-horizons-mission">New Horizons mission</h2>



The New Horizons mission has deep roots in Colorado. Alan Stern, who was a graduate student at the University of Colorado Boulder under Shull and former Senior Research Associate Jack Brandt, leads the mission. He is currently based at the <a href="https://www.swri.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southwest Research Institute</a> in Boulder, Colorado.&nbsp;



The spacecraft also carries the Student Dust Counter, an instrument designed and built by students at CU Boulder’s <a href="https://lasp.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics</a> (LASP).



During the summer of 2023, the research team aimed New Horizons’ Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) at 25 different patches of sky.



Even at the outer edges of the solar system, the team still had to deal with excess light. For instance, the Milky Way galaxy sits within a halo that, like the solar system, contains dust. “You can’t get away from dust,” Shull noted. “It’s everywhere.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cosmic-optical-background-nbsp">The cosmic optical background&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers estimated how much light the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>’s halo could contribute and subtracted that from the data collected by LORRI. After accounting for all other sources of light, they were left with the faint glow of the cosmic optical background.



In scientific terms, this background equates to roughly 11 nanowatts per square meter per steradian (a steradian being a section of the sky with a width about 130 times the diameter of the moon).



Shull explained that this value aligns well with the number of galaxies scientists believe have formed since the Big Bang. 



In other words, there doesn’t appear to be any mysterious objects, such as exotic particles, emitting significant amounts of light. However, the researchers can’t entirely rule out the possibility of such anomalies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-accurate-estimates-of-the-universe-s-glow-nbsp">Most accurate estimates of the universe’s glow&nbsp;</h2>



The measurements are likely to remain the most accurate estimates of the universe’s glow for the foreseeable future. 



New Horizons is using its remaining fuel for other scientific missions, and no other spacecraft are currently planned to venture into the cold and distant parts of space that New Horizons has explored.



“If they put a camera on a future mission, and we all wait a couple of decades for it to get out there, we could see a more exact measurement,” Shull concluded.



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Faint glow that fills the universe is slowly dimming

Scientists have ventured to the far reaches of the solar...

Where does a galaxy end and deep space begin? A recently published study on a gas clouds provides a bit of clarity on this question.



Galaxies aren't isolated entities floating in the void. They're surrounded by an invisible cloud of gas called the circumgalactic medium (CGM), which engulfs the visible galactic disc. 



This gaseous halo constitutes about 70% of the galaxy’s mass excluding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/theory-gravity-exists-without-mass-so-dark-matter-does-not-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a>. Elusive till now, we've only been able to observe it indirectly, through the light absorbed from a background object like a quasar.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-piercing-through-the-cosmic-veil">Piercing through the cosmic veil</h2>



Imagine trying to visualize an entire forest through a narrow beam of light. That's pretty much the challenge scientists faced while studying the gaseous cloud, until now. 



However, a cutting-edge study has pierced through this cosmic veil, observing the CGM of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-holes-may-talk-to-galaxies-through-energetic-winds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> located a whopping 270 million light years away.



The observed gas cloud extends a colossal 100,000 light years into space, while the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-galaxy-formation-occurred-much-faster-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">starlight from the galaxy's disc</a>, the part we see, extends only 7,800 light years from its center.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-s-gas-in-action">Galaxy’s gas in action</h2>



The lead author of the paper is Associate Professor Nikole M. Nielsen, a researcher with <a href="https://www.swinburne.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swinburne University</a> and ASTRO 3D, and an Assistant Professor at the <a href="https://www.ou.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oklahoma</a>. 



With an ensemble of researchers from across the globe, they studied the connection between hydrogen and oxygen from the galaxy’s center to the far ends of space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-s-influence">Galaxy's influence</h2>



“We found it everywhere we looked, which was really exciting and kind of surprising,” says Dr. Nielsen. This observation traces out where the galaxy's influence ceases and where it becomes a part of what's surrounding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-collision-may-change-everything-we-know-about-our-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a>. 



It's like encountering a line in the cosmic sand, dividing the interstellar medium of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-galaxy-is-surrounded-by-massive-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> from its CGM.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-s-gas-cloud-conditions">Galaxy's gas cloud conditions</h2>



“In the CGM, the gas is being heated by something other than typical conditions inside galaxies, this likely includes heating from the diffuse emissions from the collective galaxies in the Universe and possibly some contribution is due to shocks,” says Dr Nielsen.



“It's this interesting change that is important and provides some answers to the question of where a galaxy ends,” she says. 



The Keck Cosmic Web Imager (<a href="https://www2.keck.hawaii.edu/inst/kcwi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KCWI</a>) on the 10-meter Keck telescope in Hawaii made this groundbreaking discovery feasible.



“These one-of-a-kind observations require the very dark sky that is only available at the Keck Observatory on Mauna Kea,” said one of the paper’s authors, Swinburne’s Associate Professor Deanne Fisher.



The KCWI allows scientists to capture thousands of spectra simultaneously, changing how we measure and quantify the diffuse gas around galaxies. 



Thanks to this instrument, it's the first time we've managed to take a snapshot of a galaxy's halo. This marks a revolutionary step in our understanding of galaxies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-piecing-together-the-galactic-puzzle">Piecing together the galactic puzzle</h2>



The circumgalactic medium plays a huge role in that cycling of that gas.



According to Dr. Nielsen, being able to understand what the CGM looks like around galaxies of different types -- ones that are star-forming, those that are no longer star-forming, and those that are transitioning between the two -- we can observe differences in this gas. 



"This might drive the differences within the galaxies themselves, and changes in this reservoir may actually be driving the changes in the galaxy itself," Dr. Nielsen explained.



How do galaxies evolve? How do they get their gas? Where does that gas go? The study adds another piece in solving the puzzle that is galaxy evolution. The CGM plays a vital role in the cycling of the gas, fueling galaxies' growth over time.



By observing difference in gas around varied types of galaxies -- star-forming, non-star-forming, and transitioning -- it unfolds the granular picture of how galaxies change and interact, and the potential impact they might have on each other.



So, the next time you look up at the sky, try to imagine the cosmic dance unfolding in front of your eyes – galaxies intermingling, evolving, and forming the universe as we know it.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-024-02365-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a>.



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Galaxies are much bigger than we originally believed

Where does a galaxy end and deep space begin? A...

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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Still, Kris had to admit that Frosting&#8217;s separation anxiety was cute, and that he too missed the pooch that night. Considering their newfound connection, there&#8217;s no doubt that Kris was more than elated when a week passed without anyone claiming poor Frosting. Photo Credit: Kristofer Goldsmith / Twitter

Separation Anxiety