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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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Columbia Glacier on the south coast of Alaska

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Stellar nursery NGC 1333 shines in the Perseus cloud

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: ESA/TGO/CaSSIS



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Metallic Mars: The diverse colors of the Red Planet

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope



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Cat's Eye Nebula in the constellation Draco

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a vibrant and detailed depiction of the Gulf of Oman. The image was captured by the primary sensor on the PACE satellite. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pace-satellite-nbsp">PACE satellite&nbsp;</h2>



NASA launched the PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on February 8, 2024. The mission marks a significant advancement in our ability to study Earth’s oceanic and atmospheric systems.&nbsp;



The PACE satellite is equipped with a state-of-the-art Ocean Color Instrument (OCI), designed to capture intricate details of ocean phenomena that are often invisible to the naked eye. 



This technology aims to provide new insights into the complex interactions between the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/good-news-ocean-oxygen-loss-may-ultimately-reverse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> and the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-compelling-visual-data-nbsp">Compelling visual data&nbsp;</h2>



Less than two months after its launch, the PACE satellite has already begun delivering compelling visual data, thanks to the efforts of NASA engineer Joseph Knuble and his team. 



Knuble, who serves as the lead instrument systems engineer for OCI, compiled a remarkable gallery of 36 images.



This standout image of the Gulf of Oman has been created using a combination of red, green, and blue wavelengths of light, specifically at 630, 532, and 465 nanometers, respectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gulf-of-oman-image">Gulf of Oman image</h2>



The Gulf of Oman image selected by Knuble is not a natural-color representation but is enhanced to highlight specific details within the water. 



This technique allows for a more vivid portrayal of oceanic features, such as the swirling bands of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/phytoplankton-remain-surprisingly-active-underneath-arctic-sea-ice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phytoplankton</a> bloom. 



Jeremy Werdell, PACE project scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, noted: "The image highlights the beauty and complexity of that area."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phytoplankton-bloom-in-the-gulf-of-oman-nbsp">Phytoplankton bloom in the Gulf of Oman&nbsp;</h2>



Phytoplankton blooms, like the one visible in the Gulf of Oman, occur when environmental conditions - such as light availability and nutrient levels - are favorable, leading to rapid growth. These blooms can have significant ecological impacts.&nbsp;



The swirls of green seen in the image likely include Noctiluca scintillans, a type of marine dinoflagellate known for its striking appearances. 



However, despite their beauty, Noctiluca blooms deplete <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cautionary-tale-todays-ocean-oxygen-levels-may-have-cascading-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oxygen levels</a> in the water, resulting in hypoxia and creating dead zones that severely impact marine life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-dynamics-in-the-arabian-sea-nbsp">Changing dynamics in the Arabian Sea&nbsp;</h2>



The changing dynamics in the Arabian Sea are also noteworthy. Historically rich in diatoms, vital components of the marine food chain, the region now sees a dominance of Noctiluca. 



This shift could be attributed to changes in water stratification and nutrient availability - with Noctiluca thriving under conditions that are less favorable for diatoms.



One of the most impressive aspects of the OCI is its ability to detect hundreds of different wavelengths of light. 



This capability provides a critical tool for identifying and differentiating between various types of phytoplankton from space. Previously, such determinations could only be made through direct water samples.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-the-health-of-marine-ecosystems-nbsp">Tracking the health of marine ecosystems&nbsp;</h2>



The PACE mission is poised to transform our understanding of oceanic and atmospheric interactions. 



By providing detailed, high-resolution images and data, the satellite will enable scientists to monitor environmental changes, track the health of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a>, and better understand the global climate system. 



This mission highlights the importance of continued investment in space technology and research, offering a clearer view of our planet's intricate and changing natural systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-gulf-of-oman">More about the Gulf of Oman</h2>



The Gulf of Oman is a strategically significant body of water located in the Middle East, connecting the Arabian Sea with the Strait of Hormuz, which then leads into the Persian Gulf. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transportation-nbsp">Transportation&nbsp;</h3>



The Gulf of Oman is particularly important for its role in global oil transportation. A large percentage of the world's petroleum, as it is shipped from the oil-rich countries of the Persian Gulf, passes through the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman and then to various destinations across the globe.&nbsp;



This makes the area not only economically significant but also a hot spot for geopolitical tensions and security concerns.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-ecosystems-nbsp">Marine ecosystems&nbsp;</h3>



Ecologically, the Gulf of Oman is diverse, hosting various species of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-noise-is-getting-louder-what-does-this-mean-for-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine life</a> which support local fishing communities. However, the area faces environmental challenges, including the risk of oil spills and the impacts of industrialization and maritime traffic which threaten its marine ecosystems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-history-nbsp">Cultural history&nbsp;</h3>



Additionally, the Gulf of Oman has a rich cultural history, influenced by the various civilizations that have inhabited its shores and traded across its waters. This history is reflected in the diverse cultures of the region today, making it a place of significant cultural heritage.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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The Gulf of Oman in the Middle East

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features an astronaut photograph of Fayzabad, a culturally diverse city in the Kokcha River valley of Northern Afghanistan. The photo was captured as the International Space Station passed over central Asia.



Fayzabad is the capital of the Badakhshan Province. It is located in a mountainous part of northeastern Afghanistan at an elevation of about 4,000 feet.



“The city is situated along the Kokcha River, which flows northward within a deep river valley surrounded by the Hindu Kush Mountains and eventually discharges into the Amu Darya River,” noted NASA.



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



According to <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, the climate of Fayzabad varies from cold semi-arid to Mediterranean-influenced warm-summer humid continental.



The summer months are warm, with average high temperatures ranging from 77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;



The winter months are cold, with average low temperatures often dropping below freezing - sometimes reaching as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;



The region receives moderate precipitation, mostly during the spring and winter. Snowfall is common in winter, adding to the mountainous region's picturesque landscape.&nbsp;



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



Historically, Fayzabad has been a center of learning and culture, though its development has been hampered by years of conflict.&nbsp;



Despite these challenges, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-started-cumulative-culture-around-600000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">culture</a> remains a vital component of the region, which is known for its traditional crafts including weaving and embroidery.



Cultural life in Fayzabad is influenced by its predominantly Tajik population, along with other ethnic groups such as Uzbeks and Hazaras. The local cuisine is a blend of traditional Afghan flavors, incorporating ingredients like rice, meat, and a variety of spices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-use-changes-nbsp">Land use changes&nbsp;</h2>



“This territory has experienced notable changes in its land use in recent decades, especially with commercial and administrative growth near the airport,” noted NASA.



“Among the changes: a new airstrip built west of the Kokcha River. However, mountains hem in the city and limit how much development is possible.”



“Despite these topographical barriers, some development has spread into hilly areas south of Fayzabad. Green vegetation is mostly confined to mountain valleys, stream channels, and the Kokcha River floodplain.”&nbsp;



“The Kokcha River meanders through the valley, providing a vital water resource for the region. Fields of predominantly wheat and rice cover much of the floodplain, though these flat areas are mixed with residential, industrial, and commercial activity as well.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kokcha-river-nbsp">Kokcha River&nbsp;</h2>



The Kokcha River originates in the Hindu Kush mountains. It stretches approximately 360 kilometers before joining the Amu Darya, one of Central Asia's major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hypoxia-is-a-serious-problem-in-rivers-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a>.&nbsp;



The Kokcha River traverses rugged terrain, providing vital irrigation for agriculture in the region and supporting local communities' livelihoods.&nbsp;The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-amount-of-water-do-earths-rivers-hold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river</a> basin features diverse landscapes that include mountainous areas and fertile valleys.&nbsp;



Throughout history, the Kokcha River has played a crucial role in the region's cultural and economic development, serving as a natural resource for the inhabitants and influencing settlement patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northern-afghanistan">Northern Afghanistan </h2>



Northern Afghanistan is known for its diverse landscape, featuring fertile plains, rugged mountains, and strategic rivers such as the Amu Darya. 



Historically, northern Afghanistan has been an important cultural and trade center. The city of Balkh, often referred to as "the mother of cities," is a hub of early civilization and a major stop on the Silk Road.



Northern Afghanistan has experienced periods of relative stability compared to the rest of the country, though it has also seen conflict - particularly during the Soviet invasion, the civil war of the 1990s, and the more recent Taliban resurgence.



The region's economy traditionally revolves around agriculture. Wheat, cotton, and fruits are key crops. In addition, there are vast mineral resources, although instability has hindered their full exploitation. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-of-northern-afghanistan">Wildlife of Northern Afghanistan </h2>



In mountainous regions of Northern Afghanistan, such as the Hindu Kush, you can find species like the elusive snow leopard, which is well-adapted to the rugged terrain. 



Other mountain-dwelling animals include the Asiatic black bear and the Siberian ibex, both of which thrive in the high-altitude environments.



The plains and valleys are home to various species of antelope, such as the goitered gazelle, as well as foxes, wolves, and smaller mammals like hares. 



Birdlife is also abundant, with species ranging from eagles and vultures in the mountains to waterfowl along rivers and wetlands. The region’s rivers and lakes, though under environmental pressure, support fish species and amphibians.



However, many of these species are under threat. Decades of war and instability have impacted conservation efforts, with illegal hunting and habitat destruction taking a toll on populations. 



Some areas, such as the Wakhan Corridor in the northeast, remain relatively untouched and serve as crucial refuges for wildlife, where rare species like the Marco Polo sheep still roam. These havens are increasingly important for conservation efforts in the region.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Fayzabad and the Kokcha River valley 

Although they’re pictured here in Thousand Island Park, New York, the Fisk Jubilee Singers were Southerners through and through, hailing from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. These&nbsp;a cappella&nbsp;songsters were in Thousand Island Park on tour in about 1870, fundraising for their tuition. The photographer was A.C. McIntyre, a well-known chronicler of the public space in its early days. Photo Credit: A. C. McIntyre/Archive Photos/Getty Images

The Fisk Jubilee Singers

Deep in the cosmos, quasars shine brightly. Their luminescent cores showcase the activity of supermassive black holes at the heart of a galaxy.



Tracking quasars back to the early days of the universe, several hundred million years after the Big Bang, a cosmic conundrum emerges. How did these luminous and massive quasars come to be?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outshining-entire-galaxies">Outshining entire galaxies </h2>



Quasars, short for "quasi-stellar objects," are incredibly bright and energetic regions found at the centers of some distant galaxies. They are powered by supermassive black holes that actively consume surrounding material.



As this material (often gas and dust) spirals into the black hole, it heats up and emits enormous amounts of radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum, including visible light, radio waves, X-rays, and gamma rays. 



This process makes quasars some of the brightest objects in the universe, often outshining entire galaxies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quasars-with-mysterious-origins">Quasars with mysterious origins</h2>



Attempting to unravel the mystery of early quasars' rapid growth, some experts have suggested they emerged from regions abundant with primordial matter. This results in smaller galaxies populating quasar fields. 



A study led by astronomers at the <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> is now challenging this theory. 



The researchers uncovered ancient quasars floating alone when the universe was relatively young - between 600 and 700 million years old.&nbsp;



The experts explained that luminous quasars are expected to reside in massive overdensities at early cosmic times, which implies that one should find a high number of companion galaxies in their vicinity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-challenge-prevailing-theories">Observations challenge prevailing theories</h2>



The team used NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to peer back more than 13 billion years. They looked at five quasars and revealed a staggering diversity in the “<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/merging-quasars-cosmic-dawn-reveal-how-early-universe-formed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quasar fields</a>."



As predicted by original models, some quasars inhabit crowded fields with more than 50 neighboring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-galaxies-that-are-too-old-to-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>. However, some defy predictions, drifting in isolation with only a smattering of galaxies nearby.



These solitary quasars raise questions. How could luminous objects form early in the universe without a significant reservoir of matter to fuel <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colossal-black-hole-found-in-our-galaxy-is-33-times-the-suns-mass/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a> growth?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quasars-in-the-middle-of-nowhere">Quasars in the middle of nowhere</h2>



Anna-Christina Eilers, the lead scientist on the project and assistant professor of physics at MIT, elaborated on the study's findings.



“Contrary to previous belief, we find on average, these quasars are not necessarily in those highest-density regions of the early universe," noted Eilers. "Some of them seem to be sitting in the middle of nowhere.”



The quasars may not be as solitary as they seem. Galaxies could surround them but be concealed by dust and hidden from view.



The research team aims to fine-tune their observations and seek out clues on how these quasars grew so large (so quickly) in the early universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quasar-neighborhoods-a-varied-landscape">Quasar neighborhoods: A varied landscape</h2>



For this study, the scientists used the JWST to investigate the environments of five of the earliest known&nbsp;quasars. Despite their age, the objects still manage to retain their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quasar-j0529-4351-brightest-object-ever-seen-eats-one-star-per-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">luminosity</a>. 



Quasars cast their light across the expanse of the universe and JWST’s sensitive detectors find it.



“It’s just phenomenal that we now have a telescope that can capture light from 13 billion years ago in so much detail," said Eilers.



"For the first time, JWST enabled us to look at the environment of these quasars, where they grew up, and what their neighborhood was like."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lonely-quasars-and-our-understanding-of-the-universe">Lonely quasars and our understanding of the universe </h2>



Ultimately, the study creates more questions than answers. The isolation of some quasars goes against models predicting quasar formation in regions populated with smaller galaxies - a result of dark matter attracting gas and dust.



“Our results show that there’s still a significant piece of the puzzle missing of how these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-spots-two-supermassive-black-holes-spiraling-on-collision-course/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black holes</a> grow," said Eilers. 



"If there’s not enough material around for some quasars to be able to grow continuously, that means there must be some other way that they can grow, that we have yet to figure out."



The enigma of lonely quasars challenges our understanding of the universe, particularly black hole growth, and pushes scientists to question and refine current models.



The research is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad778b" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal</a>.



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Lonely quasars in the early universe cannot be explained

Deep in the cosmos, quasars shine brightly. Their luminescent cores...

Imagine gazing into the endless cosmos and discovering a hidden population of brown dwarfs deep within a distant star cluster named NGC 602. 



Located in the outskirts of the Small Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way approximately 200,000 light-years from Earth, the brown dwarf cluster is unlike anything observed locally. 



Its environment mirrors the early universe with limited elements heavier than hydrogen and helium and dominated by dark clouds of dense dust. This unique setup coupled with a richness in ionized gas signals ongoing star formation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-searching-for-young-brown-dwarfs">Searching for young brown dwarfs </h2>



An international team of astronomers embarked on a quest to examine this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hyades-star-cluster-may-contain-the-closest-black-holes-to-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star cluster</a> using the James Webb Space Telescope.



The goal was to uncover young brown dwarf candidates outside of the Milky Way, a feat that has never been attempted before.



“Only thanks to the incredible sensitivity and resolution in the right wavelength range we are able to detect these objects at such great distances," said study lead author Peter Zeidler, an expert at the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a>.



"This has never been possible before and also will remain impossible with telescopes on the ground for the foreseeable future.” 



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



What exactly are brown dwarfs? Picture them as the more substantial siblings of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-gas-planets-are-cosmic-wrecking-balls-that-wreak-havoc-in-habitable-zones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">giant gas planets</a>. Their mass usually falls roughly 13 to 75 times that of Jupiter, and they are not gravitationally bound to any stars.



Brown dwarfs bear an uncanny resemblance to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-discovery-nasa-identifies-over-5500-distant-worlds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanets</a> and share similar atmospheric compositions and storm patterns.



“Until now, we’ve known of about 3,000 brown dwarfs, but they all live inside our own galaxy,” said Elena Manjavacas, an astronomer at the European Space Agency.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dynamic-telescope-duo-hubble-and-webb">The dynamic telescope duo: Hubble and Webb</h2>



The discovery highlights the synergistic relationship between the Hubble and Webb telescopes in unraveling the mysteries of young stellar clusters.



Antonella Nota, executive director of the <a href="https://www.issibern.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Space Science Institute</a> in Switzerland and the previous Webb Project Scientist for ESA, emphasized the significance of this collaboration.



“Hubble showed that NGC602 harbors very young low mass stars, but only with Webb we can finally see the extent and the significance of the substellar mass formation in this cluster. Hubble and Webb are an amazingly powerful telescope duo!” Nota said.



“Brown dwarfs seem to form in the same way as stars, they just don’t capture enough mass to become a fully-fledged star. Our results fit well with this theory," noted Zeidler.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-incredible-image-of-a-star-cluster">Incredible image of a star cluster</h2>



The team’s data includes a new image from Webb’s Near-InfraRed Camera (NIRCam) of NGC 602. 



The image shows the cluster stars, young stellar objects, and surrounding gas and dust ridges. It captured many background galaxies and stars from the Small Magellanic Cloud.



This achievement represents the first detection of giant exoplanet analogs beyond 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>.



“We need to be ready for groundbreaking discoveries in these new objects!” Manjavacas said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-brown-dwarf-exploration">The future of brown dwarf exploration</h2>



This discovery marks the beginning of what could be a new chapter in brown dwarf research.



"Although further detailed work is required to quantitatively derive the initial mass function and confirm the true nature of the brown dwarf candidates, this discovery is particularly relevant in the effort to refine our understanding of the subsolar mass function at very low metallicities and young ages," wrote the researchers.



As astronomers push the boundaries of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-space-exploration-could-be-shut-down-by-orbiting-debris/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space exploration</a>, the next steps involve studying the atmospheres and compositions of these enigmatic objects.



Brown dwarfs bridge the gap between stars and planets and help scientists better understand the formation of both.



With the James Webb Space Telescope’s capabilities, scientists can observe these objects in remarkable detail.



The power of the JWST will allow researchers to confirm the presence of brown dwarfs in the Small Magellanic Cloud and uncover additional substellar objects beyond the Milky Way. 



This research could greatly expand our knowledge of how stars, planets, and exoplanet analogs form and evolve across the universe.



The study is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad779e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal</a>.



Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA, P. Zeidler, E. Sabbi, A. Nota, M. Zamani



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Brown dwarfs detected outside the Milky Way for the first time

Imagine gazing into the endless cosmos and discovering a hidden...

EarthCARE, a scientific endeavor by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), has delivered the initial images from its cutting-edge onboard instruments.



These images confirm that the instruments can work together to accurately measure how clouds and aerosols influence the heating and cooling of our atmosphere.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-enigma-of-earth-s-energy-balance">The enigma of Earth's energy balance</h2>



Earth's energy balance is a crucial aspect of the climate. It represents the total energy the Earth receives from the Sun, contrasted with the thermal radiation it pushes into space.



Regulated by various factors such as greenhouse gases, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-clouds-influence-earths-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clouds</a>, aerosols, and more, this balance is vital in maintaining Earth's climate.



Even though clouds and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-small-aerosols-influence-cloud-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosols</a> cool the atmosphere, there is an intricate interplay between them and heat exchange, and the process isn't completely understood.



With the launch of EarthCARE in May 2024, scientists inch closer to unraveling these mysteries and obtaining a detailed understanding of how clouds and aerosols deflect incoming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/suns-fury-secrets-of-solar-energy-storms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar energy</a> back to space and trap outgoing infrared energy.



"Although we are still in the early stages of the mission and busy with the satellite’s commissioning phase, the results we present today are truly remarkable," said Simonetta Cheli, ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes.



She further emphasized the effectiveness of the combined measurements and their role in achieving mission objectives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-earthcare-s-instruments">Insights from EarthCARE's instruments</h2>



The preliminary data provided an extensive view from Central Europe to Sweden. It uncovered the signatures of a thunderstorm over northern Italy, near Milan. 



EarthCARE’s cloud profiling radar, supplied by JAXA, provided information on the vertical structure and internal dynamics of the clouds.



Simultaneously, the atmospheric lidar profiled aerosols and thin clouds, and the multispectral imager provided a broad-scene overview in multiple wavelengths.



The broadband radiometer measured the reflected solar radiation and outgoing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-prefire-satellites-monitor-polar-heat-emissions-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">infrared radiation</a> from Earth.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="L4ysArmZGd-3949490-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



A detailed look at the synergy between EarthCARE's instruments reveals interesting findings. 



The multispectral imager provided an overall scene context, focusing initially on the recent thunderstorm over northern Italy and northern Corsica.



This storm led to severe flooding in Italy's Emilia Romagna region and was part of a larger system associated with Storm Boris wreaking havoc in parts of Central Europe.



The synergy becomes more apparent when focusing near the top of the cloud. The cloud profiling radar and lidar provided complementary data, allowing for more detailed cloud characterization.



These initial synergistic results reveal cooling and warming effects at different altitudes, providing key insights into the role clouds and aerosols play in atmospheric temperature regulation.



The animation also highlighted cirrus clouds over Sweden, part of a high-altitude ice-cloud formation.



Despite the thin clouds allowing sunlight to pass through, they trapped thermal radiation emitted from Earth,creating an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-some-lakes-resist-the-heat-of-atmospheric-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric warming</a> effect.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cirrus-clouds-and-climate-science">Cirrus clouds and climate science</h2>



By studying a significant portion of the cirrus cloud, scientists observed how the cloud absorbed both solar radiation from above and thermal radiation from below.



This information helped scientists understand the overall heating effect of the climate and contributed to a broader understanding of climate science.



Even in regions where the cloud thickened and larger ice particles formed, which blocks the thermal radiation from Earth, the cloud top cooled by emitting thermal radiation into space.



Despite localized cooling effects, cirrus clouds contribute to the overall warming of the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-capability-of-earthcare">Unique capability of EarthCARE</h2>



According ESA EarthCARE mission scientist Thorsten Fehr, having the data available at this early stage is a testament to the outstanding work of his team, particularly the scientists who developed these data products.



"This highlights EarthCARE’s unique capability to simultaneously provide direct measurements of both clouds and aerosols, enabling an unprecedented assessment of their impact on climate," said Fehr.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-steps-in-earthcare-s-mission">Further steps in EarthCARE’s mission</h2>



Hitonori Maejima, senior chief officer on Earth observation missions at JAXA, believes EarthCARE's ability to capture different types of clouds and aerosols and their function symbolizes the collaboration between <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a> and <a href="https://global.jaxa.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAXA</a>.



As scientists continue to collect and analyze data, there will be more enlightening discoveries and a better understanding of our planet's climatic mechanisms.



Image Credit: ESA Earth Online



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EarthCARE reveals the power of clouds and aerosols

EarthCARE, a scientific endeavor by the European Space Agency (ESA)...

Coral reefs are the ocean's vibrant underwater cities, and they face a growing crisis. These ecosystems support countless marine species and over a billion human lives. 



Overfishing, irresponsible tourism, coastal construction, nutrient runoff, and climate change are all threats to coral reefs.



However, hope is not lost. In a recent study, scientists used the sounds of healthy reefs to coax new coral species into existence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reef-sounds-and-coral-restoration">Reef sounds and coral restoration</h2>



Scientists at the <a href="https://www.whoi.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution</a> discovered the sounds of a flourishing reef inspire a new generation of coral life. Their research focused on golfball <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-superhighway-connects-remote-coral-reefs-seychelles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coral larvae</a>, tiny organisms that signal the birth of new corals.



The sounds of the reef draw the larvae and they choose to settle and grow in these areas.



“Acoustic enrichment is continuing to show promise as a technique to enhance coral settlement rates,” said Nadège Aoki, a doctoral candidate at the institution.



This technique worked on two coral species and indicates potential as a broad-based tool for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/restored-coral-reefs-can-bounce-back-in-just-four-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reef restoration</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decoding-the-language-of-corals">Decoding the language of corals</h2>



The underwater journey of a coral larvae is fascinating. Searching for the perfect place to mature into adulthood, the tiny organisms drift through the ocean. They use cues from chemicals, light, and sound to choose their new home.



A <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/healthy-coral-reefs-crackle-with-the-sounds-of-busy-inhabitants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy coral reef</a> is a symphony of purrs and grunts from fish, along with the persistent crackle of snapping shrimp. It is music to a coral larva's ears.



On the other hand, a sick, silent reef signals the organisms to keep searching.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-draw-of-healthy-reef-sounds">The draw of healthy reef sounds </h2>



In an experiment in the summer of 2022, Aoki and her team collected golfball coral larvae from the U.S. Virgin Islands.



The scientists divided the larvae and placed them in two quiet, sandy bays. One bay had a solar-powered speaker playing the sounds of a nearby healthy reef. 



After 24 hours, about 30 percent of the larvae exposed to the sounds settled and began to grow. After 48 hours, the settlement rates were around 73 to 85 percent.



Despite the experiment's small scale, a similar tank-based experiment echoed the results. 



Golfball coral larvae showed significantly higher settlement rates when exposed to healthy reef sounds during their first 36 hours. After this window, the settling rate remained the same regardless of the sound cues.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crunch-time-for-coral-settlement">Crunch time for coral settlement</h2>



Senior author and marine biologist Aran Mooney explained the time-sensitivity of this process. “Acoustic enrichment worked for 36 hours or so. After that, they seem desperate to settle, and healthy cues become less important.”



Golfball corals have a short window of opportunity in their larval stage. Without the resources to float around for weeks, they settle within 8 to 36 hours of being released into the water.



Early on, sound cues play a crucial role. As time runs out, they settle anywhere.



“We’re getting at some of the nuances of coral biology,” Aoki said. “There’s a huge range of reproductive strategies that corals use, and different species have different larval periods. We’re opening up this broad range of questions about how responsiveness to sound will vary between species.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-symphony-for-coral-reef-restoration">A symphony for coral reef restoration</h2>



The researchers also noted corals responded to auditory cues in tanks where sound reflections, aerators, and water filters make acoustics less ideal. This discovery simplified the process of getting corals to reproduce and settle in land-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coral-nurseries-need-protection-equal-to-that-of-established-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nurseries</a>.



There is no single solution suitable for all coral species worldwide. Aoki and her team believe acoustic enrichment combined with an understanding of local ecology and coral biology can be an effective tool for restoration.



“Finding a second species settling in response to sound shows that this isn’t just a one-off, and maybe we can really scale this up,” Mooney said. 



“But we can’t just throw a speaker over the side of a boat and think it’s going to work. We have to know the system and it has to be integrated with other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-coral-adaptations-challenge-conservation-plans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a> and restoration efforts.”



In the quest to protect and restore the ocean’s coral reefs, the solution might lie not in our hands, but in our ears as the tiny organisms listen to the symphony of life produced by reefs.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.aip.org/asa/jel/article/4/10/107701/3317630/Replayed-reef-sounds-induce-settlement-of-Favia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JASA Express Letters</a>.



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Healthy reef sounds inspire coral larvae growth

Coral reefs are the ocean's vibrant underwater cities, and they...

Betelgeuse, the tenth-brightest star visible from Earth, is at the center of a surprising finding making waves in the astronomical community. Recent observations challenge long-standing assumptions about the star's behavior.



Once thought to be solitary, new research suggests the star's pulsating light may not be an impending supernova, but the presence of an unseen companion star orbiting the bright giant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-does-betelgeuse-have-a-companion">Does Betelgeuse have a companion?</h2>



The yet-to-be-seen stellar companion has been humorously named "Betelbuddy" by research scientist Jared Goldberg from&nbsp;Flatiron Institute’s&nbsp;Center for Computational Astrophysics. He said it behaves like a "celestial snowplow."



As it orbits Betelgeuse, the companion star scatters light-obscuring dust, temporarily brightening Betelgeuse’s natural luminosity.



This led the team to explore the idea that Betelgeuse’s observed light pulsing is due to the interference of Betelbuddy.



“We ruled out every intrinsic source of variability that we could think of as to why the brightening and dimming was happening in this way," said Goldberg. "The only hypothesis that seemed to fit is that Betelgeuse has a companion."



Goldberg collaborated with Meridith Joyce from the <a href="https://www.uwyo.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wyoming</a> and László Molnár from Konkoly Observatory at the <a href="https://csfk.hun-ren.hu/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HUN-REN Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences</a> in Hungary.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-betelgeuse-s-mysterious-pulses-explained">Betelgeuse's mysterious pulses explained</h2>



Betelgeuse, a massive red giant star, is nearing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronomers-discover-a-new-way-that-stars-die/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">end of its life</a>, transitioning into its final stages.



The star brightens and dims rhythmically like a celestial heartbeat with a shorter "heartbeat" period lasting just over a year and a longer, more enigmatic cycle spanning six years. The cause behind these mysterious fluctuations has puzzled scientists.



Traditionally, experts attributed the shorter cycle to Betelgeuse's fundamental mode - an intrinsic pattern of brightening and dimming from within the star. 



However, scientists suspected the longer cycle to be influenced by an external factor. This curious external variability led researchers to explore the possibility of an unseen companion star lurking in Betelgeuse’s shadow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sowing-the-seeds-of-a-new-theory">Sowing the seeds of a new theory</h2>



Researchers explored this long secondary period and examined whether internal processes within the star like churnings or periodic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/strong-magnetic-fields-leave-marks-on-nuclear-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic field</a> transformations could be the cause.



Leveraging the power of advanced computer simulations and observational data on Betelgeuse, the team gravitated towards the idea of Betelbuddy.



"Nothing else added up," Goldberg said. “Basically, if there’s no Betelbuddy, then that means there’s something way weirder going on - something impossible to explain with current physics.”



The nature of Betelbuddy remains speculative but logic suggests it’s a star of at least twice the mass of our sun.



“It is difficult to say what the companion actually is beyond providing mass and orbital constraints. A <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-sun-like-stars-with-secret-companions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sunlike star</a> is the most probable type of companion, but that is by no means conclusive,” Joyce said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-confirming-betelbuddy-s-existence">Confirming Betelbuddy’s existence</h2>



Even as the theory takes hold, it is still hypothetical. The experts seek to gather concrete visual evidence of Betelbuddy using telescopic images.



The team will play paparazzi, trying to capture images of the Betelbuddy with telescopes during a potential window of visibility around December 6th.



"We need to confirm that Betelbuddy actually exists, since our result is based on inference, not on direct detection," said Molnár. "So we're working on observation proposals now."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-team-science">The power of team science</h2>



The researchers highlighted the importance of collaboration, noting that this study was only possible through team science.



“Without each of us considering this problem from very different angles - László as an expert in space-based observations and data analysis, Jared as someone who studies and simulates <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-stars-shape-planetary-systems-like-ours-with-ultraviolet-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">massive stars</a>, and myself as a 1D modeler - the work wouldn’t have been possible," Joyce said. 



"I want to thank the Flatiron Center for Computational Astrophysics in particular for creating an environment in which pulling together such a diverse range of scientists is possible."



And so, the celestial investigation continues. The discovery of Betelbuddy could redefine scientists' understanding of Betelgeuse, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/betelgeuse-one-of-our-brightest-stars-will-vanish-from-sight-next-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star</a> that “has been the target of countless studies since the dawn of modern astrophysics," Molnár said. 



"And yet, there's still room to make significant new discoveries: in this case, a sunlike star hiding in plain sight, in the immense glare of a red supergiant. That is what excites me the most.”



The study is published in The Astrophysical Journal.



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Supergiant star Betelgeuse may have a 'buddy' causing it to flicker

Betelgeuse, the tenth-brightest star visible from Earth, is at the...

Earth's timeline continues to captivate humanity with ancient wonders and mysteries. Around 3.26 billion years ago, one period packed with celestial events saw the planet bombarded by meteorites. 



The "S2" meteorite was massive, to say the least, and it continues to divulge secrets about Earth's past.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-first-oceans-and-continents">Earth's first oceans and continents</h2>



Scientists often wonder, "When did the first oceans appear? What about continents? Plate tectonics? How did these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-had-major-asteroid-impact-event-tunguska-in-1908-remains-mystery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">celestial collisions</a> shape the evolution of life?"



A recent study focuses on the actual impact of the S2 meteorite more than three billion years ago and how that changed Earth's history, ultimately resulting in humanity, technology, and the AI that is being used to decipher the hidden clues left behind.



Nadja Drabon, an assistant professor at Harvard's <a href="https://eps.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences</a> led the research. Drabon is a seasoned early-Earth geologist with a near-insatiable curiosity about our planet's infancy.



Her interest lies in those primeval eons, when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/do-bacteria-age-or-are-they-immortal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">single-celled bacteria</a> and archaea were the solo performers on Earth, and meteoritic bombardment was the rhythm of life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-during-the-archean-eon">Earth during the Archean Eon</h2>



One of the earliest chapters of Earth's history, known as the Archean Eon, spanned from about 4 billion to 2.5 billion years ago. 



During this time, our planet was a vastly different place, with a hot, molten surface gradually cooling to form the first stable continents and oceans. The atmosphere was primarily composed of volcanic gases, lacking the oxygen we breathe today. 



Despite these harsh conditions, life began to take root in the form of simple single-celled organisms like bacteria and archaea. 



These early life forms thrived in the oceans, harnessing energy from chemicals and, later, from sunlight through primitive photosynthesis, which began to slowly alter the atmosphere.



By the end of the Archean, the slow rise in atmospheric oxygen from photosynthetic organisms set the stage for more complex life forms to appear in the following <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/the-history-of-earth-in-exactly-2000-words/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proterozoic Eon</a>. 



So, the Archean Eon was an important time for stabilizing the planet and driving biological innovation, laying the groundwork for the amazing diversity of life we see today. 



The question is... what role did the S2 meteorite play in this dramatic spark of life?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lage-meteorite-impacts-and-early-life">Lage meteorite impacts and early life</h2>



"Large meteorite impacts must have strongly affected the habitability of the early Earth. Rocks of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rewrite-the-textbooks-life-on-earth-did-not-arise-due-to-increased-oxygen-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Archean Eon</a> record at least 16 major impact events, involving bolides larger than 10 km in diameter," wrote the researchers.



"These impacts probably had severe, albeit temporary, consequences for surface environments. However, their effect on early life is not well understood."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-s2-meteorite-four-mount-everests-came-calling">S2 meteorite: Four Mount Everests came calling</h2>



The study begins in the Barberton Greenstone belt of South Africa, where Drabon and her team traced the footprints of the S2 meteorite.



Their detailed analysis of sedimentology, geochemistry, and carbon isotope compositions paints a startling tableau of the cataclysmic day when a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-meteorites-can-be-traced-to-three-asteroid-families/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meteorite</a> the size of four Mount Everests crashed to Earth.



“Picture yourself standing off the coast of Cape Cod, in a shelf of shallow water. It’s a low-energy environment, without strong currents. Then all of a sudden, you have a giant tsunami, sweeping by and ripping up the sea floor,” said Drabon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-life-on-earth-from-s2-meteorite">Early life on Earth from S2 meteorite</h2>



The S2 meteorite -- about 200 times larger than the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-equivalent-of-a-blindfolded-full-court-shot-caused-the-dinosaur-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicxulub asteroid</a> that doomed the dinosaurs -- stirred the proverbial pot, triggering a tsunami that dispersed land debris into coastal regions.



The staggering heat from the impact evaporated the top layer of the ocean and heated the atmosphere. This shrouded the planet in a dense cloud of dust and temporarily halted photosynthetic activity.



Yet, in line with the undying spirit of life, bacterial populations bounced back. With this resurgence, came a surge in unicellular organisms that fed on phosphorus and iron.



A veritable feeding frenzy began. It was driven by a surge of iron from the deep oceans upwelling into shallow waters, aided by the colossal tsunami, and an influx of phosphorus caused by the meteorite and increased land erosion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meteorite-impacts-on-earth">Meteorite impacts on Earth</h2>



Drabon's analysis revealed a seasonal bloom of iron-metabolizing bacteria in the immediate aftermath of the impact.



This iron-favoring bacterial shift serves as a crucial piece of our planetary puzzle. It showcases how complex life on Earth originated and evolved.



“We think of impact events as being disastrous for life,” Drabon said. “But what this study is highlighting is that these impacts would have had benefits to life, especially early on… these impacts might have actually <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nadir-crater-second-massive-asteroid-impact-discovered-dinosaur-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">allowed life to flourish</a>.”



Quite a paradox, isn't it? These cosmic strikes may not be the grim reapers they're often portrayed as. They could be heralds of new life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-s2-meteorite-and-the-remote-corners-of-earth">S2 meteorite and the remote corners of Earth</h2>



Such a compelling narrative is made possible by the painstaking work of geologists like Drabon and her team. 



Their endeavors took them to the remotest corners of the Earth, hunting for telltale chemical signatures hidden within the rocky layers of our crust. Each layer, like a page in a cosmic book, holds clues about ancient tsunamis and other cataclysmic events.



One such geological hotspot is the Barberton Greenstone Belt in South Africa. It is a treasure trove of information that houses evidence of at least eight <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroid-impact-sparked-two-years-of-darkness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact events</a> including S2.



Drabon and her team continue exploring this intriguing locale and examining Earth's riveting and meteorite-fueled history.



The next time you gaze up at the night sky, remember those stars above might be more than just pretty lights. They could hold the key to understanding the origins of life and the formation of our Earth.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2408721121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Meteorite the size of four Mount Everests smashed into Earth and sparked life

Earth's timeline continues to captivate humanity with ancient wonders and...

We've known for a long time that military sonar, widely used for submarine detection and naval operations, can have devastating effects on dolphin populations. Now, however, researchers are learning that sonar is more harmful to dolphins than previously believed.



Scientists from UC Santa Cruz and their collaborators have achieved something monumental -- they've managed to directly measure the behavioral responses of these dolphins and unraveled some surprising findings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sonar-sound-surprise">Sonar sound surprise</h2>



In a recent study, the international team sampled dozens of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-found-in-dolphin-breath/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphin groups</a>. They simulated and activated operational military sonars in controlled conditions, and then keenly observed how these dolphins reacted. 



“We see clear evidence of acoustic responses -- fine-scale changes in movement including directed, sustained, strong avoidance, and changes in group configurations,” said lead author Brandon Southall, a <a href="https://www.ucsc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Santa Cruz</a> research associate and senior scientist at Southall Environmental Associates (<a href="https://sea-inc.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SEA</a>).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dolphins-reaction-to-sonars">Dolphins reaction to sonars</h2>



To observe these fast and playful creatures, the scientists had to employ advanced methods and technologies. They utilized aerial drone imagery, underwater listening devices, and even shore-based visual observatories.



John Durban, a co-author of the study and a senior scientist at SEA, explained how they further developed drone photogrammetry.



"In this study, we have been able to further develop this technique to geolocate dolphins with centimeter-level precision, enabling changes in behavior to be quantified in an objective way," noted Durban.



This combination of methodologies created a comprehensive picture of how these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-dolphins-who-play-with-others-become-successful-adults/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphins</a>, renowned for their sociability, respond to sonic disturbances.



“While these behavioral changes occur and persist on variable time scales, they are surprising in that they collectively demonstrate responses at sound levels that are orders of magnitude lower than predicted in current regulatory impact assessments. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dolphins-smile-at-each-other-when-they-are-feeling-playful/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">These animals</a> are clearly much more sensitive to noise exposure than we thought," Southall explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-sonar-on-dolphins">Impacts of sonar on dolphins</h2>



These social dolphins, often seen in groups that could range into the hundreds or even thousands, regularly come across potent military sonar systems. 



Worryingly, these systems are known to disturb, harm, and even kill other species. The study proposes that millions of animals might be impacted annually, despite past assessments predicting otherwise.



The findings of this study have profound implications for marine conservation efforts, particularly regarding human-induced noise pollution. 



With the revelation that dolphins are more susceptible to sonar disturbances than previously assumed, there is an urgent call for reevaluating current naval practices. 



This knowledge urges policymakers and environmentalists to integrate more stringent regulations on sonar usage, ensuring the preservation of marine life integrity. 



By aligning scientific insights with conservation policy, there is a potential to mitigate some of the anthropogenic impacts on these intelligent creatures.



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



The research team emphasizes the need for continued investigations into the long-term impacts of noise exposure on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pebanista-yacuruna-giant-dolphin-species-discovered-peru-amazon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dolphins</a> and their ecosystems. 



Future studies could expand to include a broader range of species and environmental scenarios, ultimately enriching our understanding of marine acoustic ecology. 



The deployment of novel technologies, as demonstrated in this study, provides a promising pathway for comprehensive, non-invasive monitoring of marine life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-environmental-impacts">Broader environmental impacts</h2>



This study focuses on dolphins, but its findings are important for all marine life. 



Military sonar and other human-made noises impact many species, messing with their behaviors, habitats, and ways of communicating. 



By showing how vulnerable dolphins are to these disturbances, it highlights the urgent need for better protection of our oceans.



We must take a holistic approach to ocean conservation, recognizing the complex relationships within marine ecosystems and working to reduce human stressors. 



Protecting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plankton-help-predict-ocean-biodiversity-losses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean biodiversity</a> is vital not just for marine species, but for the health of our planet, too.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-concerns-on-sonars-and-dolphins">Increased concerns on sonars and dolphins</h2>



In recent times, the rising number of mass strandings of cetaceans coinciding with the operation of naval sonar systems has flagged concern regarding the potential threats posed by noise exposure. 



“Understanding how these animals respond to these types of acoustic signals is important for mitigating the impacts that this type of disturbance can have on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/dolphin-everything-you-need-to-know-about-these-magical-mammals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social animals</a> that rely on acoustics for communication, feeding, and other critical facets of their lives,” said study co-author Caroline Casey, a researcher at UC Santa Cruz.



By advancing research in this field, scientists aim to promote deeper insights into interspecies interactions and ecological resilience, paving the way towards more informed and effective environmental stewardship.



So, the next time you think about dolphins, remember the other side of their story -- the one that we humans play a part in. What can we do to ensure their environment remains safe? Let's mull over that for a bit. After all, isn't awareness the first step towards change?



-----



The team also included Ari Friedlaender, a professor of ocean sciences at UC Santa Cruz, and a number of collaborators from institutions in the United States and the Netherlands.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.240650" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Society Open Science.</a>



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Military sonar does a lot more damage to dolphins than previously disclosed

We've known for a long time that military sonar, widely...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

These young women, photographed in 1900, are learning to sew at the Haines Normal and Industrial Institute, in Augusta, Georgia. founded this educational establishment in 1883 and named it after a generous financial donor, Francine Haines. The facility, which was reserved specifically for African-<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-vast-majority-of-americans-support-climate-action/">Americans</a>, combined a kindergarten, a school and a junior college. Photo Credit: Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Time to sew

This colorized print from about 1900 shows the docks at Memphis, Tennessee, where stevedores load cotton onto black-smoke-belching steamboats. Tennessee’s cotton farming thrived in the richly productive soil of the Mississippi delta. The city of Memphis was a major player in the textiles industry, helping to meet the seemingly insatiable domestic and international demand for the crop. Photo Credit: The Print Collector/Print Collector/Getty Images