Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features dust flowing through the Tokar Gap, where the easternmost extent of the African Sahel meets the Red Sea.



"Mountain chains border both sides of the Red Sea, the long narrow inlet of the Indian Ocean that separates Saudi Arabia to the east from Egypt, Sudan, and Eritrea to the west. One major exception is the Tokar Gap, a 100-kilometer (60-mile) break in the Red Sea Hills that serves as a conduit for both winds and dust," says NASA.



"In the summer, strong surface winds frequently stream through the gap from the southwest, often funneling narrow plumes of dust from the Tokar Delta over the Red Sea."



The photo was captured on June 24, 2023 by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite. The image shows a plume of dust from Sudan pushing through the Tokar Gap.



"In the winter, the winds reverse and winds typically gather over the Red Sea and move through the gap toward the southwest," says NASA.



"A 2019 analysis of weather conditions that fuel summer dust storms indicated that stronger winds moving through the Tokar Gap - and warmer air and soil temperatures - have increased the amount of airborne dust found in this area since 2002."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/ Wanmei Liang



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Dust from Africa streams through the Tokar Gap

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features a fjord in western Greenland as the ice was joined by a mysterious arc.



"In summer, the fjords around Greenland are commonly littered with angular pieces of ice that have sloughed off from the island’s numerous outlet glaciers. But on August 3, 2023, the ice on a fjord in western Greenland was joined by a peculiar arc," said NASA.



"The thin, white feature spans much of Itilliarsuup Kangerlua, a tributary fjord of the Uummannaq Fjord system in Western Greenland. It extends about 2.6 kilometers (1.6 miles) from the front of Kangilleq glacier."



While the origin of the arc remains unclear, experts have proposed some possible theories. Dan Shugar, a geomorphologist at the University of Calgary, suggests that the arc may be the result of a large iceberg that broke off from the front of the glacier.



"An iceberg breaking from the glacier - above or below the water’s surface - would displace water, creating a wave," explained NASA.



"Josh Willis, an oceanographer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Mike Wood, a glaciologist at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, agree that a newly formed iceberg is a likely explanation."



The scientists also pointed to a different phenomenon that is known to displace water in the fjords around Greenland. According to Willis, there could be water pushing ice away from the glacier face caused by an underwater plume.



The image was captured by the Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2) on Landsat 9.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Mysterious arc joins ice on a fjord in western Greenland

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Sahara Desert on the afternoon of May 3, 2023, as the International Space Station passed above. An astronaut captured this striking image of hills and sand dunes in southern Mauritania.&nbsp;



"A line of dark, flat-topped hills known as mesas dominate the view," said NASA. "The small town of Guérou is a faint gray patch on the banks of a small stream. The faint line of a road can be seen cutting through the landscape and connecting with Guérou."



"The mesas are remnants of a large Paleozoic Era sandstone formation. They rise steeply 300 to 400 meters (1,000 to 1,300 feet) above the surrounding plain."&nbsp;



"Rocky surfaces in deserts often appear dark-toned as a result of a thin layer of black rock varnish that develops on rock surfaces enriched in manganese."



Southern Mauritania is part of the vast Sahelian region, which serves as a transitional zone between the Sahara Desert to the north and the more fertile savannahs of West Africa to the south.&nbsp;



The southern part of Mauritania is generally flatter and has a semi-arid climate. It receives more rainfall than the northern regions, but it's still quite sparse. The Senegal River, which forms the border between Mauritania and Senegal, is one of the major rivers in West Africa and is crucial for agriculture in this region.



The area around the Senegal River is the most agriculturally productive part of Mauritania. Rice, millet, and other grains are commonly cultivated. Fishing in the Senegal River is also a significant activity. Despite these resources, southern Mauritania remains relatively poor and underdeveloped.



The region is home to a mix of ethnic groups, including the Moors (both Arab-Berber Moors and Black Moors or Haratin) and various black African ethnic groups such as the Wolof, Pular (or Fulani), and Soninke.



Southern Mauritania faces a variety of challenges. Periodic droughts can devastate local agriculture. There are also socio-economic issues, including poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare.



The Diawling National Park, located in the southwest corner of Mauritania near the Senegal River, is one of the country's premier protected areas. The park is known for its birdlife and serves as an important wetland habitat.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Hills and sand dunes of southern Mauritania

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features a false-color image of Lake Abbe in northeast Ethiopia. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.&nbsp;



"Visible as the large round dark area, Lake Abbe, also known as Lake Abhe, straddles the border of Ethiopia to the west and Djibouti to the east. The lake is 19 km wide and 17 km long and is extremely salty. It is dotted with clusters of steaming limestone chimneys and surrounded by large salt flats, visible in white, and rift volcanoes," says ESA.



"The biggest volcano in the image is Mount Dama Ali, a dormant 25-km-wide shield volcano that rises on the northwest shore of the lake."



"Lake Abbe and Lake Afambo, which is visible at the top of the image, are part of a chain of six connected salt lakes, fed by the Awash River - one of Ethiopia’s biggest rivers.'



Copernicus Sentinel-2’s near-infrared channel highlights vegetation in bright red. This strategy makes it easy to spot algal blooms, such as the one that is visible in Lake Abbe. According to ESA, the light blue color on the west shore indicates sediment discharged into the lake.



"Because of its dry, desert, almost lunar landscape and the steaming, sulphuric vents, Lake Abbe is considered one of the most inaccessible areas on Earth," says ESA. "Earth observation satellites are key in these cases as they are particularly relevant for monitoring remote regions such as this."



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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Lake Abbe in northeast Ethiopia

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features vibrantly colored water near the coastline of Vancouver Island.



"The colorful plumes - which are likely comprised of both phytoplankton and sediment - stood out in this image, acquired by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the NOAA-20 satellite on July 26," said NASA.



"Clouds covered much of Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia at the time of this image. But coastal areas were cloud-free, exposing water that likely contained flourishing populations of phytoplankton - floating plant-like organisms that are the foundation of the aquatic food web."



During the summer in the northeast Pacific Ocean, phytoplankton blooms are frequent due to offshore winds pushing surface waters away from the coast. This leads to the upwelling of cooler, nutrient-rich waters from the depths, which fuels the growth of phytoplankton.&nbsp;



The Salish Sea plays a significant role in supplying nutrients through its circulation and upwelling, enhancing phytoplankton productivity along the continental shelf near Vancouver Island. Additionally, the bloom may also be fueled by nutrient-rich sediment runoff from the coast.



Vancouver Island is known for its lush landscapes, including mountains, forests, and stunning coastlines. The island is also home to the city of Victoria, the capital of British Columbia.&nbsp;



Vancouver Island offers various outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, including opportunities to see whales and bears. The island has a rich Indigenous history, which is reflected in many of its local arts and cultural exhibits



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Vibrant colors off the coast of Vancouver Island

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features a massive smoky storm cloud that developed over Northwestern Canada on September 16, 2023.



"For much of summer 2023, fires burned through boreal forests in northern British Columbia and Alberta, and in the South Slave Region of the Northwest Territories. The blazes triggered evacuations as they approached towns and unleashed plumes of smoke that occasionally dipped south into the United States," said NASA.



"In mid-September, strong winds from a passing cold front interacted with some of the fires to create a vast smoke-infused cloud spiral. The smoky storm, which spanned hundreds of kilometers, is visible in this image captured by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the NOAA-20 satellite."



Wind gusts as high as 40 miles per hour intensified the fires and created towering “fire clouds” called pyrocumulonimbus clouds, which boosted smoke up into the storm clouds.&nbsp;



“We see dozens of pyrocumulonimbus clouds each year, but this was an impressive event,” said Colin Seftor, an atmospheric scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.&nbsp;



Seftor monitors the spread of the airborne aerosols within wildfire smoke using the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite sensor on the NOAA-NASA Suomi NPP satellite.



“After the smoke was lofted up and entrained within the circulation of a passing low-pressure system, it resulted in the highest aerosol measurements we’ve seen this year,” said Seftor. “We did see two other smoke events in Canada in mid-August and early September, when aerosol index values were nearly as high,” he added.



Atmospheric scientist Hiren Jethva analyzed data collected by a lidar sensor on NASA’s ICESat-2 to measure the height of the smoke plume. “ICESat-2 data show a rising smoke cloud ranging from 6 to 11 kilometers,” he said.&nbsp;



According to NASA, scientists track smoke heights as part of a broader effort to understand how aerosols within wildfire smoke affect the radiation budget and climate when they form smoke layers above clouds.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Smoke-infused storm cloud over the Northwest Territories 

Nothing. It was a normal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/robots-reveal-how-fish-hunt-down-unpredictable-prey/">fish</a>, just like the hundreds they had caught before. But there were four more to go and she pounced on them like a gambling addict with a pile of fresh scratch cards. Little did they know the mystery that awaited them.

Just Fish

The mysterious origin of Saturn's rings may finally be revealed. A team of researchers suggests that the rings evolved from the debris of two icy moons that collided a few hundred million years ago.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supercomputer-simulations-nbsp">Supercomputer simulations&nbsp;</h2>



For their investigation, the experts used a new series of high-resolution supercomputer simulations. The research sheds light on why the rings appear significantly younger than the planet itself.



The simulations also provide a plausible explanation for the formation of Saturn's rings.&nbsp;



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



"We tested a hypothesis for the recent formation of Saturn's rings and have found that an impact of icy moons is able to send enough material near to Saturn to form the rings that we see now," said Dr. Vincent Eke from <a href="https://www.durham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Durham University</a>. 



The proposed collision scenario involves the progenitor moons smashing into one another, leading to the dispersal of the rock in their cores less widely than the overlying ice, consequently forming ice-rich rings.



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



These findings help to clarify the composition of Saturn's rings, which Cassini spacecraft data revealed to be almost pure ice with minimal dust pollution.&nbsp;



Cassini, which orbited <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-has-megastorms-that-affect-its-weather-for-centuries/">Saturn</a> for 13 years beginning in 2004, provided invaluable data by passing and diving through the gap between Saturn and its rings, capturing precise details about the planet and its surrounding system.&nbsp;



The nearly pure icy composition of the rings suggests their formation occurred relatively recently in the life span of the solar system.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted-nbsp">How the study was conducted&nbsp;</h2>



The collaborative research effort involved scientists from NASA, Durham University, and Glasgow University.&nbsp;



The team simulated various collision scenarios between precursor moons at a resolution over 100 times higher than previous studies, offering unprecedented insights into the Saturn system's history.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saturn-s-roche-limit-nbsp">Saturn's Roche limit&nbsp;</h2>



Through nearly 200 different versions of simulated impacts, the researchers found that numerous collision scenarios could feasibly scatter adequate amounts of ice into Saturn’s Roche limit, eventually settling into rings resembling those observed today.&nbsp;



The Roche limit represents the maximum orbit distance where a planet's gravitational pull can disintegrate larger bodies of rock or ice drawing closer. Material orbiting beyond this limit might aggregate to form moons.



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



The in-depth simulations and their results provide a convincing explanation for the icy purity of Saturn's rings.&nbsp;



Considering that other elements of the planet's system have a mixed ice-and-rock composition, alternative theories struggled to account for the minimal rock content in the rings.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-results-nbsp">Fascinating results&nbsp;</h2>



Dr. Jacob Kegerreis is a Durham University graduate who is now a research scientist at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley.&nbsp;



“There’s so much we still don’t know about the Saturn system, including its moons that host environments that might be suitable for life, so it’s exciting to use big simulations like these to explore in detail how they could have evolved," said Dr. Kegerreis.



“The apparent geological youth of Saturn’s rings has been a puzzle since the Voyager probes sent back their first images of the planet," said Dr. Luis Teodoro from the <a href="https://www.gla.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Glasgow</a>.



"This collaboration has allowed us to examine the possible circumstances of their creation, with fascinating results.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-saturn-s-rings">More about Saturn's rings</h2>



Saturn’s rings are a prominent feature of the planet, made up of countless small particles ranging from tiny, dust-sized icy grains to larger debris several meters across. These particles are predominantly composed of water ice with traces of rocky material.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-orbit-of-the-rings">Orbit of the rings</h3>



The rings orbit around Saturn at various distances, creating distinct bands or rings. Each ring orbits at a different speed and has varying widths and thicknesses.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-naming-system">Naming system</h3>



The rings have been named in the order they were discovered, leading to a non-sequential naming system.&nbsp;



The main rings are, from nearest to furthest from Saturn, the D, C, B, A, F, G, and E rings. The gaps between the rings also have names, such as the Cassini Division, which is the dark area between the B and A rings.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins">Origins</h3>



The origin of Saturn’s rings is still a subject of research and debate among scientists.&nbsp;



The current study suggests they are remnants of shattered moons, while other experts believe they may have formed along with Saturn itself.&nbsp;



The findings are published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/acf4ed">The Astrophysical Journal</a>.



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Saturn's rings may have formed after two icy moons collided

The mysterious origin of Saturn's rings may finally be revealed....

Drying,The,Planet,Earth.,Concept,Of,Waste,Water,In,The

In a groundbreaking endeavor, engineers from MIT and China have designed a passive solar desalination system aimed at converting seawater into drinkable water. 



The concept, articulated in a study published in the <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2023.08.012" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal Joule</a>, harnesses the dual powers of the sun and the inherent properties of seawater, emulating the ocean's "thermohaline" circulation on a smaller scale, to evaporate water and leave salt behind.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-design-inspired-by-nature">Design inspired by nature</h2>



The scientists have developed a configuration where water circulates in swirling eddies similar to oceanic thermohaline circulation. This circulation, coupled with sunlight, enables water to evaporate. This leaves the salt circulating within the device. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-hydrogel-can-extract-unlimited-amounts-of-water-from-the-air-even-in-deserts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water vapor</a> is then condensed, providing pure, drinkable water, while the residual salt is expelled, preventing accumulation and system blockages.



The newly developed system surpasses all existing passive solar desalination prototypes in terms of water-production rate and salt-rejection rate. Lenan Zhang, a research scientist in MIT’s <a href="https://drl.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Device Research Laboratory</a>, stated, “For the first time, it is possible for water, produced by sunlight, to be even cheaper than tap water.” 



The device, if enlarged to the size of a small suitcase, could yield approximately 4 to 6 liters of drinking water per hour and sustain several years before necessitating replacements. The team envisions that a scaled-up device could fulfill the daily water needs of a small family and potentially benefit off-grid coastal communities with ready access to seawater.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-user-friendly-water-desalination">User-friendly water desalination</h2>



The design has evolved from the team's prior concepts, avoiding the issues of salt crystallization and clogging experienced in earlier models. This design not only resolves the salt accumulation issue but also enhances desalination rates. The scientists have achieved high water production and salt rejection reliably over extended periods. 



Xu, one of the team members, mentioned, “We introduce now an even more powerful convection, similar to what we typically see in the ocean, at kilometer-long scales.” 



The team successfully emulated the kilometer-wide phenomena of thermohaline convection in a compact box, enabling the efficient rejection of salt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ingenious-structural-composition">Ingenious structural composition</h2>



The essence of the new design is a single stage that resembles a thin box, topped with a material to absorb the sun’s heat effectively. It is compartmentalized to allow water flow through the top half where the evaporator layer, using solar heat, evaporates the water in contact. 



This vapor is then directed to the lower half and condensed into a salt-free, drinkable liquid by an air-cooling layer. Several prototypes have been tested, revealing that a scaled-up square meter stage could produce up to 5 liters of drinking water per hour, operating efficiently for several years without salt accumulation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-desalination-implications-and-prospects">Desalination implications and prospects</h2>



Yang Zhong, an <a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a> graduate student, emphasized the potential real-world impact, saying, “For the first time, it is possible for drinking water produced by sunlight to be cheaper than tap water. This opens up the possibility for solar desalination to address real-world problems.” 



Given its extended life span and passive nature, requiring no electricity, the overall operational cost is estimated to be cheaper than producing tap water in the United States, marking it as a feasible solution to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tackling-the-worlds-climate-driven-water-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global water scarcity issues</a>.



The dedicated collaboration included MIT’s Yang Zhong and Evelyn Wang, along with Lenan Zhang, and experts Jintong Gao, Jinfang You, Zhanyu Ye, Ruzhu Wang, and Zhenyuan Xu from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China. Their collective endeavor holds the promise of a cost-effective and sustainable solution for water production, potentially alleviating water scarcity in remote and coastal regions globally.



In summary, this innovative solar desalination system devised by the engineers at MIT and in China demonstrates a significant leap in addressing the pressing global issue of water scarcity. 



By efficiently and passively converting seawater into drinkable water using sunlight, this technology offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution. It stands as a testament to the potential of combining engineering ingenuity with natural processes to solve critical real-world problems, ushering in new possibilities in water purification and conservation.



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Cheap and drinkable water from desalination is finally a reality

In a groundbreaking endeavor, engineers from MIT and China have...

The,Harvest,Moon,And,Japanese,Pampas,Grass.

The Harvest Moon is set to rise this Thursday as the final supermoon of 2023, wrapping up a summer marked by big, radiant full <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-atmosphere-beyond-moon/">moons</a>.



According to Space.com, this special supermoon will be joined by a parade of planets, including the largest worlds in our solar system -&nbsp; Jupiter and Saturn - as well as Mercury, which is the smallest.



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



A <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/next-weeks-blue-supermoon-will-be-the-biggest-and-brightest-of-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermoon</a> is a celestial phenomenon that occurs when the moon is at or near its closest approach to Earth in its orbit. This proximity makes the moon appear larger and brighter in the night sky compared to other periods in its cycle.



This year's last supermoon will hit its peak brilliance at approximately 6 a.m. ET on Friday after making its grand appearance on Thursday night, according to the <a href="https://www.almanac.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farmer's Almanac</a>. The illumination will still be visible on Friday evening.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-corn-moon">The Corn Moon</h2>



This week's full moon is known as the "Harvest Moon," which is due to its proximity to the autumnal equinox which took place on September 23.&nbsp;



Traditionally, September's full moon has also been known as the Corn Moon, a tribute to the end-of-summer harvests.



While the Harvest Moon typically graces us in September, every three years it shifts to October. This means that not all Corn Moons earn the title of Harvest Moon.



Those who might miss out on this week's event need to mark their calendars for summer 2024, when the next supermoon will be visible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-origin-of-the-harvest-moon-nbsp">The origin of the Harvest Moon&nbsp;</h2>



The term Harvest Moon is deeply rooted in agricultural traditions. "In the days before tractors with headlights, having moonlight to work by was crucial to getting the harvest in quickly before rain caused it to rot," explained Alan MacRobert, an editor at <a href="https://skyandtelescope.org/">Sky &amp; Telescope</a> magazine.



The timeline of the Harvest Moon aligns with the ripening of numerous crops in late summer and early autumn.&nbsp;



In those days, farmers, burdened with the immense workload, had no choice but to extend their labor hours past sunset. Moonlight was their guiding light.



NASA, citing the Oxford English Dictionary, notes that the term "Harvest Moon" made its first printed appearance in 1706.



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



Beyond its agricultural significance, the Harvest Moon is also known for its unique characteristics.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brightness-and-timing">Brightness and timing</h3>



One of the main reasons the Harvest Moon is special is due to its path across the sky. It rises during twilight for several nights in a row, which means there's no long period of darkness between sunset and moonrise.&nbsp;



This results in several evenings of bright moonlight early in the evening, which was traditionally helpful to farmers.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-color">Color</h3>



The Harvest Moon often appears orange in color as it rises. This is due to the angle at which it rises - making it seem larger on the horizon and its light having to pass through a larger portion of the Earth’s atmosphere. This scattering of light results in the orange hue.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-festivals">Festivals</h3>



Many cultures have harvest festivals around the time of the Harvest Moon.&nbsp;



For instance, in East Asia, the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is celebrated around this time. It's a time of family gatherings, moon gazing, and the consumption of mooncakes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-significance-in-folklore">Cultural significance in folklore</h3>



The Harvest Moon is a prominent fixture in various cultures' folklore and traditions. It has been associated with both romance and mysticism in various legends.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-symbol-of-abundance-nbsp">Symbol of abundance&nbsp;</h4>



Given its association with the time of harvest, this moon symbolizes prosperity, abundance, and preparation for the winter months.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-superstitions">Superstitions</h4>



Some believed that the Harvest Moon could bring out certain behaviors in people and animals, often attributing heightened restlessness or craziness to its appearance.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fertility-and-romance">Fertility and romance</h4>



In some cultures, the Harvest Moon is seen as a symbol of fertility, with some believing that its light has special properties. Couples might try to conceive under its light.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-end-of-cycle">End of cycle</h4>



As the Harvest Moon signifies the ending of the harvest and the impending approach of winter, some myths might focus on themes of death, rebirth, or the cyclical nature of life.



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Brilliant "Super Harvest Moon" will rise tomorrow, along with three planets

The Harvest Moon is set to rise this Thursday as...

Wildlife,Conservation,Day,Wild,Animals,To,The,Home.,Or,Wildlife

A new study underscores the importance of protected lands in preserving biodiversity, especially for vertebrates like amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds. 



The research, led by the <a href="https://serc.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Environmental Research Center</a> (SERC) and <a href="https://www.conservation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Conservation International</a>, sheds light on the critical role of effective governance and supports the United Nations’ "30 by 30" initiative. 



The findings also emphasize the need for a multifaceted approach to conservation that goes beyond protected areas alone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-and-protected-lands">Conservation and protected lands</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-negatively-impact-wildlife-even-in-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Human activities</a> have dramatically escalated the natural extinction rate of vertebrates, increasing it by 22 times. This rapid loss of biodiversity destabilizes food webs and endangers essential ecological services such as crop pollination, healthy diets, and disease control. 



"Humans are inextricably dependent on biodiversity for survival,” says Justin Nowakowski, SERC conservation biologist and lead author of the study. “It provides food, fuel, fiber and other ecosystem services that we depend on for life.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-conducted">How the study was conducted</h2>



The study involved meticulous data collection for over 1,000 species from every continent, excluding Antarctica, leveraging data from the Living Planet and BioTIME databases. 



Nowakowski’s team studied 2,239 vertebrate populations, comparing the states of species within and outside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/national-parks-enrich-mammal-diversity-beyond-the-boundaries-of-protected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected areas</a>. The research revealed that vertebrates inside protected areas are declining at a rate of 0.4% per year, nearly five times more slowly than those in unprotected areas (1.8% per year).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-significance-of-protected-lands">The significance of protected lands</h2>



Protected areas offer a refuge where biodiversity is closer to stability. “They buy us much-needed time to figure out how to reverse the biodiversity crisis,” stated Luke Frishkoff, coauthor and assistant professor of biology at the University of Texas at Arlington. 



Frishkoff further noted that populations outside <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/protected-areas-provide-a-thermal-buffer-against-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protected areas</a> could halve in 40 years, while those inside would take 170 years to face a similar fate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-different-species">Impact on different species</h2>



The study found that certain vertebrate classes, notably amphibians and birds, benefitted more within protected lands. This is likely due to the severe threats they face outside, including habitat loss, climate change, and diseases like the chytrid fungus affecting amphibians. 



“Amphibians typically have fairly small home ranges, and they’re also really sensitive to small changes in the environment,” said Jessica Deichmann, coauthor and ecologist with the Liz Claiborne &amp; Art Ortenberg Foundation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-external-factors">Challenges and external factors</h2>



However, the conversion of nearby land for agriculture and development along with climate change continue to undermine the efficacy of protected areas. The research team made sure to highlight the urgent need for interconnected protected zones and adaptive strategies that align with the ecological fluidity, as species are constantly moving.



The findings also reaffirm the UN’s commitment made last December, where nearly 200 nations pledged to protect 30% of Earth’s land and water by 2030. This ambitious roadmap is called the <a href="https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2021/07/a-new-global-framework-for-managing-nature-through-2030-1st-detailed-draft-agreement-debuts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">"30 by 30" initiative</a>. 



While this commitment has fueled a surge in establishing protected lands, the study cautions against mere compliance through ‘paper parks’ and emphasizes actual biodiversity conservation within these regions.



In addition, effective governance emerged as a crucial factor in successful conservation efforts. Nations with transparent and corruption-free governments are often more efficient in enforcing environmental laws, managing conservation funds and involving local communities in conservation laws.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-protected-lands">Beyond protected lands</h2>



Conservation experts are advocating for diverse strategies to conserve biodiversity. Examples include “payment for ecosystem services” programs, such as the one in Costa Rica, which incentivizes landowners to preserve forests. These innovative models, along with biological corridors and Indigenous-led protected areas, offer flexible and effective alternatives to traditional conservation approaches.



In summary, the study by SERC and Conservation International illustrates the pivotal role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation, but also emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive strategies that encompass effective governance, community involvement, and innovative conservation models. 



By adopting such holistic approaches, humanity can hope to curb the ongoing biodiversity crisis and ensure the survival and thriving of myriad species on Earth.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06562-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journal Nature</a>.



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Loss of wildlife happens five times slower in protected lands

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Insect populations exhibit extreme sensitivity to variations in temperature and precipitation, spotlighting the plight of insects in the face of adverse weather conditions and climate change. 



A new study led by the <a href="https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/university/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Würzburg</a> demonstrates that abnormal weather events, occurring consecutively or in combination over several years, can significantly deplete insect populations. 



Unusually dry and warm winters diminish insect survival probabilities, wet and cold springs impair hatching success, and cool, wet summers obstruct the reproductive and foraging activities of bumblebees and other flying insects. 



However, insect populations that reside in sufficiently large and high-quality habitats, marked by the presence of native plants and high structural richness, are more likely to withstand these adverse conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-insect-conservation-strategies">Rethinking insect conservation strategies</h2>



In light of the findings, the authors strongly advocate for the establishment of more high-quality habitats to preserve the myriad insect species. 



The significant decline in insect populations mandates urgent efforts to protect high-quality habitats across diverse landscapes. This includes agricultural, traffic, and settlement areas. 



The repercussions of climate change necessitate a transformation in scientific thinking and conservation practice, emphasizing the creation of resilient ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-insects-and-the-weather">Studying insects and the weather</h2>



The genesis of this important study traces back to the spring of 2022, when Professor Jörg Müller of Würzburg noticed an unusually high number of insects in forests and meadows. This observation was particularly intriguing given the prevalent narrative of the declining insect populations globally.



"The data from the study show that there was a dramatic collapse in 2005 and no recovery in the years that followed," says Jörg Müller, who is Professor of Animal Ecology at the Biocentre of Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU). So could the large amount of insects he "felt" in 2022 be real?



This sparked a rigorous analysis led by an interdisciplinary team, involving re-examination of the data from a study by Dutch researcher Caspar A. Hallmann in 2017. 



Hallmann's research had illustrated a staggering 75% decline in insect biomass in German nature reserves from 1989 to 2016. The interdisciplinary team incorporated freshly procured weather data and evaluated the impacts of weather anomalies on various life stages of insects.



The rigorous analysis confirmed that the climate fluctuations post-2005 were predominantly detrimental to insects. However, the team discovered that the favorable weather conditions in 2022 were conducive to a surge in insect biomass, thereby corroborating Professor Müller's initial observations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-to-action">A call to action</h2>



Professor Annette Menzel of the <a href="https://www.tum.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Munich</a> emphasizes the urgent need to acknowledge that weather fluctuations caused by climate change are the principal driver behind declining insect populations worldwide. The pressing circumstances necessitate immediate and enhanced efforts to safeguard insects, emphasizing high-quality habitats and ecological balance.



"We need to be much more aware that climate change is already a major driver of the decline of insect populations. This needs to be thought about much more in science and conservation practice," says Annette Menzel, professor of ecoclimatology of the Technical University of Munich.



Professor Müller also proposes the initiation of a comprehensive insect biomass monitoring system aimed at regularly tracking the fluctuations in insect populations. Such a system would contribute to nuanced analyses and informed conservation strategies.



The novel insights and strategies emerging from this research underscore the critical intersection between climate resilience and biodiversity conservation. The scientists involved in this study urge swift, collective action to counteract the dwindling insect populations and preserve the delicate ecological balance integral to our planet's well-being. 



The collaboration between renowned universities and national parks has not only brought to light the intricate dynamics governing insect populations, but has also paved the way for innovative, sustainable solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change on biodiversity.



This report, published in the<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06402-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> journal Nature</a>, was a collaboration among the University of Würzburg, Bavarian Forest National Park, TU Dresden, Berchtesgaden National Park, TU Munich, and the University of Zurich.



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Rise and fall of insect populations directly linked to the weather

Insect populations exhibit extreme sensitivity to variations in temperature and...

A recent study led by Dr. CUI Yuzhu has confirmed that a supermassive black hole is spinning in the center of the nearby radio galaxy M87.&nbsp;



The study, which is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06479-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>, was conducted by an international team of scientists using an array of radio telescopes from around the globe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-m87-s-oscillating-jet">M87's oscillating jet</h2>



Situated 55 million light-years away from Earth, M87 harbors a colossal black hole that is approximately 6.5 billion times the Sun’s mass.&nbsp;



The galaxy exhibits a fascinating oscillating jet, moving up and down at an amplitude of around 10 degrees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-two-decades-of-data">Two decades of data</h2>



The team meticulously analyzed telescope data spanning from 2000 to 2022, revealing a recurrent 11-year cycle in the jet base’s precessional motion.&nbsp;



This discovery is consistent with predictions made by Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, linking the jet's dynamic behavior directly to the central supermassive black hole's spin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amazing-discovery-nbsp">Amazing discovery&nbsp;</h2>



The analysis indicates that the rotational axis of the accretion disk misaligns with the black hole's spin axis, leading to the precessional jet. This precession provides clear evidence that the supermassive black hole in M87 is, in fact, spinning.



"We are thrilled by this significant finding," said study co-author CUI Yuzhu, a postdoctoral researcher at <a href="https://en.zhejianglab.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zhejiang Lab</a>. "Since the misalignment between the black hole and the disk is relatively small and the precession period is around 11 years, accumulating high-resolution data tracing M87's structure over two decades and thorough analysis are essential to obtain this achievement."



"After the success of black hole imaging in this galaxy with the EHT, whether this black hole is spinning or not has been a central concern among scientists," added Dr. Kazuhiro Hada from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. "Now anticipation has turned into certainty. This monster black hole is indeed spinning."



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



M87 holds historical significance in the field of astronomy as it was where the first observational astrophysical jet was identified in 1918.&nbsp;



Due to its relative proximity to Earth, scientists have been able to study the jet formation regions near its black hole in intricate detail using Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI).&nbsp;



This technique was crucial in obtaining high-resolution data, such as the recent black hole shadow images captured with the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spinning-black-holes">Spinning black holes</h2>



Supermassive black holes, like the one in M87, are recognized as disruptive celestial bodies, with the ability to accrete massive amounts of material and generate powerful plasma outflows, or jets.&nbsp;



These jets travel at speeds approaching that of light, extending thousands of light-years into space.&nbsp;



The spin of the black holes plays a crucial role in this process, extracting energy from the black hole itself, thus propelling surrounding material outwards with significant energy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-frame-dragging-nbsp">Frame-dragging&nbsp;</h2>



This spin also induces a significant impact on the surrounding spacetime, dragging nearby objects along its axis of rotation, a phenomenon known as "frame-dragging."&nbsp;



This effect, predicted by Einstein’s theory, contributes to the precessional motion of the jet, providing irrefutable evidence of the black hole’s spin.



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



Over 20 telescopes worldwide participated in the study, with contributions from China's Tianma 65-meter and Xinjiang 26-meter radio telescopes, known for their high sensitivity and angular resolution.&nbsp;



Future contributions are expected from the Shigatse 40-meter radio telescope, currently under construction by the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, promising enhanced imaging capabilities due to its location on the Tibetan Plateau, an optimal site for sub-millimeter wavelength observations.



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



While providing valuable insights, the research also leaves some questions unanswered, including uncertainties regarding the accretion disk’s structure and the exact value of the M87 black hole’s spin.&nbsp;



Scientists expect to discover more sources with similar configurations, presenting an opportunity to improve our understanding of supermassive black holes.



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



Black holes, perhaps the most enigmatic entities in our universe, defy the boundaries of our understanding of physics and time. Born from the remnants of massive stars, they cloak themselves in a shroud of mystery and fascination, compelling scientists to incessantly unveil their secrets.



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



Stars that possess about 20 times the mass of our Sun experience a dramatic demise, leading to the birth of black holes. When these stars exhaust their nuclear fuel, they can no longer support the gravitational forces pressing inward, causing them to collapse in a spectacular explosion known as a supernova. 



What remains is a core where gravity pulls everything into a single point known as a singularity, around which a boundary called the event horizon forms. Once an object crosses this threshold, escape becomes impossible, even for light, thus rendering the black hole invisible against the cosmic backdrop.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-black-holes">Types of black holes</h3>



Scientists categorize black holes into three primary types: stellar, supermassive, and intermediate. Stellar black holes result from the gravitational collapse of massive stars and typically possess up to 20 times the mass of the Sun. 



Supermassive black holes, lurking at the centers of galaxies, including our Milky Way, boast masses equivalent to millions or billions of suns. The existence of intermediate black holes, with masses between those of stellar and supermassive black holes, remains a subject of ongoing research and discussion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accretion-disk-and-hawking-radiation">Accretion disk and hawking radiation</h2>



Black holes draw nearby matter into a swirling accretion disk, where intense gravitational forces heat the material, causing it to emit X-rays and other forms of radiation. This emission allows scientists to observe and study black holes indirectly.



The concept of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/runaway-black-hole-creates-a-trail-of-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hawking Radiation</a>, proposed by physicist Stephen Hawking, suggests that black holes can also emit particles due to quantum mechanical effects near the event horizon, leading to a slow loss of mass and energy. This phenomenon implies that given enough time, black holes could eventually evaporate completely.



The relentless pursuit of knowledge by astronomers and physicists promises to uncover more layers of the mysteries enshrouded by black holes, gradually assembling the pieces of the cosmic puzzle and enriching our comprehension of the universe’s intricate tapestry.



Image Credit: Yuzhu Cui et al. 2023, Intouchable Lab@Openverse and Zhejiang Lab



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First direct proof that monster black hole is spinning

A recent study led by Dr. CUI Yuzhu has confirmed...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

Thankfully, the fishy siblings didn’t do the disturbing death-dance like the other fillet. She slid the knife along the belly and poked her fingers inside, hoping to feel something other than squishy guts.

Fingers Crossed

Joel stopped cutting the garden tomatoes he had picked for the afternoon’s salad. He looked over and raised an eyebrow. “You don’t actually think there’s more?” Minni nudged him away. Her hands jittered with excitement.