<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features the barred spiral galaxy NGC 3783, which is located about 130 million light-years away in the constellation Centaurus. </p>



<p>NGC 3783 is also the most prominent of a galaxy group (by the same name) that contains 47 galaxies.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-galaxy-groups">What are galaxy groups?</h2>



<p>“Like galaxy clusters, galaxy groups are aggregates of gravitationally bound galaxies. Galaxy groups, however, are less massive and contain fewer members than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/titanic-galaxy-cluster-collision-defies-all-current-understanding-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy clusters</a> do: where galaxy clusters can contain hundreds or even thousands of constituent galaxies, galaxy groups do not typically include more than 50,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.</p>



<p>“The Milky Way is actually part of a galaxy group, known as the Local Group, which contains two other large galaxies (Andromeda and the Triangulum galaxy), as well as several dozen satellite and dwarf galaxies.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-blue-giant-star">A blue giant star</h2>



<p>The bright object that appears to the right of the galaxy is the star HD 101274. “The perspective in this image makes the star and the galaxy look like close companions, but this is an illusion. HD 101274 lies only about 1,530 light-years from Earth, meaning it is about 85 thousand times closer than NGC 3783,” explained ESA.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The star is part of the NGC 3766 cluster, sometimes referred to as the Pearl Cluster, which is known for its richness in bright stars and its relatively young age.</p>



<p>Characterized by its high temperature and luminosity, HD 101274 is categorized as a blue giant star.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-blue-giants">Significance of blue giants</h2>



<p>Blue giants are massive stars that have left the main sequence phase of stellar evolution and are burning helium or heavier elements in their cores. These stars are known for their short lifespans relative to smaller stars due to their rapid consumption of nuclear fuel.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-stars-scientists-discover-a-new-type-of-star-powered-by-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stars</a> like HD 101274 are important for astronomers because they help in studying the properties of stellar populations in clusters and the dynamics of stellar evolution in different environments. </p>



<p>Observations of blue giant stars can provide valuable insights into the characteristics of their atmospheres, internal structures, and the processes occurring within and around them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-active-galactic-nucleus-of-ngc-3783">Active galactic nucleus of NGC 3783</h2>



<p>One of the most interesting aspects of NGC 3783 is that it harbors an active galactic nucleus. This means that its central region is exceptionally luminous, likely due to the presence of a supermassive black hole. </p>



<p>The black hole is actively accreting material, which emits a substantial amount of radiation as it spirals inward and heats up.</p>



<p>The galaxy has been studied extensively in the ultraviolet and X-ray light spectra to understand better the properties of the accretion disk around the black hole and the complex dynamics of the material surrounding it. </p>



<p>These studies are crucial for understanding the physics of active galactic nuclei and the role they play in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy evolution</a>.</p>



<p>According to ESA, NGC 3783 is a&nbsp;Type I Seyfert galaxy. “In this image it is recorded by Hubble in incredible detail, from its glowing central bar to its narrow, winding arms and the dust threaded through them, thanks to five separate images taken in different wavelengths of light," noted ESA.</p>



<p>“In fact, the galactic center is bright enough to Hubble that it exhibits diffraction spikes, normally only seen on stars such as HD 101274.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-collection-of-galaxy-clusters">Massive collection of galaxy clusters</h2>



<p>The NGC 3783 group is part of the larger Hydra-Centaurus Supercluster, which itself is a massive collection of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and galaxy clusters located primarily in the constellations of Hydra and Centaurus.</p>



<p>The NGC 3783 group consists of several galaxies that are gravitationally bound and interact with each other. These interactions can influence the galaxies' evolution through mechanisms like tidal forces and merger events, which can trigger star formation, fuel central black holes, and reshape the galaxies' structures.</p>



<p>Studying the NGC 3783 group helps astronomers understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceers-2112-ancient-galaxy-looks-strikingly-similar-to-ours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> evolve together in a common gravitational environment, offering insights into the dynamics and evolution of structures on cosmic scales.</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA</p>



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Luminous spiral galaxy and a blue giant star

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

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features the star-forming region NGC 604. The nebula is located 2.73 million light-years away from Earth in the Triangulum Galaxy (M33). </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. </p>



<p>This, in turn, helps us understand 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 that 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. This group 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. </p>



<p>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. </p>



<p>This enriching process allows for the formation of new stars and planets, and ultimately, the potential for life.</p>



<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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Young, massive stars in the Triangulum Galaxy

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features Abell S1063, a massive galaxy cluster located about 4.5 billion light-years from Earth. The galaxy cluster was captured by the Webb telescope in stunning detail.</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2025/05/Webb_glimpses_the_distant_past" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>, the image is what’s known as a deep field - a long exposure of a single area of the sky, collecting as much light as possible to draw out the most faint and distant galaxies that don’t appear in ordinary images.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxies-of-the-early-universe">Galaxies of the early universe </h2>



<p>Composed of nine separate snapshots taken at different near-infrared wavelengths over roughly 120 hours, this image represents Webb’s most detailed and deepest view of a single target so far.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Thanks to the gravitational lensing effect of Abell S1063, astronomers can peer deeper into the past than ever before - possibly viewing some of the universe’s very <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-galaxies-formed-from-the-earliest-elements-in-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first galaxies</a>.</p>



<p>“The eye is first drawn, in this new NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope Picture of the Month, to the central mega-monster that is galaxy cluster Abell S1063. This behemoth collection of galaxies, lying 4.5 billion light-years from Earth in the constellation Grus (the Crane), dominates the scene,” noted ESA.</p>



<p>“Looking more closely, this dense collection of heavy galaxies is surrounded by glowing streaks of light, and these warped arcs are the true object of scientists’ interest: faint galaxies from the universe’s distant past.”</p>



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



<p>Galaxy clusters are the largest known gravitationally bound systems and include not just galaxies, but also vast amounts of hot, X-ray-emitting gas and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-true-nature-of-dark-matter-may-be-revealed-in-a-supernova/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The galaxies within a cluster move through this hot intracluster medium, and their interactions can lead to phenomena like galaxy mergers or the stripping of gas from galaxies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Galaxy clusters are important for studying the large-scale structure of the universe, the behavior of dark matter, and the evolution of galaxies over cosmic time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hundreds-of-galaxies-bound-together-nbsp">Hundreds of galaxies bound together&nbsp;</h2>



<p>As one of the most densely populated clusters known, Abell S1063 contains hundreds of galaxies bound together by gravity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Its immense mass makes it an excellent example of a gravitational lens - a cosmic phenomenon where the cluster’s gravity bends and magnifies the light from galaxies far behind it.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This effect allows astronomers to observe incredibly faint and distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-like-galaxies-were-present-in-the-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> that would otherwise be beyond our detection limits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-galaxy-evolution">Studying galaxy evolution</h2>



<p>The cluster has been the focus of several major observational campaigns. It was prominently featured in the Hubble Space Telescope’s Frontier Fields program, which used its gravitational lensing power to study the early universe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The new imagery from Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) takes this quest even further back in time,” said ESA.</p>



<p>“This image showcases an incredible forest of lensing arcs around Abell S1063, which reveal distorted background galaxies at a range of cosmic distances, along with a multitude of faint galaxies and previously unseen features.”</p>



<p>These observations are helping scientists probe the Cosmic Dawn era - the period shortly after the Big Bang.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-cosmic-dawn-nbsp">Exploring the Cosmic Dawn&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Cosmic Dawn refers to a time in the history of the universe when the first stars and galaxies began to form and shine. This pivotal era occurred roughly between 100 million and 1 billion years after the Big Bang.&nbsp;</p>



<p>During the Dark Ages, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fastest-feeding-black-hole-found-in-the-early-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a> had cooled enough for neutral hydrogen to form, but no luminous objects yet existed to light it up.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The birth of the first stars - often massive and short-lived - marked the beginning of the Cosmic Dawn. These stars emitted intense ultraviolet radiation, which gradually ionized the surrounding hydrogen gas in a process known as reionization.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This transformed the universe from a cold, opaque environment into one that was transparent to light, enabling the large-scale structure of the cosmos to take shape.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-grus">The constellation Grus</h2>



<p>Grus is a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-jupiter-discovered-in-the-great-bear-constellation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">constellation</a> in the southern sky, its name derived from the Latin word for "crane," a type of large, graceful bird.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It was introduced in the late 16th century by the Dutch navigators Pieter Dirkszoon Keyser and Frederick de Houtman, during an era of celestial charting tied to European exploration of the southern hemisphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Grus is part of a group of constellations known as the "Southern Birds," which also includes Phoenix, Tucana, and Pavo.</p>



<p>This constellation lies near the celestial south pole and is best seen from the Southern Hemisphere during the months of August through October.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA, H. Atek, M. Zamani</p>



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Hundreds of galaxies illuminate the early universe 

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features a Copernicus map of scorching summer temperatures across southern Europe.</p>



<p>“A powerful heatwave has been gripping large parts of southern Europe and North Africa, pushing air temperatures beyond seasonal norms and triggering widespread health and wildfire alerts. Among the hardest-hit countries are Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, and Algeria,” said <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2025/07/Southern_Europe_s_land_and_sea_sizzles">ESA</a>.</p>



<p>“This image, a mosaic from five overlapping orbital passes in the morning of 29 June 2025, was captured by the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Copernicus/Sentinel-3">Copernicus Sentinel-3</a> mission’s Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-land-surface-temperatures-nbsp">Tracking land surface temperatures&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to ESA, the image reveals the temperature of the land surface - not air temperature.</p>



<p>Tracking land surface temperature is essential for predicting weather and climate patterns, assessing wildfire risk, helping <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-temperatures-threaten-the-future-of-banana-farming/">farmers</a> plan irrigation, and informing urban design strategies to reduce heat.</p>



<p>“Unlike measurements of air temperature, this satellite instrument measures the actual thermal energy emitted from Earth’s surface, which typically registers higher than air temperatures.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-dome-over-western-europe-nbsp">Heat dome over Western Europe&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The image includes information from the Copernicus Marine Service, which shows that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-temperatures-are-rising-faster-than-expected-and-likely-to-accelerate/">surface temperatures</a> are also hot across the Mediterranean Sea.</p>



<p>The ongoing heatwave is fueled by a high-pressure system stalled over Western Europe, known as a “heat dome.” This system traps hot, dry air beneath it, causing temperatures to rise steadily.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As it moves eastward, the dome pulls in even more hot air from North Africa, intensifying the extreme heat across the region.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-dome-over-the-united-states-nbsp">Heat dome over the United States&nbsp;</h2>



<p>In June 2025, a heat dome developed over the central and eastern United States. It began forming around June 20 and persisted through the week.</p>



<p>The heat dome covered a large part of the country - from the Great Plains through the Midwest, Upper Midwest, Ohio and Tennessee River Valleys - and extended into the Mid‑Atlantic and Northeast regions.</p>



<p>More than 280 daily high-temperature records were shattered across the U.S., affecting some 130 million people under <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-heat-impacts-our-daily-routines-and-transportation/">heat warnings</a> or advisories.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Cities like New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Boston, Newark, Providence, and Raleigh saw triple-digit highs - some reaching more than 105 degrees.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-concerns">Public health concerns</h2>



<p>The heat dome not only caused dangerous daytime highs but also oppressive night-time warmth, with low temperatures often staying above 80 °F due to trapped heat. </p>



<p>This persistent warmth strained power grids, led to emergency declarations, and triggered significant public health concerns.</p>



<p>Infrastructure suffered too: roads buckled in Missouri and softened asphalt sank vehicles in New York City, while a Baltimore Amtrak train stalled in a tunnel from the heat. </p>



<p>Emergency measures included power reductions, heat shelters, and utility advisories in several states.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heat-domes-and-climate-change">Heat domes and climate change</h2>



<p>Climate scientists emphasize that heat domes are fueled by anthropogenic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/">climate change</a>. These high-pressure patterns are occurring more frequently and enduring longer due to warming oceans, Arctic amplification, and altered jet stream behavior.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As global temperatures rise, the atmosphere can hold more moisture and energy, which intensifies heatwaves and makes them more persistent.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In particular, the weakened and meandering jet stream - a result of a warming Arctic - is allowing systems like heat domes to stall over regions for days or even weeks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adapting-to-a-hotter-future">Adapting to a hotter future</h2>



<p>Recent climate models show that events like the June 2025 heat dome (once considered rare), are becoming increasingly common.&nbsp;</p>



<p>What used to be a one-in-100-year heat event in many U.S. cities may now occur once a decade or even more often. This shift has serious implications not just for human health, but also for infrastructure, agriculture, and energy systems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Power grids are pushed to their limits, roads and railways buckle under extreme heat, and crops suffer from both high temperatures and water stress.</p>



<p>Public health officials are especially concerned about the cumulative toll of prolonged <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-heat-is-pushing-parts-of-earth-beyond-human-survival/">extreme heat</a>. </p>



<p>Nights that remain hot offer little relief and are particularly dangerous for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and people with chronic health conditions. </p>



<p>Without sustained adaptation efforts - such as redesigning cities to reduce heat retention, expanding access to cooling centers, and modernizing energy infrastructure - the human and economic cost of extreme heat is expected to grow significantly in the coming decades.</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA</p>



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Heat dome scorches Southern Europe 

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features the Eagle Nebula, also known as Messier 16, which is located about 7,000 light-years away in the constellation Serpens.</p>



<p>The Eagle Nebula is one of the most iconic star-forming regions in our galaxy. It’s a vast cloud of gas and dust stretching roughly 70 light-years across. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillars-of-creation-nbsp">Pillars of Creation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>What makes it especially famous is a portion of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-rogue-worlds-discovered-inside-a-young-star-forming-nebula/">nebula</a> captured by the Hubble Space Telescope in 1995 - an area called the "Pillars of Creation."&nbsp;</p>



<p>Some of these towering columns of gas are several light-years tall. The towers resemble sculpted fingers reaching out into space. Inside these pillars, new <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/serpens-nebula-image-reveals-how-stars-are-born/">stars</a> are being born as gravity pulls material together into dense cores that eventually ignite nuclear fusion.</p>



<p>The Pillars of Creation are often cited as a poetic example of the cosmic cycle of birth and destruction - where new stars are born even as the surrounding material is slowly destroyed by radiation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hubble-image-of-the-eagle-nebula-nbsp">Hubble image of the Eagle Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“This towering structure of billowing gas and dark, obscuring dust might only be a small portion of the Eagle Nebula, but it is no less majestic in appearance for it,” said <a href="https://esahubble.org/images/heic2507a/">ESA</a>.</p>



<p>“The new Hubble image is part of ESA/Hubble’s 35th anniversary celebrations. The cosmic cloud shown here is made of cold hydrogen gas, like the rest of the Eagle Nebula. In such regions of space new stars are born among the collapsing clouds.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>The hot, energetic stars emit intense ultraviolet light and powerful stellar winds that erode and sculpt the surrounding gas. The result is the creation of fantastical structures - like the narrow pillar with a blossoming head featured in the new image.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-light-and-shadow-in-the-eagle-nebula">Light and shadow in the Eagle Nebula</h2>



<p>The thick material in the pillar blocks most light, appearing dark and heavy against the backdrop. However, its edges glow where light from the more distant nebula shines through.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The striking colors reflect the chemistry and physics at play: blues signal ionized oxygen, reds indicate glowing hydrogen, and orange shows where starlight has managed to pierce the dust.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-structure-under-siege">A structure under siege</h2>



<p>Just out of frame lie the very stars responsible for shaping this dramatic pillar. Their radiation and winds continue to batter the cloud, compressing the gas and potentially triggering the birth of even more stars within.</p>



<p>For now, the pillar holds firm, but this stability is temporary. Over time, the relentless energy from newly formed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fluffy-molecular-clouds-may-change-our-understanding-of-star-formation/">stars</a> will eventually erode the entire structure.</p>



<p>“While the starry pillar has withstood these forces well so far, cutting an impressive shape against the background, eventually it will be totally eroded by the multitude of new stars that form in the Eagle Nebula,” explained ESA.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-cycle-of-the-milky-way">Life cycle of the Milky Way</h2>



<p>The nebula’s location in the Sagittarius Arm - one of the Milky Way’s major spiral arms - places it in a zone bustling with similar star-forming regions. This highlights the role of the Eagle Nebula in shaping the structure and the future of our galaxy.</p>



<p>Studies of the Eagle Nebula have revealed that the region is rich in young, hot stars - some of which are only a few million years old. These stars are in various stages of development, providing a natural laboratory for astronomers to study stellar life cycles.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-the-eagle-nebula-nbsp">Evolution of the Eagle Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Within the Eagle Nebula, there is a variety of stellar processes occurring in close proximity. Some stars are still forming within dense clouds of gas, while others have already matured and begun to emit powerful ultraviolet radiation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The ongoing interaction between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-formation-reignited-in-the-galaxy-leo-p-after-billions-of-years/">young stars</a> and their environment drives the evolution of the nebula itself.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As newly formed stars heat and disperse the gas and dust around them, they trigger further waves of star formation - or in some cases, halt it altogether.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This feedback loop not only influences the pace of star birth in the Eagle Nebula but also contributes to the broader life cycle of matter within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-collision-may-change-everything-we-know-about-our-galaxy/">Milky Way</a>, enriching the galaxy with heavier elements forged in stellar cores.</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA, K. Noll</p>



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Eagle Nebula: Carving light from darkness

<p>For years, bacteria dominated gut health research. Now, the gut virome is gaining attention as a major player in health and disease. Bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-think-they-found-two-key-bacteria-that-cause-multiple-sclerosis/">bacteria</a>, make up around 90% of the gut virome.</p>



<p>Though small in biomass, they outnumber bacteria by up to tenfold. These tiny viruses shape microbial communities, influence immunity, and affect gut health.</p>



<p>A landmark review published recently in <em>Precision Clinical Medicine</em> reveals how the gut virome links to diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/inflammatory-bowel-disease/about/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IBD</a>), <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colonoscopy-vs-stool-tests-doctors-found-out-which-is-better-at-detecting-cancer/">colorectal cancer</a>, and <em>Clostridium difficile</em> infection (<a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15548-c-diff-infection" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDI</a>).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-s-virome-changes-across-life-stages">Gut's virome changes across life stages</h2>



<p>The gut virome changes constantly throughout life. Infants show high <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-that-eat-forever-chemicals-discovered-in-contaminated-soil/">diversity</a> in gut bacteriophages (also called phages), which is shaped by birth method, diet, and antibiotic exposure.</p>



<p>As individuals grow, diet and hormones refine the virome. In adults, phages and bacteria form a stable, <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41579-021-00536-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">balanced community</a>.</p>



<p>However, aging shifts this balance. Older adults show more lysogenic phages, which integrate into bacterial genomes and potentially alter metabolism and immune interactions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-and-environment-shape-the-virome">Diet and environment shape the virome</h2>



<p>Diet greatly <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9455721/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">influences</a> the virome. High-fiber diets support beneficial phages by encouraging helpful bacteria. Western diets, rich in fat and sugar, promote harmful <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-bacteria-breathe-by-creating-electricity/">phages</a>.</p>



<p>Urbanization reduces exposure to natural viruses. Studies show that rural diets which are rich in fiber boost gut virome diversity.</p>



<p>Host genetics and immunity also play roles. Genetic variants can affect viral detection and clearance. Immune defenses, like <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/interferons" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interferons</a> and <a href="https://www.immunology.org/public-information/bitesized-immunology/receptors-molecules/immunoglobulin-iga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IgA</a>, keep the virome balanced.</p>



<p>However, immune dysfunction can trigger viral imbalances, worsening conditions like HIV and gut inflammation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-viruses-and-bacteria-interacting">Viruses and bacteria interacting</h2>



<p>Viruses, including phages, along with bacteria and fungi form a complex and dynamic ecosystem in the gut. The components interact in positive and negative ways, thus affecting host metabolism, immune regulation and resistance to disease. </p>



<p>The gut virome plays a crucial regulatory role in these intricate interactions. Phages interact with bacteria through lytic, lysogenic, and budding cycles, which regulate bacterial populations and gene flow. </p>



<p>In a form of microbial arms race, the bacteria defend against phages using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crispr-used-to-remove-extra-chromosomes-in-down-syndrome-and-restore-cell-function/">CRISPR systems</a> and the phages evolve escape mechanisms.</p>



<p>Some phages even boost bacterial metabolism and biofilm formation, affecting disease risk. For instance, phages can transfer genes that enhance bacterial survival in acidic conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-virome-s-influence-on-immunity">Virome’s influence on immunity</h2>



<p>The virome affects gut immunity deeply. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-bacteria-get-hungry-they-turn-on-each-other/">Phages</a> can anchor to gut mucus and form a protective barrier. They also shape our own <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459471/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">T and B cell</a> activity and regulate macrophages. In addition, viruses that infect eukaryotic cells affect immune pathways and maintain gut balance.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/virome_microbiome_human-gut_graphic_credit-PCM_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/virome_microbiome_human-gut_graphic_credit-PCM_1s.webp" alt="This infographic illustrates four major therapeutic approaches—fecal microbial transplantation (FMT), phage therapy, dietary interventions, and probiotics/prebiotics—that aim to restore gut health by modulating the microbiome and virome. Each strategy offers unique methods, benefits, and challenges in managing gastrointestinal disorders such as IBD, CRC, and CDI, highlighting the growing potential of virome-informed precision medicine. Credit: Precision Clinical Medicine" class="wp-image-1976450"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>This infographic illustrates four major therapeutic approaches—fecal microbial transplantation (FMT), phage therapy, dietary interventions, and probiotics/prebiotics—that aim to restore gut health by modulating the microbiome and virome. Each strategy offers unique methods, benefits, and challenges in managing gastrointestinal disorders such as IBD, CRC, and CDI, highlighting the growing potential of virome-informed precision medicine. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Precision Clinical Medicine</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>However, infections and antibiotics can disrupt this harmony and lead to inflammation. Phages can trigger TLR9 pathways, causing excessive immune responses such as those linked to IBD.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-virome-s-role-in-disease">Virome’s role in disease</h2>



<p>Imbalances in the gut virome have been linked to several gut diseases. In IBD, specific phages become abundant and worsen inflammation.</p>



<p>Certain groups of phages (such as Caudovirales) amplify immune responses, while norovirus and rotavirus can damage the gut lining. Viral imbalances are also common in IBS and CDI.</p>



<p>In colorectal cancer, phages and eukaryotic viruses like HPV and JC virus (polyomavirus) appear more often. They may promote tumor growth by altering bacterial communities and gene expression.</p>



<p>Studies suggest that some phages directly influence cancer risk by promoting biofilms and transferring harmful genes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-virus-based-treatments">Virus-based treatments</h2>



<p>Several therapies now explore the virome’s potential to treat certain diseases or conditions. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) restores gut balance and reduces inflammation in IBD and CDI.</p>



<p>FMT works not only by shifting bacteria but also by transferring beneficial phages. Studies show that donor phages often align quickly with recipients and promote recovery.</p>



<p>Phage therapy, which uses viruses to kill specific bacteria, is another approach that is gaining traction. It can reduce harmful microbes while preserving beneficial ones.</p>



<p>Researchers have created phage cocktails that target specific gut pathogens like <em>E. coli</em> and <em>Klebsiella pneumoniae</em>, and this approach has had promising results in animal models.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-as-a-tool-to-reshape-the-virome">Diet as a tool to reshape the virome</h2>



<p>Dietary strategies also reshape the virome. High-fiber diets boost beneficial phages and support bacterial diversity.</p>



<p>Whey protein has shown potential in managing Crohn’s disease by improving phage-bacteria interactions.</p>



<p>Other interventions, such as exclusive enteral nutrition and low-FODMAP diets, also show benefits in gut diseases.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-probiotics-prebiotics-and-phages">Probiotics, prebiotics, and phages</h2>



<p>Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria, while prebiotics feed them. Combining them, known as symbiotics, shows promise for restoring and maintaining gut health.</p>



<p>Recent research suggests that adding phages can enhance these effects. Phage-based products, such as PreforPro, have already shown benefits in clinical trials.</p>



<p>These products can reduce populations of harmful bacteria and improve probiotic performance, thereby creating a more stable gut environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-gut-viruses-to-detect-diseases-early">Using gut viruses to detect diseases early</h2>



<p>The gut virome is now being studied as a diagnostic tool. Viral patterns are more stable than bacterial ones, making them reliable biomarkers.</p>



<p>Distinct virome signatures can predict IBD and colorectal cancer. Machine learning models already use virome data to detect these diseases early.</p>



<p>Virome profiling may also track treatment responses, such as FMT success in IBD and CDI.</p>



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



<p>Despite the excitement over potential new treatments, many hurdles remain. Current methods struggle to capture the full virome due to technical limits.</p>



<p>Many phages are still unculturable, and their roles remain unclear. Researchers are working to improve viral databases and develop targeted therapies. Once these gaps close, virome-based therapies could change how we treat gut diseases.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://academic.oup.com/pcm/article/8/2/pbaf010/8152264" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Precision Clinical Medicine</a>.</em></p>



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Move over microbiome, it's time for the human gut's "virome" to shine

For years, bacteria dominated gut health research. Now, the gut...

<p>People often clock thousands of steps a day yet still wonder why the scale or their blood pressure hardly budges. A simple twist on walking, first tested in Japan, may be the missing ingredient.</p>



<p>This "Japanese walking" exercise methodology, called interval walking training (<a href="https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/10.1139/apnm-2023-0595" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IWT</a>), swaps steady strolling for bursts of brisk movement, then recovery‑paced steps.</p>



<p>Cardiometabolic researcher <a href="https://researchprofiles.ku.dk/en/persons/kristian-karstoft" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kristian Karstoft</a> of the University of Copenhagen’s <a href="https://healthyaging.ku.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Healthy Aging</a> has spent more than a decade tracking its effects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-pace-changes-matter">Why pace changes matter</h2>



<p>Most walkers cruise at one comfortable speed and never raise their heart rate high enough to stimulate deeper adaptations. </p>



<p>Switching between fast and slow bouts nudges the body to use oxygen more efficiently, a trait measured by <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17605959/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VO2peak</a>.</p>



<p>That oxygen boost drives down resting blood pressure and encourages muscles to burn more sugar for fuel. It also keeps a session feeling manageable because the recovery intervals prevent the distress that can accompany continuous hard effort.</p>



<p>Regular shifts in speed even appear to sharpen insulin action, regulating blood sugar swings that set the stage for diabetes. </p>



<p>Scientists call that improvement better <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/glycemic-control" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glycemic control</a>, a term describing how tightly the body keeps glucose within a healthy range.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-japanese-walking-works">How "Japanese walking" works</h2>



<p>Japanese physiologists outline a straightforward walking recipe, alternating three minutes at roughly seventy percent of personal maximum effort with three minutes around forty percent. Completing five of these cycles takes about half an hour.</p>



<p>“Additionally, interval walking training is a great way to meet the recommended 150 minutes a week of moderate‑intensity aerobic activity,” noted <a href="https://www.massgeneral.org/doctors/23054/sarah-eby" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sarah F. Eby</a>, the sports medicine specialist at Mass <a href="https://www.massgeneral.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">General Brigham</a> and assistant professor at <a href="https://connects.catalyst.harvard.edu/Profiles/display/Person/211149" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard Medical School</a>. </p>



<p>That schedule, performed on at least five days each week, fits neatly into current public‑health advice to accumulate one hundred fifty minutes of moderate exercise.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A simple watch or phone app can cue the switches, though early Japanese volunteers used a waist‑worn beeper nicknamed <a href="https://www.pubcompare.ai/product/VyniCZIBPBHhf-iFORRd/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JD Mate</a>. Supportive shoes and a safe sidewalk are the only other requirements.</p>



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



<p>In a seminal five‑month experiment involving <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25539937/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adults averaging sixty‑three years old</a>, IWT raised VO2peak ten percent and drove <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">systolic pressure</a> down nine millimeters of mercury compared with either continuous walking or no exercise.</p>



<p>Knee strength climbed as much as seventeen percent, a critical buffer against falls. Body mass index dipped and fasting glucose improved within weeks, suggesting metabolic changes arrive quickly.</p>



<p>What surprised the investigators most was adherence. Ninety‑five percent of more than eight hundred participants kept the habit for the full study window.</p>



<p>Those who logged at least four sessions a week enjoyed the biggest gains, reinforcing the idea that consistency outranks intensity. </p>



<p>The pattern held over nearly two years, although adherence slipped for volunteers starting with higher waistlines.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-iwt-japanese-walking">Benefits of IWT Japanese walking</h2>



<p>A Danish trial later pitted IWT against energy‑matched continuous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dog-walking-improves-mobility-and-prevents-falls-in-older-adults/">walking</a> in adults living with type 2 diabetes. </p>



<p>Only the interval group shrank abdominal fat and cut twenty‑four‑hour glucose fluctuations, despite similar caloric burn.</p>



<p>“Compared to energy‑expenditure and time‑duration matched continuous walking training, IWT is superior for improving physical fitness, body composition, and glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes,” stated Karstoft. </p>



<p>Follow‑up mechanistic work pointed toward enhanced glucose effectiveness, meaning muscles absorbed sugar without extra insulin. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safety-and-sticking-with-it">Safety and sticking with it</h2>



<p>Because walking remains fully aerobic, lactate rarely spikes and the risk of cardiac complications stays low. No serious adverse events surfaced across dozens of trials, even among recent joint‑replacement patients cleared by their surgeons.</p>



<p>Digital prompts can help sustain motivation once novelty fades. Yet data from a Danish smartphone roll‑out show that unsupervised users averaged only nine minutes of fast <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/upright-walking-may-have-sparked-human-creativity-and-music/">walking</a> per week after a year, underscoring the value of social or clinical follow‑up.</p>



<p>Coaching, group strolls, or gamified leaderboards may lift engagement, particularly for people carrying extra weight. </p>



<p>Researchers are testing whether regular phone calls paired with step‑count feedback can duplicate laboratory adherence in the real world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-getting-started-today">Getting started today</h2>



<p>Consult your clinician if you have chronic conditions, then pick a flat route and set a timer for thirty minutes. Begin with one minute brisk, one minute relaxed for fifteen cycles, or even shorter bursts until comfort builds.</p>



<p>“Studies specifically looking at the benefits of interval <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/walking-can-counteract-the-health-risks-of-sitting/">walking training</a> have found improved physical fitness, muscle strength, and glycemic control,” said Eby. </p>



<p>She advises ramping up gradually so each brisk interval still allows a short phrase before breath runs out.</p>



<p>Track sessions on a calendar; seeing streaks grow is strangely satisfying. Celebrate milestones such as a lower belt notch or an easier climb up the porch steps.</p>



<p>A final word for anyone who thinks walking is too gentle to matter, remember that pace, not mileage, drives adaptation. </p>



<p>The Japanese approach proves that swapping a few calm blocks for a confident stride can steer health markers in the right direction long before you break into a jog.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/10.1139/apnm-2023-0595" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism</em></a>.</p>



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This Japanese walking technique improves health and prevents disease

People often clock thousands of steps a day yet still...

<p>Off the eastern tip of Java, dredging barges dragged up more than sand. They pulled a piece of the past: a submerged river valley under the Madura Strait packed with fossils  that had slept under fifty feet of water since long before the last Ice Age melted away.</p>



<p>Among the finds were two skull fragments of <em>Homo erectus</em>, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-discovery-anadoluvius-turkae-suggests-humans-originated-in-europe-not-africa/">human ancestor</a> that roamed Asia until roughly 117,000 years ago, as well as more than 6,000 animal fossils that paint a vivid portrait of a lost ecosystem. <a href="https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/staffmembers/harry-berghuis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harold Berghuis</a> of <a href="https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leiden University</a> leads the team studying the haul.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sundaland-rises-then-sinks">Sundaland rises then sinks</h2>



<p>During colder glacial times, much of Southeast Asia’s continental shelf formed a single low‑lying continent known as <a href="https://www.cepf.net/our-work/biodiversity-hotspots/sundaland#:~:text=The%20Sundaland%20Biodiversity%20Hotspot%20covers,islands%20of%20Borneo%20and%20Sumatra." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sundaland</a>. </p>



<p>Sea level then sat about 400 feet lower than it does today, exposing wide plains crisscrossed by rivers and grasslands.</p>



<p>When global ice melted between <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-023-04510-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">22,000 and 6,000 years ago</a>, the ocean climbed roughly 443 feet, drowning half of that landmass. </p>



<p>The rapid pulses of rise carved islands out of peninsulas and pushed coastlines hundreds of miles inland, isolating plants, animals, and the people who depended on them.</p>



<p>Geologists can still follow the drowned river channels with high‑resolution sonar. Each channel marks a corridor that once connected Borneo, Sumatra, and Java to the Asian mainland, providing migration routes for both megafauna and hominins.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-river-fossils-under-the-madura-strait">River fossils under the Madura Strait</h2>



<p>The valley now mapped under the Madura Strait was carved by the ancient Solo River. </p>



<p>Optically Stimulated Luminescence dating (<a href="https://www.antarcticglaciers.org/glacial-geology/dating-glacial-sediments-2/optically-stimulated-luminescence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">OSL</a>) shows its sandy fill settled between 162,000 and 119,000 years ago, anchoring the new fossils to the late <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S295023652500012X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pleistocene</a>.</p>



<p>OSL works because quartz grains store energy from cosmic rays like tiny batteries. When technicians shine a laser on a grain in the lab, it releases that stored charge as light, revealing the moment the grain last basked in sunlight.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/madura-strait_sunda-shelf_homo-erectus-remains_map_credit-ScienceDirect_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/madura-strait_sunda-shelf_homo-erectus-remains_map_credit-ScienceDirect_1s.webp" alt="The Sunda Shelf of Southeast Asia, with the Indonesian archipelago. Box indicates the position of map B. B: Eastern Java, the Madura Strait, the Solo River, Ngandong, Sambungmacan, and other hominin sites. Box indicates the position of map C. C: The Madura Strait north of Surabaya, with the sand extraction area and the location of the BMS land-reclamation. Map data: GEBCO and ALOS" class="wp-image-1976530"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>The Sunda Shelf of Southeast Asia, with the Indonesian archipelago. Box indicates the position of map B. B: Eastern Java, the Madura Strait fossils location, the Solo River, Ngandong, Sambungmacan, and other hominin sites. Box indicates the position of map C. C: The Madura Strait north of Surabaya, with the sand extraction area and the location of the BMS land-reclamation. Click image to enlarge. Map data: GEBCO and ALOS</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>The method is ideal for underwater sites where radiocarbon fails, yet it is rarely applied because retrieving uncontaminated samples from the seafloor is difficult. </p>



<p>The Madura team’s success shows how pipeline spoil, often discarded as waste, can become forensic evidence on continental‑scale change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-madura-strait-reveals-fossil-menagerie">Madura Strait reveals fossil menagerie</h2>



<p>The tally of species rivals a natural‑history museum catalog. There were buffalo, several kinds of deer, and <a href="https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/komodo-dragon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Komodo dragons</a> longer than a canoe.</p>



<p>The biggest draw, though, is <a href="https://eartharchives.org/articles/stegodon-the-elephant-with-sideways-trunk/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Stegodon trigonocephalus</em></a>, an elephant‑like giant that could stand almost 13 feet at the shoulder. </p>



<p>Its presence suggests tall grass and open water holes, conditions that match pollen studies from upland Java.</p>



<p>Fossil monitors link today’s dragon‑patrolled islands to their mainland roots; remains of <a href="https://ielc.libguides.com/sdzg/factsheets/komododragon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Varanus komodoensis</em></a> have turned up on nearby <a href="https://www.theextinctions.com/articles-1/lesser-sunda-islands-part-1-flores-and-sumba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flores and Sumba</a>, confirming that the apex lizard once ranged far beyond its present refuges. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/maduro-strait_indonesia_homo-erectus_ancient-remains_credit-ScienceDirect_1m.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/maduro-strait_indonesia_homo-erectus_ancient-remains_credit-ScienceDirect_1s.webp" alt="Madura Strait 1 (MS1): Homo erectus frontal fragment with dextral supraorbital torus. A: Photographs. B: CT-based 3D surface rendered images. Note that the exact orientation of the fragment is unknown. For the anterior view, a slightly diagonal orientation has been assumed. C: CT-based 3D surface rendered image of MS1 in a more horizontal orientation, with anatomical indications. D: CT-slice. Credit: ScienceDirect" class="wp-image-1976532"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Madura Strait 1 (MS1) fossils: Homo erectus frontal fragment with dextral supraorbital torus. A: Photographs. B: CT-based 3D surface rendered images. Note that the exact orientation of the fragment is unknown. For the anterior view, a slightly diagonal orientation has been assumed. C: CT-based 3D surface rendered image of MS1 in a more horizontal orientation, with anatomical indications. D: CT-slice. Click image to enlarge. Credit: ScienceDirect</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Carnivore teeth in the assemblage are scarce, hinting that reptiles, not big cats, topped the food chain.</p>



<p>Antelope‑like bovids and open‑country rodents round out the scene, pointing to savanna rather than rainforest. Together the bones sketch a community more East African than Indonesian.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-with-tools-and-strategy">Humans with tools and strategy</h2>



<p>Researchers counted more than 300 bones marked by stone blades or flakes. Some show percussion scars where marrow was pounded out.</p>



<p>“The Sunda Shelf played an important role in the dispersal and evolution of hominin populations,” wrote Berghuis and colleagues in their 2025 report. Others bear parallel slices typical of tendon removal.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Thus far, hominin <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/archaeopteryx-fossil-soft-tissue-flight-evolution-proves-darwin-right/">fossils</a> from submerged Sundaland were not available.” The Madura Strait fragments break that drought. Underscoring the novelty of the find.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Tool cut geometry matches <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4920301/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Acheulean‑derived technologies</a> already known from Java’s terrestrial sites. That continuity supports the idea that people followed rivers seasonally, carrying simple gear that was easy to replace when tools were lost in mud or water.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-skulls-add-to-the-story">What the skulls add to the story</h2>



<p>Although each piece is only a few inches across, the brow ridge profile and bone thickness match late <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18479734/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Homo erectus</em> skulls</a> dug from Ngandong and Sambungmacan farther up the Solo. </p>



<p>That link pushes the species’ confirmed range hundreds of miles east, showing it followed river corridors onto the shelf when sea level was low.</p>



<p>One fragment comes from an adolescent, the other from a lightly built adult. Their presence alongside butchered game hints that family groups, not lone hunters, roamed the valley.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/maduro-strait_indonesia_homo-erectus_skull_credit-ScienceDirect_1.jpg"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/maduro-strait_indonesia_homo-erectus_skull_credit-ScienceDirect_1s.webp" alt="3D surface images of MS1 and Sambungmacan 3 (anterior view). This comparative skull has the closest metric and morphological match with MS1. Credit: ScienceDirect" class="wp-image-1976534"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>3D surface images of Madura Strait (MS1) and Sambungmacan 3 (anterior view) fossils. This comparative skull has the closest metric and morphological match with MS1. Click image to enlarge. Credit: ScienceDirect</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Because no fire traces were found, the visitors probably camped on higher terraces that are now long submerged. </p>



<p>The bones they left behind washed into lower channels during seasonal floods and were sealed beneath overbank sand.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-for-cousins-beneath-the-waves">Looking for cousins beneath the waves</h2>



<p>The Solo River was only one of many channels draining Sundaland. As survey vessels map more buried valleys, archaeologists expect to meet a wider cast: <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-denisovan-species-humans-lived-undisturbed-tibetan-plateau-160000-years/">Denisovans</a>, perhaps, or even the diminutive <a href="https://australian.museum/learn/science/human-evolution/homo-floresiensis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Homo floresiensis</em></a>.</p>



<p>Every bucket of dredged sand now promises not just minerals for construction but clues to human origins. </p>



<p>Underwater archaeology once focused on shipwrecks; now it is turning to paleolandscapes that could double the search area for early humans in Southeast Asia.</p>



<p>The Indonesian government is drafting guidelines that will require sand‑mining companies to report <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-find-a-47-million-year-old-cicada-fossil-with-preserved-wing-details/">fossil</a> finds within 48 hours. </p>



<p>Those rules could transform commercial dredges into accidental research partners, expanding the data set at a fraction of normal field costs.</p>



<p>For now the Madura Strait cache stands alone, yet it already stretches the timeline of underwater archaeology in Asia. </p>



<p>Skulls, riverbeds, and giant beast bones, all locked together in a drowned landscape, remind us that today’s ocean floor was yesterday’s hunting ground.</p>



<p>The study is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S295023652500012X?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Quaternary Environments and Humans</em></a>.</p>



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Archaeologists find 140,000-year-old human and animal remains at the bottom of the ocean

Off the eastern tip of Java, dredging barges dragged up...


<div class="vdb_player vdb_591c9e3c9efa894c3c6e150b58d96b98cd4fed198a0d2a49"><script type="text/javascript" src="//delivery.vidible.tv/jsonp/pid=591c9e3c9efa894c3c6e150b/vid=592d9c63a776f30d699cd5c1/58d96b98cd4fed198a0d2a49.js"></script></div>
<p>Earth from Space is presented by Kelsea Brennan-Wessels from the ESA Web-TV virtual studios. In the one-hundred-thirteenth edition, visit the Cal Madow mountain range in northern Somalia.</p>
<p>&#8212;</p>
<p>Credit: <a href="http://www.esa.int" target="_blank">ESA</a></p>


Earth From Space: Cal Madow Mountain Range

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