<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from NASA Earth Observatory features Klinaklini Glacier, located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Canada.</p>



<p>Klinaklini Glacier is notable for its size and the role it plays in the regional environment. It is part of a larger system of glaciers and ice fields in the area, which are critical for their contribution to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-reveal-a-sudden-drop-in-global-freshwater-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freshwater</a> resources and their influence on local climate conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-klinaklini-glacier-and-climate-change">Klinaklini Glacier and climate change</h2>



<p>Klinaklini is particularly interesting due to its dynamics and response to climate change. Like many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-pose-great-threat-to-biodiversity-in-mountain-ranges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a> around the world, it is being closely monitored for changes in its size, flow, and overall health. </p>



<p>Glaciers in the Coast Mountains, including Klinaklini, have been studied for their response to global warming, with many showing signs of retreat and reduced ice mass.</p>



<p>"Decades of satellite images of western Canada make it clear that the region’s glaciers are shrinking and that the rate of ice loss is accelerating," said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.</p>



<p>"In 1984, there were 14,329 glaciers in British Columbia and Alberta that were large enough to detect with sensors on the Landsat 5 satellite."</p>



<p>"By 2020, nearly 8 percent of them - 1,141 glaciers - had shrunk so much that newer Landsat sensors could no longer distinguish them, according to research conducted by University of Northern British Columbia glaciologists Alexandre Bevington and Brian Menounos."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-role-of-the-klinaklini-glacier">Ecological role of the Klinaklini Glacier </h2>



<p>Klinaklini Glacier also plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem. It feeds into the Klinaklini River, which is an important waterway for the region. </p>



<p>The river supports a variety of wildlife, including salmon populations that are vital both ecologically and economically for local communities.</p>



<p>Studies conducted on and around the Klinaklini Glacier contribute to the understanding of glaciology, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alpine-glaciers-will-lose-half-of-their-volume-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, and hydrology. </p>



<p>This research is essential for predicting future changes in the glacier and for understanding the broader impacts of climate change on glacial systems globally.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coast-mountains-of-british-columbia">Coast Mountains of British Columbia </h2>



<p>The Coast Mountains of British Columbia are a striking and expansive mountain range forming part of the Pacific Coast Ranges in western North America. </p>



<p>Stretching approximately 1,600 kilometers from the Fraser River near Vancouver in the south to the Yukon Territory in the north, the range is known for its rugged beauty and significant ecological and cultural importance.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geography-of-the-mountains">Geography of the mountains</h3>



<p>Geographically, the Coast Mountains are flanked by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Interior Plateau to the east. </p>



<p>They are divided into three main sections: the Pacific Ranges in the south, the Kitimat Ranges in the central region, and the Boundary Ranges in the north, which extend into Alaska and Yukon. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geological-processes">Geological processes</h3>



<p>The range's dramatic landscapes include steep peaks, fjords, and valleys carved by ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-release-vast-quantities-of-unknown-microbes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a>, showcasing the lasting influence of glaciation on the region.</p>



<p>Geologically, the Coast Mountains are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, formed by volcanic and tectonic activity. </p>



<p>Their granitic composition is a result of millions of years of geological processes. Mount Waddington, the highest peak in the range at 4,019 meters, stands as a formidable landmark in the Pacific Ranges.</p>



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



<p>The climate of the Coast Mountains varies significantly depending on location. The western slopes are characterized by a temperate rainforest climate, with high levels of precipitation brought by moist Pacific air. </p>



<p>In contrast, the eastern slopes are drier, with semi-arid conditions in some areas. This climatic diversity supports a wide range of ecosystems, from lush coastal rainforests to alpine tundra. </p>



<p>The region is home to diverse <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/outdoor-recreation-noise-triggers-fear-response-in-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a>, including black bears, grizzly bears, mountain goats, and numerous bird species.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recreation-and-culture">Recreation and culture</h3>



<p>The Coast Mountains are a popular destination for recreation and tourism. Activities such as hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering draw visitors from around the world - particularly to destinations like Whistler, a renowned resort town in the Pacific Ranges. </p>



<p>The fjords and valleys of the range provide opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and scenic exploration.</p>



<p>Indigenous peoples, including the Tlingit, Tsimshian, Haida, and Squamish, have lived in and around the Coast Mountains for millennia. </p>



<p>These groups maintain a deep connection to the land, reflected in their stories, traditions, and art. The mountains are not only a physical presence but also a vital cultural and spiritual landscape.</p>



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



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Klinaklini Glacier in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia

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

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features NGC 6744 - a large, barred spiral galaxy located approximately 30 million light-years away in the constellation Pavo.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The galaxy is often considered a close analog to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uma3-u1-faintest-star-system-found-orbiting-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> due to its similar structure and size, spanning about 175,000 light-years across.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-euclid-space-mission-nbsp">Euclid space mission&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The image was captured by the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid</a> space telescope. NGC 6744 stands out as a prime example of the galaxies currently forming the majority of stars in the nearby universe, making it an ideal subject for study with the Euclid mission.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Euclid’s extensive field-of-view allows it to capture the entire galaxy, showcasing not only its large-scale spiral structure but also revealing intricate details on smaller scales across various wavelengths. These details include feather-like dust lanes, known as “spurs,” emerging from the spiral arms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-6744">Star formation in NGC 6744</h2>



<p>Euclid's observations enable scientists to count individual stars within NGC 6744, trace the distribution of stars and dust throughout the galaxy, and map the dust associated with the gas that fuels the development of new stars. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Star formation</a> is a key process in the growth of galaxies, making these studies crucial for understanding galaxy evolution.</p>



<p>Researchers are utilizing Euclid’s data to explore the relationship between dust, gas, and star formation; to map the distribution of different stellar populations and identify regions of active star formation; and to investigate the underlying physics of spiral galaxy structures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Spiral arms play a significant role in star formation by compressing gas, yet the precise mechanisms behind this process are still unclear. The presence of “spurs” along NGC 6744’s spiral arms offers valuable insights into the dynamics of star formation within these structures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-new-dwarf-galaxies-nbsp">Discovering new dwarf galaxies&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Additionally, Euclid's dataset will help scientists identify clusters of old stars (globular clusters) and discover new dwarf galaxies around NGC 6744. Remarkably, Euclid has already identified a new dwarf satellite galaxy of NGC 6744 - a surprising discovery given that the galaxy has been studied extensively.</p>



<p>With Euclid’s detailed observations, scientists are gaining a deeper understanding of the processes shaping galaxies, providing essential clues to the evolution and appearance of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universes-expansion-rate-hubble-tension-puzzles-astronomers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-ngc-6744">More about NGC 6744</h2>



<p>NGC 6744's disk is rich in star-forming regions and contains numerous young, bright blue stars. The galaxy's nucleus is slightly elongated and has a bar structure, which influences the motion of the stars and gas within it.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The spiral arms of NGC 6744 are well-defined and extend outward, wrapping around the central bar. Additionally, NGC 6744 has a smaller companion galaxy, NGC 6744A, which is interacting with it, adding to the complexity and interest of this distant system.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spiral galaxies</a> are one of the most common types of galaxies in the universe, characterized by their distinct, spiral-shaped structure.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The galaxies typically consist of a flat, rotating disk containing stars, gas, and dust, along with a central concentration of stars known as the bulge. This bulge is often surrounded by a halo of older stars.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The spiral arms, which extend from the central bulge, are regions of active star formation and are rich in young, hot stars, giving them a bright, bluish appearance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These arms are also sites where interstellar gas and dust are concentrated, leading to the formation of new stars.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Spiral galaxies are classified into different types based on the tightness of their spirals and the size of their central bulge, with classifications ranging from tightly wound arms in Sa galaxies to more loosely wound arms in Sc galaxies. The <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</a>, our home galaxy, is a prime example of a spiral galaxy.</p>



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



<p>Pavo, which means "peacock" in Latin, is a constellation in the southern sky. It was named by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius in the late 16th century, based on observations made during the Dutch explorations of the southern hemisphere. </p>



<p>Pavo is one of the 12 constellations created by Plancius from the records of explorers Pieter Dirkszoon Keyser and Frederick de Houtman. </p>



<p>The constellation is known for its distinctive shape, resembling a peacock with a long, curved tail. Pavo is not visible from most of the northern hemisphere, but it can be seen from the southern hemisphere, particularly during the winter months.</p>



<p>The constellation contains several interesting celestial objects, including the star Peacock, also known as Alpha Pavonis, which is the brightest star in the constellation. This star is a blue-white subgiant located about 179 light-years from Earth.</p>



<p>Image Credit: <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA&nbsp;</p>



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Spiral galaxy NGC 6744 in the constellation Pavo

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

<p>Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features South Korea, where a November storm set a new record for daily snowfall in Seoul.</p>



<p>“Wintry weather arrived in full force in South Korea. In the last week of November 2024, a storm brought record-breaking accumulations of snow to Seoul. The heavy snow disrupted travel and damaged structures in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153649/heavy-snows-in-korea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.</p>



<p>“On the morning of November 27, residents of Seoul awoke to 16.5 centimeters (6.5 inches) of new snow. That amount already surpassed the previous daily snowfall record for Seoul in November since records began in 1907, according to news reports.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snowfall-across-the-korean-peninsula-nbsp">Snowfall across the Korean Peninsula&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Yet, as NASA noted, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/secrets-of-snow-complexity-can-improve-winter-safety/">snow</a> kept flying. By the morning of November 28, Seoul had accumulated a total of 11.3 inches. About 22 miles to the south, the city of Suwon received 17 inches of snow.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“When clouds cleared the following day, the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Terra satellite captured this image, revealing a broad coating of white across the Korean Peninsula,” said NASA.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-snowfall-event-in-south-korea-nbsp">Rare snowfall event in South Korea&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Meteorologists attributed this rare event to a sharp contrast between cold northern air and the warmer surface of the Yellow Sea.</p>



<p>Officials said that the temperature difference between the air and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-ocean-temperatures-highest-in-650-years-greatly-harming-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea surface</a> was more profound than normal due to unusual warmth in recent weeks, which likely contributed to the storm’s intensity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-the-snowfall">Impacts of the snowfall</h2>



<p>“Those who braved the weather around Seoul witnessed landmarks transformed into a winter wonderland. However, the storm grounded hundreds of flights across the country, kept dozens of ferries in port, and snarled traffic,” said NASA.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The weight of the snow also toppled trees and damaged greenhouses and other agricultural facilities in areas surrounding Seoul, according to reports.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snowfall-in-seoul-south-korea-nbsp">Snowfall in Seoul, South Korea&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Snowfall is not unusual in Seoul, but its frequency and accumulation levels are typically moderate. </p>



<p>Seoul has a temperate climate with cold, dry winters, and snow is a normal part of the season from December to February. However, heavy snowfall is rare, with most snowfalls being light to moderate.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The city averages about 25-30 days of snow per year, with a total accumulation that is far less than what is seen in colder regions of the world.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-snowfall-patterns-nbsp">Climate change and snowfall patterns&nbsp;</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ski-resorts-face-snow-scarcity-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a> is altering snowfall patterns globally, with variations in both frequency and intensity - depending on the region. </p>



<p>Warmer average temperatures are shifting precipitation from snow to rain in many areas, particularly in low-lying regions and mid-latitudes. This trend reduces the duration and extent of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-cover-has-decreased-in-recent-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snow cover</a>, especially at lower elevations. </p>



<p>However, paradoxically, some regions experience heavier snowstorms due to increased atmospheric moisture. Warmer air can hold more water vapor, leading to intense snowfall under the right conditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-climate-impacts">Complex climate impacts</h3>



<p>In high-altitude and polar regions, the impact is more complex. Some areas, like the Himalayas and the Arctic, see diminished snowfall because of warmer conditions and melting ice.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Conversely, parts of the Arctic and Antarctica may experience <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-loss-increases-snowfall-over-west-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increased snowfall</a> due to changes in wind patterns and enhanced evaporation over open waters caused by sea ice loss. </p>



<p>For example, in recent years, storms fueled by unusual temperature differentials have resulted in historic snowfalls in some areas, like the U.S. Northeast and parts of East Asia, as warmer oceans supply more moisture to cold air masses.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifts-in-the-seasons">Shifts in the seasons</h3>



<p>Seasonal timing is also shifting, with snowfalls occurring later in fall and ending earlier in spring. </p>



<p>These changes disrupt ecosystems that rely on consistent snowpacks, affect water resources dependent on snowmelt, and complicate winter activities such as agriculture and tourism.</p>



<p>Overall, the effects of climate change on snowfall are not uniform but are instead influenced by local geography, altitude, and changing weather systems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As global temperatures continue to rise, these shifts are expected to intensify, requiring adaptation in water management, infrastructure, and disaster preparedness.</p>



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



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Winter storm set a new snowfall record in Seoul, South Korea

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features NGC 1333, a reflection nebula located in the Perseus molecular cloud about 960 light-years away from Earth. The photo is a mosaic of images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-webb-nbsp-nbsp">The power of Webb&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“Webb’s superb sensitivity allows astronomers to investigate young objects with extremely low masses. Some of the faintest ‘stars’ in the picture are in fact newly born free-floating brown dwarfs with masses comparable to those of giant planets,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.</p>



<p>The same cluster was featured as the 33rd anniversary image of the Hubble Space Telescope in April 2023.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to ESA, Hubble’s image just scratched the surface of this region, because clouds of dust obscure much of the star formation process. </p>



<p>"Observing with larger aperture and in the infrared part of the spectrum, Webb is capable of peering through the dusty veil to reveal newborn stars, brown dwarfs and planetary mass objects."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-s-view-of-ngc1333">Webb’s view of NGC1333</h2>



<p>ESA noted that the center of the image presents a deep peek into the heart of the NGC1333 cloud.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Across the image we see large patches of orange, which represent gas glowing in the infrared. These so-called Herbig-Haro objects form when ionized material ejected from young stars collides with the surrounding cloud. They are hallmarks of a very active site of star formation."</p>



<p>The disks of gas and dust that surround the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> in this image may eventually produce planetary systems.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-formation-of-the-sun">Formation of the Sun</h2>



<p>“Similar to the young stars in this mosaic, our own Sun and planets formed inside a dusty molecular cloud, 4.6 billion years ago. Our Sun did not form in isolation but as part of a cluster, which was perhaps even more massive than NGC 1333,” explained ESA.</p>



<p>Over time, the stars in the Sun's birth cluster would have drifted apart due to gravitational interactions and the dispersion of gas in the region.</p>



<p>Astronomers have been studying certain clues, such as isotopic signatures in meteorites, that hint the Sun may have formed near massive stars. These stars likely produced supernovae, which could have influenced the early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-objects-spotted-in-the-outer-solar-system-beyond-pluto/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a> by injecting heavy elements like iron-60.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-1333">Star formation in NGC 1333</h2>



<p>NGC 1333 is a vibrant example of a stellar nursery, where active <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> is ongoing. It is known for its chaotic appearance, shaped by the interactions between newborn stars and the surrounding material.</p>



<p>Within NGC 1333, astronomers have observed a high level of turbulence, which makes the region dynamic and complex. </p>



<p>These disturbances are caused by the outflows of young stars as they eject material into their surroundings, creating shock waves and influencing further star formation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These outflows are often seen as jets, which are visible in multiple wavelengths of light, especially infrared, as the surrounding dust absorbs visible light.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-ngc-1333">Significance of NGC 1333</h2>



<p>NGC 1333 is also an area of interest for studying the early stages of star and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet formation</a>, as many of the stars within the cluster are in their infancy, still in the process of gathering material and developing protoplanetary disks.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In images, NGC 1333 is marked by bright patches of blue and red, representing reflection <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-rogue-worlds-discovered-inside-a-young-star-forming-nebula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebulae</a> and the ionized gas created by energetic young stars.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-perseus-molecular-cloud-nbsp">The Perseus molecular cloud&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Perseus molecular cloud is a vast region of cold gas and dust located about 600 light-years away from Earth in the constellation <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/1500-billion-orphan-stars-discovered-in-the-perseus-galaxy-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseus</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It is one of the most studied star-forming regions in our galaxy due to its relative proximity and the diversity of its young stellar objects. This cloud spans several hundred light-years and contains dense pockets of gas where new stars are actively forming.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These areas are often enshrouded in thick dust, which obscures them in visible light but allows astronomers to study them using infrared and radio wavelengths.</p>



<p>The Perseus molecular cloud is particularly interesting because of the chemistry taking place within it, including the formation of complex organic molecules that could be precursors to life.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Image Credit<strong>: </strong>ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA</p>



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Stellar nursery shines in the Perseus cloud

<p>Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the galaxy NGC 2090, located approximately 40 million light-years away in the constellation Columba.</p>



<p>NGC 2090 is a stunning spiral galaxy that is notable for its well-defined structure, featuring a bright central core surrounded by tightly wound spiral arms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These arms are filled with young, hot stars and interstellar gas, indicating active star formation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Captured by the Webb Telescope’s MIRI and NIRCam instruments, the image reveals the galaxy's winding spiral arms and the swirling gas and dust of its disc in magnificent and unique detail, noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-of-ngc-2090">Observations of NGC 2090</h2>



<p>The galaxy’s spiral pattern is relatively symmetrical, making it a fascinating object of study for astronomers interested in galactic evolution and dynamics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Observations of NGC 2090, including those conducted by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-helps-solve-the-mystery-of-a-young-eruptive-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble</a> Space Telescope, have provided valuable insights into the properties of its stellar populations, gas content, and the nature of its spiral structure.</p>



<p>“NGC 2090 was one of many galaxies studied by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope to refine the measurement of the Universe’s expansion rate, or ‘Hubble constant,’” said ESA.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This can be done by observing a special type of variable stars named ‘Cepheids’ in relatively nearby galaxies.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insights-into-ngc-2090">New insights into NGC 2090</h2>



<p>A Cepheid-based measurement from 1998 indicated that NGC 2090 is 37 million light-years away from Earth. However, the latest measurements suggest that the galaxy is 40 million light-years away.</p>



<p>“Already before that Hubble project in 1998, NGC 2090 had been well studied as a very prominent nearby example of star formation,” noted ESA.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Described as a ‘flocculent’ spiral, this galaxy has a patchy, dusty disc and arms that are flaky or not visible at all. We can see those patterns well in Hubble's visible-light images. However, Webb’s NIRCam near-infrared data reveal the spiral arms with remarkable clarity.”&nbsp;</p>



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



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spiral galaxies</a> are among the most common and visually striking types of galaxies in the universe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They are characterized by their flat, disk-like shape with a bright central bulge surrounded by sweeping spiral arms.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spiral-arms-and-central-bulge-nbsp">Spiral arms and central bulge&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The arms of a spiral galaxy are regions where stars, gas, and dust are concentrated, often glowing brightly with the light of young, hot stars that form within them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The central bulge typically contains older stars and can host a supermassive black hole at its core.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-spiral-galaxies-nbsp">Types of spiral galaxies&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Spiral galaxies are classified into different types based on how tightly their arms are wound and the size of their central bulge, ranging from tightly wound "Sa" galaxies to loosely wound "Sc" types.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-nbsp">Star formation&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The structure of spiral galaxies is maintained by the interplay of gravity and angular momentum, with a rotating disk of stars and gas giving rise to their iconic shape.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They are active sites of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-star-redefines-our-understanding-of-stellar-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> due to the abundance of gas in their arms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Spiral galaxies often have a halo of older stars and globular clusters surrounding their disks, which provides clues about their formation and evolution.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barred-spiral-galaxy">Barred spiral galaxy</h3>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-galaxy-is-surrounded-by-massive-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, the galaxy that contains our Solar System, is a prime example of a barred spiral galaxy, a subtype where a bar-shaped structure of stars extends from the central bulge.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Columba is a small and relatively faint constellation in the southern sky, whose name means "dove" in Latin. It was introduced in the late 16th century by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius and first appeared in a celestial atlas by Johann Bayer in 1603.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-jupiter-discovered-in-the-great-bear-constellation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">constellation</a> is said to represent the dove sent out by Noah during the biblical flood, tying it to themes of hope and peace.</p>



<p>Columba lies near the larger constellation Canis Major and is bordered by others such as Lepus and Puppis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Although it lacks particularly bright stars, its most notable star, Alpha Columbae (also called Phact), shines at a magnitude of approximately 2.6 and is a hot blue-white star. Beta Columbae, another prominent star in the constellation, is a slightly cooler, yellow-white star.</p>



<p>The constellation is best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere during the summer months, though it can also be seen from lower latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere.&nbsp;</p>



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



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Webb unveils spiral galaxy NGC 2090 in magnificent detail

<p>Scientists have made a fascinating discovery that rewrites our understanding of early American survival. For the first time, direct evidence shows that ancient Americans, specifically the Clovis people, relied heavily on mammoths and other large animals for food.</p>



<p>This new information about the diet of these early people not only indicates how they expanded across the Americas but also sheds light on the extinction of large, Ice Age animals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-were-the-clovis-people">Who were the Clovis people?</h2>



<p>The Clovis people arrived in North America around 13,000 years ago, likely via the Bering Land Bridge. Known for their unique, fluted projectile points, they weren’t just hunters but also <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-used-interesting-technique-hunt-big-animals-clovis-points/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expert toolmakers</a> who used scrapers and blades for diverse survival needs.</p>



<p>Once considered the first inhabitants of the Americas, the Clovis people have now been relegated to a different status as older, pre-Clovis sites have been discovered. </p>



<p>The decline of the Clovis culture, which is also linked to megafaunal extinctions, suggests that environmental changes and overhunting were involved.</p>



<p>However, their influence persisted and impacted later cultures, with their tools and strategies becoming foundational for subsequent Paleo-Indian populations in North America.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-of-ancient-americans">Diet of ancient Americans</h2>



<p>The study, recently featured in the journal <em>Science Advances</em>, used stable isotope analysis to understand the diet of a Clovis mother from a 13,000-year-old burial site in Montana. </p>



<p>Before this, researchers inferred <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/homo-juluensis-new-human-species-vanished-just-fifty-thousand-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prehistoric</a> diets by studying tools or animal remains. Now, for the first time, scientists have been able to analyze the food consumed by the Clovis people directly, thus offering a more complete picture of their lives.</p>



<p>The findings strongly suggest that the Clovis people specialized in hunting large mammals instead of focusing on smaller animals or plants. </p>



<p>These ancient humans lived in North America when mammoths roamed across both northern Asia and the Americas. Mammoths, being abundant and migratory, provided a stable source of fat and protein for the humans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-mammoths-in-clovis-expansion">Role of mammoths in Clovis expansion</h2>



<p>"The focus on mammoths helps explain how Clovis people could spread throughout North America and into South America in just a few hundred years," explained co-lead author James Chatters from <a href="https://www.mcmaster.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McMaster University</a>.</p>



<p>This reliance on mammoths allowed the ancient Americans to expand rapidly, as they did not need to depend on local, unpredictable food sources.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clovis-technology-and-mammoths">Clovis technology and mammoths</h2>



<p>The study also revealed an interesting link between Clovis technology and their diet.</p>



<p>"What's striking to me is that this confirms a lot of data from other sites. For example, the animal parts left at Clovis sites are dominated by megafauna, and the projectile points are large, affixed to darts, which were efficient distance weapons," said Ben Potter, co-lead author and archaeology professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (<a href="https://www.uaf.edu/uaf/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UAF</a>).</p>



<p>This hunting technology was critical to the Clovis <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-did-early-humans-first-start-wearing-clothes-and-why-parasites-lice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lifestyle</a>, enabling them to target massive, dangerous animals like mammoths from a safe distance. </p>



<p>"Hunting mammoths provided a flexible way of life. It allowed the Clovis people to move into new areas without having to rely on smaller, localized game, which could vary significantly from one region to the next," Potter noted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mammoth-diet-of-ancient-americans">Mammoth diet of ancient Americans </h2>



<p>The research team was able to estimate the Clovis diet by analyzing isotopic data from earlier studies of Anzick-1, an 18-month-old Clovis child. Adjustments for nursing helped researchers model the mother’s diet. </p>



<p>"Isotopes provide a chemical fingerprint of a consumer's diet and can be compared with those from potential diet items to estimate the proportional contribution of different diet items," explained Mat Wooller, the director of the Alaska Stable Isotope facility at UAF.</p>



<p>The isotopic fingerprint revealed that mammoths made up around 40% of the diet of the Clovis mother, while other large animals, like elk and bison, made up the rest. </p>



<p>Surprisingly, small mammals contributed very little to her diet. When researchers compared her diet with that of other carnivores from the same era, including American lions and wolves, they found it most closely resembled that of the scimitar cat (<em>Homotherium serum</em>), a specialist mammoth predator.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-ice-age-extinctions">Implications for Ice Age extinctions</h2>



<p>These findings also have implications for understanding the extinction of large animals from the Ice Age. Environmental changes reduced habitats for megafauna, which may have increased their vulnerability to human hunters.</p>



<p>"If the climate is changing in a way that reduces the suitable habitat for some of these megafauna, then it makes them potentially more susceptible to human predation. These people were very effective hunters," noted Potter.</p>



<p>"You had the combination of a highly sophisticated hunting culture - with skills honed over 10,000 years in Eurasia - meeting naïve populations of megafauna under environmental stress," said Chatters.</p>



<p>This mix of experienced hunters and vulnerable prey may have accelerated the extinction of animals like the mammoth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-collaboration-with-indigenous-communities">Collaboration with Indigenous communities</h2>



<p>Another important aspect of this research on ancient Americans' reliance on mammoths is its emphasis on ethical collaboration with Indigenous communities. </p>



<p>Potter and Chatters actively engaged with Native Americans in Montana and Wyoming to address their concerns and interests.</p>



<p>"It is important and ethical to consult with Indigenous peoples on questions relating to their heritage,” said the researchers.</p>



<p>The team worked closely with Shane Doyle, executive director of Yellowstone Peoples, who consulted tribal representatives throughout Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. </p>



<p>"The response has been one of appreciative consideration and inclusion," noted Doyle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-adaptability-and-hunting-skills-of-early-americans">Adaptability and hunting skills of early Americans</h2>



<p>"I congratulate the team for their astounding discovery about the lifeways of Clovis-era Native people and thank them for being tribally inclusive and respectful throughout their research," said Doyle. </p>



<p>"This study reshapes our understanding of how Indigenous people across America thrived by hunting one of the most dangerous and dominant animals of the day, the mammoth."</p>



<p>This study not only highlights the incredible adaptability and hunting skills of the Clovis people but also stresses the importance of consulting with Indigenous communities in research involving their ancestors. </p>



<p>It enriches our understanding of how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-tool-flint-discovery-challenges-theory-of-human-cultural-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early humans</a> shaped the environment and their role in the extinction of some of the most iconic creatures of the Ice Age.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adr3814" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.</em></p>



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Ancient Americans relied on mammoths for food and survival

Scientists have made a fascinating discovery that rewrites our understanding...

<p>An interesting new study has generated some unexpected results relating to how alcohol influences people's pain thresholds and the effect that this has on their subsequent behavior.</p>



<p>It seems that alcohol may make us less sensitive to pain and, at the same time, more aggressive towards others. This then may increase the possibility that we end up causing harm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unmasking-the-unsuspected-connection">Unmasking the unsuspected connection</h2>



<p>The findings of this study are based on a well-established experimental design in operation since 1967.</p>



<p>A total of 870 volunteers who drink an average of 3-4 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-causes-women-to-consume-more-alcohol-than-intended/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alcoholic beverages</a> per occasion, at least once a month, took part in two independent laboratory experiments.</p>



<p>The study attracted a varied pool of participants through newspaper advertisements, which offered the added incentive of a $75 reward upon completion of the experiment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-experiment-a-tipple-for-tolerance">The experiment: A tipple for tolerance</h2>



<p>After a thorough briefing and signing informed consent, each participant was given an indistinguishable <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sugary-beverages-premature-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beverage</a>, either alcoholic or a placebo.</p>



<p>The drinks were cleverly designed to keep the participants in the dark about the nature of their drink. </p>



<p>To maintain the illusion, placebo beverages included minute alcohol traces on top and around the rim to mimic the taste of an alcoholic concoction.</p>



<p>Once the drinks were downed, the researchers monitored the participant's pain threshold by administering one-second electrical shocks to their fingers, intensifying the shocks until the participant reported pain. </p>



<p>This marked the participant's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/men-have-a-higher-pain-threshold-when-females-are-treating-them/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pain threshold</a>, a crucial aspect of the subsequent experiment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-outcome-when-alcohol-ignites-aggression">The outcome: When alcohol ignites aggression</h2>



<p>Following their drinks, the volunteers were involved in an online competitive reaction time task. The winner had the liberty to shock the loser, with shock intensity and duration at their discretion.</p>



<p>Unbeknownst to the participants, the opponent was non-existent and the results were manipulated by the researchers.</p>



<p>The outcome was quite telling. Those who had consumed alcohol displayed higher pain thresholds. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increased-pain-tolerance-and-aggression">Increased pain tolerance and aggression </h2>



<p>More concerning, however, was the direct correlation between their increased pain tolerance and how intense and long-lasting a shock they were willing to deliver to their supposed opponent. </p>



<p>This suggested a pronounced tendency towards aggressive behavior, triggered by having an increased tolerance of pain themselves.</p>



<p>On the contrary, participants who consumed placebo beverages exhibited less aggressive behavior, as their pain threshold was comparatively lower.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-less-empathy-and-more-aggression">Less empathy and more aggression</h2>



<p>This study took place at <a href="https://www.osu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ohio State University</a>. Insightful comments from co-author Professor Brad Bushman shed light on the findings.</p>



<p>“We’ve all heard the idiom 'I feel your pain.' But if intoxicated people can’t feel their own pain, they might be less likely to feel empathy when others feel pain, and that could lead them to be more aggressive," he explained.</p>



<p>Professor Bushman also noted that participants who had consumed alcohol had average blood alcohol concentrations of between 0.095% and 0.11%, just above the legal limit.</p>



<p>This led Bushman to suggest that the effects of alcohol on pain tolerance could potentially be exaggerated for those consuming alcohol beyond these experimental levels, making them even more susceptible to aggressive behavior.</p>



<p>Further research will continue to examine the myriad ways in which alcohol influences behavior, focusing specifically on the links between alcohol, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/no-pain-no-gain-physical-activity-enhances-pain-tolerance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pain tolerance</a>, and ensuing aggression.</p>



<p>The study was a collaborative effort, with contributions from C. Nathan DeWall from the University of Kentucky and Peter Giancola, a clinical psychologist based in Montreal. </p>



<p>Funding was provided by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the National Center for Research Resources.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-alcohol-and-its-ripple-effect-on-aggression">Alcohol and its ripple effect on aggression</h2>



<p>The study highlights how alcohol's ability to dull personal pain can ripple outward, influencing social interactions and behaviors. </p>



<p>In settings like bars or gatherings, heightened pain tolerance paired with reduced empathy might escalate minor disputes into aggressive confrontations. </p>



<p>Such insights emphasize the need for broader public awareness campaigns about alcohol's behavioral effects, and support systems for individuals prone to aggressive tendencies when intoxicated.</p>



<p>By understanding these mechanisms, policymakers and health professionals can design targeted interventions to address alcohol-induced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-struggle-to-predict-aggression-in-dogs-and-other-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aggression</a>, thereby reducing harm in communities and promoting safer drinking environments.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.jsad.com/doi/10.15288/jsad.24-00144" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs</a></em>.</p>



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Alcohol increases pain tolerance and fuels aggression

An interesting new study has generated some unexpected results relating...

<p>The Nebra Sky Disc, estimated to be over 3,600 years old, is a globally significant artifact that has been listed in UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” register since 2013.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite its reputation as one of the most extensively studied archaeological discoveries, the precise process used to craft this extraordinary object has remained uncertain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-intricate-manufacturing-process">An intricate manufacturing process</h2>



<p>Previous studies based on the disc’s material composition made it clear that it could not have been cast directly in its final form. However, new metallographic analyses have revealed that its creation involved a complex hot forging method.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Researchers determined that producing the disc required approximately ten cycles of heating to around 700°C, forging, and annealing, a process used to relax the metal’s internal structure.</p>



<p>Since the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-metal-spheres-from-the-pacific-ocean-may-earths-first-alien-objects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">artifact</a> was recovered by police and returned to Saxony-Anhalt in 2002, it has undergone numerous scientific studies. These investigations have provided valuable insights into its raw materials and even its original coloration, but the exact manufacturing process had remained elusive until now.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crafting-the-nebra-sky-disc-a-technical-feat">Crafting the Nebra Sky Disc: A technical feat</h2>



<p>Creating a bronze disc with a diameter of 31 centimeters and a thickness of only a few millimeters is no straightforward task. The most recent findings focus on the steps needed to transform a cast bronze blank into the final product.</p>



<p>The study was conducted by the <a href="https://www.lda-lsa.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt</a>, in collaboration with <a href="https://www.ovgu.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg</a> and <a href="https://deltasigma.de/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DeltaSigma Analytics GmbH</a>. </p>



<p>The researchers utilized advanced metallographic techniques, including energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, and light microscopy on color-etched samples. They also performed hardness tests to better understand the metal’s properties.</p>



<p>The team examined a small sample taken from the disc’s outer edge in 2002, which had previously been reinserted, temporarily removing it for further analysis.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To validate their findings, experimental trials were conducted by skilled coppersmith Herbert Bauer, who created a replica of the Sky Disc from a cast blank.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-of-advanced-forging-techniques">Evidence of advanced forging techniques</h2>



<p>The analyses confirmed that the disc’s creation involved a series of carefully executed hot forging cycles. Until it reached its final dimensions, approximately ten cycles were necessary, each including heating to around 700 °C, forging and then annealing to relax the metal structure again.</p>



<p>Interestingly, Bauer’s experiments required significantly more forging cycles to produce the replica, suggesting that the original cast blank used for the Sky Disc was slightly larger and thinner than the one used in the replication.</p>



<p>“That the investigations continue to produce such fundamental new findings more than 20 years after the Sky Disc was secured not only once again demonstrates the extraordinary character of this find of the century, but also how highly developed the art of metal processing was already in the Early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bronze-age-technology-is-a-modern-solution-for-clean-energy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bronze Age</a>,” said State Archaeologist Harald Meller, the study’s senior author.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-nebra-sky-disc-nbsp">Significance of the Nebra Sky Disc&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The findings highlight the advanced skills of Early Bronze Age metalworkers. These artisans were not only proficient in casting but also in mastering complex forging techniques, such as hot forging.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Drawing on their vast expertise and skill, they were capable not only of mass-producing axes but also of crafting an exceptional artifact like the Nebra Sky Disc, which remains unparalleled even by today’s standards.</p>



<p>This remarkable artifact reflects a high level of technical expertise, showcasing the creativity and ingenuity of ancient craftspeople who worked with limited <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stone-tool-flint-discovery-challenges-theory-of-human-cultural-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tools</a> but extraordinary skill.</p>



<p>“In addition, the Sky Disc shows how important it is to re-examine seemingly well-known finds when new methods become available,” Meller said.</p>



<p>The Nebra Sky Disc continues to provide invaluable insights into the technological and cultural achievements of the Early Bronze Age.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As research progresses, this extraordinary artifact reveals ever more about the ingenuity of ancient civilizations, solidifying its status as one of the most fascinating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/enduring-mystery-ai-discovers-303-more-line-drawings-carved-into-the-nazca-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">archaeological discoveries</a> of our time.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-80545-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Scientific Reports</em></a>.</p>



<p>Image Credit: Juraj Lipták, State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt</p>



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The Nebra Sky Disc: What does it do, and how was it made?

The Nebra Sky Disc, estimated to be over 3,600 years...

<div class="vdb_player vdb_591c9e3c9efa894c3c6e150b58d96b98cd4fed198a0d2a49">
<script src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" type="text/javascript"></script></div>
<p>Scott Fraser, a public engagement officer with EPA&#8221;s Office of External Affairs and Environmental Education, talks about his<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/body-art-dream-careers/"> career</a> at EPA</p>


EPA Careers: Scott Fraser