<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features Messier 82, a starburst galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major. This galaxy is actively forming new stars at a rate ten times that of the Milky Way.</p>



<p>In a study using the <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> (JWST), an international team of astronomers has taken an unprecedented look at Messier 82 (M82), revealing intricate details about its frenzied star formation. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-nircam-and-infrared-observations">The power of NIRCam and infrared observations</h2>



<p>The study, led by Alberto Bolatto, utilized Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) to penetrate the thick dust and gas covering the galaxy's core, a region critical to understanding <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>. </p>



<p>"M82 has garnered a variety of observations over the years because it can be considered as the prototypical starburst galaxy," noted Bolatto. “With Webb’s size and resolution, we can look at this star-forming galaxy and see all of this beautiful new detail.”</p>



<p>Webb's NIRCam has proven crucial for observing areas like M82’s center, where layers of dust typically obscure the view in other wavelengths. The camera's ability to capture infrared light allows it to reveal the galaxy's core and its dynamic processes.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-messier-82-image-shows-the-power-of-webb-nbsp">Messier 82 image shows the power of Webb&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“This image shows the power of Webb. Every single white dot in this image is either a star or a star cluster. We can start to distinguish all of these tiny point sources, which enables us to acquire an accurate count of all the star clusters in this galaxy,” noted study co-author Rebecca Levy from the University of Arizona.</p>



<p>One of the NIRCam's innovative features is its mode that prevents bright sources from overwhelming the detector, which was particularly useful in studying the intensely active center of Messier 82.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the image, dark brown tendrils of dust weave through the galaxy's glowing white core, interspersed with small green specks that represent concentrated areas of iron from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> remnants. Red patches highlight regions where molecular hydrogen is illuminated by the radiation from nearby young stars.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-galactic-winds">Insights into galactic winds</h2>



<p>The study also focused on understanding how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spin-of-a-new-black-hole-is-unlocking-galactic-mysteries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galactic wind</a>, driven by the rapid rate of star formation and subsequent supernovae, influences M82’s environment. The NIRCam images showed clumpy streams of gas, appearing in red, which extend above and below the galaxy's plane, marking the path of this wind rushing out from the starburst's core.</p>



<p>A key revelation came from the NIRCam’s tracing of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), sooty chemical molecules that map out the structure of the galactic wind. To the surprise of researchers, the PAH emissions closely resembled the patterns of the hot, ionized gas, suggesting a more complex interaction within the wind than previously understood.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"It was unexpected to see the PAH emission resemble ionised gas," said Bolatto. "PAHs are not supposed to live very long when exposed to such a strong radiation field, so perhaps they are being replenished all the time. It challenges our theories and shows us that further investigation is required."</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-observations-of-messier-82">Future observations of Messier 82</h3>



<p>The findings from Webb are just the beginning. The team plans to further analyze Messier 82 with additional data, including spectroscopic observations, to determine the ages of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-collisions-hubble-spots-a-string-of-pearls-star-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star clusters</a> and the duration of each star formation phase within the starburst environment.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These observations will also assist in a broader understanding of similar processes in early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceers-2112-ancient-galaxy-looks-strikingly-similar-to-ours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>, which were common in the young universe.</p>



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



<p>Study co-author Torsten Böker of the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> emphasized the broader implications of these findings. </p>



<p>“With these amazing Webb images, and our upcoming spectra, we can study how exactly the strong winds and shock fronts from young stars and supernovae can remove the very gas and dust from which new stars are forming,” explained Böker.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“A detailed understanding of this ‘feedback’ cycle is important for theories of how the early universe evolved, because compact starbursts such as the one in M82 were very common at high redshift.”</p>



<p>The study not only illuminates the specific mechanics of star formation in M82 but also enhances our general understanding of galactic evolution and the lifecycle of galaxies.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

Messier 82: Unlocking the mysteries of star formation

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

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from NASA Earth Observatory features Tropical Storm Francine moving across the Gulf of Mexico on the afternoon of September 10, 2024. </p>



<p>Just hours after the photo was captured by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the NOAA-21 satellite, the storm intensified into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-hurricanes-are-intensifying-faster-due-to-climate-change/">hurricane</a> strength.</p>



<p>By September 11, Francine had become a Category 2 hurricane, reaching wind speeds of 100 miles per hour. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-storms-fueled-by-rising-ocean-temperatures">Storms fueled by rising ocean temperatures</h2>



<p>“Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) are a fair predictor of the readiness of the ocean to fuel and sustain storms. Meteorologists generally agree that SSTs should be above 82 degrees Fahrenheit to sustain and intensify hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153309/francine-bears-down-on-louisiana" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.</p>



<p>“During the time of Francine’s development on September 8 to 10, temperatures in the southwestern Gulf were several degrees above that threshold and slightly above the 2003-2014 average for those dates, according to data from the Multiscale Ultrahigh Resolution Sea Surface Temperature (MUR SST) project.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-hurricane-francine">Impacts of Hurricane Francine</h2>



<p>Louisiana was hit hardest by Francine, with coastal areas experiencing life-threatening storm surges up to 10 feet, heavy rainfall, and significant flooding. In Terrebonne Parish, where Francine made landfall, more than 200,000 residents lost power.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Southern regions of Texas also experienced heavy rainfall and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flooding</a>. Despite some weakening as Francine moved inland, Mississippi and other parts of the Gulf Coast still experienced flash flooding and strong winds as the system degraded into a tropical depression.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2024-atlantic-hurricane-season">2024 Atlantic hurricane season</h2>



<p>The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has been notably active, but with an unusual break in activity leading up to Hurricane Francine.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-start-for-storms">Early start for storms</h3>



<p>The season officially began on June 1, 2024. By early September, there had been five named storms, including three hurricanes, with one reaching Category 5 status - Hurricane Beryl in July.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Beryl set an early-season record as it intensified rapidly due to exceptionally warm sea surface <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-has-nearly-doubled-in-the-last-decade/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-calm">Surprising calm</h3>



<p>While the early part of the season saw significant activity, including Beryl's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-causes-the-rapid-intensification-of-hurricanes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">explosive growth</a>, the basin has experienced a surprising calm since mid-August. </p>



<p>From August 12 to September 3, there was no tropical activity, marking the quietest stretch in over 50 years. Experts attribute this inactivity to several factors, including cooling waters in parts of the Atlantic and shifts in atmospheric patterns over Africa that disrupted storm formation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-ahead">What's ahead</h3>



<p>Looking ahead, forecasts are cautious but not pessimistic. Despite the quiet period, researchers still expect more activity, with potential for further storm development through September.</p>



<p>Predictions are pointing to up to 14 named storms - seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes - by the end of the 2024 season.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hurricanes-in-the-gulf-of-mexico-nbsp">Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The location of the Gulf of Mexico makes it a hotspot for hurricane development and landfall. Warm sea surface temperatures, especially in late summer and early fall, provide the energy needed for these storms to grow in intensity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When atmospheric conditions such as low wind shear and high moisture are favorable, hurricanes can rapidly intensify, becoming major threats to coastal regions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-little-time-for-preparation-nbsp">Little time for preparation&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The Gulf of Mexico's geography also means that hurricanes have a relatively short distance to travel before making landfall, often allowing little time for preparation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Communities in coastal states like Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida are frequently in the path of these storms.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-devastating-impacts">Devastating impacts</h3>



<p>Over the years, hurricanes like Katrina, Harvey, and Ida have highlighted the devastating impacts, from storm surges and flooding to wind damage and disruption of infrastructure.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Due to the Gulf's importance as an economic hub, especially for oil production and shipping, hurricanes can also have significant economic repercussions.</p>



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



<p>The region's vulnerability to hurricanes is compounded by climate change, which has led to warmer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-ocean-heating-signals-alarm-for-a-3c-warmer-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean temperatures</a> and more intense storms. </p>



<p>Predictions suggest that while the overall number of hurricanes may not increase, the number of major hurricanes (Category 3 and above) could rise. This will make the Gulf Coast an even more dangerous area during hurricane season, which typically lasts from June to November.</p>



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



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

Hurricane Francine makes landfall in Louisiana 

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

<p>Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features an incredible new image of the Crab Nebula in bright neon colors. </p>



<p>“The unusual image was produced by combining data from telescopes spanning nearly the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves to X-rays,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>. </p>



<p>Colored in red, the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) provided information about the nebula gathered in the radio regime.</p>



<p>NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope took infrared images, which appear yellow, while the NASA/ESA <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-captures-another-cosmic-masterpiece-in-galaxy-ngc-2217/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble</a> Space Telescope provided images made in optical wavelengths, colored in green.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Blue colors represent ultraviolet observations made by ESA’s XMM-Newton telescope, and the purple colors are X-ray radiation data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-about-the-crab-nebula-nbsp">About the Crab Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Crab Nebula, located in the constellation Taurus, contains the remnants of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova explosion</a> first observed on Earth in 1054 AD. This explosion was recorded by Chinese astronomers and possibly by Native American rock art.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The nebula spans about 11 light-years across and lies approximately 6,500 light-years away from Earth. It is one of the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unraveling-the-mysterious-origins-of-the-crab-nebula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studied objects</a> in the sky, largely due to its status as a bright and dynamic supernova remnant.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-crab-pulsar">The Crab Pulsar</h2>



<p>The Crab Nebula contains a pulsar at its center, which is a rapidly rotating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/slow-spinning-neutron-star-completely-defies-our-expectations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neutron star</a> that emits pulses of radiation. This pulsar, known as the Crab Pulsar, spins about 30 times per second and is a significant source of gamma rays and other forms of high-energy radiation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The nebula itself is a complex structure of filaments and synchrotron radiation. The filaments are remnants of the original star's outer layers, while the synchrotron radiation emerges from electrons spiraling in the magnetic fields produced by the pulsar.</p>



<p>“Surrounding the pulsar lies a mix of material; some of it was originally expelled from the star before it went supernova, and the rest was ejected during the explosion itself,” explained ESA.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Fast-moving winds of particles fly off from the neutron star, energizing the dust and gas around it. These different layers and intricacies of the nebula can be observed in all of the different wavelengths of light.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crab-nebula-observation-nbsp">Crab Nebula observation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Throughout its history, the Crab Nebula has provided critical insights into the processes of stellar death, the behavior of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pulsars-are-helping-astronomers-pinpoint-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pulsars</a>, and the mechanics of supernova remnants.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Its continuous observation has revealed changes over time, such as the expansion of its filaments and variations in its brightness, offering a dynamic laboratory for astrophysical studies.</p>



<p>Overall, the Crab Nebula is a highly energetic and object, providing valuable insights into the processes following a supernova explosion.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fascinating-facts-about-nebulae">Fascinating facts about nebulae</h2>



<p>Nebulae are some of the most breathtaking and intriguing structures in the universe. They are vast clouds of gas and dust, often considered stellar nurseries where new stars are born. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colors-of-nebulae">Colors of nebulae </h3>



<p>One of the most fascinating aspects of nebulae is their ability to glow in different colors. This occurs because they either reflect the light of nearby stars or emit light due to the ionization of gases within them, particularly hydrogen. </p>



<p>Some nebulae, like the famous Orion Nebula, are visible to the naked eye and serve as one of the nearest regions of active star formation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-nebulae">Planetary nebulae </h3>



<p>Stars are born in dense regions of nebulae, and when they die, some will expel their outer layers, creating stunning structures known as planetary nebulae. The colorful clouds left behind can shine brightly for thousands of years. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-size">Massive size</h3>



<p>Another amazing fact is that some nebulae are so vast that light can take years to travel from one side to the other, stretching across hundreds of light-years.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-remnants">Star remnants </h3>



<p>Perhaps even more mind-boggling is the fact that nebulae are the remnants of previous generations of stars. Supernova explosions of massive stars can create these glowing clouds of gas and dust, seeding the cosmos with the elements necessary for the formation of new stars and planets.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA, ESA, G. Dubner (IAFE, CONICET-University of Buenos Aires) et al.; A. Loll et al.; T. Temim et al.; F. Seward et al.; VLA/NRAO/AUI/NSF; Chandra/CXC; Spitzer/JPL-Caltech; XMM-Newton/ESA; and Hubble/STScI</p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

Crab Nebula: The brilliant remains of a massive star explosion

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features wildfires in the state of Mato Grosso in Brazil. These fires have been some of the most devastating in recent history.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission on September 9, 2024. “The infrared signal acquired by the mission’s multispectral instrument allows the extent of the burned areas to be seen and highlights where the fires were still active on the date of acquisition,” 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-brazil-fires-of-2024">Brazil fires of 2024</h2>



<p>2024 has shaped up to be one of Brazil's most intense fire seasons. The country is facing its worst drought since national measurements began, which has fueled a surge in wildfires across critical regions like the Amazon, the Pantanal wetlands, and the Cerrado savanna.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-amazon">The Amazon</h3>



<p>By September 2024, Brazil had already recorded nearly 160,000 fires - the highest number since 2010. In the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-threaten-environmental-gains-in-the-amazon/">Amazon</a>, the first half of the year saw the most wildfires in 20 years, with fire activity up by 40% compared to previous record years.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-deforestation-nbsp">Climate change and deforestation&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Climate change and human-driven deforestation are worsening the situation. The combination of extreme drought, slash-and-burn agriculture, and the ongoing degradation of forests has created ideal conditions for fire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/canadian-wildfires-of-2023-were-a-global-environmental-setback/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">outbreaks</a> to spread uncontrollably. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fires-in-the-pantanal-nbsp">Fires in the Pantanal&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Regions like the Pantanal have been especially hard-hit, with large portions of the biome burned earlier than usual, long before the peak of fire season.</p>



<p>The fires have significantly impacted the fragile ecosystem of the Pantanal, which is one of the world’s largest tropical wetlands.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Between August 1 and 27, over 3,800 fires were recorded in the Pantanal, marking an alarming increase compared to the previous year.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These fires have led to severe damage to local wildlife, with hundreds of animals, including jaguars and anteaters, suffering from burns. Firefighters have been mobilized, but the scale of the fires and the vast, difficult-to-access areas have made containment efforts challenging.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-irreversible-impacts-on-biodiversity">Irreversible impacts on biodiversity</h2>



<p>Furthermore, the fires have released toxic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/twenty-years-of-air-quality-improvement-erased-by-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smoke</a> that has spread across Brazil, affecting cities as far as São Paulo and Brasília. The use of satellite imagery from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission has been crucial in monitoring the active fires and the extent of burned areas. </p>



<p>Environmentalists are warning that the destruction of native vegetation and animal habitats could have long-term, irreversible effects on the region’s biodiversity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-wildfires">Climate change and wildfires</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-people-attribute-extreme-heat-and-wildfires-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a> and wildfires are deeply interconnected. As the Earth's climate warms due to the increase in greenhouse gases, many regions around the world are experiencing hotter, drier conditions. </p>



<p>These changes create the perfect environment for wildfires to ignite and spread. Warmer temperatures dry out vegetation, making forests and grasslands more flammable.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When a spark - whether from a lightning strike, a human activity, or another source - hits this dry vegetation, fires can erupt rapidly and become difficult to control.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-longer-fire-seasons">Longer fire seasons</h3>



<p>In addition, changing weather patterns have led to longer fire seasons in many parts of the world. Areas that were once too wet or cool to experience frequent fires are now seeing them more often.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For example, the Arctic and subarctic regions, including parts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfires-in-siberia-are-a-growing-global-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Siberia</a> and Alaska, have experienced unusually intense wildfires in recent years, partly due to warming temperatures and thawing permafrost.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-severity">Fire severity</h3>



<p>Climate change also affects the severity of fires. Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to more extreme weather events such as thunderstorms, which can generate lightning and ignite fires.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, prolonged droughts caused by changing rainfall patterns make forests more susceptible to large, destructive wildfires. Once a fire starts, the hot, dry conditions fuel its rapid spread, often overwhelming firefighting efforts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reinforcing-feedback-loop">Reinforcing feedback loop</h2>



<p>The aftermath of wildfires further exacerbates climate change. When forests burn, they release large amounts of carbon dioxide stored in trees and soil into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This creates a feedback loop, where more fires lead to more carbon emissions, which in turn accelerate climate change, making future fires more likely and more intense. As climate change continues to progress, wildfires are expected to become more frequent, larger, and more destructive across many parts of the world.</p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

Brazil's devastating 2024 fire season rages on

<p>Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a 9.5-mile section of Pangong Lake on the western end of the Tibetan Plateau. The image was captured on by a crew member onboard the International Space Station. </p>



<p>“In this winter scene, a sheet of cracked ice tops part of the lake,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>. “On the left side, open water appears blue. Shallow water offshore of a delta, formed by a small, winding river, appears green."</p>



<p>"Parallel lines along the coastlines of bays are visible in the high-resolution version of this image. These lines indicate raised beaches, which formed in the past when lake levels were higher.”</p>



<p>NASA pointed out that several roads cut across the landscape, including one with switchbacks that ascends a steep slope. "These roads facilitate tourist travel from both India and China.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migratory-birds-at-pangong-lake-nbsp">Migratory birds at Pangong Lake&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Pangong Lake and its surroundings are home to numerous bird species, particularly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-burn-unexpected-amounts-of-protein/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a>. Visitors can spot various waterfowl and waders that are rarely seen elsewhere.</p>



<p>“During the summer, species such as bar-headed geese and Brahminy ducks attract bird watchers to the lake, which is a major breeding ground for migrating birds,” said NASA.</p>



<p>Pangong Lake is one of the few places in India where the endangered black-necked crane is found during its breeding season. </p>



<p>Ruddy shelduck and brown-headed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gulls-are-shifting-their-habitats-to-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gulls</a> are also frequently spotted around the lake. The ruddy shelduck is known for its striking orange-brown body and creamy white head, while the brown-headed gulls are often seen flying or swimming in the lake.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pangong-lake-nbsp">Pangong Lake&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Pangong Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake situated in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperatures-are-rising-unexpectedly-fast-on-the-tibetan-plateau/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himalayas</a>, extending from India to the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. It is renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic setting, with the lake lying at an elevation of about 4,350 meters.</p>



<p>One of the most distinctive features of Pangong Lake is its changing colors, ranging from shades of blue to green and even red, influenced by the sky's reflection and the lake's mineral content.</p>



<p>This saline water lake is approximately 134 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide at its broadest point, despite its considerable size, it's relatively shallow.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The lake gained additional popularity after being featured in several Indian films, most notably the Bollywood hit "3 Idiots." Its remote location requires a permit for visitors, especially due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control between India and China. </p>



<p>Despite the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding its location, Pangong Lake remains a favorite among tourists for its unparalleled natural beauty and serene environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-altitude-lakes">High-altitude lakes</h2>



<p>High-altitude lakes are unique bodies of water found at elevations typically above 3,000 meters (about 10,000 feet) in mountain ranges like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/himalayan-glaciers-retreating-threat-is-much-worse-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himalayas</a>, Andes, and Rockies. </p>



<p>These lakes are formed either by glacial activity, where glaciers erode the earth to create depressions that fill with melted snow and rainwater, or when natural dams created by landslides or moraines trap water in valleys.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-environments">Extreme environments</h3>



<p>The conditions at high altitudes make these lakes distinct in several ways. The climate is typically colder and harsher, with significant temperature variations between day and night. </p>



<p>This extreme environment affects both the physical characteristics of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lakes</a> and the types of ecosystems they support. For example, due to lower atmospheric pressure, the boiling point of water is reduced, which can affect the type of life that can survive in these regions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-habitats">Critical habitats</h3>



<p>Biologically, high-altitude lakes often have limited biodiversity because only certain types of plants and animals can tolerate the cold temperatures and lower oxygen levels in the water. </p>



<p>Despite this, these lakes are crucial habitats for some unique species of fish, birds, and other wildlife. They also serve as important indicators of climate change, as variations in their water levels and temperatures can reflect environmental shifts.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-high-altitude-lakes">Significance of high-altitude lakes </h3>



<p>Lakes at high altitudes are often clear and pristine, due to the low density of human populations in these areas and minimal industrial activity, making them significant for ecological studies and attractive for tourism. </p>



<p>However, they are sensitive ecosystems, and increased tourist activity brings challenges like pollution and habitat disruption.</p>



<p>High-altitude lakes are not only beautiful and scientifically significant but also hold cultural importance for local communities, often considered sacred and associated with historical and spiritual significance.</p>



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



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

Pangong Lake in the Himalayas

<p>The crew of SpaceX's <a href="https://polarisprogram.com/dawn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polaris Dawn</a> mission have now made history after venturing outside of their spacecraft for the first civilian spacewalk.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Just before 7 a.m. on September 12, tech billionaire Jared Isaacman left the safety of the Crew Dragon capsule and stepped out into the deep void of space.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stunning-view-of-earth">Stunning view of Earth</h2>



<p>Floating about 435 miles above Earth, Isaacman took in the stunning view of the planet, expressing awe at how peaceful it appeared from space.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Back at home we all have a lot of work to do, but from here - looks like a perfect world,” Isaacman said.</p>



<p>And the view wasn't so bad from the inside of the Crew Dragon cabin either, where team members Scott “Kidd” Poteet and Anna Menon remained during the spacewalk.&nbsp;According to a report from CNN, the crew could see a sunrise and sunset about every 106 minutes.</p>



<p>“It is honestly one of my favorite views,” said Mennon. “The sun peaks over the horizon and the whole world just lights up - or the whole world goes to sleep. And you just get to witness this hour after hour, and it’s so beautiful. Our Earth is so beautiful.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-specially-designed-spacex-spacesuits">Specially designed SpaceX spacesuits</h2>



<p>When Isaacman returned to his seat, it was time for engineer Sarah Gillis to exit the capsule.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Gillis set out to test the flexibility and functionality of the specially designed SpaceX spacesuits worn by the crew. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-system-turns-astronauts-urine-into-safe-drinking-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spacesuits</a> are lighter and more flexible than previous models.</p>



<p>Tethered to the Crew Dragon capsule, Isaacman and Gillis each spent about 10 minutes in the vacuum of space.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-long-did-the-spacewalk-take">How long did the spacewalk take?</h2>



<p>Ultimately, the capsule spent just under two hours exposed to space with the hatch open. “There's a lot of time built in for venting (or depressurizing the spacecraft) and repressurizing,” Isaacman told CNN.&nbsp;</p>



<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="f84mCdymlI-3853487-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>A spacewalk from the International Space Station (ISS) typically lasts between six to eight hours. The duration depends on the complexity of the tasks and the astronaut's workload.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Spacewalks, officially known as extravehicular activities (EVAs), involve activities such as repairing equipment, installing new instruments, or conducting experiments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-civilian-spacewalk-nbsp">Significance of the civilian spacewalk&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spacex-sending-four-civilians-dangerous-private-space-mission-polaris-dawn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first</a> civilian spacewalk shatters the assumption that only highly trained government astronauts can perform such a complex and dangerous task.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The success of this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spacex-launches-polaris-dawn-civilian-crew-on-historic-spacewalk-mission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mission</a> demonstrates the growing role of private companies in space exploration.</p>



<p>This spacewalk was also a significant milestone for the development of equipment that may one day be used in future missions to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/curiosity-mars-rover-finds-more-compelling-evidence-for-life-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a>. </p>



<p>NASA Administrator Bill Nelson posted on X that the spacewalk represents a giant leap forward for the commercial space industry and NASA's long-term goal to build a vibrant U.S. space economy.</p>



<p>The Polaris Dawn mission, which will last a total of five days, is focused on testing new technologies and conducting experiments related to human health and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-travel-takes-a-greater-toll-on-astronauts-brains-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space travel</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polaris-dawn-is-smashing-records">Polaris Dawn is smashing records</h2>



<p>Beyond the historic spacewalk, the Polaris Dawn crew had other ambitious goals. They set out to break the height record for an Earth orbit held by NASA’s 1966 Gemini 11 mission while also setting the record for the highest any woman has ever ventured into space.</p>



<p>By Tuesday, the second day of the trip, the team smashed these records. Polaris Dawn officially flew higher than the 853-mile-high altitude achieved by astronauts Pete Conrad and Richard Gordon during the Gemini 11 mission.</p>



<p>In addition, Gillis and Menon have now traveled farther from Earth than any other women in history.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inspiration4-mission">Inspiration4 mission</h2>



<p>Isaacman, CEO of Shift4 Payments had previously funded and commanded Inspiration4, which was the first all-civilian space mission.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The mission launched in September 2021 aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. It was a multi-day orbital flight that raised awareness and over $240 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The crew of four spent three days orbiting Earth at an altitude higher than the International Space Station (ISS). The mission was a landmark moment for civilian space exploration, highlighting both the capabilities of SpaceX and the potential for non-professional astronauts to fly to space.</p>



<p>Image/ Video Credit: SpaceX</p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

Civilian spacewalk is a ‘giant leap’ in space exploration

The crew of SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission have now made...

<p>Massive ocean-warming El Niño events played a key role in driving the largest extinction event in Earth's history, which took place approximately 252 million years ago, according to new research.</p>



<p>The study, published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/science.ado2030" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a> and co-led by the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a> and China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), sheds light on the extreme environmental shifts that occurred during the Permian-Triassic period, ultimately leading to the devastation of life on land and in the oceans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unknown-cause-of-mass-extinction-nbsp">Unknown cause of mass extinction&nbsp;</h2>



<p>For years, scientists have linked the mass extinction to enormous volcanic eruptions in what is now Siberia. These eruptions released vast amounts of carbon dioxide, accelerating climate warming and triggering the collapse of ecosystems at both land and at sea.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, one mystery remained: why did life on land, including plants and typically resilient species like insects, suffer as badly as marine life?</p>



<p>“Climate warming alone cannot drive such devastating extinctions because, as we are seeing today, when the tropics become too hot, species migrate to the cooler, higher latitudes,” explained co-lead author Alexander Farnsworth, a senior research associate at Bristol.</p>



<p>“Our research has revealed that increased greenhouse gasses don’t just make the majority of the planet warmer, they also increase weather and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-birds-can-handle-climate-variability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate variability</a>, making it even more ‘wild’ and difficult for life to survive.” </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unpredictable-climate-swings-over-decades">Unpredictable climate swings over decades</h2>



<p>The study reveals that the problem during the Permian-Triassic catastrophe was not simply the extreme heat but also the unpredictable swings in climate conditions over decades.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Most life failed to adapt to these conditions, but thankfully a few things survived, without which we wouldn’t be here today. It was nearly, but not quite, the end of life on Earth,” said co-lead author Yadong Sun, a paleoclimatologist at the China University of Geosciences.</p>



<p>The temperature fluctuations during this period were uncovered by analyzing oxygen isotopes in the fossilized teeth of conodonts - tiny, extinct, swimming organisms.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evidence-of-drastic-climate-change-nbsp">Evidence of drastic climate change&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers found a significant collapse in temperature gradients, particularly in low and mid-latitude regions, revealing just how dramatically the climate changed.</p>



<p>“Essentially, it got too hot everywhere. The changes responsible for the climate patterns identified were profound because there were much more intense and prolonged El Niño events than witnessed today," said Farnsworth. "Species were simply not equipped to adapt or evolve quickly enough."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-el-nino-events-nbsp">Extreme El Niño events&nbsp;</h2>



<p>El Niño events, which are responsible for major shifts in weather patterns and temperatures today, were much more extreme and long-lasting during the Permian-Triassic period.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, recent El Niño events have caused North American heatwaves and record global temperatures, such as the June 2024 heatwave when temperatures were 15°C hotter than normal.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While today's El Niño events typically last one to two years, the Permian-Triassic crisis saw Mega-El Niño events persist for much longer, resulting in a decade of drought followed by years of flooding, making it impossible for most species to adapt.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-climate-in-a-state-of-crisis-nbsp">Earth's climate in a state of crisis&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Paul Wignall, a professor of palaeoenvironments at the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Leeds</a> and co-author of the study, emphasized that “the climate was all over the place,” making survival difficult. </p>



<p>This extreme climate variability also contributed to the frequent wildfires, as reflected in the abundance of charcoal found in rock layers from that era.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earliest-record-of-wildfire-pushed-back-by-ten-million-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wildfires</a> become very common if you have a drought-prone climate. Earth got stuck in a crisis state where the land was burning and the oceans stagnating. There was nowhere to hide,” added David Bond, a palaeontologist at the University of Hull.</p>



<p>The research highlights why the Permian-Triassic extinction was so much more devastating than other volcanic events throughout Earth's history.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deadly-feedback-loop">Deadly feedback loop</h2>



<p>The researchers found that these mega-El Niños created a feedback loop, causing the dieback of vegetation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Plants are essential for removing CO2 from the atmosphere and are the foundation of the food web. This means that their decline further exacerbated the buildup of atmospheric CO2, amplifying the warming effects of ongoing volcanism.</p>



<p>This feedback loop also helps explain a long-standing puzzle: why did the extinction on land occur tens of thousands of years before marine extinctions?&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-devastatingly-rapid-climate-change">Devastatingly rapid climate change</h2>



<p>“Whilst the oceans were initially shielded from the temperature rises, the mega-El Niños caused temperatures on land to exceed most species' <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperature-tolerance-has-co-evolved-with-sexual-selection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thermal tolerances</a> at rates so rapid that they could not adapt in time,” Sun explained. Only species capable of rapid migration had a chance to survive.</p>



<p>Mass extinctions are rare but pivotal events in Earth's history, reshaping life and evolution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The Permo-Triassic mass extinction, although devastating, would ultimately see the rise of dinosaurs becoming the dominant species thereafter, just as the Cretaceous mass extinction led to the rise of mammals, and eventually humans,” Farnsworth concluded.</p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

What was the cause of Earth's largest mass extinction?

Massive ocean-warming El Niño events played a key role in...

<p>A recent study of 10,000 nine to 11 year olds has found that each additional day of exposure to wildfire smoke and other types of extreme forms of air pollution raises the risk of mental health issues in children.</p>



<p>“We found that a greater number of days with fine particulate air pollution levels above EPA standards was associated with increased symptoms of mental illness, both during the year of exposure and up to one year later,” said lead author Harry Smolker, a research associate at <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/">CU Boulder</a> Institute of Cognitive Science.</p>



<p>This study, published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP13427"><em>Environmental Health Perspectives</em></a>, was published at the same time as smoke from Southern California wildfires covers much of the Western U.S., extending as far away as Las Vegas and some parts of Colorado.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-severe-levels-of-particulate-matter">Severe levels of particulate matter</h2>



<p>Although annual average air quality has improved in recent decades due to limits on greenhouse emissions from combustion engines, more frequent wildfires have led to a new critical problem: a larger number of days with severe levels of particulate matter in the air.</p>



<p>“We are entering a new age in which we are experiencing unprecedented levels of exposure to particulates multiple times a year,” Smolker said. “We need to understand what these extreme events are doing to young people, their brains and their behavior.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfire-smoke-and-mental-health">Wildfire smoke and mental health</h2>



<p>Although scientists have already known that air pollution can harm the lungs and the heart, they have only recently started to explore its impact on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-mental-health-children/">mental health</a>.</p>



<p>Studies have shown that PM 2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers), is small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to inflamed tissue, damaged cells, and immune responses which can trigger both acute and long-term brain changes.</p>



<p>Experts have previously found that hospital admissions for depression, psychosis, and suicide attempts increase in adults on days with a high level of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-linked-to-increased-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air pollution</a>.</p>



<p>When pregnant women are exposed to high levels of particulate matter, their children are at a higher risk of developing motor deficits and cognitive impairments later in life.&nbsp;</p>



<p>However, this new study is among the first to examine potential impacts on young people, whose brains are in a process of continuous development.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfire-smoke-exposure">Wildfire smoke exposure</h2>



<p>The scientists analyzed data from 10,000 pre-teens participating in the <a href="https://abcdstudy.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study</a> - the largest longitudinal study of brain development and children’s health conducted in the U.S.&nbsp;</p>



<p>To determine how many days in 2016 children were exposed to PM2.5 levels exceeding the level the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Protection Agency</a> (EPA) considers safe (35 micrograms per cubic meter), the researchers examined participant addresses and historical air quality data.</p>



<p>The investigation revealed that approximately one-third were exposed to at least one day above the EPA standard, with one participant exposed to unsafe levels for 173 days. The highest level of exposure was 199 micrograms per cubic meter, which is over five times the level deemed safe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mental-health-impacts-of-wildfires">Mental health impacts of wildfires</h2>



<p>The experts looked at parent questionnaires at four time points during three years. They discovered that, across both genders, each additional day of exposure to unsafe levels of PM2.5 increased the probability of an adolescent developing symptoms of depression, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fear-and-anxiety-the-mental-health-impacts-of-wildfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">anxiety</a> and other mental health issues up to one year later.</p>



<p>These findings came after taking into account a wide variety of possibly confounding factors, such as race, socioeconomic status and, most importantly, parental mental health. Even when parents did not report any symptoms of mental illness, their children frequently did.</p>



<p>“This suggests that PM2.5 exposure may have specific impacts on youth distinct from impacts on their parents,” Smolker said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-repeated-exposure-is-most-damaging-nbsp">Repeated exposure is most damaging&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Repeated high levels of PM2.5 exposure had a larger influence on risk than annual averages or maximum levels did, an alarming finding suggesting that each additional day of exposure counts.</p>



<p>For each day of unsafe exposure, risk increased up 0.1 points on average on a scale from 1 to 50.</p>



<p>“This is relatively small, but not trivial,” Smolker said, emphasizing that PM2.5 is only one of the large variety of pollutants in the “exposome,” the collection of environmental exposures which shape children’s development. “Collectively they can add up.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cognitive-impacts-of-air-pollution">Cognitive impacts of air pollution </h2>



<p>Some children may be genetically predisposed to be even more vulnerable to the cognitive impact of air pollution</p>



<p>Although PM2.5 can arise from many sources, including traffic and industry, the experts suspect that most of the exposures in the study were due to wildfire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-creates-conditions-that-favor-more-fires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">smoke</a>.</p>



<p>“Wildfire smoke events are becoming more and more common, and this study adds to a growing body of evidence that they can impact our health,” said co-author Colleen Reid, a geographer at CU Boulder.</p>



<p>“The current study concluded that the number of days of PM2.5 exposure above US EPA standards during late childhood was associated with higher concurrent levels of internalizing symptoms across females and males, even after considering effects of other temporal patterns of exposure,” wrote the study authors.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Notably, this association remained when accounting for parental psychopathology, suggesting PM2.5 exposure may have specific impacts on youth distinct from impacts on their parents.”</p>



<p>-----</p>



<p>Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.</p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.</p>



<p>-----</p>

Wildfire smoke exposure linked to mental health issues

A recent study of 10,000 nine to 11 year olds...


<div class="vdb_player vdb_591c9e3c9efa894c3c6e150b58d96b98cd4fed198a0d2a49"><script type="text/javascript" src="//delivery.vidible.tv/jsonp/pid=591c9e3c9efa894c3c6e150b/vid=592ddc87f5bcb176bb33b701/58d96b98cd4fed198a0d2a49.js"></script></div>
<p>EPA Lawn Care Tips: Weeds and pests</p>


EPA Lawn Care Tips: Weeds And Pests