Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency </a>&nbsp;features Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, and its surroundings. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission on February 21, 2023.



"Situated some 50 km south of the North Korean border, the metropolitan area of Seoul appears as the grey area in the center of the image," says ESA.



"The Han River runs through the city, and to the right of the image it can be seen partly covered by ice. It is one of the biggest rivers in the Korean peninsula. It flows westward through Seoul into the Yellow Sea, named so because of the yellowish sand that colours its water."



"Seoul is surrounded by forested mountains, which appear brown in this wintery image. Bukhansan National Park lies just north of the city. The park is like an island, acting as a big green lung for the surrounding urban environment."



The population of Seoul is over 9 million people, and the metropolitan area, which includes neighboring cities like Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, is one of the most populous in the world.



Seoul is a city where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge technology. It is known for its vibrant cultural scene, extensive history, and rapid economic development. The city's skyline is a blend of modern skyscrapers and traditional palaces like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, showcasing its rich heritage.



Seoul is a hub for education, with several top-ranked universities and research institutes. The city also thrives in technology and innovation - home to global companies like Samsung and LG. Street markets like Myeongdong and Insadong offer a taste of local life and traditional crafts, while districts like Gangnam are famous for their upscale shopping and entertainment.



Seoul's green spaces, like Namsan Park and the Han River Park, provide a refuge from the urban hustle. The city's blend of history, culture, technology, and nature makes it a unique and dynamic metropolis, attracting millions of visitors each year.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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



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The city of Seoul, South Korea 

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

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> features a Copernicus Sentinel-2 photograph of the city of Bentiu in South Sudan.



"The country has always experienced a degree of seasonal flooding, which normally recedes in the dry season. However, four consecutive years of incessant flooding have submerged villages, farmlands and roads. In 2023, flood waters reached almost 2 meters in some places," said ESA.



"This false-color image, captured in January 2023, clearly shows the extent of the flooded areas around Bentiu. Information from the mission’s near-infrared channel was used to process this image so water bodies appear in dark blue or black. Sediment in the waters is bright blue, while the vibrant shades of red, mainly bordering rivers, denote vegetation."



According to ESA, the yellowish area in the center of the image is the city of Bentiu - standing out like an island surrounded by floods.&nbsp;



"From Bentiu, the Bahr el-Ghazal River meanders through the inundated floodplain in a northeasterly direction. It can be traced in black in the right of the image flowing through Lake No into the White Nile," said ESA.



"Fed by the White Nile, the large, swampy area running from the centre of the image to the bottom right is the Sudd. It is a network of channels, lakes and swamps and one of Africa’s largest floodplains, providing watering and feeding grounds for many endemic mammals and birds, as well as for large populations of migratory species."



Bentiu is known for its significance in the oil industry. It's the capital of Unity State, an area rich in oil fields, making it a crucial economic hub for South Sudan. However, this wealth in natural resources has also made Bentiu a focal point of conflict, particularly during the South Sudanese Civil War.



The city's history has been shaped by its strategic importance in the region. It has seen significant development in the oil sector, but this has been marred by political and ethnic conflicts. These conflicts have often resulted in severe humanitarian crises, affecting the local population with issues like displacement and shortages of basic necessities.



Despite its challenges, Bentiu is a key player in South Sudan's economy and its future development. The city's role in the oil industry cannot be overstated, and efforts are ongoing to stabilize the region and improve living conditions for its residents.



The city's demographics are diverse, reflecting the ethnic variety of South Sudan, but this diversity has also been a source of tension at times. Efforts towards peace and reconciliation in Bentiu and the wider Unity State are crucial for the long-term stability and prosperity of South Sudan.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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The city of Bentiu in South Sudan

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Malaspina Glacier in southeastern Alaska. With a size of approximately 1,680 square miles, Malaspina is the world’s largest piedmont glacier. It covers an area larger than the state of Rhode Island.&nbsp;



"To human eyes, glacial ice typically looks white tinged with blue. But in this false-color satellite image, the rippled ice of Alaska’s Malaspina Glacier appears more fiery than frosty," said NASA.



"In this configuration, watery features are displayed in reds, oranges, and yellows; vegetation appears green; and rock is shown in shades of blue."



A piedmont glacier forms when steep valley glaciers spill into flat plains, where they spread out into bulbous, lobate shapes. Malaspina is fed by the Seward Ice Field and other smaller glaciers.&nbsp;



Despite its size, it's relatively thin for a glacier of its magnitude, averaging only about 600 meters (2,000 feet) in thickness.



The Malaspina Glacier is a classic example of a glacier experiencing significant retreat and thinning due to climate change. This has raised concerns about its long-term stability and the broader implications for sea-level rise.&nbsp;



The glacier's meltwater contributes to the Gulf of Alaska, and its changes are closely monitored by scientists.



Most of the Malaspina Glacier is located within Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Its visually striking nature, including crevasses and moraines, makes it a subject of interest not only for scientists but also for photographers and nature enthusiasts.&nbsp;



The image was captured on October 27, 2023 by the OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Malaspina Glacier in southeastern Alaska 

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/151929/indonesian-fires-return-in-2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features an astronaut photograph of the Moon peeking over Earth's horizon. The image was captured as the International Space Station was orbiting over Iraq. 



"Taken at an oblique angle from an altitude of 406 kilometers (252 miles), the photo has a perspective that highlights Earth’s atmospheric limb, or the edge of the atmosphere," says NASA.



"The blue-toned haze that fades into the darkness of space is the mesosphere, which reaches an altitude of about 80 kilometers (50 miles). Above the mesosphere is the thermosphere. Although this layer is part of Earth’s atmosphere, it is commonly considered part of outer space."



According to NASA, the Moon is about 405,500 kilometers (251,000 miles) away from Earth at its furthest point, or apogee.



"Below the wispy clouds in the middle of the view is Lake Assad, a Euphrates River reservoir in northern Syria," notes NASA.



"Lake Assad is Syria’s largest lake and a primary source of the region’s drinking and irrigation water. The Tabqa Dam, which created the lake, is the largest hydroelectric dam in the country."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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The Moon peeks over Earth's horizon

Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> features a rare view of Elephant Island off the coast of Antarctica. The photo was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission in February 2023.



Elephant Island is an ice-covered, mountainous island in the Southern Ocean. It is located in the outer reaches of the South Shetland Islands.



"The highest peaks are Mount Pendragon, which reaches around 970 meters, visible on the southern end, and, moving northeast, Mount Elder, which reaches around 945 meters," said ESA.



"North of Mount Elder, the wide Endurance Glacier can be seen in the centre of the image. It is the main discharge glacier on the island and drains to the south and into the Weddel Sea. Thin sea ice, visible in light blue in front of the calving front, separates the glacier terminus from the open ocean waters."



Elephant Island holds a special place in polar exploration history because of its role in the Ernest Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition (1914-1917). After their ship, the Endurance, was trapped and then crushed by ice in the Weddell Sea, Shackleton and his crew sailed lifeboats over treacherous seas to reach Elephant Island. It was an inhospitable place with no sources of food or shelter, but it was land.



Realizing that there was no chance of rescue from Elephant Island, Shackleton and a few crew members set out in a small lifeboat, the James Caird, to sail 800 miles to South Georgia Island where they hoped to find help. This journey is considered one of the greatest boat journeys ever accomplished. They did eventually reach South Georgia, and Shackleton was able to return to Elephant Island and rescue the remaining crew members.



Though it's largely ice-covered, Elephant Island is home to various wildlife, particularly seals, penguins, and seabirds. The island is uninhabited by humans, but it is a popular destination for expedition cruises and is often visited by those interested in polar exploration history.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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Elephant Island off the coast of Antarctica

Front,Head,Of,Bottlenose,Dolphin,(tursiops,Truncatus),With,An,Open

Recent research by Tim Hüttner and Guido Dehnhardt from the <a href="https://www.uni-rostock.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Rostock</a>, Germany, has revealed a remarkable discovery about bottlenose dolphins. Known for their intelligence and agility, these marine mammals are now suspected to have an additional sensory ability – the detection of weak electric fields. This finding could revolutionize our understanding of dolphin behavior and sensory capabilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-bottlenose-dolphins">Studying bottlenose dolphins</h2>



The study began with an observation of bottlenose dolphin calves, which are born with two rows of whiskers on their beaks that eventually fall out, leaving behind vibrissal pits. 



Hüttner and Dehnhardt noted that these pits closely resemble the structures in sharks that enable them to detect electric fields. Intrigued by this similarity, they decided to investigate further.



In collaboration with Lorenzo von Fersen at <a href="https://tiergarten.nuernberg.de/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nuremberg Zoo</a> and Lars Miersch at the University of Rostock, Dehnhardt and Hüttner designed experiments to test the dolphins' sensitivity to electric fields. 



The team first examined how sensitive two bottlenose dolphins, Donna and Dolly, were to varying electric fields to determine their ability to detect a fish buried in the sandy sea floor. Hüttner, Armin Fritz from Nuremberg Zoo, and a team of colleagues trained the dolphins to rest their jaws on a submerged metal bar. 



They then taught them to swim away within 5 seconds upon detecting an electric field from electrodes placed just above their snouts. As the researchers progressively reduced the electric field strength from 500 to 2μV/cm, they meticulously recorded the frequency of the dolphins' correctly timed departures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-research-team-learned">What the research team learned</h2>



The experiments yielded fascinating results. Donna demonstrated slightly higher sensitivity than Dolly as the electric fields weakened, detecting fields as low as 2.4μV/cm compared to Dolly's threshold of 5.5μV/cm. 



The team recognized that living animals produce fluctuating electric fields, not just static ones, due to the pulsing movements of fish gills. To test this, they varied the electric field pulses at 1, 5, and 25 times per second while lowering the field strength. 



Both Donna and Dolly detected these pulsing fields. However, their sensitivity to these alternating fields was not as high as it was to steady fields. Dolly detected only the slowest pulsed field at 28.9μV/cm, while Donna sensed all three, with the slowest at 11.7μV/cm.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-this-super-sense">Implications of this "super sense"</h2>



Dehnhardt explains the practical significance of this finding, stating that the ability to detect weak electric fields aids dolphins in locating fish hidden in sediment. This skill differs from sharks, who can sense electric fields from a greater distance.



Hüttner and Dehnhardt propose that dolphins' ability to perceive electricity might aid them on a larger scale. Dehnhardt explains, "Dolphins could use this sensory ability to orient themselves to the Earth's magnetic field." 



He suggests that dolphins swimming at a normal speed of 10m/s through weak areas of the Earth's magnetic field could produce a detectable electric field of 2.5μV/cm across their bodies. Moreover, swimming faster increases their likelihood of sensing the planet's magnetic field, enabling them to navigate globally using an electric sense-based magnetic map.



In summary, this surprising discovery by Hüttner and Dehnhardt opens new avenues for understanding the sensory world of dolphins. It highlights their remarkable adaptability, and also poses exciting questions about the evolutionary purpose and ecological implications of this newfound electrosensitivity "super sense" in dolphins.



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



Bottlenose dolphins, scientific name Tursiops truncatus, captivate people worldwide with their intelligence, agility, and playful behavior. These marine mammals, known for their curved mouths giving the appearance of a friendly "smile," belong to the family Delphinidae. They inhabit warm and temperate seas worldwide and have become one of the most studied and recognized dolphin species.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-physical-characteristics-of-bottlenose-dolphins">Physical characteristics of bottlenose dolphins</h3>



This dolphin species typically measures between 2 to 4 meters in length and weighs around 150 to 650 kilograms. Their sleek, streamlined bodies, adapted for swimming, display a grayish-blue color with a lighter underside. They possess a distinctive dorsal fin, which provides stability while swimming. These dolphins have a well-developed sense of hearing and eyesight, both above and below the water.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-and-hunting-techniques">Diet and hunting techniques</h3>



Bottlenose dolphins are carnivorous, primarily feeding on a diet of fish and squid. They employ sophisticated hunting techniques, including the use of echolocation. By emitting sound waves that bounce off objects, they can locate and identify their prey with remarkable precision. In some regions, they have developed unique hunting strategies, like mud-ring feeding, where they trap fish in muddy circles before feasting on them.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-behavior-and-communication">Social behavior and communication</h3>



Bottlenose dolphins are highly social animals, living in groups called pods. These pods can contain anywhere from a few individuals to over a dozen. They communicate using a complex array of whistles, clicks, and body language. Each dolphin has a unique signature whistle, functioning like a name, allowing them to call out to specific individuals.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intelligence-and-training">Intelligence and training</h3>



Renowned for their intelligence, bottlenose dolphins can learn and perform complex tasks, making them stars in many aquarium shows. They have the ability to understand symbolic language, use tools, and exhibit problem-solving skills. Researchers continually discover new aspects of their cognitive abilities, deepening our understanding of these fascinating creatures.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproduction-and-lifespan">Reproduction and lifespan</h3>



Female bottlenose dolphins reach sexual maturity around 5-12 years of age, while males mature a bit later, around 10-12 years. They mate throughout the year, with a gestation period of about 12 months. A calf is born tail-first and quickly rises to the surface for its first breath. Calves typically stay with their mothers for 3-6 years. In the wild, bottlenose dolphins can live up to 40 years or more.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-status">Conservation status</h3>



While bottlenose dolphins are not currently endangered, they face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and fishing nets. Various conservation efforts focus on protecting their natural habitats and reducing human-induced threats. Public awareness and responsible ecotourism play significant roles in the conservation of these magnificent creatures.



In summary, bottlenose dolphins, with their remarkable abilities and charismatic nature, continue to intrigue and delight humans. Their presence in the oceans reminds us of the complexity and beauty of marine life and the importance of preserving such incredible species for future generations.



Understanding and respecting these intelligent creatures is crucial for their continued survival in the ever-changing marine environment.



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Bottlenose dolphins have a newly-discovered 'super sense'

Recent research by Tim Hüttner and Guido Dehnhardt from the...

In an unprecedented move, <a href="https://www.insta360.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Insta360</a> has successfully launched the first ultra-high-resolution cameras into Earth's orbit, offering an unparalleled view of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-earth-like-planet-may-be-hiding-just-beyond-neptune/">planet</a>. 



This monumental feat, which involved over a year of research, development, and testing, marks a significant milestone in space imaging.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insta360-s-x2-cameras">Insta360's X2 cameras</h2>



Insta360, a leading camera company based in Shenzhen, China, initiated the project in 2021. The team focused on adapting their commercially available X2 cameras for the rigors of space.&nbsp;



On January 16, the company launched two X2 cameras 500 kilometers into space and attached them to satellites. The cameras were designed to withstand the extreme conditions of space, including extreme temperatures and cosmic radiation.



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



"The project runs on hard work, but a fair bit of luck, too. Space can be unpredictable, and there is no backup hardware or software if the camera runs into any issues," said Insta360.



"Luckily, both cameras and their sensors are still fully functioning and offer an incredible look at outer space."



The cameras have now captured <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0MZ87HLEQb/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stunning images</a> of Earth, presenting the "Blue Marble" in extraordinary detail and from a unique 360-degree perspective.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-and-simulation">Testing and simulation</h2>



To prepare for the space environment, Insta360 utilized a thermal vacuum chamber or Space Environment Simulator.&nbsp;



The engineers faced the daunting task of modifying the cameras to endure the harsh conditions of space.&nbsp;



This process involved extensive testing, including exposure to extreme temperatures, radiation, and vacuum simulations, to ensure the cameras' functionality in orbit.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-obstacles-nbsp">Overcoming obstacles&nbsp;</h2>



One of the critical challenges was the cameras' response to extreme cold, leading to system crashes, and the impact of radiation on the sealing glue.&nbsp;



In addition, the vacuum environment tests revealed potential issues with lens pressure, threatening image resolution and quality. These hurdles were addressed to ensure the cameras' resilience and operational excellence in space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advanced-technology-nbsp">Advanced technology&nbsp;</h2>



The X2 cameras boast an impressive 5.7K resolution, capturing 360-degree videos and photos of Earth against the backdrop of space.&nbsp;



The quality of these images surpasses the capabilities of standard viewing platforms, including YouTube and many high-end 4K TVs.



Extraordinary images&nbsp;



The success of this mission is attributed to collaborations with Media Storm and Spacety, a satellite company employing synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) systems. These systems enable high-resolution imaging comparable to larger satellites but with smaller antennas, showcasing innovative approaches in satellite technology.



Insta360's X2 cameras are set to orbit Earth every 90 minutes for two years, after which they will exit Earth's orbit and disintegrate in space.&nbsp;



This time frame offers a unique window for capturing extraordinary images of our planet and beyond, heralding a new era in space photography and exploration.



Image Credit: Insta360&nbsp;



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Insta360 cameras have captured stunning images of Earth

In an unprecedented move, Insta360 has successfully launched the first...

Aurora,Borealis,,Northern,Lights,,Corona,Above,Forest,Trees.

In early November, the aurora borealis, typically confined to higher latitudes, graced skies as far south as Italy and Texas. This spectacle was linked to solar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/noaa-alert-strong-geomagnetic-storm-warning-issued-due-to-strong-solar-flare/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coronal mass ejections</a> impacting Earth's magnetic field. 



While these displays were dramatic, they pale in comparison to the colossal solar storm of February 1872. This historical event's significance has been recently illuminated by an extensive study conducted by an international team of scientists.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-1872-chapman-silverman-storm">The 1872 Chapman-Silverman storm</h2>



The solar storm of February 1872, known as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/solar-storm_1972_global-map_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chapman-Silverman storm</a>, produced a global aurora borealis display visible near the equator in locations like Bombay and Khartoum. This extraordinary phenomenon disrupted telegraph communications, showcasing the vulnerability of even the 19th-century technology to solar storms.



In a new study, an international consortium of researchers from nine countries has detailed the solar origins and wide-ranging terrestrial impacts of this event. This storm, alongside others like the Carrington storm of 1859 and the New York Railroad storm of 1921, is now recognized as one of the most extreme geomagnetic events in recent history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technological-dependencies-and-risks">Technological dependencies and risks</h2>



Today's society, highly reliant on technological infrastructure such as power grids and communication systems, faces significant risks from such <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/geomagnetic-storms-are-influenced-by-earths-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geomagnetic storms</a>. 



“The longer the power supply could be cut off, the more society, especially those living in urban areas, will struggle to cope,” says Designated Assistant Professor Hayakawa, the lead author of the study. The potential disruption to power grids, communication systems, airplanes, and satellites is a cause for concern.  



“Could we maintain our life without such infrastructure?” Hayakawa comments, “Well, let us just say that it would be extremely challenging.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-an-aurora-borealis-from-1872">Studying an aurora borealis from 1872</h2>



The study, spearheaded by <a href="https://en.nagoya-u.ac.jp/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nagoya University</a>, the <a href="https://nso.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US National Solar Observatory</a>, and the <a href="https://www.astro.oma.be/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Observatory of Belgium</a>, involved 22 scientists. They utilized historical records and modern techniques to analyze the Chapman-Silverman storm. Key sources included forgotten sunspot records from Belgian and Italian archives and geomagnetic field measurements from diverse locations.



One significant finding was the storm's origin in a medium-sized, complex sunspot group. This challenges the assumption that only large sunspot groups can trigger extreme magnetic storms. Over 700 auroral records were examined, revealing that the night sky was illuminated with auroral displays reaching as far as 20° in latitude in both hemispheres.



“Our findings confirm the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/solar-storm_1972_Japanese-drawing_Credit-Hayakawa_1medium.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chapman-Silverman storm</a> in February 1872 as one of the most extreme geomagnetic storms in recent history. Its size rivalled those of the Carrington storm in September 1859 and the NY Railroad storm in May 1921,” Hayakawa said. “This means that we now know that the world has seen at least three geomagnetic superstorms in the last two centuries. Space weather events that could cause such a major impact represent a risk that cannot be discounted.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solar-storms-aurora-borealis-and-the-future">Solar storms, aurora borealis, and the future</h2>



The study emphasizes the importance of historical records in understanding and preparing for such events. With the Sun approaching the maximum of Solar Cycle 25, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/solar-storms-will-intensify-then-slow-as-the-solar-cycle-peaks-in-early-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recently predicted for 2024</a>, enhanced auroral activity is expected, underlining the need for vigilance and preparedness against potential geomagnetic storms in our increasingly technologically dependent world.



Hayakawa warns of complacency, saying, “Such extreme events are rare. On the one hand, we are fortunate to have missed such superstorms in the modern time. On the other hand, the occurrence of three such superstorms in 6 decades shows that the threat to modern society is real. Therefore, the preservation and analysis of historical records is important to assess, understand, and mitigate the impact of such events.”



Recent observations of auroral displays from locations like northern Greece and the northern US serve as reminders of our planet's ongoing interactions with solar activity. As we approach the peak of Solar Cycle 25, these natural phenomena not only offer a spectacle but also a warning of the potential impacts of solar storms on our modern world.



The full study was published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/acc6cc">The Astrophysical Journal</a>.



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Aurora borealis seen as far south as the equator after largest known solar storm

In early November, the aurora borealis, typically confined to higher...

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Sean Sheldrake, a unit dive officer with EPA&#8221;s Region 10, talks about his career at EPA.

EPA Careers: Sean Sheldrake