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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI</p>



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Southern Ring Nebula in the constellation Vela 

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;</p>



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Harrat Khaybar: An active lava field in Saudi Arabia

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;</p>



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

Wapiti Fire in Idaho: Unpredictable and difficult to contain

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features the star-forming region NGC 604, which is located 2.73 million light-years away from Earth in the Triangulum Galaxy (M33). The image was captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.</p>



<p>By studying regions like NGC 604, astronomers can gain insights into the complex interactions between stars and the interstellar medium, as well as the conditions that lead to the birth of stars. This, in turn, helps in understanding the evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and the universe as a whole.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-stars-of-ngc-604">Massive stars of NGC 604</h2>



<p>"Sheltered among NGC 604’s dusty envelopes of gas are more than 200 of the hottest, most massive kinds of stars, all in the early stages of their lives," said <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.</p>



<p>"These types of stars are known as B-types and O-types, the latter of which can be more than 100 times the mass of our own Sun. It’s quite rare to find this concentration of them in the nearby universe. In fact, there’s no similar region within our own Milky Way galaxy."</p>



<p>According to ESA, this concentration of massive stars, combined with its relatively close distance, means NGC 604 gives astronomers an opportunity to study these objects at a fascinating time early in their life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gigantic-region-of-ionized-hydrogen">Gigantic region of ionized hydrogen</h2>



<p>NGC 604 is one of the largest known regions of ionized hydrogen, also known as an H II region. This nebula is significantly larger than the Orion Nebula, which is one of the most well-known H II regions in our own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-amount-of-dark-matter-may-be-missing-from-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way galaxy</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>NGC 604 spans about 1,500 light-years across, making it one of the largest H II regions in the Local Group of galaxies, which includes the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and about 54 other smaller galaxies.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-604-starburst-phenomenon">NGC 604 starburst phenomenon </h2>



<p>Within NGC 604, there are hundreds of young, hot, massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>. These stars have ionized the surrounding gas, causing it to glow and creating the nebula. The region is a prime example of a starburst phenomenon, where stars form at a much higher rate than in typical galactic conditions.</p>



<p>“The bright orange streaks in this image signify the presence of carbon-based molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs," explained ESA.</p>



<p>"As you travel further from the immediate cavities of dust where the star is forming, the deeper red signifies molecular hydrogen. This cooler gas is a prime environment for star formation. Ionized hydrogen from ultraviolet radiation appears as a white and blue ghostly glow."</p>



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



<p>Star formation is crucial for the evolution of galaxies and the synthesis of heavy elements. In the cores of stars, elements heavier than helium are created.</p>



<p>The elements are spread throughout the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-stars-shakti-shiva-shaped-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> when stars reach the end of their lives and expel their material - either gently through winds or violently via supernova explosions. This enriching process allows for the formation of new stars and planets, and ultimately, the potential for life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-process-of-star-formation">Process of star formation</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cloud collapse</h3>



<p>The process begins when part of a molecular cloud becomes unstable and starts to collapse under its own gravity. This can be triggered by events like shock waves from nearby <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a>, galactic collisions, or the influence of other massive stars.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Formation of a protostar</h3>



<p>As the cloud collapses, it fragments into smaller clumps. Each clump will eventually form one or more stars. </p>



<p>The material within these clumps continues to fall inward, heating up as it does so, eventually forming a warm core called a protostar. At this stage, the protostar is not yet hot enough for nuclear fusion (the process that powers stars) to occur.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Accretion disk</h3>



<p>Around the protostar, material from the surrounding cloud continues to fall inward, forming a rotating disk. This material slowly accretes onto the protostar, increasing its mass.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nuclear fusion begins</h3>



<p>Once the core of the protostar reaches a high enough temperature and pressure, hydrogen atoms begin to fuse into helium, releasing energy in the process. This marks the transition from a protostar to a main sequence star, like our sun.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Main sequence and beyond</h3>



<p>The star will spend the majority of its life in the main sequence stage, where it balances the gravitational forces trying to collapse it and the outward pressure from nuclear fusion. </p>



<p>Eventually, the star will exhaust its hydrogen fuel. Its subsequent evolution will depend on its initial mass, leading to various end stages such as red giants, supernovae, neutron stars, or black holes.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope</p>



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NGC 604 is home to hundreds of hot, massive stars

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from NASA Earth Observatory features an astronaut view of the northeast coast of Somalia. This region, which borders the Indian Ocean, has a mix of sandy beaches and rugged cliffs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closer-look-at-northeast-somalia">A closer look at Northeast Somalia </h2>



<p>"The detailed image reveals a desert landscape etched by wind and water," said NASA. "Over time, streams have cut canyons into the earth. But streams in this region are ephemeral, making groundwater the main source of fresh water."&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The water table is shallow (wells are typically drilled less than 20 meters deep) and meets the surface toward the coast, creating springs."</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, bidirectional winds sculpted the tan, brown, and reddish sand into transverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sand-dunes-hold-a-record-of-fire-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sand dunes</a> visible near the stream’s deltas. "The orientation of the sand dunes indicates that they were likely formed by summer winds blowing up the coast from the southwest."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economy-of-northeast-somalia">Economy of Northeast Somalia </h2>



<p>The economy of northeast Somalia, specifically the autonomous region of Puntland, is primarily based on fishing, livestock, and trade. </p>



<p>Puntland has a long coastline along the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, and the waters are home to various types of fish, including tuna, mackerel, and lobster. </p>



<p>However, the fishing industry is underdeveloped and faces challenges such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-fleets-hidden-industrial-fishing-activity-exposed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing</a> by foreign vessels.</p>



<p>The arid and semi-arid lands are well-suited for raising goats, sheep, camels, and cattle. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-in-livestock-are-major-drivers-of-antibiotic-resistance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Livestock</a> is the main export, with animals being sold to markets in the Middle East.</p>



<p>The region is home to important port cities like Bosaso, which is a hub for trade and commerce. These ports are vital for both the local and national economy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-of-northeast-somalia">Wildlife of Northeast Somalia </h2>



<p>The region includes a mix of desert-adapted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-desert-plants-are-not-immune-to-climate-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> and those that thrive in the more fertile areas near the coast and highlands. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mammals">Mammals</h3>



<p>Large mammals such as the Somali wild ass, a critically endangered species, and the gerenuk, a long-necked antelope, are among the most notable inhabitants. </p>



<p>The Somali wild ass is particularly suited to the harsh desert environment, while the gerenuk can survive long periods without water by feeding on moisture-rich vegetation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birds">Birds</h3>



<p>Birdlife in Northeast Somalia is also abundant, with a variety of species adapted to different habitats ranging from coastal areas to dry savannahs. </p>



<p>Raptors such as the Somali ostrich and various eagles can be spotted, along with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-migratory-birds-navigate-with-such-accuracy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a> that pass through the region during seasonal changes. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-life-reptiles-and-insects">Marine life, reptiles, and insects</h3>



<p>The coastal waters, especially along the Gulf of Aden, are home to dolphins, whales, and a variety of fish species.</p>



<p>The region's reptiles include various species of lizards, snakes, and tortoises, many of which are well-adapted to the arid conditions. Insects, particularly locusts and butterflies, play significant roles in the local ecosystem.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-conservation">Wildlife conservation </h3>



<p>Despite its arid climate, Northeast Somalia's diverse ecosystems support a surprising range of wildlife, although many species face threats from habitat loss, overgrazing, and hunting. </p>



<p>Conservation efforts are ongoing, but the region's political instability has often hampered effective wildlife management and protection.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture-of-northeast-somalia">Culture of Northeast Somalia </h2>



<p>Northeast Somalia's culture is a mosaic of tradition, religion, and external influences, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of its people.</p>



<p>The region's culture is deeply intertwined with Islam, which influences daily life, social norms, and celebrations. Poetry and storytelling are highly valued, with oral traditions serving as a key method for passing down history and values. </p>



<p>Somalis from this region are known for their hospitality, with the concept of "sooryo" emphasizing the importance of welcoming guests.</p>



<p>Family ties and clan affiliations play a significant role in the social structure, dictating everything from marriage to conflict resolution. </p>



<p>The people of Northeast Somalia have a strong sense of identity and pride, which is often expressed through traditional dances, music, and clothing. Despite modern influences, there is a conscious effort to preserve traditional customs, especially in rural areas.</p>



<p>The photograph was captured on August 9, 2023 as the International Space Station orbited over the Horn of Africa.</p>



<p><em>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;</em></p>



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Northeast Somalia: A landscape shaped by wind and water

<p>Dinosaur fossils have revealed an astonishing discovery - collagen, the protein found in bones, skin, muscles, and ligaments, has been detected in specimens as old as 195 million years. This far exceeds the expected half-life of peptide bonds, which usually break down within 500 years.</p>



<p>Such a remarkable finding challenges long-held assumptions about how biological materials degrade over time.</p>



<p>Typically, proteins are some of the first components to disappear from fossils, leaving behind only hard minerals like bone. </p>



<p>Yet, in the case of these ancient dinosaurs, collagen has somehow persisted, offering scientists a unique opportunity to explore molecular preservation in an entirely new way.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaur-collagen-defies-time">Dinosaur collagen defies time</h2>



<p>A recent study from the <a href="https://www.mit.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> (MIT) explains how collagen can survive far beyond its expected lifespan. </p>



<p>The researchers uncovered a special atomic-level interaction that defends collagen from water molecule attacks, forming a barricade that prevents peptide bonds from being broken through hydrolysis.</p>



<p>Study senior author Ron Raines, the Firmenich Professor of Chemistry at MIT, collaborated with lead author and postdoc Jinyi Yang, postdoc Volga Kojasoy, and graduate student Gerard Porter.</p>



<p>"We provide evidence that that interaction prevents water from attacking the peptide bonds and cleaving them. That just flies in the face of what happens with a normal peptide bond, which has a half-life of only 500 years," explained Professor Raines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-flexibility-of-dinosaur-collagen">The flexibility of dinosaur collagen</h2>



<p>Collagen is essential to biological structures, particularly due to its tough, fibrous composition. Made of long, intertwined protein strands forming a triple helix, collagen is remarkably stable.</p>



<p>"Collagen is the scaffold that holds us together," said Professor Raines. "What makes the collagen protein so stable, and such a good choice for this scaffold, is that unlike most proteins, it’s fibrous."</p>



<p>Evidence of collagen has even been found in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extraordinary-dinosaur-fossils-discovered-from-the-end-of-cretaceous-era/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dinosaur fossils</a>, including an 80-million-year-old <em><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-rex-was-about-70-percent-bigger-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tyrannosaurus rex</a></em> fossil and a nearly 200-million-year-old sauropodomorph fossil.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secrets-behind-collagen-s-longevity">Secrets behind collagen's longevity</h2>



<p>Collagen's peptide bonds, formed between carbon and nitrogen atoms, are resistant to hydrolysis because of their structure. These bonds also include a double bond with oxygen, creating a molecular structure known as a carbonyl group.</p>



<p>The carbonyl oxygen can share its unbonded electrons with the neighboring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/did-the-building-blocks-of-life-form-inside-of-water-droplets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">peptide bond</a>, preventing water from disrupting the structure.</p>



<p>To test this, the team created two collagen mimics. One mimic formed the triple helix (trans), while the other had rotated peptide bonds (cis). The researchers found that water could infiltrate and disrupt the cis form, while the trans form resisted water damage.</p>



<p>"A peptide bond is either cis or trans, and we can change the cis to trans ratio. By doing that, we can mimic the natural state of collagen or create an unprotected peptide bond. And we saw that when it was unprotected, it was not long for the world," noted Professor Raines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-immortal-protein">The immortal protein</h2>



<p>Unlike other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-dinosaur-protein/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proteins</a>, collagen is composed entirely of triple helices, with no weak links. "Collagen is all triple helices, from one end to the other. There’s no weak link, and that’s why I think it has survived," said Professor Raines.</p>



<p>While other hypotheses suggest dehydration or other factors may contribute to collagen’s longevity, the MIT research points to the unique molecular protection as a key factor. </p>



<p>"I can’t discount the contributions from other factors, but 200 million years is a long time, and I think you need something at the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discrimination-speeds-up-aging-molecular-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">molecular level</a>, at the atomic level in order to explain it," noted Raines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dinosaur-collagen-and-protein-preservation">Dinosaur collagen and protein preservation</h2>



<p>The discovery of dinosaur collagen and its ability to survive for hundreds of millions of years opens new doors in the study of protein preservation and fossilization. </p>



<p>These findings could revolutionize how scientists approach the study of ancient life, enabling more accurate reconstructions of prehistoric biology. </p>



<p>Furthermore, in fields such as paleobiology and biotechnology, understanding how proteins withstand degradation over time can inspire new technologies and applications.</p>



<p>As researchers continue to explore the intricacies of collagen, the mysteries of how ancient proteins defy time could lead to broader scientific breakthroughs that span multiple disciplines, from archaeology to bioengineering.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acscentsci.4c00971" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Central Science</a></em>.</p>



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How dinosaur collagen survived the test of time

Dinosaur fossils have revealed an astonishing discovery - collagen, the...

<p>Honesty is usually considered the best policy, but there are moments when telling the truth isn’t always the right choice. Social norms help humans decide when to be truthful and when to bend the truth to spare someone’s feelings or avoid harm. But how do these norms translate to robots, which are becoming increasingly integrated into our daily lives? </p>



<p>To explore whether humans are comfortable with robots lying, researchers asked nearly 500 participants to evaluate and justify different types of robot <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-happens-when-robots-lie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deception</a>.</p>



<p>“I wanted to explore an understudied facet of robot ethics, to contribute to our understanding of mistrust towards emerging technologies and their developers,” explained lead author Andres Rosero, a PhD candidate at <a href="https://www.gmu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">George Mason University</a>. </p>



<p>“With the advent of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/could-generative-ai-go-mad-and-wreck-internet-data/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">generative AI</a>, I felt it was important to begin examining possible cases in which anthropomorphic design and behavior sets could be utilized to manipulate users.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-types-of-deceptive-robot-behavior-nbsp">Distinct types of deceptive robot behavior&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers selected three common work scenarios involving robots - medical, cleaning, and retail - and tested three distinct types of deceptive behavior.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These behaviors were categorized as external state deceptions (lying about the outside world), hidden state deceptions (concealing the robot’s capabilities), and superficial state deceptions (exaggerating the robot’s abilities).</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-external-state-deception-nbsp">External state deception&nbsp;</h3>



<p>In the external state deception scenario, a robot acting as a caretaker for a woman with Alzheimer’s lies, telling her that her late husband will be home soon.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-state-deception-nbsp">Hidden state deception&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The hidden state <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-deception-is-a-growing-issue-that-we-cannot-control/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deception</a> scenario involves a woman visiting a house where a robot is cleaning, unaware that the robot is secretly filming her. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-superficial-state-deception-nbsp">Superficial state deception&nbsp;</h3>



<p>In the superficial state deception scenario, a robot in a store complains about feeling pain while helping move furniture, prompting a human to ask someone else to take over for the robot.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-people-view-robot-deception-nbsp">How people view robot deception&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The team recruited 498 participants, asking each to read one of the scenarios and respond to a questionnaire.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The participants were asked whether they approved of the robot’s actions, how deceptive they considered the behavior, whether the deception was justifiable, and who, if anyone, they believed was responsible for the lie. The researchers then analyzed the responses to identify patterns in how people viewed each type of deception.</p>



<p>Of the three scenarios, participants were most disapproving of the hidden state deception involving the house cleaning robot that was secretly filming. They rated it as the most deceptive and found it largely unjustifiable.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In contrast, while the external and superficial state deceptions were also seen as deceptive, the superficial deception - where the robot pretended to feel pain - was viewed more negatively, likely because it seemed manipulative.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-lies-are-justified">Some lies are justified</h2>



<p>Interestingly, participants were most supportive of the external state deception, where the robot lied to the Alzheimer’s patient. Many justified the lie by saying it protected the patient from emotional pain, prioritizing compassion over truthfulness.</p>



<p>While participants could offer justifications for all three forms of deception - some suggested that the hidden state deception might have been for security reasons - most were firmly against the idea of robots lying about their capabilities without disclosure.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-robots-that-manipulate-users-nbsp">Robots that manipulate users&nbsp;</h2>



<p>More than half the participants who encountered the superficial state deception, where the robot faked pain, also found it unacceptable. When it came to these unacceptable deceptions, participants often pointed the blame at the robot’s developers or owners rather than the robot itself.</p>



<p>“I think we should be concerned about any technology that is capable of withholding the true nature of its capabilities, because it could lead to users being manipulated by that technology in ways the user (and perhaps the developer) never intended,” Rosero said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We’ve already seen examples of companies using web design principles and artificial intelligence chatbots in ways that are designed to manipulate users towards a certain action. We need regulation to protect ourselves from these harmful deceptions.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gauging-human-reactions-to-robots">Gauging human reactions to robots</h2>



<p>However, the researchers acknowledged that this study represents just a first step in understanding human responses to robot deception. They noted that future experiments should use real-life scenarios - such as videos or roleplay simulations - to better gauge human reactions.</p>



<p>“The benefit of using a cross-sectional study with vignettes is that we can obtain a large number of participant attitudes and perceptions in a cost-controlled manner,” Rosero explained.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Vignette studies provide baseline findings that can be corroborated or disputed through further experimentation. Experiments with in-person or simulated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-humans-react-to-coexisting-with-robots/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human-robot interactions</a> are likely to provide greater insight into how humans actually perceive these robot deception behaviors.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emerging-technologies-and-ethical-decisions">Emerging technologies and ethical decisions</h2>



<p>The research opens the door to understanding how we navigate the ethics of deception when it comes to emerging technologies like robots and AI.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As robots increasingly interact with humans in caregiving, service, and other industries, it's crucial to explore how comfortable we are with their behaviors, particularly when they involve deception.</p>



<p>With this study, the researchers have started a conversation about the ethical complexities of robot deception, pushing us to consider not just what robots can do, but what they should do. And as AI and robotic technologies continue to evolve, the need for clear regulations to protect users from potential manipulation becomes ever more pressing.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/frobt.2024.1409712" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Frontiers in Robotics and AI</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Digital deception: How do humans respond to lying robots?

Honesty is usually considered the best policy, but there are...

<p>A new study sheds light on how the brain initiates spontaneous actions without any external triggers. </p>



<p>The research not only explains how these actions emerge but also offers insight into the mysterious ramping of neural activity before movement - a phenomenon that has puzzled scientists for years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-of-spontaneous-action-nbsp">Origins of spontaneous action&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study was led by Jake Gavenas during his time as a PhD student at the Brain Institute at <a href="https://www.chapman.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chapman University</a>. He collaborated with two faculty members, Uri Maoz and Aaron Schurger, to explore the origins of spontaneous action. </p>



<p>Together, the researchers simulated activity in neural networks and compared the results to real human intracortical recordings during spontaneous movement.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The findings offer a fascinating explanation for how the brain's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/neurons-can-predict-human-speech-before-we-say-a-word/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurons</a> work together to trigger movement without any clear external signal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brain-signals-and-conscious-actions">Brain signals and conscious actions</h2>



<p>One of the study's key discoveries is that rapid fluctuations in the activity of individual neurons can combine within a network, resulting in much slower fluctuations when viewed at the population level.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This helps explain a phenomenon that many people have experienced but never fully understood - such as when you're standing on a diving platform, contemplating a jump. Nothing outside of you is telling you to jump, but at some point, you make the decision internally, and then you move.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The brain, specifically the motor cortex, is coordinating muscle contractions to make this happen, but the question is: where do the initial signals to jump come from, and how do they relate to your conscious decision to act?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spontaneous-voluntary-actions">Spontaneous voluntary actions</h2>



<p>Since the 1960s, neuroscientists have observed that electrical activity in the brain begins to increase one to two seconds before a spontaneous voluntary action. </p>



<p>Many researchers believed this slow ramping up of activity represented the brain preparing to move, following a preconscious decision. But what remained unclear was how this ramping process starts, as it seemed to emerge from nowhere.</p>



<p>This slow-ramping brain activity has sparked years of debate among neuroscientists and philosophers about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-do-not-have-free-will-stanford-scientist-robert-sapolsky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">free will</a> and conscious control. </p>



<p>The big question has been whether this ramping signals that the brain is preparing to move even before we consciously decide to act, raising concerns that our actions might be predetermined at an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-behavior-is-influenced-by-the-unconscious-mind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">unconscious</a> level. Understanding where this ramping activity comes from has been a central problem in neuroscience.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neural-activity-before-spontaneous-actions-nbsp">Neural activity before spontaneous actions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Researchers like Maoz and Schurger have challenged the view that the brain makes a preconscious decision to move.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In 2012, Schurger proposed an alternative explanation, suggesting that the slow ramping in neural activity is part of a broader process. In this process, slow background fluctuations in the motor cortex accumulate until they hit a certain threshold, triggering movement.</p>



<p>In this framework, the key moment isn't when the slow ramping begins, but rather when the fluctuations cross a threshold to initiate action. This would explain why scientists see ramping activity before movement - because, looking back from the point of action, slow fluctuations would have been leading up to the threshold crossing all along.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This explanation, while compelling, left one crucial question unanswered: where do these slow background fluctuations in neural activity, often called 1/f noise, come from, considering that individual neurons fluctuate quite rapidly?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-slow-ramping-signals-nbsp">Slow-ramping signals&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study is the first to provide an explanation for how slow background fluctuations arise from networks of neurons, none of which, individually, operate on such slow timescales.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research shows that when neurons interact in a network, their fast, individual fluctuations can combine into slower, population-level fluctuations. These slow fluctuations can then lead to a threshold-crossing event, triggering movement and giving rise to the ramping activity that appears before spontaneous actions.</p>



<p>“We see similar slow-ramping signals before other kinds of spontaneous behaviors, like coming up with creative ideas or freely remembering things that have happened to you. A similar process might therefore underlie those phenomena, but only time and further research will tell,” Gavanas said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-brain-triggers-movement">How the brain triggers movement</h2>



<p>In short, this study provides a possible explanation for the slow, spontaneous fluctuations in neural activity, which are widespread in neural systems and critical to understanding how the brain triggers movement without external cues.</p>



<p>Moreover, the study highlights an important point about how researchers interpret their findings. According to Maoz, it reveals the bias we have as researchers to think that our results uncover a causal mechanism, when it may really be just a correlation.</p>



<p>This observation reminds us that in neuroscience, understanding the difference between correlation and causation is crucial for making sense of how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-does-creativity-start-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> functions.</p>



<p>The research is published published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-51401-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>. </p>



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What causes the brain to initiate spontaneous actions?

A new study sheds light on how the brain initiates...


<div class="vdb_player vdb_591c9e3c9efa894c3c6e150b58d96b98cd4fed198a0d2a49"><script type="text/javascript" src="//delivery.vidible.tv/jsonp/pid=591c9e3c9efa894c3c6e150b/vid=592d9c018dd15d2426dfe8f5/58d96b98cd4fed198a0d2a49.js"></script></div>
<p>Animation of carbon dioxide released from two different sources: fires (biomass burning) and massive urban centers known as megacities. The animation covers a five day period in June 2006.</p>
<p>The model is based on real emission data and is then set to run so that scientists can observe how the greenhouse gas behaves once it has been emitted.</p>
<p>&#8212;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank">NASA</a></p>


CO2 Sources From A High-Resolution Climate Model