Young aspen trees in Yellowstone are doing something they have not done in almost 100 years. Rather than sprouting and being eaten back to nubs by elk and bison, they're actually growing into tall, adult forest trees rising up towards the canopy.



This matters more than it might seem, because it shows what happens when a missing piece of an ecosystem returns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yellowstone-aspens-and-elk">Yellowstone, aspens, and elk</h2>



In the 1920s, people <a href="https://www.yellowstone.org/wolf-project/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eliminated wolves in Yellowstone</a>. At the time, with limited scientific knowledge, managers believed it was the right thing to do.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/from-wolves-to-dogs-did-domestication-begin-without-human-help/">Without wolves</a>, elk herds grew very large. Elk love to eat aspen shoots - the tender young growth is highly palatable to them.



For roughly 70 years, elk browsed aspen sprouts down to stub height, and the trees couldn't grow. 



If you had walked through Yellowstone in the 1980s, you would have seen many tiny aspen shoots covering the ground, but almost no young trees gaining height. 



The forest's regeneration was stalled. Old trees died, and no new ones replaced them.



In 1995 and 1996, park managers reintroduced wolves into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-supervolcano-eruption-study-sparks-new-debate-on-where-and-when-it-will-erupt/">Yellowstone Park ecosystem</a>. Scientists hoped and wondered whether this would change anything for the trees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-aspen-matter-to-yellowstone">Why aspen matter to Yellowstone</h2>



Aspen groves provide habitat for many species. Birds nest in them. Beavers eat the bark and use the wood for dams. Butterflies and moths lay eggs on the leaves. 



Their canopy admits enough light for wildflowers and shrubs to grow beneath. When it rains, aspen groves hold water in the soil better than some other forest types.



In short, when aspen return, dozens of other species benefit. More trees support more insects, which in turn support more birds, enriching the ecosystem.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-checking-the-trees-three-decades-later">Checking the trees three decades later</h2>



<a href="https://fwcs.oregonstate.edu/users/luke-painter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luke Painter</a>, an ecologist at <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a>, sought clear answers. His team returned to 87 aspen stands across Yellowstone that scientists had previously surveyed. 



They measured thousands of young trees, looked for bite marks, and counted how many stems were tall enough that elk could no longer reach the tips.



About a third of these stands now have many tall young aspens pushing toward the canopy. 



"About 26 of the 87 aspen stands we examined had large numbers of tall saplings throughout, a remarkable change from the 1990s when surveys found none at all," Painter said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-wolves-matter-to-yellowstone-aspens">Why wolves matter to Yellowstone aspens</h2>



Breaking it all down, the conclusions of this study are pretty simple. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wolves-move-pups-across-mountains-to-adapt-to-climate-pressure/">Wolves hunt elk</a>. When wolves came back, two things happened. First, elk numbers declined from unusually high levels. Second, elk changed their behavior. They spent less time in the same areas feeding.



With fewer elk and shorter feeding bouts, more aspen shoots survived long enough to exceed the browsing zone - about six to seven feet high. 



Once a sapling reaches that height, elk cannot easily reach the growing tip. The tree continues to grow.



"The reintroduction of large carnivores has initiated a recovery process that had been shut down for decades," Painter explained.



Scientists call this a <a href="https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/trophic-cascades-across-diverse-plant-ecosystems-80060347/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trophic cascade</a> - when adding or removing one species causes changes that ripple through the whole system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-places-recover-others-don-t">Some places recover, others don't</h2>



Unfortunately, not every aspen stand has recovered yet. Some valleys still have many short, heavily browsed shoots, because it's not only elk eating them anymore. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstones-iconic-bison-have-merged-into-a-single-herd/">Bison herds have grown</a>, and bison browse on aspen as well. They are strong enough to break young trees. 



"Increasing numbers of bison may be emerging as a new constraint to aspen in some areas," Painter confirmed.



Additionally, winter snow depth varies; droughts stress trees; bears and mountain lions also hunt elk; and hunting outside the park influences elk distribution. 



All of these factors interact, which is why some sites show strong recovery, others show moderate recovery, and a few have changed very little.



The key pattern is that places with many tall saplings experience little browsing, and aspen groves that remain popular eating grounds today stay short. 



This fact is the strongest indication that tree recovery is linked directly to wolf presence, not solely to weather or soil conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proof-in-the-measurements">Proof in the measurements</h2>



Painter's team did not rely on casual observation. They used the same methods as earlier researchers, measuring the same plots. 



They counted recruitment - when young trees surpass browsing height and begin progressing toward maturity. This measure is crucial. Sprouts are insufficient if they never grow; without recruitment, the forest cannot replace itself.



The results are robust. After being stalled for most of a century, Yellowstone's aspens are increasing in height. In recovering stands today, you will see saplings - six, eight, or ten feet tall - that were not present in the 1990s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-yellowstone-s-aspens">The future of Yellowstone's aspens</h2>



"This is a remarkable case of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-viruses-found-in-yellowstones-hot-springs-may-be-near-the-root-of-all-life-on-earth/">ecological restoration</a>," Painter concluded. "Wolf reintroduction is yielding long-term ecological changes contributing to increased biodiversity and habitat diversity."



Trees grow slowly, so even with wolves restored, it will take decades for these young aspens to form a full-grown forest. 



Some areas might never fully recover if bison numbers continue to rise or if the climate becomes too hot and dry.



Thanks to the work of Painter and his team, scientists are now certain that restoring the Yellowstone predator has restarted aspen forest regeneration. Not everywhere and not perfectly, but enough to be measured, creating hope for the future.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378112725004499?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forest Ecology and Management</a>.



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Yellowstone's aspen trees are growing again thanks to the reintroduction of wolves

Young aspen trees in Yellowstone are doing something they have not done in almost 100 years. Rather than sprouting and being eaten back to nubs by elk and bison, they're actually growing into tall, adult forest trees rising up towards the canopy. This matters more than it might seem, because it shows what happens when a missing piece of an ecosystem returns. Yellowstone, aspens, and elk In the 1920s, people eliminated wolves in Yellowstone. At the time, with limited scientific knowledge, managers believed it was the right...

Giraffes, the world's tallest animals, are facing a serious crisis. 



From urbanization to poaching, habitat loss and climate change-induced droughts, the long-necked wonders have been encountering challenges that have sent their populations on a rapid downward spiral.



This alarming speed of decline has prompted US wildlife officials to step in, with a proposal targeted at securing the future of many giraffe species.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proposal-for-giraffe-protection">Proposal for giraffe protection</h2>



In a remarkable move, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has suggested classifying various giraffe species under the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-is-tracking-endangered-animal-habitats-from-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">endangered</a> or threatened groups. 



This would mark the first time these African natives enjoy federal protections under the Endangered Species Act.



Being classified as "endangered" signals an immediate risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-may-be-enduring-its-seventh-mass-extinction-not-sixth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extinction</a>, and represents the highest level of threat under the Act.



On the other hand, a "threatened" tag indicates that the species is on track towards endangerment within a predictable timeframe in the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-federal-protections-for-giraffes">Federal protections for giraffes</h2>



"Federal protections for giraffes will help protect a vulnerable species, foster <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-climate-change-and-biodiversity-loss-are-one-indivisible-global-health-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>, support ecosystem health, combat wildlife trafficking, and promote sustainable economic practices," explained Martha Williams, the director of <a href="https://www.fws.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US Fish and Wildlife Service</a>. 



"This action supports <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-giraffe-day-2024-a-towering-celebration-of-the-gentle-giants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">giraffe conservation</a> while ensuring the United States does not contribute further to their decline." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-endangered-and-threatened-sub-species">Endangered and threatened sub-species</h2>



The officials have proposed to include three subspecies of the Northern giraffe under the endangered category.



This includes the West African, Kordofan, and Nubian subspecies, which have seen a dramatic reduction of about 77% in their populations since 1985. Their numbers have decreased from 25,653 individuals to just 5,919.



Moreover, in East Africa, two subspecies, commonly known as the reticulated and Masai giraffes, are up for consideration to be listed as "threatened."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-america-s-role-in-the-giraffe-trade">America's role in the giraffe trade</h2>



America has emerged as a significant market for giraffe parts and products, with 40,000 being imported in a decade, according to a 2018 report.



In addition, American hunters traveling to Africa for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/does-hunting-fishing-connect-humans-with-nature-or-reinforce-superiority-complex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hunting</a> and the acquisition of a trophy means that the imported giraffe body parts have also contributed to the crisis.



“These gentle giants are suffering a silent extinction, and Endangered Species Act safeguards will curb US imports of giraffe skins and other body parts,” said Tanya Sanerib, international legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity. 



Recent data, from 2022, “shows everything coming into the US, from giraffe tails and skulls to lots of skins, leather products, bones, bone carvings, of course hunting trophies, giraffe feet, giraffe rugs and giraffe jewelery,” stated Sanerib.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pressures-on-stressed-populations">Pressures on stressed populations </h2>



Meanwhile in Africa, the home of these gentle giants, frequent droughts have been causing havoc, leading to crop failures, livestock losses, and a dire need for food and water.



This has been putting additional pressure on the already stressed populations of giraffes.



Should this proposed rule come into action, it would curb illegal hunting and trade of giraffes by mandating a permit for importing the animal's body parts into the US. 



Fees from the permits will provide funding for research and giraffe conservation efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-conservation-efforts-for-giraffes">Global conservation efforts for giraffes</h2>



Since 2017, several environmental groups have been urging federal officials to introduce protections for the species. 



The agency will now collect public comments on the proposal until February 19, 2025, and hopes to finalize the action plan within a year, paving the way for better and brighter days for the world's tallest animals.



While the U.S. proposal to classify giraffes under the Endangered Species Act is a milepost, conservation work for these beautiful animals is underway across the globe.



In various parts of Africa, governments and conservation organizations have instigated anti-poaching patrols, community-led habitat restoration initiatives, and educational campaigns in an effort to reduce human-wildlife conflict.



The protection strategy of Giraffe Conservation, for example, works with local communities to monitor giraffe populations and create protected corridors that allow these animals to move freely across fragmented landscapes.



Collaborative international efforts are crucial, as giraffes cross multiple boarders and face varied threats across their vast ranges. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-role-of-giraffes">Ecological role of giraffes</h2>



Beyond their iconic status as the world’s tallest animals, the giraffe has a major ecological role to play in its ecosystems.



Giraffes function as browsers and thus keep African savannas and woodlands in balance by restricting overgrowth and spreading seeds via their droppings. They are also sometimes prey to top predators.



Their decline could be devastating for other wildlife species and plant life throughout the ecosystems.



The giraffes are a focus of ecotourism, which also represents a source of income for local people. 



Saving giraffes does not only mean saving a single species; rather, it involves conserving the sensitive balance of ecosystems in which they live. 



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Giraffes are suffering a 'silent extinction' and need more protection

Giraffes, the world's tallest animals, are facing a serious crisis....

The magnetic North Pole, a vital navigational anchor for our planet, is far from stationary. Most of us remain blissfully unaware that it shifts constantly under the influence of dynamic forces beneath the Earth’s crust. 



However, recent movements have been more extreme than usual, making people take notice. Once steady, this silent sentinel has recently been speeding erratically toward Russia at an unprecedented pace.



Such rapid shifts could have dramatic consequences, disrupting modern navigation systems and, by extension, the way we navigate our daily lives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-exactly-is-the-magnetic-north-pole">What exactly is the magnetic North Pole?</h2>



First, let's make it clear what exactly we're talking about. The magnetic North Pole is the point on Earth where the <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet’s magnetic field</a> points directly downward. This is the direction that your compass needle aligns with when you’re navigating outdoors. 



Unlike the geographic North Pole, which is fixed in the Arctic, the magnetic north pole is constantly on the move, drifting several kilometers each year due to changes in Earth’s molten core. 



This movement can sometimes throw off navigation systems, requiring updates to maps and compasses to stay accurate.



What makes the magnetic North Pole even more interesting is how it affects both technology and nature. 



For example, airplanes and ships rely on accurate magnetic readings for safe travel, while some animals use Earth’s magnetic field to migrate across vast distances. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-northern-odyssey-from-canada-to-siberia">The northern odyssey: From Canada to Siberia</h2>



Ever since we started tracking it, the magnetic North Pole has been on the move. However, its recent behavior is quite out of the ordinary. 



Once comfortably located in northern Canada, the pole kicked into high gear in the late 20th century, making its way across the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/arctic-ocean-warming-four-times-faster-than-global-average/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic Ocean</a> by the 1990s.



From there, the pace has increased progressively , peaking at an astonishing 55 kilometers per year during the 2010s.



Presently, it's hurtling at a slightly reduced but still impressive speed of 25 kilometers per year towards Siberia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-steering-the-magnetic-north-pole">What's steering the magnetic North Pole?</h2>



Intellectually stimulating debates have arisen among scientists trying to decipher the underlying cause of this unusual phenomenon.



Dr. William Brown, a renowned geomagnetic field analyst, identifies three possible culprits behind the magnetic North Pole's unusual behavior. 



First, changes in the flow of molten iron beneath the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-crust-is-dripping-under-turkey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s crust</a> could be altering the magnetic field’s strength and direction, as the planet's outer core dynamics play a crucial role in generating the field in the first place.



Second, high-energy solar particles interacting with the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-solar-shockwave-has-cracked-earths-magnetosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s magnetosphere</a>, such as during solar storms and winds, might be causing fluctuations in the magnetic field. 



Finally, the phenomenon may be linked to the Earth's history of magnetic pole reversals, which have occurred nearly 200 times over the past 100 million years. The most recent of these reversals occurred approximately 800,000 years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigating-without-a-north-star">Navigating without a North Star</h2>



The potential chaos that the moving magnetic pole can cause is not abstract or confined to scholarly concern. 



Our technology is deeply intertwined with magnetic orientations, and any abrupt changes can cause significant turmoil. 



Devices like smartphones, cars, and military equipment rely on the World Magnetic Model (WMM), which is designed by the British Geological Survey and NOAA. 



This model tracks the pole’s movements and ensures accurate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-is-shifting-and-putting-navigation-at-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">navigation</a>. If the pole's movement outpaces updates to the WMM, our devices could miscalculate locations and throw our wayfinding abilities into disarray.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preparing-for-the-polar-paradox">Preparing for the polar paradox</h2>



Mitigating the potential risks of such a change involves a three-pronged approach: frequent updates to the WMM, expanding research to continue monitoring the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-inner-core-rotation-has-begun-moving-backwards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s core</a> dynamics, and raising public awareness. 



Through these efforts, industries that rely heavily on magnetic field-based navigation are being prepped for any potential upcoming disruptions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gearing-up-for-a-world-upside-down">Gearing up for a world upside down?</h2>



While the pole's movement is no longer as rapid, it remains a crucial area of research.



Scientists from <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a> and other organizations are keeping a close eye on its shifting trajectory, ensuring our technological world is prepared for any seismic shifts in Earth's magnetic nature. 



In the face of a potential world where the poles flip, these insights and precautionary measures could prove indispensable.



So, the magnetic North Pole's flight towards Russia isn't just an intriguing natural occurrence. Its implications for our global navigation systems and technologies could be profound and far-reaching. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnetic-north-pole-and-earth-s-future">Magnetic North Pole and Earth’s future</h2>



Rapid movement of the magnetic North Pole&nbsp;is&nbsp;not&nbsp;just&nbsp;an&nbsp;issue&nbsp;for&nbsp;technology&nbsp;and navigation but&nbsp;also&nbsp;offers&nbsp;insight&nbsp;into the inner workings&nbsp;of the Earth. The&nbsp;erratic&nbsp;behavior of the&nbsp;pole&nbsp;reflects&nbsp;what is happening in&nbsp;the dynamic processes&nbsp;deep within our&nbsp;outer core, where molten iron generates&nbsp;a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doughnut-shaped-region-discovered-in-earths-liquid-core-impacts-our-magnetic-field/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic field</a>. By studying this phenomenon, scientists can gain a better understanding of Earth's geodynamo,&nbsp;which is&nbsp;the engine behind the magnetic field that shields us from harmful solar radiation. The&nbsp;shifting&nbsp;pole&nbsp;also&nbsp;raises questions over the possibility of a full magnetic reversal - a natural process&nbsp;in&nbsp;which&nbsp;the North and South magnetic poles swap places. While such reversals have happened thousands of times in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Earth's history, their effects&nbsp;cannot&nbsp;be predicted.



A reversal could temporarily weaken Earth's magnetic field,&nbsp;meaning that&nbsp;the planet would be exposed to&nbsp;more intense and damaging cosmic radiation,&nbsp;which would affect living organisms, ecosystems and infrastructure. Monitoring&nbsp;changes&nbsp;in&nbsp;this&nbsp;manner&nbsp;helps researchers&nbsp;keep&nbsp;an eye on&nbsp;the Earth's interior and also&nbsp;prepares&nbsp;humanity for potential future challenges.



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Magnetic North Pole is moving and changing faster than ever, surprising scientists

The magnetic North Pole, a vital navigational anchor for our...

Uranus has long captivated scientists with its mysteries, particularly those that remain hidden within our solar system. 



Decades-old data from Voyager 2, a NASA spacecraft, has now breathed new life into our understanding of this distant, enigmatic planet, settling age-old questions that have puzzled researchers for years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-basics-of-planet-uranus">Basics of planet Uranus</h2>



Uranus is the seventh planet from the Sun, and it has this wild tilt -- it's basically spinning on its side with an axis tilt of about 98 degrees. 



This unique tilt leads to some extreme seasons that last over 20 Earth years each. The planet's blue-green hue comes from methane in its atmosphere, which absorbs red light and reflects blue, giving it that cool color.



Uranus has a set of rings and 27 known moons, most of which are named after characters from Shakespeare's plays. While its rings aren't as flashy as Saturn's, they're still pretty interesting.



 And talk about cold -- Uranus has the coldest planetary atmosphere in the solar system, dipping down to -224 degrees Celsius (-371 Fahrenheit). 



Finally, it takes about 84 Earth years to complete one orbit around the Sun, so a single year on Uranus is basically a lifetime for the average human.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-voyager-2-meets-uranus">Voyager 2 meets Uranus</h2>



In 1986, Voyager 2 embarked on a momentous journey that brought it into close proximity with Uranus, providing the first -- and so far, only -- detailed examination of this unique, sideways-rotating planet.



This flyby not only unveiled new moons and rings but also introduced perplexing enigmas that challenged the scientific community. 



Solving these mysteries and understanding their broader implications is akin to piecing together a cosmic puzzle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexplained-oddities-of-uranus">Unexplained oddities of Uranus</h2>



The presence of energized particles around Uranus was a conundrum. Here was a planet, rotating on its side and challenging the established understanding of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-galaxy-is-surrounded-by-massive-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic fields</a> trap particle radiation. 



Uranus, known for its unusual properties, was once again surprising the experts.



Scientists re-analyzed data from the notable flyby a few decades ago and, in an exciting twist, identified that an unexpected, cosmic occurrence had thrown this distant planet a curveball.



The experts discovered that, just before the spacecraft’s flyby, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-weather-poses-significant-risks-to-railway-safety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space weather</a> had peculiarly squashed the planet’s magnetic field, leading to a dramatic compression of Uranus' magnetosphere.



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



“The spacecraft saw Uranus in conditions that only occur about 4% of the time,” stated Jamie Jasinski, a scientist based at <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> in Southern California and the lead author of a new study published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-024-02389-3">Nature Astronomy</a>.



Imagine the odds. Had Voyager 2 arrived just a few days earlier, it would have recorded a completely different magnetosphere around Uranus.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysteries-of-the-magnetosphere">Mysteries of the magnetosphere</h2>



Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-solar-shockwave-has-cracked-earths-magnetosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetosphere</a> plays a crucial role in maintaining life on our planet by protecting us from the ionized gas jets that the Sun releases.



Comprehending how magnetospheres operate carries immense significance not just for us, but for understanding the distant, less-explored planets in our solar system.



In their quest to understand Uranus' magnetosphere, scientists were confused by what they witnessed in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-lost-contact-with-voyager-2-spacecraft-12-billion-miles-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Voyager 2</a> data. 



Despite a marked absence of plasma, the planet's magnetosphere boasted electron radiation belts with an intensity second only to the notorious radiation belts of Jupiter. 



This posed an enigma, as the Uranian moons, which should have been a significant source of water ions, were believed to be inactive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unexpected-solar-wind-event">Unexpected solar wind event</h2>



The latest data analysis suggests that the solar wind, a flow of charged particles released from the Sun's upper atmosphere, could be the key to solving this puzzle.



It is possible that, as the solar wind compressed the planet's magnetosphere, it also drove the plasma out of the system.



The intensity of the solar wind event could have increased the magnetosphere's dynamics, thereby providing a source for the radiation belts.



This discovery has led researchers to speculate that the five major moons of Uranus might be geologically active, contradicting previous beliefs. 



They suggest that these moons could have been continually spewing ions into the surrounding magnetosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-renewed-focus-on-uranus-and-future-exploration">Renewed focus on Uranus and future exploration</h2>



The National Academies’ 2023 Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey has highlighted the study of Uranus as a key objective for future NASA missions.



Linda Spilker from the JPL, who was involved in the Voyager 2 mission, elaborated on the findings.



“The flyby was packed with surprises, and we were searching for an explanation of its unusual behavior. The magnetosphere Voyager 2 measured was only a snapshot in time," said Spilker.



"This new work explains some of the apparent contradictions and will once again change our view of Uranus." 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-legacy-of-voyager-2">The legacy of Voyager 2</h2>



Despite being billions of miles away, Voyager 2 continues to communicate with Earth using NASA's Deep Space Network, specifically via the antenna in Canberra, Australia. 



It is still operational, collecting data on the interstellar medium and is expected to continue transmitting data until at least 2025​​​​​​.



Decades after it was launched, Voyager 2 continues to serve as a cornerstone for scientific discovery, offering invaluable insights into the mysteries of our solar system.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-024-02389-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a>.



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Uranus mystery finally solved almost 40 years after flyby from Voyager 2 spacecraft

Uranus has long captivated scientists with its mysteries, particularly those...

Speech often betrays us at the most inconvenient moments: we grasp for a word, knowing exactly what we mean to say, but are unable to retrieve that elusive term.



This experience, known as "lethologica," is a common symptom of aging but, in some cases, may also signal the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease, long before more obvious signs appear.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-brain-health-through-speech">Tracking brain health through speech</h2>



Recently, a fascinating analysis sprang from the research halls of the <a href="https://learn.utoronto.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Toronto</a>. 



Contrary to popular belief, they found that the speed of speech is more diagnostic of neurological health than the inability to retrieve words. 



Studying a group of 125 adults - aged 18 to 85 - the researchers asked them to describe a scene in as much detail as they could.



The responses were recorded and then examined by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-intelligence-boosts-creativity-but-reduces-variety/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence</a> software, which measured their speech speed, the length of their pauses, and the diversity in their vocabulary.



In addition, all participants completed a range of tests aiming to evaluate their focus, thinking speed, and task management abilities. 



Notably, the researchers found a correlation between a participant's everyday speech pace and age-related cognitive decline in these "executive" skills, indicating a broader decline than just difficulty in finding the right word.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-lens-for-analysis">A new lens for analysis</h2>



Especially noteworthy was the introduction of a unique "picture-word interference task." This method requires participants to first identify an object and then instruct their mouths to form the words.



Further exploring the rich tapestry of cognitive and linguistic changes that come with age, the study demonstrated a correlation between a person’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neurons-can-predict-human-speech-before-we-say-a-word/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">natural speech</a> speed and their ability to name images quickly .



However, to paint a more accurate picture of our verbal adaptability, it would be beneficial to combine the results of picture-naming tests with "verbal fluency tasks" that require participants to produce as many words as possible within a short time from a given category or starting with a specific letter.



Such tasks are better indicators of everyday conversations as they involve active retrieval and production of words from one's vocabulary.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-speech-and-cognitive-decline">Speech and cognitive decline</h2>



Verbal fluency tasks have another crucial function: they serve as markers of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-for-the-aging-brain-mediterranean-diet-protects-cognitive-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive health</a>. 



Age-related changes in word retrieval ability are perfectly normal, but struggling disproportionately on these tests may be an early sign of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.



To take their research even further, the Toronto team might consider gauging participants' personal experiences of word-finding difficulties in addition to the objective measures like speech pauses. 



These personal narratives could give added perspective on the cognitive processes at play.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-to-the-future">Looking to the future</h2>



This study is a significant stride forward, and reveals that our cognitive health can be gauged not just by what we say, but also by how quickly we say it.



By harnessing our ever-advancing natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caregiver-speech-shapes-infant-language-development/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">language</a> processing technologies to detect changes in speech rate, we can identify people at risk before more severe symptoms appear.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-brain-health-through-speech">Monitoring brain health through speech </h2>



The study highlights the growing importance of speech as a marker for understanding how the brain changes with age. 



Unlike traditional cognitive tests that rely on deliberate responses, natural speech offers an organic reflection of underlying cognitive processes.



The researchers found that everyday <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/songbirds-and-humans-use-similar-speech-patterns/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">speech patterns</a> - such as the speed of delivery, the length of pauses, and the diversity of vocabulary - provide valuable clues about a person's executive functioning and processing ability.



What makes speech analysis particularly compelling is its accessibility, as conversations are a part of daily life. Analysis of speech is thus a low-cost, non-invasive method for monitoring brain health.



This approach not only reduces the barriers to early detection but also opens the door for widespread use in community health settings. 



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



By leveraging speech, healthcare providers may identify early signs of cognitive decline in aging populations without the need for specialized equipment.



Furthermore, speech-based assessments have the potential to complement other diagnostic tools. When paired with imaging techniques or genetic testing, they can provide a more complete picture of an individual's cognitive trajectory.



This multi-faceted approach ensures a more personalized understanding of aging and neurological health, and may lay the groundwork for proactive care strategies in the fight against Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13825585.2024.2315774" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taylor and Francis online</a>.



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How speech speed can signal brain health

Speech often betrays us at the most inconvenient moments: we...

A recent capture by the powerful European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope Interferometer (ESO’s VLTI) has enabled researchers to view the scene of a lifetime -- a first-ever close-up image of a dying star outside of our galaxy.



This celestial spectacle details the dramatic death throes of a giant star, named WOH G64, that is situated in a galaxy beyond our Milky Way. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dying-star-s-last-breath">Dying star's last breath</h2>



Keiichi Ohnaka, an astrophysicist at <a href="https://www.unab.cl/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universidad Andrés Bello</a> in Chile, shared the exciting news.



Ohnaka and his team found an egg-shaped shell of dust and gas surrounding WOH G64 -- a dying star about 160,000 light-years away from us.



“We are excited because this may be related to the drastic ejection of material from the dying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-dandelion-year-1181-leaves-behind-zombie-star-defying-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star</a> before a supernova explosion,” said Ohnaka.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tale-of-the-behemoth-star">Tale of the "behemoth star"</h2>



For decades, astronomers referred to WOH G64 as the "behemoth star."



It is located in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a small galaxy that orbits our Milky Way. With its humongous size, around 2,000 times that of our own sun, WOH G64 is a red supergiant star.



Viewing such stars that are hidden in far-off galaxies has been a challenge until now, but ESO’s VLTI’s sharpness has brought WOH G64 to our virtual doorstep.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-a-dying-star">Observing a dying star</h2>



Ohnaka and his team at Universidad Andrés Bello have long been intrigued by WOH G64. The researchers first used observations from ESO's VLTI in 2005 and 2007 in Chile's Atacama Desert.



Despite their persistent efforts, the actual image of the star remained elusive until the development of one of VLTI's second-generation instruments known as GRAVITY.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significant-changes-in-woh-g64">Significant changes in WOH G64 </h2>



GRAVITY allowed the team to examine WOH G64 with a fresh pair of eyes, leading them to a surprising discovery. Over the last decade, the star has dimmed considerably.



Study co-author Gerd Weigelt is an astronomy professor at the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Bonn, Germany.



"We have found that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-earth-will-meet-its-demise-astronomers-witness-a-star-devour-a-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star</a> has been experiencing a significant change in the last 10 years, providing us with a rare opportunity to witness a star’s life in real-time,” said Weigelt.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shedding-layers-of-gas-and-dust">Shedding layers of gas and dust</h2>



Red supergiants like WOH G64 are known to discard their outer layers of gas and dust in a process that spans thousands of years. 



The team suspects that the dimming of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/binary-systems-with-living-and-dead-stars-reveal-stellar-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star</a> and the unexpected egg-like shape of the dust cocoon surrounding it could be due to this shedding.



"This star is one of the most extreme of its kind, and any drastic change may bring it closer to an explosive end," noted study co-author Jacco van Loon, director of Keele Observatory at Keele University, UK.



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



As the star continues to fade, capturing detailed images of it becomes increasingly challenging, even for the VLTI. 



However, with planned upgrades like GRAVITY+, we can expect to get even better insights into the life of this far-off stellar giant.



“Similar follow-up observations with ESO instruments will be important for understanding what is going on in the star,” said Ohnaka, who is the lead author of the study. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eso-s-very-large-telescope-interferometer">ESO’s Very Large Telescope Interferometer</h2>



The VLTI is an impressive piece of technology that combines light collected by ESO’s Very Large Telescope array to create detailed cosmic images.



The process is highly complex and needs instruments specifically dedicated to this task. In 2005 and 2007, Ohnaka’s team had access to the first generation of these instruments, MIDI. 



However, it was the second-generation instrument, GRAVITY, that made the image of WOH G64 possible. But this is just the beginning. With imminent upgrades like GRAVITY+, we're set to witness cosmic phenomena like never before.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-capturing-a-dying-star">Significance of capturing a dying star</h2>



The wondrous universe is always ready to surprise and inspire us. Today, it is the unique image of a dying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-rogue-worlds-discovered-inside-a-young-star-forming-nebula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star</a> beyond our galaxy, courtesy of ESO’s VLTI and the relentless curiosity of scientists like Keiichi Ohnaka.



In the ever-evolving field of astronomy, this is just one of the countless wonders that await us. With each star we scrutinize, each galaxy we explore, we inch closer to understanding the cosmos and our place in it. 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2024/11/aa51820-24/aa51820-24.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomy and Astrophysics</a>.



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Astronomers reveal the first detailed image of a dying star in another galaxy

A recent capture by the powerful European Southern Observatory’s Very...

Warming is rewriting the story of our world, and every region has its unique chapter in this global narrative.



Recent research reveals that in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which is already infamous for its scorching deserts and extreme summer temperatures, the pace of warming is accelerating faster than previously expected. This paints a stark picture for the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fast-forward-button-on-warming">The fast-forward button on warming</h2>



According to a recent study, the MENA region is being fast-tracked into a future of accelerated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ignoring-climate-change-will-lead-to-ultra-extreme-heatwaves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. 



The region's warming thresholds could be crossed two to three decades earlier than in other parts of the world.



By the time we welcome the 22nd century, parts of the Arabian Peninsula could be grappling with a whopping 9 degrees Celsius (16.2 degrees Fahrenheit) increase in temperature.



The MENA region, already notorious for its record-breaking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-summer-of-2023-was-the-hottest-in-2000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">summer temperatures</a>, is teetering on the verge of exceeding 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) of warming on average. 



This figure is compared to pre-industrial temperatures. Without necessary adaption measures, this additional warmth could render some areas uninhabitable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warming-across-the-world">Warming across the world</h2>



Abdul Malik is a climate scientist at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and the study's lead author.



"When we talk about the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/paris-agreement-which-countries-are-honoring-their-pledges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paris Agreement</a>, we say that we should try to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, and that we should not exceed two degrees Celsius," warned Malik. 



"But in parts of the Middle East and North Africa, warming has already surpassed 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius."



Taking into account the need for more precise data, the climate researchers at <a href="https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King Abdullah University of Science and Technology</a> conducted analysis using highly-sophisticated models.



The CMIP5 and CMIP6 were utilized to analyse the region's warming details meticulously.



"Although previous studies have shown that the region is warming much faster than other areas, we have shown that the warming rate is not consistent across the region," Malik added. "And this warming rate could vary between 1.5 and 3.5 times faster than the global average."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-desert-dilemma-the-heat-gets-turned-up">Desert dilemma: The heat gets turned up</h2>



The MENA region's dry, arid <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/floods-are-becoming-more-deadly-in-the-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deserts</a> have a unique challenge. Unlike their humid counterparts nearer the equator, these deserts can't easily cool down by soil moisture evaporation.



This factor accelerates the warming, making it nearly as fast as the polar regions.



By the turn of this century, the Arabian Peninsula could experience a heat increase ranging from 2.6 degrees Celsius (4.7 degrees Fahrenheit) under low emission scenarios to 7.6 degrees Celsius (13.7 degrees Fahrenheit) under <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-expected-to-reach-a-new-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high emission</a> scenarios.



"But you can develop artificial environments in regions with high populations," said Georgiy Stenchikov, a retired climate scientist and one of the study’s coauthors, highlighting the importance of adaptation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-world-adapting-to-a-warming-climate">A world adapting to a warming climate</h2>



If the world meets low-emissions targets, the rate of warming in the Middle East and North Africa could be curtailed by up to 38%. 



Cities across the region can also explore urban greening and architecture-based solutions to cope with the extreme heat.



"Global warming is a global problem, so you cannot prevent it in just one place. Adaptation will be necessary, and these adaptation measures could be tested and developed in the Middle East and North Africa," said Stenchikov.



The scorching temperatures in the MENA region are a stark reminder that climate change is a reality we must confront now, not later. 



Taking measures to adapt and slow down this process could ensure a viable future for the region and ultimately, our world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-human-toll-of-extreme-heat">The human toll of extreme heat</h2>



Rising temperatures in the MENA region bring more than environmental challenges; they pose severe threats to public health and socioeconomic stability.



The long heatwaves can compound water shortages, leading to a heightened risk of heat-related illness, and can result in productivity losses in outdoor, labor-intensive industries like agriculture and construction, among others.



Vulnerable populations, including the the elderly, children, and low-income communities, are at the highest risk.



These conditions could also unleash a wave of climate migration, as some areas would become too hot for human habitation.



According to the researchers, addressing these impacts not only requires global reductions in emissions but also localized solutions like developing cooling infrastructure and heat-resilient building designs, as well as advancing public campaigns regarding heat safety.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2024JD041625" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres</a>.



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Some of the hottest places in the world are warming the fastest

Warming is rewriting the story of our world, and every...

Click, scroll, sigh. We all do it, don't we? Lying in bed, letting our thoughts run wild as we mindlessly scroll across negative news and social media content on our cell phones. 



This habit, known as "doomscrolling," pulls us deeper into the internet - intent on finding answers, solutions, or distractions that weigh on our mental well-being.



More often than not, we find ourselves immersed in an abyss of negativity, bathing in bad news and distressing content. But have you ever stopped to question the impact of this habit on your mental health?



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



The term "doomscrolling" describes this exact pattern of digital consumption - continuously trawling through negative information, seemingly addicted to heart-wrenching news and gloomy content. Despite triggering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doomscrolling-threatens-our-mental-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">negative emotions</a>, we seem incapable of escaping this pull.



But why? What's causing this? Has doomscrolling become unwittingly intertwined with our attempts to make sense of an increasingly chaotic world?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-doomscrolling-and-mental-health">Doomscrolling and mental health</h2>



A team of researchers from University College London (<a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL</a>) set out to investigate. The results of their exploratory study paint a rather <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gen-ai-and-social-media-divert-peoples-attention-from-climate-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disconcerting picture</a>.



It appeared that people with poor mental health not only gravitated toward negative content online, but this habit seemed to amplify their depressive symptoms.



The UCL team assessed the mental health of over 1,000 participants who were then asked to browse the internet for thirty minutes. A subsequent mental health evaluation and examination of their search history revealed a stark pattern. 



Those with the lowest mental health scores sought out the most substantial amount of websites with negative themes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-a-two-way-street">It's a two-way street</h2>



A subsequent experiment aimed to discern if doomscrolling was a product of our mental and emotional state or the internet's influence. 



In short, were the participants driven to melancholy content because they were already feeling low, or did their foreboding mood result from their online activity?



Tali Sharot is a professor of cognitive neuroscience at UCL, who contributed significantly to this debate.



"Lots of people are saying that there is a correlation between poor mental health and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/panic-driven-doom-gloom-climate-change-messages-do-not-work/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">internet use</a>," said Sharot. "We spend many hours online, and as humans, we only just started doing so in the last few years. Is it causing problems?"



And the irony isn't lost on us. We are willingly choosing to foray into these murky waters, fully aware that it's going to leave us feeling down. Isn't it time we reconsider our digital habits?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-mental-health">Implications for mental health </h2>



Our insatiable appetite for distressing news isn't merely a quirky habit; it has serious implications for public health. This subject is particularly relevant as digital consumption has skyrocketed more than ever.



Health experts and policymakers are advocating for comprehensive digital literacy, aiming to educate individuals about the link between their internet habits and emotional well-being.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mental-health-and-the-internet-who-benefits-and-who-suffers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ideal scenario</a>? People would learn how to identify their negative online behavior, helping them to put an end to the negative spiral of doomscrolling.



Furthermore, experts are calling for breaks from screen time. They are promoting environments that are conducive to mental well-being in an effort to offset the harmful effects of excessive digital consumption.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mindful-digital-consumption">Mindful digital consumption </h2>



How can we navigate this digital labyrinth without getting consumed by the darkness it often breeds? Mindful digital consumption may be the answer.



We can counter the anxiety that often accompanies continual exposure to gloomy information by adopting a balanced media diet, moderating our screen time, and using mindfulness techniques like meditation.



In short, we must reframe our relationship with technology. It's about ensuring that technology serves us - not the other way round.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-change-your-scrolling-habits">Change your scrolling habits</h2>



A recent UK study highlighted the potential adverse effects of smartphone obsession, especially among adolescents. 



Teens who reported troubled relationships with their smartphones were found to be three times more likely to be anxious, depressed, or suffer from insomnia.



Our digital habits hold a sizeable sway over our mental health. While the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/internet-access-should-be-a-basic-human-right/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">internet</a> carries the potential to be a marvelous resource, harnessing its full power lies in our hands. 



If we consciously choose to satiate our minds with positive content, we stand a chance at protecting - if not boosting - our mental well-being.



So, the next time you find yourself doomscrolling, remember this: Your mental health is worth far more than any viral tweet, incendiary post, or alarming news article.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-024-02065-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Human Behaviour</a>. 



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'Doomscrolling' is silently ruining our mental health

Click, scroll, sigh. We all do it, don't we? Lying...

While the Spanish explorers may have brought the first peach pits to North America, recent research reveals that the real credit for the fruit's widespread cultivation goes to the Indigenous communities of the continent.



The study, conducted by researchers at Penn State, sheds light on this often overlooked chapter of history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indigenous-networks-and-the-spread-of-peaches">Indigenous networks and the spread of peaches</h2>



Jacob Holland-Lulewicz, the first author of the study and an assistant professor of anthropology at <a href="https://www.psu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State</a>, elaborated on the intensive care required for peaches to be productive.



This care includes finding appropriate places for plantation with abundant sunlight and proper soil drainage, along with regular pruning. 



The widespread <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-have-sophisticated-strategies-to-balance-defense-and-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cultivation</a> of peaches is a result of the Indigenous networks and land management practices - a fact that is often missed in narratives regarding the quick spread of peaches post-Spanish introduction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-samples-from-archeological-sites">Samples from archeological sites </h2>



The researchers meticulously examined historical documents that mentioned peaches such as the writings of French missionary explorer Jacques Marquette and English merchant Jonathan Dickinson. 



Radiocarbon dating, a method that measures the decay of radioactive carbon-14 atoms in organic material, was used to determine the approximate ages of peach pits and other organic samples from various archaeological sites.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spread-of-peaches-in-north-america">Spread of peaches in North America</h2>



The researchers found that by 1620, a hundred years after the Spanish arrival in Florida and Georgia's Oconee Valley, peaches likely spread across the Indigenous settlements throughout the interior southeast.



But these communities didn't just adopt the fruit. They bred new varieties - so many that they outnumbered those found in Europe during the same era.



The researchers identified what are possibly the oldest peaches in North America unearthed at a Muskogean farmstead in Oconee Valley dating back to between 1520 and 1550.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-indigenous-influence-on-peaches">Indigenous influence on peaches</h2>



Study co-author Victor Thompson is a research professor of archaeology at the University of Georgia (<a href="https://www.uga.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UGA</a>) and executive director of the Georgia Museum of Natural History.



"Understanding the path that the introduction of species, such as peach trees, took through colonization and the role that Indigenous people and their long-term relationship with the environment played in shaping these histories demonstrates the importance of these events, people and processes to what becomes a broader American history,” said Thompson.



“Further, the fact that all of this work took place on museum specimens underscores the importance of maintaining these collections for future study.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-legacy-of-indigenous-communities">Legacy of Indigenous communities </h2>



At this point in our story, peaches had so intertwined with Indigenous history and culture that when the ancestors of the modern-day Muscogee (Creek) Nation were forcefully relocated from Georgia and Alabama in the 1800s, they took peaches with them.



Today, peaches continue to be grown as heritage crops by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, with the act of growing and caring for them being a significant cultural practice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-s-role-in-peach-cultivation">Climate's role in peach cultivation</h2>



Understanding the climatic factors that affect peach cultivation is pivotal for their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-uncover-how-plants-grow-wider-not-just-taller/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">successful growth</a>. Peaches thrive in regions with distinct seasonal variations, requiring cold winters to induce dormancy followed by warm springs to awaken the fruiting process. 



This adaptability explains their prevalence in temperate zones worldwide. However, climate change poses potential challenges, with rising temperatures and unpredictable frosts threatening the delicate balance necessary for peach production. 



The researchers emphasize the need for exploring cultivars resilient to climate fluctuations, ensuring the preservation of both traditional and newly developed peach varieties.



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



As the historical and anthropological perspectives have enriched our understanding of peach cultivation, future research may involve genetic studies and exploring innovative agricultural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electro-agriculture-grows-food-in-the-dark-with-94-less-land-required/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">practices</a>.



With advances in biotechnology, scientists are unraveling the genome of peaches to identify traits that confer resistance to diseases and environmental stressors. This genetic insight is crucial for breeding programs aimed at improving yield and quality. 



Moreover, sustainable practices, such as permaculture and regenerative agriculture, are being explored to reduce <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/organic-farming-and-flower-strips-improve-honey-bee-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental impact</a>. 



So, the next time you enjoy a sweet, juicy peach, remember the Indigenous communities that played a key role in its journey.



Their extensive care and management not only introduced this beloved summer fruit to a new continent but also paved the way for its spread and the diversity we enjoy today.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-52597-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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How peaches spread across North America and the world

While the Spanish explorers may have brought the first peach...

The collision of cargo vessels with whales is one of the leading causes of death for these majestic marine creatures. Despite high-profile accidents and localized research efforts, a comprehensive global picture of the risks posed by shipping to whales has remained elusive - until now.&nbsp;



A study led by the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a> (UW), with contributions from <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Santa Barbara</a> (UCSB) researchers, reveals that global shipping routes overlap with 92% of the migratory ranges of blue, fin, humpback, and sperm <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/blue-whales-continue-their-battle-for-survival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whales</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-risk-assessment-nbsp">Global risk assessment&nbsp;</h2>



Published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adp1950" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>, the study offers the first global map of ship-strike risks for these four large whale species.&nbsp;



“Most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-new-approach-to-protecting-whales-from-ship-strikes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ship-strike</a> studies are done at a regional scale, which is critically important but doesn’t provide the full picture worldwide,” said co-author Rachel Rhodes, a project scientist at UCSB’s Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory.&nbsp;



“By taking this broader perspective, we can identify the highest-risk areas globally and strategically direct research and conservation efforts where they’re needed most.”



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="7sxoUzIVbl-4050404-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-whales-and-ships-a-deadly-intersection">Whales and ships: A deadly intersection</h2>



Cargo vessels, often the size of skyscrapers and over ten times the length of an adult blue whale, dominate the oceans. Any whale crossing their path faces almost certain death.&nbsp;



As shipping lanes increasingly intersect with whale migration routes, the likelihood of collisions grows.&nbsp;



According to Professor Briana Abrahms, this translates to ships traveling thousands of times the distance to the moon and back within these species’ ranges each and every year.&nbsp;



“And this problem is only projected to increase as global trade grows in the coming decades,” said Abrahms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-success-in-local-conservation-efforts">Success in local conservation efforts</h2>



While the outlook may seem grim, successful initiatives like <a href="https://whalesafe.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whale Safe</a> off the California coast demonstrate the potential for mitigating these risks.&nbsp;



Whale Safe is a collaborative effort between researchers, citizen scientists, and shipping companies to reduce collisions by slowing vessels in whale-rich waters.&nbsp;



Tracking whale presence and providing data on ship compliance with slow zones have helped lower collision rates since the program’s launch in 2019.



“Getting the vessels to slow down works,” said UCSB marine ecologist and co-author Douglas McCauley, whose lab developed Whale Safe.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lack-of-adequate-protection-for-whales">Lack of adequate protection for whales</h2>



The Santa Barbara Channel, a vital migration corridor for blue, fin, and humpback whales, overlaps with major shipping hubs in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland.&nbsp;



Federal guidelines encourage ships to voluntarily reduce their speed from May to December to protect endangered whales.



Despite these localized successes, the study found that only 7% of the highest-risk areas globally have measures in place to protect whales from ship strikes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-whale-ship-collision-hotspots">Mapping whale-ship collision hotspots</h2>



To estimate collision risks, the researchers first needed to map whale habitats on an unprecedented global scale.&nbsp;



This involved compiling data from government surveys, public sightings, tagging studies, and even historic whaling vessel logbooks to track where blue, fin, humpback, and sperm whales live, feed, and migrate.&nbsp;



The team combined this information with the routes of 176,000 cargo vessels tracked between 2017 and 2022 using data from ships’ automatic identification systems and algorithms developed by <a href="https://globalfishingwatch.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Fishing Watch</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-identifying-high-risk-regions-nbsp">Identifying high-risk regions&nbsp;</h2>



The study revealed several new high-risk regions, including areas off southern Africa; the coasts of Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Ecuador in South America; the Azores; and East Asia, particularly near China, Japan, and South Korea.&nbsp;



“These are vast areas of the ocean where whales may quietly be being killed,” Rhodes said. “This may be a silent contributor to why we aren’t seeing more optimistic recoveries for some at-risk whale populations.”



The research also reaffirmed known hotspots, such as the Pacific coast of North America (including California), Panama, the Arabian Sea, Sri Lanka, the Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean Sea.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-for-policy-changes">Urgent need for policy changes</h2>



The team discovered that mandatory measures to prevent whale-ship collisions are exceedingly rare, covering just 0.54% of blue whale hotspots, 0.27% of humpback hotspots, and none for fin or sperm whales.&nbsp;



Even marine protected areas often lack speed regulations for vessels, as they were initially established to address issues like overfishing and industrial pollution rather than shipping-related risks.



Encouragingly, 95% of the hotspots identified lie within nations’ exclusive economic zones (EEZs), meaning individual countries have the authority to implement protective measures.&nbsp;



“From the standpoint of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/effective-conservation-efforts-key-to-saving-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conservation</a>, the fact that most high-risk areas lie within exclusive economic zones is actually encouraging,” said lead author Anna Nisi, a UW postdoctoral researcher.&nbsp;



“It means individual countries have the ability to protect the riskiest areas.”&nbsp;



Expanding protective measures to cover an additional 2.6% of the ocean’s surface would safeguard all the identified collision hotspots, the researchers estimate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-whales-from-ship-strikes-nbsp">Protecting whales from ship strikes&nbsp;</h2>



The experts hope their study will inspire local and regional research to refine hotspot maps, inform advocacy efforts, and address the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-a-warming-climate-will-change-the-humpback-whales-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, which will alter whale and ship distributions as sea ice melts and ecosystems shift.



“Protecting whales from the impact of ship strikes is a huge global challenge,” said Jono Wilson, co-author and director of ocean science at <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Nature Conservancy</a>ù’s California Chapter.&nbsp;



“We’ve seen the benefits of slowing ships down at local scales through programs like ‘Blue Whales Blue Skies’ in California. Scaling up such programs will require a concerted effort by conservation organizations, governments, and shipping companies.”



Whales play a critical role in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine ecosystems</a>, supporting biodiversity and contributing to ocean health. By identifying ship-collision hotspots and prioritizing these areas for conservation, this study offers a path forward to ensure their survival in an increasingly industrialized ocean.



Video Credit: Global Fishing Watch&nbsp;



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Ship routes overlap with 92% of whale habitats 

The collision of cargo vessels with whales is one of...

The Guitar Nebula is a fascinating cosmic object that was named for its uncanny resemblance to the instrument in glowing hydrogen light.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-rogue-worlds-discovered-inside-a-young-star-forming-nebula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic</a> guitar isn't idle, though. It is constantly on the move, just as a swaying guitarist, belting out tune after tune.



The driving force behind its movement is the pulsar PSR B2224+65, a rapidly rotating neutron star. Picture it as the guitarist in this cosmic band.



And the music it plays? A flame-like filament of particles and X-rays. Over the years, astronomers have captured this symphony using NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and Hubble Space Telescope.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secrets-of-the-guitar-nebula">Secrets of the Guitar Nebula</h2>



How does space manage to create such a bizarre <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-signals-from-crab-nebula-form-a-zebra-pattern/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scenario</a>? 



The secret lies in the pulsar's fast rotation and strong magnetic fields. These extremes lead to particle acceleration and high-energy radiation, creating matter and antimatter pairs of electron and positron. 



In effect, the famous equation by Albert Einstein, E = mc2, which usually converts mass into energy, is reversed. In this case, energy converts into mass to produce the particles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pulsar-s-journey-through-space">Pulsar’s journey through space</h2>



As the Guitar Nebula passes through space, it emanates a steady wind, like a gentle melody, causing particles to be ejected. 



These particles then create bubbles, and as the pulsar continues to traverse through a medium with variations in density, more bubbles are created behind it, forming our unique guitar shape.



This symphony isn’t a static tune. Images captured at different points indicate the changes this filament undergoes. It's a unique kind of cosmic rhythm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-the-guitar-nebula">Observing the Guitar Nebula </h2>



The Chandra X-Ray Observatory and the Hubble Space Telescope have been instrumental in recording this intriguing performance.



A recent film, combining data from both, has revealed the pulsar and the filament moving towards the upper left - akin to a cosmic blow torch shooting from the tip of the guitar.



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="VzMYfwbr7c-4050286-12187" type="single"]</div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-guitar-nebula">Significance of the Guitar Nebula</h2>



The Guitar <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/dark-wolf-nebula-in-the-constellation-scorpius/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nebula</a> is more than just a captivating spectacle. The filament is helping astrologists understand how electrons and positrons traverse the interstellar medium. 



The nebula also serves as an example of how these particles get injected into the interstellar space.



None of the observations would be possible without the dedicated work of teams at the NASA’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/marshall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marshall Space Flight Center</a> and the <a href="https://www.cfa.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory</a>’s Chandra X-ray Center.



The experts manage and control the Chandra program's science operations and flight operations, respectively.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-high-energy-astrophysics">Understanding high-energy astrophysics</h2>



The discovery and study of objects like the Guitar Nebula extend far beyond the realm of astronomy into the fundamental principles of physics.



By studying these celestial symphonies, astrophysicists are able to gather insights on the behavior of pulsars, their magnetic fields, and the dynamics of neutron stars. 



Such phenomena inform theories on how energy and matter interact at extreme scales, offering observable cases for complex physical equations. 



This knowledge contributes significantly to our understanding of high-energy astrophysics and the ongoing quest to unify the vast and diverse events occurring in the universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inspirations-for-science-and-art">Inspirations for science and art</h2>



Beyond contributing to scientific knowledge, the mesmerizing appearances and tales of cosmic structures inspire both amateur and professional artists. 



The Guitar Nebula's poetic dance through space, reminiscent of brushstrokes on a vast canvas or melodic chords in music, encourages creative interpretations and artistic expressions. 



This merging of science and art promotes a deeper public appreciation for cosmic phenomena, sparking curiosity and wonder about our universe.



Such inspiration ensures that the mysteries of space continue to captivate future generations, crossing the boundaries between disciplines and opening new avenues for interpretation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/cosmic-cannibalism-and-stellar-winds-unveiling-the-secrets-of-messier-76/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exploration</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testament-to-the-wonders-of-space">Testament to the wonders of space</h2>



This cosmic concert, with the flamethrower guitar and its changing tune, is a testament to the wonders that space holds. 



What other cosmic secrets are out there, waiting to be unraveled? If a pulsar can play such a visually radiant tune, who knows what the other stars are up to?



So, the next time you gaze up at the night sky, remember the Guitar Nebula, belting out its symphony in the vast auditorium of space. 



Video &amp; Image Credit: Hubble/NASA/ESA/STScI and (Palomar) Hale Telescope/Palomar/CalTech



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The Guitar Nebula: A pulsar's dazzling performance in space

The Guitar Nebula is a fascinating cosmic object that was...

Many of the world's glaciers formed during the last glacial maximum. These glaciers, remnants of the Ice Age, have persisted for thousands of years in high-altitude or polar regions.



However, there are big changes ahead. A recent study reveals that over half of the world's glaciers could disappear by the end of this century.



The research, conducted by scientists at <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETH Zurich</a> in Switzerland and <a href="https://www.vub.be/nl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vrije Universiteit Brussel</a> in Belgium, suggests a chilling forecast for our planet's glaciers.



The scientists estimated potential <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/glacier-melt-in-alaska-is-accelerating-at-an-alarming-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacier loss</a> under various carbon emissions scenarios. They took into account all of our planet's glaciers - a whopping 200,000 in total.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glaciers-under-severe-threat">Glaciers under severe threat</h2>



The numbers from the study are daunting. Under a high emissions scenario, up to 54 percent of all glaciers could vanish. In the Alps, this number reaches an alarming 75 percent.



"Glaciers are crucial in many parts of the world, and as such, glacier changes directly impact our society and the natural environment," said study lead author and glaciologist Professor Harry Zekollari.



"Locally, glaciers can lead to natural hazards, they have an important touristic value, and they determine local water supply."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-melting-glaciers-to-rising-sea-levels">From melting glaciers to rising sea levels</h2>



The melting of glaciers does not stop at the loss of an icy spectacle; the repercussions are far-reaching. One of the biggest concerns is the contribution of melting glaciers to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-sea-levels-threaten-groundwater-global-cities-underground-infrastructure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rising sea levels</a>, which heighten the risk of floods in coastal towns and cities.



Moreover, glacier loss diminishes <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-reveal-a-sudden-drop-in-global-freshwater-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freshwater</a> resources that millions of people depend on for drinking water.



"Water supply from glaciers (and how this supply changes) will impact biodiversity and water availability for industry, agriculture, and households," said Professor Zekollari.



The greenhouse effect only serves to worsen the crisis. As the Earth's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-tree-planting-warm-earth-science-behind-albedo-effect/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">albedo</a> - the ability to reflect sunlight - decreases, more energy from the sun is absorbed rather than reflected. This raises the risk of global warming, further aggravating climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-glacier-mass-loss">Predicting glacier mass loss</h2>



To estimate future glacier loss, the research team studied historical glacier masses, carbon emissions, and temperature data. 



Armed with this information and the aid of computer modeling, the experts were able to make predictions about future glacier mass loss.



"By modeling glacier evolution throughout the 21st century under various climate scenarios, we found stark differences in outcomes depending on future emission levels," noted Professor Zekollari.



Under low carbon emissions, glaciers could lose 25 to 29 percent of their mass by 2100. Under a high-emissions scenario, that figure could rise to between 46 and 54 percent.



The European Alps' glaciers are among the most vulnerable. These glaciers are predicted to lose more than 75 percent of their volume under high-emission scenarios.



However, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-polar-regions-changing-fundamental-alarming-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar regions</a> like Arctic Canada, Iceland, and Svalbard might retain a larger part of their glacier mass by century-end, albeit still facing significant loss.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uncertainties-in-glacier-evolution">Uncertainties in glacier evolution</h2>



Despite these painful revelations, the team acknowledges uncertainties in the projected glacier evolution, while stressing that the research specifically examined glaciers, not ice sheets.



Ice sheets, the gargantuan masses of glacial ice found on Greenland and Antarctica, carry about 99 percent of Earth's freshwater.



While these ice sheets hold greater mass and react on longer timescales, their contribution to sea-level rise is about the same (or even slightly less) than from the 200,000 glaciers under study.



"For us it is indeed the crucial that all numbers by us and other researchers are combined to get the full sea-level rise picture," concluded Professor Zekollari.



The fragility of our world's glaciers highlights the pressing need for proactive climate action. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preserving-glaciers-a-collective-responsibility">Preserving glaciers: A collective responsibility</h2>



The fate of the world's glaciers is not set in stone. By reducing carbon emissions and implementing sustainable environmental policies, it is possible to slow their decline. 



Efforts like transitioning to renewable energy, protecting vulnerable ecosystems, and raising global awareness about the importance of glaciers can help mitigate their loss. 



Every action we take today helps protect glaciers for future generations, ensuring the preservation of freshwater resources, biodiversity, and the delicate balance of our climate.



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Over half of the world’s glaciers are on pace to disappear by 2100

Many of the world's glaciers formed during the last glacial...

A galaxy racing through space at an astonishing speed of two million mph (3.2 million km/h) has created a dramatic collision, observed in unprecedented detail by one of Earth’s most advanced telescopes.&nbsp;



The event occurred in <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/stephans-quintet-in-unprecedented-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stephan’s Quintet</a>, a well-known group of five interacting galaxies first discovered nearly 150 years ago. 



The collision unleashed a powerful shockwave described as being akin to a “sonic boom from a jet fighter,” showcasing one of the Universe's most striking phenomena.



The galaxy responsible, NGC 7318b, passed through Stephan’s Quintet, triggering the reactivation of a chaotic field of debris left behind by previous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-collisions-hubble-spots-a-string-of-pearls-star-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galactic collisions</a>.&nbsp;



This rare event was captured by the William Herschel Telescope Enhanced Area Velocity Explorer (WEAVE), a state-of-the-art spectrograph located in La Palma, Spain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stephan-s-quintet-a-galactic-crossroad">Stephan’s Quintet: A galactic crossroad</h2>



“Since its discovery in 1877, Stephan’s Quintet has captivated astronomers because it represents a galactic crossroad where past collisions between galaxies have left behind a complex field of debris,” explained lead author Marina Arnaudova, an astronomer at the <a href="https://www.herts.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Hertfordshire</a>.&nbsp;



“Dynamical activity in this galaxy group has now been reawakened by a galaxy smashing through it at an incredible speed of over two million mph, leading to an immensely powerful shock, much like a sonic boom from a jet fighter.”



This new insight into Stephan’s Quintet was achieved using WEAVE’s Large Integral Field Unit (LIFU), part of a €20-million (£16.7-million) next-generation science facility.&nbsp;



WEAVE’s capabilities allow astronomers to explore the composition and behavior of stars and gasses within galaxies, offering unprecedented detail about the dynamics of galactic interactions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dual-nature-of-the-shockwave">The dual nature of the shockwave</h2>



One of the study’s most significant findings was the dual nature of the shockwave produced by the collision.&nbsp;



“As the shock moves through pockets of cold gas, it travels at hypersonic speeds - several times the speed of sound in the intergalactic medium of Stephan’s Quintet - powerful enough to rip apart electrons from atoms, leaving behind a glowing trail of charged gas, as seen with WEAVE,” Arnaudova said.



However, the shock behaves differently when it interacts with surrounding hot gas.&nbsp;



“Instead of causing significant disruption, the weak shock compresses the hot gas, resulting in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-radio-waves-recorded-from-the-moon-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">radio waves</a> that are picked up by radio telescopes like the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR),” explained Soumyadeep Das, a PhD student at the University of Hertfordshire.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advanced-instruments-unlock-new-insights">Advanced instruments unlock new insights</h2>



The detailed observations combined data from WEAVE with those from other cutting-edge instruments, including LOFAR, the Very Large Array (VLA), and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). 



WEAVE, which is attached to the William Herschel Telescope, analyzes light from stars and gas through spectroscopy. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/galaxy-collision_Stephans-Quintet_2-million-mph_UHertfordshire_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/galaxy-collision_Stephans-Quintet_2-million-mph_UHertfordshire_1s.webp" alt="WEAVE data overlaid on a James Webb Space Telescope image of Stephan's Quintet, with green contours showing radio data from the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) radio telescope. The orange and blue colors follow the brightness of Hydrogen-alpha obtained with the WEAVE LIFU, which trace where the intergalactic gas is ionized. Credit: University of Hertfordshire" class="wp-image-1951174" style="width:300px;height:auto"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">WEAVE data overlaid on a James Webb Space Telescope image of Stephan's Quintet, with green contours showing radio data from the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) radio telescope. The orange and blue colors follow the brightness of Hydrogen-alpha obtained with the WEAVE LIFU, which trace where the intergalactic gas is ionized. Credit: University of Hertfordshire</figcaption></figure>



This process reveals a “bar code” of colors that uncovers the elements present in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-dwarf-stars-may-be-billions-of-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>, providing crucial information about galactic composition and behavior.



This advanced spectrograph was developed through an international partnership involving France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and the UK. 



Its primary mission is to provide groundbreaking insights into the formation of the Milky Way and other galaxies, as well as the evolution of the Universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-glimpse-into-galactic-evolution">A glimpse into galactic evolution</h2>



Stephan’s Quintet offers a unique laboratory for understanding the violent interactions between galaxies.&nbsp;



Professor Gavin Dalton is the WEAVE principal investigator at RAL Space and the University of Oxford.



“The shock and the unfolding collision that we see in Stephan’s Quintet provide a remarkable perspective on what may be happening in the formation and evolution of the barely resolved faint galaxies that we see at the limits of our current capabilities,” said Dalton.&nbsp;



“It’s really neat work that Marina has put together with this large team, but this first WEAVE science paper also represents just a taste of what is to come over the next five years now that WEAVE is becoming fully operational,” added Daniel Smith of the University of Hertfordshire.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-promising-future-for-galactic-research">A promising future for galactic research</h2>



The findings mark an exciting beginning for WEAVE’s role in astronomy.&nbsp;



“I’m excited to see that the data gathered at the WEAVE first light already provide a high-impact result, and I’m sure this is just an early example of the types of discoveries that will be made possible with WEAVE on the William Herschel Telescope in the coming years,” said Marc Balcells, director of the Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes.



By capturing the details of this dramatic galactic collision, WEAVE has demonstrated its potential to revolutionize our understanding of the cosmos.&nbsp;



With its ability to analyze light from stars and gasses with unprecedented speed and accuracy, the spectrograph is set to uncover more insights into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-galaxy-formation-occurred-much-faster-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy formation</a>, evolution, and the chaotic interactions shaping the Universe.



Image Credit: University of Hertfordshire



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Galaxies colliding at 2 million miles per hour observed in unprecedented detail

A galaxy racing through space at an astonishing speed of...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that scientists never expected.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-waters-beneath-ancient-craters">Hidden waters beneath ancient craters</h2>



Scientists have made a startling discovery that challenges everything we thought we knew about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-moon-mimas-has-remarkably-young-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn's moon Mimas</a>. Beneath the heavily cratered surface that earned it the nickname "Death Star" lies a global ocean that formed just 5 to 15 million years ago—a remarkably young age by cosmic standards.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cassini-data-reveals-orbital-secrets">Cassini data reveals orbital secrets</h2>



The discovery, led by Dr. Valéry Lainey of the <a href="https://observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Observatoire de Paris</a>, emerged from careful analysis of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s Cassini spacecraft data. By studying subtle irregularities in Mimas's orbit around Saturn, researchers detected the gravitational signature of liquid water hidden 20 to 30 kilometers beneath the moon's icy shell.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unlikely-ocean-world">An unlikely ocean world</h2>



At only 400 kilometers in diameter, Mimas seemed like the least likely candidate to harbor a subsurface ocean. Unlike other ocean moons such as Europa and Enceladus, which show clear surface signs of internal activity, Mimas displays no obvious hints of the liquid water beneath its ancient, crater-scarred exterior.



"Mimas is a small moon, and its heavily cratered surface gave no hint of the hidden ocean beneath," explained Dr. Nick Cooper from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>, a study co-author.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-astrobiology">Implications for astrobiology</h2>



The ocean's recent formation makes Mimas a prime target for studying how oceans develop and potentially support life. This discovery adds another member to the exclusive club of ocean worlds in our solar system, each offering unique insights into the conditions necessary for habitability.



The research, published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a> journal, demonstrates how advanced orbital analysis can reveal hidden features of celestial bodies, opening new possibilities for understanding ocean formation throughout the cosmos.



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Scientists discover unexpected young ocean on Saturn's cratered moon Mimas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ 'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE
</div></figure>



On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop and sunlight barely penetrates through the polar winter. It was here, however, that an international team of scientists found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predatory-worms-were-terror-beasts-half-a-billion-years-ago/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence of sea monsters</a> that would change our understanding of ocean life in the past.



This video captures the discovery of Timorebestia fossils that had been hidden for more than 500 million years in the Sirius Passet formation. The "terror beasts," as they are called, are a hidden chapter in the evolutionary history of <a href="https://www.earth.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>, showing that sophisticated predator-prey interactions occurred much earlier than previously envisioned.



Dr. Jakob Vinther and his research team at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, in collaboration with researchers at the <a href="https://eng.kopri.re.kr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Korean Polar Research Institute</a>, braved extreme weather conditions at 82.5 north latitude to locate these giant creatures. Using sophisticated electron microprobe analysis, they revealed the detailed anatomy of the animals, including their muscle and nerve tissues.



The find upsets the traditional timeline of sea predators. Although we've long appreciated that Cambrian oceans were at one time ruled by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWI3-UgA3_o&amp;list=PL1QLQMW9MWDwpkFOnvgAmu7wT6rZmYqdJ&amp;index=19" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arthropods</a>, these discoveries indicate that relatives of arrow worms were first to dominate the seas. These worms were building sophisticated food webs several million years before other predator groups arose.



Each fossil is a story of ancient hunger, with fossil stomach contents revealing these meter-long beasts dined on heavily armored arthropods regularly, cementing their place as the ocean's first apex predators.



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New York is the site of the world's oldest forest.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-385-million-year-old-trees-discovered">385-million-year-old trees discovered</h2>



Scientists have uncovered something extraordinary just two hours north of New York City. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world's oldest forest</a>, dating back 385 million years, offers a window into how Earth's first complex forests shaped our planet's atmosphere.



Located near <a href="https://townofcairo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cairo, New York</a>, in Greene County, these weren't merely primitive plants struggling to survive. These were sophisticated trees with root systems remarkably similar to modern forests. This ancient woodland predates dinosaurs by 140 million years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cairo-forest-discovery">The Cairo forest discovery</h2>



385 million years ago, upstate New York was a tropical paradise near the equator. Thanks to continental drift, this ancient forest has traveled thousands of miles to its current location.



The fossil forest sits in an abandoned quarry, roughly half the size of a football field. This represents just a slice of what was likely a massive forest system stretching from New York into Pennsylvania.



Charles Ver Straeten, curator of sedimentary rocks at the <a href="https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York State Museum</a>, made the discovery in 2009. While scouting the former highway department property, his trained eye spotted wandering patterns in the stone that looked like marine features.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-age-and-preservation">Revolutionary age and preservation</h2>



The site contains 385-million-year-old rocks with fossilized woody roots forming horizontal patterns up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide. As Christopher Berry, a paleobotanist at Cardiff University, explains: "You are walking through the roots of ancient trees."



This discovery pushes back advanced tree evolution by millions of years. The research, published in <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a> in December 2019, fundamentally changes our understanding of when complex forests first emerged.



Researchers believe a massive flood buried the forest floor, creating perfect fossilization conditions. Over millions of years, sediment hardened into rock, preserving these root patterns like nature's time capsule.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-archaeopteris-the-first-modern-tree">Meet Archaeopteris: the first modern tree</h2>



The star of this ancient forest is Archaeopteris – not to be confused with the feathered dinosaur Archaeopteryx. This tree was far older and more revolutionary.



William Stein from <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a> describes the roots as "strikingly modern, essentially what you'd see outside in my yard right now." These weren't simple root systems you'd expect from ancient plants.



Some fossilized roots are six inches (15 centimeters) in diameter, forming 36-foot-wide (11-meter) patterns. These giants grew up to 65 feet (20 meters) tall with five-foot-diameter (1.5-meter) trunks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-changing-impact">Climate-changing impact</h2>



These trees fundamentally changed Earth's environment. Kevin Boyce, a Stanford University geoscientist, explains how their deep roots triggered "weathering," chemical reactions that pulled carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.



This process dropped atmospheric CO2 levels from 10-15 times higher than today to roughly modern concentrations. These ancient trees helped create atmospheric conditions that made complex life possible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-forest-ecosystem">Ancient forest ecosystem</h2>



The forest was remarkably diverse. Scientists identified Eospermatopteris, palm tree-like plants with short roots that reached 30 feet (9 meters) tall but lacked woody structure. The forest also housed cladoxylopsids and a mysterious third species still being studied.



All reproduced through spores rather than seeds – millions of years before seeds evolved. This tropical environment had no grass, flowers, or flying insects, just towering trees creating Earth's first complex forest canopy.



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



Before this finding, the Gilboa forest, located 25 miles (40 kilometers) away, held the "oldest forest" title. Cairo's trees are 2-3 million years older, showing that complex forest ecosystems developed much faster than scientists believed possible.



Patricia Gensel, a <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina</a> paleobotanist, notes: "The size of those root systems is really changing the picture. Even 20 years ago, researchers assumed trees with such complex root systems didn't evolve so early."



The Cairo site presents three unique root systems, suggesting Devonian period forests were diverse ecosystems with different trees occupying different environmental niches, much like today's forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-preservation-efforts">Modern preservation efforts</h2>



In 2022, New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey secured a $170,000 grant for the town of Cairo to construct specialized fencing around the fossil forest site. The town plans to conduct a feasibility study exploring the possibility of creating an educational center and working lab on-site.



Joe Hasenkopf, chair of the Cairo Planning Board, hopes to partner with educational institutions to create a research facility serving scientists, students, and the public.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-for-today-s-climate">Lessons for today's climate</h2>



Why does a 385-million-year-old forest matter today? It shows how dramatically forests can change Earth's climate. These ancient woodlands created the atmospheric conditions supporting complex life.



Understanding how prehistoric forests transformed the planet helps us appreciate modern forests' critical role in addressing climate change. Forests remain Earth's most effective carbon capture systems.



These prehistoric trees changed Earth's atmosphere by pulling massive amounts of carbon dioxide from the air. As we face modern climate challenges, this ancient forest reminds us of trees' incredible power to transform our planet's environment.



The next time you walk through a forest, remember you're experiencing an ecosystem whose blueprint was established 385 million years ago in upstate New York. These ancient pioneers didn't just survive – they thrived and changed the world forever.



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ New York is the site of the world's oldest...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-don-t-we-ever-hear-about-acid-rain-anymore-the-environmental-crisis-that-was-solved">Why don't we ever hear about "acid rain" anymore? The environmental crisis that was solved</h2>



Remember the 1980s when acid rain dominated headlines? Dire warnings about rain eating buildings, killing fish, and destroying forests filled every news cycle. Then, almost like magic, acid rain vanished from public discourse. What happened? Did we actually solve one of the late 20th century's most pressing environmental challenges?



The answer might surprise you. Unlike many environmental issues that drag on indefinitely, acid rain represents one of modern history's most successful ecological recovery stories. It's a tale of science, politics, and technology working together to tackle what seemed impossible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What was acid rain?</h2>



Acid rain isn't regular rain having a bad day – it's precipitation that became significantly more acidic due to air pollution. When power plants, factories, and vehicles burn fossil fuels, they release sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The science behind it</h2>



Think of acid rain as nature's chemistry experiment gone wrong. These compounds react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When mixed with water vapor in clouds, they create precipitation with dangerously low pH levels.



While clean rain has a pH of about 5.6, acid rain could drop as low as 4.2 to 4.4 – roughly as acidic as tomato juice or coffee. According to US Geological Survey documentation, Scottish chemist Angus Smith first coined "acid rain" in 1872, but it didn't become a household phrase until the 1960s and 1970s when Swedish scientist Svante Odén documented its devastating effects on Scandinavian lakes and European forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The crisis at its peak</h2>



During the height of public concern, environmental damage was both widespread and visible. This wasn't some abstract future threat – people could see destruction happening in real-time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Environmental devastation</h2>



The most dramatic impacts were impossible to ignore. Research documented by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shows that in the Adirondack Mountains, more than 200 lakes became so acidic they couldn't support fish life. The Adirondack Council reports that 409 lakes once supported brook trout, but many lost their fish populations due to acid rain.



By 1976, when scientists cataloged all acidified lakes in the Adirondack Park, researchers found that half of the lakes over 2,000 feet above sea level had no fish, according to studies published in environmental journals. The acidification process worked like a slow-motion disaster. As acid rain fell into watersheds, it gradually lowered pH levels. Fish couldn't survive in acidic water, and their food sources died off too.



Trees at high elevations showed stress directly linked to acid rain. It weakened them by leaching nutrients and making them susceptible to disease. Historical records show Germany's Black Forest saw nearly half its trees damaged by the mid-1980s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Economic impact</h2>



Acid rain wasn't just environmental – it was expensive. Acidic precipitation corroded infrastructure, buildings, and monuments. Historic stone structures deteriorated at accelerated rates. Tourism suffered as lakes became fishless and forests declined. EPA economic analyses from the period documented repair costs mounting into billions annually.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The solution: government action and technology</h2>



Transformation from crisis to success required unprecedented cooperation between governments, industries, and environmental groups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Clean Air Act of 1990</h2>



The turning point came with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, signed by President George H.W. Bush. This represented a fundamentally new approach to environmental regulation, as documented in EPA historical records.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cap-and-trade success</h2>



Instead of mandating specific technologies, the 1990 amendments introduced something revolutionary: a cap-and-trade system for sulfur dioxide emissions. EPA program documentation shows this market-based approach set overall limits but allowed companies to trade emission allowances.



The genius was harnessing market forces to find cost-effective pollution reduction. Companies reducing emissions cheaply could sell excess allowances to those facing higher costs. Research published in environmental economics journals and EPA progress reports shows this resulted in dramatic SO2 reduction at a fraction of projected costs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Technology advances</h2>



Policy provided the framework, but technology made reductions possible. Studies in atmospheric science journals document the widespread adoption of flue gas desulfurization systems ("scrubbers") that removed sulfur dioxide before it reached the atmosphere. By the 2000s, new installations could remove over 95% of SO2 emissions, according to EPA technical reports.



The push coincided with cleaner energy development. Natural gas produces fewer sulfur compounds than coal. Wind and solar, emerging in the 1990s, captured growing market share, reducing reliance on high-sulfur coal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-we-don-t-hear-about-it-today">Why we don't hear about it today</h2>



Why did acid rain disappear from headlines? Simple: the problem was largely solved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Success doesn't make news</h2>



There's an old journalism saying: "If it bleeds, it leads." Environmental success stories don't generate urgency like crisis reporting. Media attention shifted to other challenges: climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss. There's only so much environmental anxiety the public can absorb, and newer concerns replaced acid rain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mission accomplished</h2>



The primary reason is beautifully simple: interventions worked. EPA monitoring data shows sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990. Academic research published in environmental science journals confirms pH levels in formerly affected areas returned closer to normal. This represents one of history's most dramatic environmental recoveries. Studies by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation show fishless lakes now support healthy populations. Forests recovered, and building damage slowed dramatically.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-it-really-gone">Is it really gone?</h2>



The crisis is largely resolved, but monitoring data shows the problem isn't completely eliminated – it's managed to acceptable levels. Some areas still experience occasional events during high pollution periods. International environmental research indicates that rapidly industrializing Asian countries face similar problems to what we experienced decades ago, though they're implementing successful strategies.



EPA research shows nitrogen oxide emissions proved more challenging than sulfur dioxide, coming from vehicles and mobile sources. Climate science studies suggest changing weather patterns add complexity to how acid rain forms and falls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What this teaches us</h2>



The acid rain experience proves that seemingly intractable environmental problems can be solved with scientific understanding, political will, and technological innovation. Environmental monitoring data shows recovery speed was remarkable – within a decade, measurable improvements appeared in air quality and ecosystem health.



Success came from bipartisan support across party lines. Policy analysis studies show the market-based approach appealed to those preferring economic incentives while achieving environmental goals. This support created lasting policy surviving political changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>



Acid rain's disappearance from public consciousness represents environmental science's greatest success stories. Through effective regulation, technological innovation, and international cooperation, we transformed an overwhelming crisis into a manageable challenge.



Today's silence isn't because we forgot – it's because we solved it. The 1990 Clean Air Act, combined with technology and energy market changes, reduced acid rain emissions over 90%, according to comprehensive EPA data analysis.



This success offers hope for current challenges. It proves complex problems can be solved when science, policy, and technology work together. As we face climate change and plastic pollution, acid rain reminds us that dramatic positive change is possible.



Next time someone asks whether environmental regulations work, remember acid rain. It's proof that sometimes, we get it right.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



Sources: This article draws from EPA official documentation and progress reports, peer-reviewed research published in environmental and atmospheric science journals, historical data from the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation records, US Geological Survey publications, policy analysis studies, and environmental monitoring data collected over three decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



1. Is acid rain completely gone? No, but EPA monitoring shows it's reduced to manageable levels. US sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990, making acid rain much less severe than the 1980s crisis.



2. How long did solving take? Environmental monitoring data shows significant improvements began within 5-10 years of 1990s emission controls. Full ecosystem recovery took longer – some areas need 20-30 years for complete recovery.



3. What made the solution successful? Clear scientific understanding, visible damage motivating action, bipartisan support, available technology, and innovative market-based policies like cap-and-trade.



4. Do other countries have acid rain problems? Yes, particularly rapidly industrializing Asian countries. However, international environmental research shows many implement similar successful control strategies.



5. Could acid rain return? Potentially, if regulations weaken or we return to high-sulfur coal without controls, though effects would take years to become severe according to environmental projections.



6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"? The United States Environmental Protection Agency produced a wonderful teacher's guide for ages 14 and under that you can find on the EPA website here: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf</a>



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The environmental problem we actually solved

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk Acid rain and a crisis solved. Why don't we...

Fresh,Radish,Harvest,On,Soil,In,Garden.

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex
</div></figure>







Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving fall garden, and this guide lays out the best vegetables and herbs to plant now for a fruitful autumn harvest. 



Fast-growing leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, kale, and arugula perform especially well in the waning summer heat, with harvests beginning as soon as 30 days. 



These cool-season crops relish the transition into fall, offering repeated yields with cut-and-come-again methods.



Root vegetables like radishes, carrots, and beets also excel during this period. Radishes deliver satisfaction in under a month, while carrots and beets mature in about two months. Employing succession planting ensures a continuous stream of produce deep into the cooler months. 



For a boost of fresh flavor, herbs like cilantro, basil, dill, and chervil are excellent picks. These heat-loving varieties flourish in July’s warmth and are harvest-ready in about 30 days, especially when sown continuously.



Gardeners in zones 6 through 9 can benefit from planting bush beans and snap peas, which don’t require trellising and are ideal for compact plots. 



Maturing in 50–60 days, they’re a smart choice for quick, protein-rich harvests. For those in hotter regions, heat-tolerant crops such as okra and southern peas provide reliable yields and thrive in scorching conditions.



This guide emphasizes more than crop selection—it highlights the importance of timing, soil preparation, and ongoing sowing techniques. 



With thoughtful planning and attention to regional climate needs, even late-summer gardeners can enjoy fresh salads, hearty stews, and the satisfaction of a robust, homegrown harvest well into fall.



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving...

Green,Ecoduct,Over,An,Empty,Highway,During,Sunset.

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that wildlife tunnels significantly reduce amphibian road mortality during seasonal migrations. 



Frogs and salamanders often cross roads to reach breeding ponds each spring, but many are killed by vehicles. 



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vermont</a>, in collaboration with local citizens and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, installed two underpass tunnels in 2015. 



Over a 12-year monitoring period, they observed an 80.2% reduction in amphibian deaths, and up to 94% for non-climbing species like salamanders. 



The study used a before-after-control-impact design and documented more than 5,200 amphibians, highlighting the tunnels’ effectiveness even in nearby buffer zones.



Funded at $342,397 - far cheaper than wildlife crossings for large mammals - the project showcased the power of community-led conservation.



Local groups initiated the effort after observing mass amphibian deaths. Wildlife cameras later captured over 2,200 amphibians using a tunnel in just one spring, along with other species like raccoons and bobcats, indicating wider ecosystem benefits.



This marks the first peer-reviewed, long-term data set in the northeastern U.S. confirming amphibian-specific underpasses work. 



The study urges transportation departments to incorporate these designs into road planning and highlights how community action, thoughtful infrastructure, and persistence can make a real difference for biodiversity.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1617138125000780" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal for Nature Conservation</a>.



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that...

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. 



The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. 



Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.



Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. 



They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).



Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.



Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.



This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?



One previous study showed that, not only does salt suppress bitterness, but also enhances sweetness and sourness. Another study revealed that bitterness reduction by salt seems to be happening at the tongue receptor level as well as in the brain.&nbsp;



While it is known that salt taste is mediated by the presence of sodium channels in the form of taste buds, experts believe that there is also an unknown receptor responsible for how we taste salt that has not yet been identified.&nbsp;



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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



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

How does salt makes things taste better?

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



'The weather of Santiago resembles the Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (from October to March) and cool and humid winters that can drop to 0°C (from April to September)."



"The city lies in the centre of the country’s central valley around 80 km from the Pacific Ocean to the west and borders Argentina to the east. A tiny part of Argentina is visible in the top-right corner of the image where the mountain crest of the Andes Mountains acts as a divider between the two countries," says ESA.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

Santiago, Chile in South America

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Spiral,Galaxy,,Illustration,Of,Milky,Way

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Astronomers at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/">Johns Hopkins University</a> have created an interactive map of the universe, including the actual position and real colors of 200,000 galaxies. The map allows the public to access data that was previously only available to scientists.



The map was developed using data collected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. For over two decades, a telescope in New Mexico was aimed at slightly different locations to capture the night sky.&nbsp;



"Growing up I was very inspired by astronomy pictures, stars, nebulae and galaxies, and now it's our time to create a new type of picture to inspire people," said map creator Brice Ménard, a professor at Johns Hopkins. "Astrophysicists around the world have been analyzing this data for years, leading to thousands of scientific papers and discoveries. But nobody took the time to create a map that is beautiful, scientifically accurate, and accessible to people who are not scientists. Our goal here is to show everybody what the universe really looks like."



"In this map, we are just a speck at the very bottom, just one pixel. And when I say we, I mean our galaxy, the Milky Way which has billions of stars and planets. We are used to seeing astronomical pictures showing one galaxy here, one galaxy there or perhaps a group of galaxies. But what this map shows is a very, very different scale."



"From this speck at the bottom, we are able to map out galaxies across the entire universe, and that says something about the power of science."



The <a href="https://mapoftheuniverse.net/">interactive map</a> is available online, where it can be downloaded for free.



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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



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

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features northwest Lesotho in South Africa.



According to ESA, Lesotho is the only nation in the world that lies completely above 1,000 m in elevation. The country is famous for its tall mountains and narrow valleys, and is known as Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky."



Out of a population of around two million people, about 80 percent live in rural areas. More than 75 percent of these people are engaged in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-have-a-global-impact-on-agriculture/">agriculture</a>, including rainfed cereal production and animal grazing.&nbsp;



ESA reports that the country’s agricultural system faces a growing number of issues, with climate-related vulnerabilities such as drought, floods and extreme temperatures occurring more frequently. 



Diamonds are amongst the minerals found in the mountains. Indeed, Lesotho can truly be called the Kingdom in the Sky. Beautiful, culturally rich, safe, affordable, and easily accessible from Durban and Johannesburg, mountainous Lesotho is a vastly underrated travel destination. the Kingdom of Lesotho (Sotho: 'Muso oa Lesotho) is an enclaved country in southern Africa. It is just over 30,000 km2 (11,583 sq mi) in size and has a population of around 2 million.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&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> Staff Writer 



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.

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland. Beyond its pub culture, Dublin is known as a modern culinary destination and a UNESCO City of Literature.



"Dublin is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast in the province of Leinster. The city, which covers an area of around 115 square kilometers, is bordered by the Dublin Mountains, a low mountain range to the south, and is surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west," says ESA.



"The city straddles the River Liffey, which rises in the Wicklow Mountains and flows around 80 kilometers eastwards through the city of Dublin, in which it is canalised and bordered with quays. It then empties into Dublin Bay, an arm of the Irish Sea."



Dublin has an abundance of green spaces, including one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city. Phoenix Park, which was originally formed as a royal hunting park in the 1660s, includes 707 hectares of green space.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.



"Together with the provinces of Huesca and Teruel, Zaragoza formed the old kingdom of Aragon. Its capital, also called Zaragoza (not visible in this image) is home to around half of Aragon’s population," says ESA.



"The Ebro River can be seen winding its way through the province from west to east in this image. Between its source in the Cantabrian Mountains in the northwest and its delta on the Mediterranean coast, the Ebro River is fed by more than 200 tributaries as it flows 910 km across much of northern Spain."



Since rainfall is very scarce in this region, irrigation in the Ebro basin is critically important. In the valleys surrounding the Ebro River, many fields are used for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and barley.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> reveals the evolution of the Columbia Glacier in southeastern Alaska. Columbia is among the fastest shrinking glaciers in the world, and the video documents its rapid retreat over the years.&nbsp;



Columbia Glacier is a large, multi-branched calving glacier that flows out of the Chugach Mountains to the Prince William Sound.&nbsp;



According to USGS, Columbia had a long history of stability prior to 1980, with a length 41 miles, and small, short-lived advances or retreats.



In the years since 1980, however, satellite images have captured Columbia’s alarming retreat. By using false-color images, scientists can distinguish between snow and ice, open water, vegetation, and rocky debris on the glacier’s surface.



The series of false-color images featured in today's video were acquired over the span of 35 years. You can see that by 2021, the glacier’s main branch had retreated about 15 miles from its initial position.



The Columbia Glacier has also lost more than 50 percent of its volume, mostly due to calving. <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-reveals-3d-visual-of-an-atmospheric-river/">NASA</a> reports that while climate change likely started the retreat, mechanical processes kept the disintegration going.



The NASA images are provided by Jesse Allen, Robert Simmon, Joshua Stevens, and Lauren Dauphin using data from Landsat satellites, from the U.S. Geological Survey, and data from MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite. The structure of Columbia’s moraine played a large role in the stability of the glacier before 1980. 



Like other tidewater glaciers, the Columbia built up a moraine over time, and the mixture of ice and rock functioned like a dam keeping out the sea. It was supported on one end by the shoreline and by the underwater terminal moraine at the other.



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio



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



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

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural boundary between France and Spain in southwest Europe.



The mountain range is 430 kilometers in length. It stretches from the Mediterranean Sea on the east to the Atlantic Ocean on the west.



At an elevation of 3404 meters, Pico de Aneto is the highest mountain peak in the Pyrenees, and the third-highest peak in Spain. Pico de Aneto is located in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, which spans more than 82,000 acres.&nbsp;



"Geological studies have revealed that the Pyrenees Mountains have been around for longer than the Alps, with their sediments first deposited in coastal basins during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras," reports ESA.



"The entire mountain range formed due to the upwelling of large sedimentary rocks by the collision of the Iberian and the Eurasian plate around 100 to 150 million years ago, followed by intense erosion from ice and water."



The western Pyrenees receive more precipitation due to moisture blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean. The mountain range contains many lakes, several small glaciers, and some of the highest waterfalls in Europe.



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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



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

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

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Earth,Like,Exoplanet,3d,Render

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes two exoplanets that are orbiting a star 218 light-years away. A team of researchers led by the University of Montreal has found evidence that these planets are "water worlds."



The experts used data from NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. They discovered that exoplanets Kepler-138 c and Kepler-138 could be composed largely of water.



"We previously thought that planets that were a bit larger than Earth were big balls of metal and rock, like scaled-up versions of Earth, and that's why we called them super-Earths," explained study co-author Björn Benneke.&nbsp;



"However, we have now shown that these two planets, Kepler-138 c and d, are quite different in nature and that a big fraction of their entire volume is likely composed of water. It is the best evidence yet for water worlds, a type of planet that was theorized by astronomers to exist for a long time."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)



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



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

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

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