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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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



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



-----

Messier 82: Unlocking the mysteries of star formation

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



-----



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



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



-----

Hurricane Francine makes landfall in Louisiana 

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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



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



-----

Crab Nebula: The brilliant remains of a massive star explosion

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



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



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



-----

Brazil's devastating 2024 fire season rages on

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



-----



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



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



-----

Pangong Lake in the Himalayas

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI



-----



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



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



-----

The ice giant Uranus in stunning detail

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

The crew of SpaceX's <a href="https://polarisprogram.com/dawn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polaris Dawn</a> mission have now made history after venturing outside of their spacecraft for the first civilian spacewalk.&nbsp;



Just before 7 a.m. on September 12, tech billionaire Jared Isaacman left the safety of the Crew Dragon capsule and stepped out into the deep void of space.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stunning-view-of-earth">Stunning view of Earth</h2>



Floating about 435 miles above Earth, Isaacman took in the stunning view of the planet, expressing awe at how peaceful it appeared from space.&nbsp;



“Back at home we all have a lot of work to do, but from here - looks like a perfect world,” Isaacman said.



And the view wasn't so bad from the inside of the Crew Dragon cabin either, where team members Scott “Kidd” Poteet and Anna Menon remained during the spacewalk.&nbsp;According to a report from CNN, the crew could see a sunrise and sunset about every 106 minutes.



“It is honestly one of my favorite views,” said Mennon. “The sun peaks over the horizon and the whole world just lights up - or the whole world goes to sleep. And you just get to witness this hour after hour, and it’s so beautiful. Our Earth is so beautiful.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-specially-designed-spacex-spacesuits">Specially designed SpaceX spacesuits</h2>



When Isaacman returned to his seat, it was time for engineer Sarah Gillis to exit the capsule.&nbsp;



Gillis set out to test the flexibility and functionality of the specially designed SpaceX spacesuits worn by the crew. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-system-turns-astronauts-urine-into-safe-drinking-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spacesuits</a> are lighter and more flexible than previous models.



Tethered to the Crew Dragon capsule, Isaacman and Gillis each spent about 10 minutes in the vacuum of space.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-long-did-the-spacewalk-take">How long did the spacewalk take?</h2>



Ultimately, the capsule spent just under two hours exposed to space with the hatch open. “There's a lot of time built in for venting (or depressurizing the spacecraft) and repressurizing,” Isaacman told CNN.&nbsp;



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="f84mCdymlI-3853487-12187" type="single"]</div>



A spacewalk from the International Space Station (ISS) typically lasts between six to eight hours. The duration depends on the complexity of the tasks and the astronaut's workload.&nbsp;



Spacewalks, officially known as extravehicular activities (EVAs), involve activities such as repairing equipment, installing new instruments, or conducting experiments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-civilian-spacewalk-nbsp">Significance of the civilian spacewalk&nbsp;</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spacex-sending-four-civilians-dangerous-private-space-mission-polaris-dawn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first</a> civilian spacewalk shatters the assumption that only highly trained government astronauts can perform such a complex and dangerous task.&nbsp;



The success of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spacex-launches-polaris-dawn-civilian-crew-on-historic-spacewalk-mission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mission</a> demonstrates the growing role of private companies in space exploration.



This spacewalk was also a significant milestone for the development of equipment that may one day be used in future missions to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/curiosity-mars-rover-finds-more-compelling-evidence-for-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>. 



NASA Administrator Bill Nelson posted on X that the spacewalk represents a giant leap forward for the commercial space industry and NASA's long-term goal to build a vibrant U.S. space economy.



The Polaris Dawn mission, which will last a total of five days, is focused on testing new technologies and conducting experiments related to human health and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-travel-takes-a-greater-toll-on-astronauts-brains-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space travel</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polaris-dawn-is-smashing-records">Polaris Dawn is smashing records</h2>



Beyond the historic spacewalk, the Polaris Dawn crew had other ambitious goals. They set out to break the height record for an Earth orbit held by NASA’s 1966 Gemini 11 mission while also setting the record for the highest any woman has ever ventured into space.



By Tuesday, the second day of the trip, the team smashed these records. Polaris Dawn officially flew higher than the 853-mile-high altitude achieved by astronauts Pete Conrad and Richard Gordon during the Gemini 11 mission.



In addition, Gillis and Menon have now traveled farther from Earth than any other women in history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inspiration4-mission">Inspiration4 mission</h2>



Isaacman, CEO of Shift4 Payments had previously funded and commanded Inspiration4, which was the first all-civilian space mission.&nbsp;



The mission launched in September 2021 aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. It was a multi-day orbital flight that raised awareness and over $240 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.&nbsp;



The crew of four spent three days orbiting Earth at an altitude higher than the International Space Station (ISS). The mission was a landmark moment for civilian space exploration, highlighting both the capabilities of SpaceX and the potential for non-professional astronauts to fly to space.



Image/ Video Credit: SpaceX



-----



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



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



-----

Civilian spacewalk is a ‘giant leap’ in space exploration

The crew of SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission have now made...

Massive ocean-warming El Niño events played a key role in driving the largest extinction event in Earth's history, which took place approximately 252 million years ago, according to new research.



The study, published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/science.ado2030" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a> and co-led by the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> and China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), sheds light on the extreme environmental shifts that occurred during the Permian-Triassic period, ultimately leading to the devastation of life on land and in the oceans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unknown-cause-of-mass-extinction-nbsp">Unknown cause of mass extinction&nbsp;</h2>



For years, scientists have linked the mass extinction to enormous volcanic eruptions in what is now Siberia. These eruptions released vast amounts of carbon dioxide, accelerating climate warming and triggering the collapse of ecosystems at both land and at sea.&nbsp;



However, one mystery remained: why did life on land, including plants and typically resilient species like insects, suffer as badly as marine life?



“Climate warming alone cannot drive such devastating extinctions because, as we are seeing today, when the tropics become too hot, species migrate to the cooler, higher latitudes,” explained co-lead author Alexander Farnsworth, a senior research associate at Bristol.



“Our research has revealed that increased greenhouse gasses don’t just make the majority of the planet warmer, they also increase weather and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-birds-can-handle-climate-variability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate variability</a>, making it even more ‘wild’ and difficult for life to survive.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unpredictable-climate-swings-over-decades">Unpredictable climate swings over decades</h2>



The study reveals that the problem during the Permian-Triassic catastrophe was not simply the extreme heat but also the unpredictable swings in climate conditions over decades.&nbsp;



“Most life failed to adapt to these conditions, but thankfully a few things survived, without which we wouldn’t be here today. It was nearly, but not quite, the end of life on Earth,” said co-lead author Yadong Sun, a paleoclimatologist at the China University of Geosciences.



The temperature fluctuations during this period were uncovered by analyzing oxygen isotopes in the fossilized teeth of conodonts - tiny, extinct, swimming organisms.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-of-drastic-climate-change-nbsp">Evidence of drastic climate change&nbsp;</h2>



The researchers found a significant collapse in temperature gradients, particularly in low and mid-latitude regions, revealing just how dramatically the climate changed.



“Essentially, it got too hot everywhere. The changes responsible for the climate patterns identified were profound because there were much more intense and prolonged El Niño events than witnessed today," said Farnsworth. "Species were simply not equipped to adapt or evolve quickly enough."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-el-nino-events-nbsp">Extreme El Niño events&nbsp;</h2>



El Niño events, which are responsible for major shifts in weather patterns and temperatures today, were much more extreme and long-lasting during the Permian-Triassic period.&nbsp;



For instance, recent El Niño events have caused North American heatwaves and record global temperatures, such as the June 2024 heatwave when temperatures were 15°C hotter than normal.&nbsp;



While today's El Niño events typically last one to two years, the Permian-Triassic crisis saw Mega-El Niño events persist for much longer, resulting in a decade of drought followed by years of flooding, making it impossible for most species to adapt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-climate-in-a-state-of-crisis-nbsp">Earth's climate in a state of crisis&nbsp;</h2>



Paul Wignall, a professor of palaeoenvironments at the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a> and co-author of the study, emphasized that “the climate was all over the place,” making survival difficult. 



This extreme climate variability also contributed to the frequent wildfires, as reflected in the abundance of charcoal found in rock layers from that era.&nbsp;



“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earliest-record-of-wildfire-pushed-back-by-ten-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wildfires</a> become very common if you have a drought-prone climate. Earth got stuck in a crisis state where the land was burning and the oceans stagnating. There was nowhere to hide,” added David Bond, a palaeontologist at the University of Hull.



The research highlights why the Permian-Triassic extinction was so much more devastating than other volcanic events throughout Earth's history.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deadly-feedback-loop">Deadly feedback loop</h2>



The researchers found that these mega-El Niños created a feedback loop, causing the dieback of vegetation.&nbsp;



Plants are essential for removing CO2 from the atmosphere and are the foundation of the food web. This means that their decline further exacerbated the buildup of atmospheric CO2, amplifying the warming effects of ongoing volcanism.



This feedback loop also helps explain a long-standing puzzle: why did the extinction on land occur tens of thousands of years before marine extinctions?&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-devastatingly-rapid-climate-change">Devastatingly rapid climate change</h2>



“Whilst the oceans were initially shielded from the temperature rises, the mega-El Niños caused temperatures on land to exceed most species' <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperature-tolerance-has-co-evolved-with-sexual-selection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thermal tolerances</a> at rates so rapid that they could not adapt in time,” Sun explained. Only species capable of rapid migration had a chance to survive.



Mass extinctions are rare but pivotal events in Earth's history, reshaping life and evolution.&nbsp;



“The Permo-Triassic mass extinction, although devastating, would ultimately see the rise of dinosaurs becoming the dominant species thereafter, just as the Cretaceous mass extinction led to the rise of mammals, and eventually humans,” Farnsworth concluded.



-----



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



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



-----

What was the cause of Earth's largest mass extinction?

Massive ocean-warming El Niño events played a key role in...

A recent study of 10,000 nine to 11 year olds has found that each additional day of exposure to wildfire smoke and other types of extreme forms of air pollution raises the risk of mental health issues in children.



“We found that a greater number of days with fine particulate air pollution levels above EPA standards was associated with increased symptoms of mental illness, both during the year of exposure and up to one year later,” said lead author Harry Smolker, a research associate at <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/">CU Boulder</a> Institute of Cognitive Science.



This study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP13427">Environmental Health Perspectives</a>, was published at the same time as smoke from Southern California wildfires covers much of the Western U.S., extending as far away as Las Vegas and some parts of Colorado.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-severe-levels-of-particulate-matter">Severe levels of particulate matter</h2>



Although annual average air quality has improved in recent decades due to limits on greenhouse emissions from combustion engines, more frequent wildfires have led to a new critical problem: a larger number of days with severe levels of particulate matter in the air.



“We are entering a new age in which we are experiencing unprecedented levels of exposure to particulates multiple times a year,” Smolker said. “We need to understand what these extreme events are doing to young people, their brains and their behavior.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfire-smoke-and-mental-health">Wildfire smoke and mental health</h2>



Although scientists have already known that air pollution can harm the lungs and the heart, they have only recently started to explore its impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-mental-health-children/">mental health</a>.



Studies have shown that PM 2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers), is small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to inflamed tissue, damaged cells, and immune responses which can trigger both acute and long-term brain changes.



Experts have previously found that hospital admissions for depression, psychosis, and suicide attempts increase in adults on days with a high level of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-linked-to-increased-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a>.



When pregnant women are exposed to high levels of particulate matter, their children are at a higher risk of developing motor deficits and cognitive impairments later in life.&nbsp;



However, this new study is among the first to examine potential impacts on young people, whose brains are in a process of continuous development.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfire-smoke-exposure">Wildfire smoke exposure</h2>



The scientists analyzed data from 10,000 pre-teens participating in the <a href="https://abcdstudy.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study</a> - the largest longitudinal study of brain development and children’s health conducted in the U.S.&nbsp;



To determine how many days in 2016 children were exposed to PM2.5 levels exceeding the level the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Protection Agency</a> (EPA) considers safe (35 micrograms per cubic meter), the researchers examined participant addresses and historical air quality data.



The investigation revealed that approximately one-third were exposed to at least one day above the EPA standard, with one participant exposed to unsafe levels for 173 days. The highest level of exposure was 199 micrograms per cubic meter, which is over five times the level deemed safe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-health-impacts-of-wildfires">Mental health impacts of wildfires</h2>



The experts looked at parent questionnaires at four time points during three years. They discovered that, across both genders, each additional day of exposure to unsafe levels of PM2.5 increased the probability of an adolescent developing symptoms of depression, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fear-and-anxiety-the-mental-health-impacts-of-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anxiety</a> and other mental health issues up to one year later.



These findings came after taking into account a wide variety of possibly confounding factors, such as race, socioeconomic status and, most importantly, parental mental health. Even when parents did not report any symptoms of mental illness, their children frequently did.



“This suggests that PM2.5 exposure may have specific impacts on youth distinct from impacts on their parents,” Smolker said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-repeated-exposure-is-most-damaging-nbsp">Repeated exposure is most damaging&nbsp;</h2>



Repeated high levels of PM2.5 exposure had a larger influence on risk than annual averages or maximum levels did, an alarming finding suggesting that each additional day of exposure counts.



For each day of unsafe exposure, risk increased up 0.1 points on average on a scale from 1 to 50.



“This is relatively small, but not trivial,” Smolker said, emphasizing that PM2.5 is only one of the large variety of pollutants in the “exposome,” the collection of environmental exposures which shape children’s development. “Collectively they can add up.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cognitive-impacts-of-air-pollution">Cognitive impacts of air pollution </h2>



Some children may be genetically predisposed to be even more vulnerable to the cognitive impact of air pollution



Although PM2.5 can arise from many sources, including traffic and industry, the experts suspect that most of the exposures in the study were due to wildfire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-creates-conditions-that-favor-more-fires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smoke</a>.



“Wildfire smoke events are becoming more and more common, and this study adds to a growing body of evidence that they can impact our health,” said co-author Colleen Reid, a geographer at CU Boulder.



“The current study concluded that the number of days of PM2.5 exposure above US EPA standards during late childhood was associated with higher concurrent levels of internalizing symptoms across females and males, even after considering effects of other temporal patterns of exposure,” wrote the study authors.&nbsp;



“Notably, this association remained when accounting for parental psychopathology, suggesting PM2.5 exposure may have specific impacts on youth distinct from impacts on their parents.”



-----



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



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



-----

Wildfire smoke exposure linked to mental health issues

A recent study of 10,000 nine to 11 year olds...

There's great news for all of us who spend far too much time sitting on our behinds at a desk or glued to our screens and devices. The healthy solution to our sedentary woes could be as simple as just plain walking more. Yes, the humble act of walking might just be our golden ticket to better health.



Professor Maciej Banach, a leading light in his field, is known for his research in cardiovascular diseases. 



His most recent study centers around the potent health benefits of walking across diverse demographic groups. So, let's get to the bottom of his findings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-benefits-of-walking">Health benefits of walking</h2>



You've probably heard the commonly quoted goal of walking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/health-benefits-of-10000-steps-are-enhanced-with-a-faster-pace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10,000 steps per day</a> for optimal health. However, this study, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, casts doubt on this figure. 



Professor Maciej Banach, from the <a href="https://en.umed.pl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Medical University of Lodz</a>, and his team analyzed data from 17 studies worldwide involving over 226,000 participants. The revelations were startling.



It turned out that walking just 3,967 steps daily was associated with a reduced risk of death from any cause. Moreover, even a more modest goal of 2,337 steps a day was linked with a lower risk of dying from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular diseases</a>. 



In Banach’s own words, "The more you walk, the better." Here's a stat that'll knock your socks off: for every additional 1,000 steps, there was a 15% lower risk of death from any cause, and every 500 extra steps led to a 7% reduction in cardiovascular deaths.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-walking-is-a-one-size-fits-all-solution">Why walking is a one-size-fits-all solution</h2>



In his paper, Professor Banach underlined the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/walking-can-counteract-the-health-risks-of-sitting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universal benefits of walking</a>, regardless of age, gender, or geographic location. 



It seems walking is our common denominator for good health, across the globe. In our current epoch, where sedentary lifestyles are rampant, daily walking emerges as an effective counteraction.



Before this study, there was a lack of clarity over the optimal daily step count. 



Dr. Ibadete Bytyçi, one of the senior authors of the study, raised this issue. Interestingly, the study found that the health benefits of walking varied according to age groups. 



Younger people might see <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/step-and-time-based-exercise-goals-are-equally-beneficial/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">significant improvements with fewer steps</a>, whereas older folks might need a few more daily strides for the same benefits. 



Despite these slight variations, the essence of the message remains unchanged -- walk more for better health.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-walking-your-way-to-heart-health">Walking your way to heart health</h2>



Brisk walks aren't just about burning calories or getting from point A to B, it's a fantastic way to nurture our overall well-being. So, what exactly does stepping up your daily walks do to your health?



Regular walks can boost heart health by lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, and promoting better blood circulation. In simple terms, think of it as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-prove-how-many-daily-steps-you-should-take-to-avoid-early-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">daily formula for a hearty life</a>.



Walking is an underrated strategy for weight management. Torch around 150 to 200 calories with a brisk 30-minute walk. It's a simple way to wage war against obesity and related health issues.



It's not all about physique, walking also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/walk-20-minutes-daily-to-boost-your-brain-power/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">does wonders to your mental health</a>. It can ease symptoms of depression and anxiety, uplift your mood, and boost self-esteem. In short, walking can be your go-to stress buster.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strength-endurance-and-fighting-disease">Strength, endurance, and fighting disease</h2>



Want sturdy muscles and bones as you age? Walking regularly can help with that. It strengthens your lower body, improves bone density, and helps stave off conditions like osteoporosis.



Walking can help prevent chronic health conditions like diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels. Additionally, it can strengthen your immune system, making you more resilient against illnesses.



Walking engages various muscle groups, enhancing your balance and overall coordination. This is particularly beneficial for older adults, as it can prevent dangerous falls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-walking-for-a-healthy-tomorrow">Walking for a healthy tomorrow</h2>



To sum it all up, despite all these enticing benefits, some of us struggle to incorporate more walking into our lives. Lack of time and motivation, or the absence of safe walking spaces might be the culprits. 



The good news is, walking requires no fancy equipment or pricy memberships. So why not start taking control of your health and begin your walking journey today?



While the study in question was observational and can't definitively prove causation, it certainly underscores a powerful correlation between regular walking and a reduced risk of mortality. 



The take-home message is clear and simple: Move more, sit less. It's never too late to kick-start a healthier lifestyle, your step count could be a good place to begin.



The full study was published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwad229">European Journal of Preventive Cardiology</a>.



-----



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



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



-----

Walking any distance dramatically improves your health, thousands of steps not required

There's great news for all of us who spend far...

America just got a whole lot bigger. The United States has successfully claimed an additional one million square kilometers beneath the ocean, expanding its extended continental shelf boundaries. 



Yes, it's like America just bought a new basement, one that is almost 60% the size of Alaska.



Mead Treadwell, former lieutenant governor of Alaska and chair of the <a href="https://www.arctic.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Arctic Research Commission</a>, helps us understand the situation. 



"America is larger than it was yesterday. It's not quite the Louisiana Purchase. It's not quite the purchase of Alaska, but the new area of land and subsurface resources under the land controlled by the United States is two Californias larger," Treadwell explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-extended-continental-shelf-ecs">Understanding Extended Continental Shelf (ECS)</h2>



What's this all about? Well, imagine the ocean as a multi-story building, with each country owning specific floors extending <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-sea-ice-is-currently-the-lowest-ever-recorded/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">out from their shoreline</a>. 



Typically, a country's rights stop after 200 nautical miles, around the fifth floor. But, the Extended Continental Shelf (<a href="https://www.state.gov/continental-shelf/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ECS</a>) is the rights to the underground parking lot.



Under this framework, coastal states can claim an ECS up to 350 nautical miles from their baseline or 100 nautical miles from the 2,500-meter isobath, which is a line connecting depths of 2,500 meters.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-extended-continental-shelf-ecs-provisions">Key Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) provisions</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Article 76 of UNCLOS: This rule lays out the guidelines for extending the continental shelf beyond the usual 200 nautical miles from a coastal state's baseline. It details the key steps and things to consider when determining the outer boundaries of the continental shelf. These include factors like the land's natural extension and the depth of the sea floor.</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS): The CLCS is crucial for reviewing submissions from coastal states about their continental shelf's outer boundaries. Made up of experts in geology, hydrography, and oceanography, the CLCS ensures that the submissions are based on solid science and align with international law.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-process-of-claiming-an-extended-continental-shelf-ecs">Process of claiming an Extended Continental Shelf (ECS)</h3>



Claiming an ECS is a detailed process that requires some careful planning and solid evidence. Coastal states looking to assert their rights need to provide thorough geological and hydrographic proof to the CLCS to back up their claims.



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Data Collection: Coastal states conduct in-depth seabed surveys using advanced tech and techniques to gather geophysical and hydrographic data. This can include seismic surveys, sediment sampling, and underwater terrain mapping.</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Preparation of Submission: After collecting the necessary data, coastal states review the information and prepare a detailed submission, including maps, scientific reports, and other supporting documents to strengthen their claim.</li>
</ul>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Evaluation by CLCS: Once the submission is in, the CLCS goes through a thorough review, checking the scientific validity of the data and methods used. They offer recommendations based on their assessment. While these recommendations aren't legally binding, they carry a lot of weight when/if a dispute arises, as they represent expert consensus on the matter.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-twenty-years-of-hard-work">Twenty years of hard work</h2>



The U.S. began its quest for an ECS back in 2003. This effort, which required teamwork between the U.S. State Department, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (<a href="https://www.noaa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA)</a>, and the U.S. Geological Survey (<a href="https://www.usga.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USGS</a>), was no easy task. 



It took them twenty years and involved a massive data collection initiative, but it paid off, big time. On December 19, 2023, the State Department announced new geographical coordinates of the U.S. ECS, adding massive chunks of territory in the Atlantic, Arctic, Pacific, and more.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-united-states-and-unclos">The United States and UNCLOS</h2>



The relationship between the United States and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) <a href="https://saisreview.sais.jhu.edu/unmoored-from-the-un-the-struggle-to-ratify-unclos-in-the-united-states/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">is complicated, to say the least</a>. 



While UNCLOS is often referred to as the “Constitution for the Oceans,” governing everything from maritime boundaries to resource rights and environmental standards, the U.S. has never actually ratified the treaty, even though it played a significant role in drafting it back in the 1970s and 1980s.



There are worries about issues like sovereignty, naval operations, and financial commitments that have created some major roadblocks. 



Some senators fear that joining the treaty would mean giving up U.S. rights to the International Seabed Authority and could restrict access for U.S. companies to underwater resources. 



On the flip side, military leaders, especially from the U.S. Navy, are all for ratification, arguing that it would help the U.S. tackle excessive maritime claims by other countries and secure navigational freedoms.



Supporters of ratifying UNCLOS believe that joining would boost U.S. influence in shaping global maritime rules and give legal certainty for U.S. claims, especially regarding the Extended Continental Shelf (ECS). 



Even though the U.S. isn't a formal party, it already follows many of the convention's rules, using its provisions to back up territorial claims and assert navigation rights in international waters, like the South China Sea.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-of-exploration">Science of exploration</h2>



This ambitious venture wasn't just about drawing lines on a map. It required a scientific odyssey of epic proportions. 



The areas encompassed in this claim include the Arctic, the east coast Atlantic, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/image/bering-sea-ice-cover-hits-a-record-high/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bering Sea</a>, the west coast Pacific, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/image/typhoon-higos-over-mariana-islands-pacific-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mariana Islands</a>, and two regions in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gulf-of-mexicos-dead-zone-is-unusually-large-this-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gulf of Mexico</a>.



Brian Van Pay, Project Director for the State Department, explained further, saying, "Forty missions at sea, going to areas that we’ve never explored before, finding entire seamounts we didn’t even know existed."



Scientists spent the equivalent of over three years charting new territory; using sonar mapping, geological sampling, and sediment layer analysis. 



The outcome, as Van Pay notes, was a submission that aligns with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (<a href="https://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/unclos_e.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UNCLOS</a>) -- the legal framework for this claim.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-unclos">Understanding UNCLOS</h2>



The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), commonly known as the Law of the Sea Treaty, serves as a vital framework governing our planet’s oceans and seas. 



Developed through the collaborative efforts of over 160 countries, UNCLOS provides essential legal guidelines for managing marine natural resources, protecting the environment, and defining maritime rights among nations.



UNCLOS was born in the 20th century, driven by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/adult-fish-are-dwindling-across-many-marine-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">growing exploitation of marine resources</a> and advancements in maritime technology that called for a cohesive set of international rules. 



The convention emerged from three United Nations conferences dedicated to the Law of the Sea, with the first occurring in 1956. 



However, it wasn't until 1982 that this pivotal treaty was finalized, officially coming into force on November 16, 1994.



The debate over the United States ratification of UNCLOS is still ongoing, with many experts and leaders urging the U.S. to officially join the treaty to enhance its global standing. 



However, without a clear agreement in the Senate, the U.S. finds itself in a tricky situation -- acting according to a treaty it hasn't signed while trying to balance its leadership role on the world stage with concerns about preserving its sovereignty and independence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-exactly-does-this-land-grab-mean">What exactly does this land grab mean?</h2>



The implications of this move are multifold. For starters, the U.S. now has the right to control and potentially <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-upheaval-the-ecological-impact-of-deep-sea-mining/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exploit resources like oil, gas, and minerals</a> in the expanded territory.



However, it doesn't mean they can suddenly start fishing further off the coast or start patrolling the new water regions. It's more like the U.S. government won the mineral rights to some underwater property.



The claim has been shaped carefully to avoid stepping on the toes of other nations, particularly Russia. But there might be a bit of an overlap with Canada, which may call for future diplomacy.



Despite the potential gains, challenges persist. The biggest one of these, as mentioned above, is the lack of a formal ratification of UNCLOS by the U.S. Senate. This gap could potentially limit the international legal weight of the claim.



Moreover, the claim's validity is dependent on the robustness of the science backing it. 



According to Treadwell, "If somebody came back and said, 'Your science is bad,' I think the United States would listen. But I don’t think science is bad. I think we’ve had very good science."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-the-extended-continental-shelf">Managing the Extended Continental Shelf</h2>



There's more at stake than just economic gain. The move also widens the U.S.'s jurisdiction to enforce environmental regulations effectively and protect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-ocean-day-a-unified-approach-to-protect-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fragile marine ecosystems</a> from unchecked exploitation. 



However, balancing these ecological responsibilities with economic interests will prove to be a tricky task.



But, hey, isn't that part of the thrill? As over 75 countries have already defined their ECS boundaries, it's clear that the world is entering a new era of ocean governance. 



So, will this new territory lead to a scramble for resources, or will it enhance cooperation in managing and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-conservation-credit-system-could-reduce-costs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protecting the world's oceans</a>?



Let's not get ahead of ourselves. For now, America has made a bold move, and the rest of the world is watching. 



One thing is for sure, though: how we navigate these waters will affect not only our economy but also the health of our oceans, the climate, and our future.



-----



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



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



-----

The U.S. added over one million square kilometers to its territory

America just got a whole lot bigger. The United States...

Antarctica’s rapidly shrinking sea ice could have a significant impact on the food supply of seabirds that breed far from the continent, according to new research. 



Most of the world’s albatrosses and their relatives, the petrels, breed on islands in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica. These seabirds rely on the nutrient-rich waters affected by the seasonal sea ice for feeding.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-the-movement-of-seabirds">Monitoring the movement of seabirds</h2>



A study led by <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Durham University</a> in collaboration with the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a> (BAS) used satellite tracking technology to monitor the movements of these birds. 



The researchers discovered that albatrosses and petrels travel vast distances to reach areas affected by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-low-antarctic-sea-ice-and-rapid-melting-pace-stuns-climate-scientists/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea ice</a>, known as the Antarctic seasonal sea ice zone. 



This is where they either feed in the nutrient-dense waters left behind after the ice melts each summer or, in the case of southern giant petrels, scavenge for seals found on the ice itself.



Historically, Antarctica had not experienced the dramatic loss of sea ice seen in the Arctic. However, in the past five years, Antarctic sea ice has begun to retreat more rapidly.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-seabirds-may-struggle-to-find-food">Seabirds may struggle to find food</h2>



The study suggests that as sea ice continues to decline, seabirds may be forced to fly further from their breeding grounds in search of food, or they may encounter shifts in where their food sources are located. This, in turn, could disrupt the ecosystems to which these seabirds belong.



Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pocean.2024.10333" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Progress in Oceanography</a>, the study provides new insight into how these changes in sea ice could affect bird populations that breed far from the continent. 



Study lead author Ewan Wakefield is a scientist from Durham University’s Department of Geography.



“Every winter, the sea freezes around Antarctica, with sea ice covering tens of millions of square miles. We found that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-uncovers-4000-years-of-foraging-behavior-among-albatrosses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">albatrosses</a> and large petrels travel hundreds of miles, some far into the area covered by this sea ice, and we think that they do this to feed,” said Wakefield. 



“In that case, Antarctica’s receding sea ice, driven by climate change, could affect not just the penguins, familiar to many people, that breed on the continent, but also huge numbers of seabirds breeding hundreds or thousands of miles away.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-species-rely-on-sea-ice">Many species rely on sea ice</h2>



The experts analyzed the movements of seven species of albatross and large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-snowstorms-impact-breeding-success-of-petrels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">petrel</a>, including northern and southern giant petrels, white-chinned petrels, and several species of albatross. 



Using satellite data collected between 1992 and 2023, the researchers tracked 2,497 foraging trips by 1,289 seabirds from South Georgia, a sub-Antarctic island about 1,000 miles from Antarctica. The research revealed that all seven species used sea ice-affected waters, though in different ways.&nbsp;



For example, albatrosses largely avoided ice-covered areas, likely because of the difficulty in flying or landing on the ice. Instead, they fed in regions where the ice had melted and released concentrated nutrients.&nbsp;



Southern giant petrels, on the other hand, ventured hundreds of miles into the pack ice during spring, likely scavenging for seals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shrinking-sea-ice-levels">Shrinking sea ice levels</h2>



The researchers also observed a seasonal pattern, with birds moving north and south in sync with plankton blooms in the oceans - a phenomenon known as green wave surfing.



During the period when the satellite data was recorded, Antarctic sea ice was relatively stable. However, recent summers have seen earlier retreats and record-low levels of seasonal sea ice.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-escalating-impacts-on-seabirds-nbsp">Escalating impacts on seabirds&nbsp;</h2>



According to Richard Phillips, co-author and leader of the Higher Predators and Conservation Group at BAS, these declines in sea ice, exacerbated by climate change, could worsen the already unsustainable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-all-seabirds-have-ingested-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human impacts</a> on seabird populations.



While the study sheds light on how seabirds interact with sea ice-affected habitats, researchers acknowledge some limitations. They do not yet know exactly what the birds are eating in these areas, which future tracking and dietary studies aim to reveal.&nbsp;



Additionally, the resolution of the tracking data wasn’t fine enough to show exactly how birds interact with sea ice on a small scale. Finally, the study didn’t cover the entire breeding period for several species, so it remains unclear how they might use these habitats during other times of the year.



Despite these limitations, the study underscores the importance of understanding how Antarctic sea ice dynamics influence not only the continent’s wildlife but also the seabirds that breed far away in the Southern Ocean.



-----



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



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



-----

Shrinking sea ice makes it harder for seabirds to find food

Antarctica’s rapidly shrinking sea ice could have a significant impact...

Sometimes, the stars (or rather, the Harvest Moon) align to give us a night sky spectacle that's truly out of this world. This year, on September 17, we're in for a celestial treat that's sure to have everyone looking skyward in awe.



Not only will we witness a radiant full Harvest Moon illuminating the night, but we’ll also experience a partial lunar eclipse, which occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow that partially obscures the Moon.



To top it all off, we’ll have a rare supermoon, a phenomenon that happens when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, making it appear larger and brighter than usual.



This extraordinary lunar event is celebrated globally with festivals, captivating stories shared around campfires, and, of course, a little bit of science to help us understand the wonder of these natural occurrences.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harvest-moon-and-a-partial-lunar-eclipse">Harvest moon and a partial lunar Eclipse</h2>



<a href="https://science.nasa.gov/moon/eclipses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">An eclipse occurs</a> when the Moon moves through the Earth's shadow, effectively blocking the Sun’s light from reaching our planet.



The upcoming partial lunar eclipse is set to kick off at 8:41 PM EDT, providing an excellent opportunity for skywatchers to witness this natural phenomenon.



However, the real spectacle begins when the Moon dips into the Earth’s full shadow at 10:13 PM, transforming its appearance. 



During this phase, just 8% of the Moon will be obscured, resulting in a visually stunning event as the Moon takes on a deep orangish hue.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/longest-partial-lunar-eclipse-of-the-century/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The beautiful display</a> will continue until 12:47 AM on Wednesday, September 18, making it a perfect occasion for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts to gather and marvel at the beauty of our universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-this-harvest-moon-is-a-supermoon">This Harvest Moon is a supermoon</h2>



In addition to the exciting partial lunar eclipse, this full moon is also a supermoon. <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/moon/what-is-a-supermoon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The term "supermoon"</a> was first introduced in 1979 and specifically refers to a new or full Moon that occurs within 90% of its closest approach to Earth. 



While we can't observe a new Moon with the naked eye, it's the full supermoons that truly capture our attention and awe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-supermoon-blue-moon-will-outshine-and-outsize-all-other-moons-this-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">with their impressive display</a>.



The September supermoon is particularly special as it marks the year's second supermoon, following the one in August. This supermoon ties with the upcoming October Moon for being the closest, largest, and brightest of the year. 



As the Moon rises in the sky, its larger-than-life presence will be impossible to miss, glowing with an intensity that will surely mesmerize stargazers and moon enthusiasts around the world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harvest-is-one-of-many-names">"Harvest" is one of many names</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-harvest-moon-will-rise-this-week-along-with-three-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">This full Moon</a> carries several names, each reflecting different cultural traditions and seasonal markers.



Traditionally known as the Harvest Moon, this Moon is the closest full one to the autumnal equinox. For centuries, it was a farmer's friend, lighting up the night so they could gather crops late into the evening. 



It rises just 10-20 minutes later each night, which means many nights of extended twilight -- perfect for farming.



The northeastern U.S.'s Algonquin people named this the Corn Moon, a sign it was time to harvest key crops. Europe also knew it as the Fruit or Barley Moon, marking the ripening of fruits or the barley harvest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traditional-harvest-moon-festivities">Traditional Harvest Moon festivities</h2>



This full Moon is much more than an astronomical event -- it’s a global cultural affair.



In Hindu culture, Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival honoring the god Ganesha, ends, and Pitru Paksha begins -- a period devoted to paying respect to ancestors. 



Buddhists in Bangladesh and Thailand celebrate it as Madhu Purnima, or the Honey Full Moon Festival.



In East Asia, it's the time for the Mid-Autumn Festival, with family reunions and mooncakes. Meanwhile, in Korea, it aligns with Chuseok, a significant harvest festival. Japan celebrates the Moon with the Moon-Viewing Festival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-look-up-admire-be-thankful">Look up, admire, be thankful</h2>



Regardless of where you are -- looking at the stars, participating in a festival, or just admiring the night sky -- think about the countless people worldwide doing the same. 



This full Moon illuminates our lives and reminds us, despite our differences, we all share the same sky.



So put on your favorite stargazing outfit, gather your loved ones, and take a moment to look up at the Moon. 



Delight in the brilliance of the supermoon, contemplate the orbital mechanics behind the partial lunar eclipse, and maybe even remember that we're all human beings living under the same brilliant sky.



Happy Moon-gazing!



-----



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



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



-----

Full moon trifecta: Harvest moon, supermoon, and partial eclipse

Sometimes, the stars (or rather, the Harvest Moon) align to...

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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



---



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

Yumna knew that her prospective dog should be good with kids and other animals and from what she learned from her research dogs like; Newfoundlands, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers were ideal. However, these dogs required a lot of space, which she did not have. So she decided to expand her search to include Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, and Border Collies. After researching for a while, Yumna found the one.

In Search Of The Perfect Dog