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 NASA Earth Observatory features...

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

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Tunulliarfik Fjord, which is located along the southern perimeter of Greenland.



"On March 13, 2023, the Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2) on Landsat 9 acquired these natural-color images of Tunulliarfik Fjord. The images have been pan-sharpened to bring out more detail," says NASA.



"At the time, the fjord’s waters were capped with a layer of sea ice. Atop the ice there are several long, straight lines connecting the towns of Narsarsuaq and Qassiarsuk, and running the length of the fjord. Though cracks and ridges can form naturally in the ice, there are indications that people were likely involved with producing some of the tracks pictured here."



The images were reviewed by Nathan Kurtz and several other scientists in the Cryospheric Sciences Laboratory at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. The experts determined that many of the tracks were produced by vehicles like snowmobiles. 



“It seems likely that residents from the town or nearby were out on the ice, possibly hunting or traveling,“ said Kurtz.



Tunulliarfik Fjord, also known as Erik's Fjord, is historically significant because it's close to the site where Erik the Red, the Norse explorer, established the first Norse settlements in Greenland around the year 985 AD. These Norse settlements, particularly Brattahlíð, were key starting points for the Norse exploration of the region and are the reason Greenland has its name.



The fjord offers picturesque landscapes typical of Greenland, with steep cliffs, icebergs, and vast open waters. The region is rich in history, and there have been numerous archaeological digs uncovering remnants of the old Norse settlements.



Today, the nearby town of Qaqortoq is one of the primary settlements in the area, providing modern amenities while retaining a deep connection to the region's historical and cultural significance.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&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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Tunulliarfik Fjord in southern Greenland 

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the west coast of South America. The photo was captured by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station while orbiting over the Atacama Desert and Central Andes Mountains near the border of Bolivia, Peru, and Chile.



"Over the Pacific Ocean, marine stratocumulus clouds develop over cold water that rises from the ocean depths as the Peru current (Humboldt current) flows north along the west coast of South America," says NASA. "The coastline is marked by low mountains that are dissected by canyons carved by rivers that flow down the western side of the Andes."



The Atacama Desert receives less than 0.2 inches of rain per year on average. According to NASA, this dry environment provides an ideal setting to conduct Mars analog studies.



"Active and inactive volcanoes comprise the Central Andean Volcanic Arc within the Atacama Desert and Andes Mountains. One of the inactive volcanoes visible in this photo is Bolivia’s Nevado Sajama, which has a maximum elevation of 6,542 meters (21,463 feet). Nevado Sajama and other volcanoes in the region often have <a href="http://glaciers">glaciers</a> and snow cover due to their high elevation."



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&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 Atacama Desert on the west coast of South America

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features Anchorage, Alaska, during its snowiest November in at least seven decades. Last week, the city declared an emergency after back to back winter storms dumped record snowfall. 



By November 19, the National Weather Service Anchorage office had recorded 39.1 inches of snowfall for the mouth, topping the previous record of 38.8 inches from 1994.



"Much of the snow - about 20 inches (500 millimeters) - fell during a storm lasting from November 8–10. New daily snowfall records for November 8 and 9 were set during that storm. It caused power outages, treacherous road conditions, and office closures, according to news reports," said NASA.



"Another storm, which dropped nearly 9 more inches on November 13, added to the challenging conditions and prompted schools to switch to remote learning for several days."



"Outlying mountainous areas saw far more accumulation. Thompson Pass in the Chugach Mountains, about 140 miles (220 kilometers) east of Anchorage, reportedly received 72 inches (1.8 meters) of new snow on November 8."



Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, is located between the Chugach Mountains and the Cook Inlet.&nbsp;



Known for its stunning scenery, Anchorage is a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing. The city experiences long, cold winters and short, mild summers that shape much of its culture and lifestyle.



The city's history is deeply rooted in the indigenous cultures of the region, as well as its later development during the railroad construction in the early 20th century and the oil boom.&nbsp;



Despite its northern latitude, Anchorage boasts a surprising amount of biodiversity, including a variety of wildlife like moose, bears, and eagles, often seen within the city limits. The city is also known for its unique phenomena like the northern lights and the midnight sun.



The image was captured on November 19 by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Aqua satellite.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Anchorage had its snowiest November in decades 

A recent study led by <a href="https://wsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Washington State University</a> reveals that the majority of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cannabis-use-strongly-linked-to-mental-disorders-in-a-new-study/">cannabis</a> users have stopped using conventional over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription sleep aids, favoring cannabis instead.&nbsp;



The study, which involved 1,255 cannabis users, found that more than 80% of participants no longer used traditional sleep aids like melatonin and benzodiazepines.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fast-acting-and-effective-nbsp">Fast-acting and effective&nbsp;</h2>



Cannabis users had a strong preference for inhaling high-THC marijuana by smoking joints or vaporizing flower. These methods are known to be fast-acting and effective in alleviating difficulties in falling asleep.



Interestingly, the researchers also found that about half of the respondents preferred cannabis strains containing both CBD and the terpene myrcene.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-benefits-of-myrcene-nbsp">Benefits of myrcene&nbsp;</h2>



Myrcene, found in hops, basil, and other plants, is known for its potential sleep-promoting properties.&nbsp;



Study senior author Professor Carrie Cuttler noted that cannabis users seem to have independently discovered the benefits of myrcene for sleep.



“One of the findings that surprised me was the fact that people are seeking the terpene myrcene in cannabis to assist with sleep,” said Cuttler. “There is some evidence in the scientific literature to support that myrcene may help to promote sleep, so cannabis users seemed to have figured that out on their own.”



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



The research, conducted by Cuttler and psychology doctoral student Amanda Stueber, relied on self-reported data provided by Strainprint®, a Canada-based medical technology company.&nbsp;



The data revealed that cannabis users generally experienced more positive morning outcomes, such as feeling refreshed and focused, with fewer instances of headaches and nausea, compared to when they used traditional sleep aids.&nbsp;



However, cannabis users also reported feeling sleepier and experiencing mood changes, anxiety, dry mouth, and red eyes more frequently than with other sleep aids.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cannabis-use-for-sleep">Cannabis use for sleep</h2>



Cuttler pointed out that cannabis use for sleep was perceived as more advantageous than OTC medications or prescription sleep aids.&nbsp;



Unlike long-acting sedatives and alcohol, cannabis did not result in a "hangover" effect, though some lingering effects like sleepiness were reported.



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



The study further indicates that over 60% of participants achieved the recommended six to eight hours of sleep when using cannabis alone.&nbsp;



This is a stark contrast to the less than 20% who reported the same sleep duration while using a prescription or OTC sleep aid, or combining cannabis with such aids.&nbsp;



Only 33.8% of participants used cannabis edibles, and 14.1% opted for THC-containing capsules for sleep, possibly due to their delayed onset compared to inhalation methods.



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



Cuttler cautions that the study has limitations, including a strong selection bias towards individuals already using cannabis for perceived benefits.&nbsp;



“Not everyone is going to find that cannabis helps with their sleep and future research needs to employ more objective sleep measures to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of cannabis for sleep,” said Cuttler.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.37349/emed.2023.00171" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exploration of Medicine</a>.



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Most cannabis users no longer need conventional sleep aids

A recent study led by Washington State University reveals that...

The influence of the Star Wars movies on everyday language is more profound than expected, according to a recent study led by Professor Christina Sanchez-Stockhammer, a linguist at <a href="https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/index.html.en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chemnitz University of Technology</a> in Germany.&nbsp;



The research uncovers how commonly Star Wars terms like Yoda, Jedi, Padawan, lightsaber, and dark side have integrated into our daily conversations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-far-reaching-influence-nbsp">Far-reaching influence&nbsp;</h2>



Analyzing British and US texts, including books, magazines, and newspapers, the researchers identified 7,752 instances of these terms.&nbsp;



Notably, "Jedi mind trick" and "young Padawan" are used metaphorically, suggesting the influence of Star Wars extends even to those unfamiliar with its detailed lore. The study reveals that over a third of these mentions were unrelated to the movies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dark-side">The dark side</h2>



“I’ve been a Star Wars fan for a long time, but really realized how important Star Wars has become in everyday language when the US politician Nancy Pelosi accused the former Speaker of the House of Representatives of going to the ‘dark side,’" Sanchez-Stockhammer said.&nbsp;



“We’ve long had this trope of darkness as evil and light as good - but the idea of ‘crossing over’ to the dark side has gained momentum since the famous conversation between Luke Skywalker and his father.”



“This study shows Star Wars is inescapable - even if you haven’t seen it, you know about it and it’s in the language, and we can all understand what many of the words mean. It’s testament to the popularity of this fictional universe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-transcendent-terminology-nbsp">Transcendent terminology&nbsp;</h2>



The study, published in the journal <a href="https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/lingvan-2023-0029/html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Linguistics Vanguard</a>, noted that lightsaber, Jedi, and Padawan were added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2019, with Yoda included since 2016 and "the dark side" since 2021. These terms have transcended their cinematic context, with Jedi now often describing someone exceptionally skilled, like a "finance Jedi."



The research utilized the British National Corpus, the Corpus of Contemporary American English, and other language databases. It found that "the dark side," once a literal term, now strongly conveys evil and immorality, influenced by Star Wars.&nbsp;



The term is used in various contexts, such as describing a career move, with one text mentioning an employee who “crossed over to the dark side” of marketing.



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



More than half of "the dark side" references were unrelated to Star Wars, as were about 40 percent of Padawan and Jedi uses. Padawan is often humorously employed, like in a quote from the TV show The Flash, where a character says, “That’s how it’s done, young Padawan,” to acknowledge a successful date.



These findings underline the significant cultural impact of Star Wars, demonstrating how its vocabulary has become an inescapable part of our everyday language, and illustrates the saga’s lasting influence, showing how its fictional universe has seamlessly interwoven into the fabric of our daily communication.



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Star Wars terms have deeply permeated the English language

The influence of the Star Wars movies on everyday language...

Researchers have identified a significant increase in premature births linked to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-made-covid-19-patients-sicker-for-longer/">COVID-19</a>, which was effectively mitigated by the introduction of vaccines.&nbsp;



The study highlights the crucial role that vaccines have played in reversing this alarming trend.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spike-in-premature-births-nbsp">Spike in premature births&nbsp;</h2>



Based on the analysis of California birth records, the experts determined that the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a notable rise in premature births.&nbsp;



Jenna Nobles, a professor of Sociology at the <a href="https://www.wisc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wisconsin–Madison</a>, describes the increase in preterm births as substantial, comparing it to the effects of a major environmental disaster.&nbsp;



“The effect of maternal COVID infection from the onset of the pandemic into 2023 is large, increasing the risk of preterm births over that time by 1.2 percentage points,” said Professor Nobles. “To move the needle on preterm birth that much is akin to a disastrous environmental exposure, like weeks of breathing intense wildfire smoke.”



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



The surge was primarily due to the virus triggering immune and inflammatory responses, as well as deteriorating the placenta, leading to early termination of pregnancies.



During the peak months of July to November 2020, the likelihood of preterm births for mothers with COVID-19 was significantly higher than expected in California. The number of premature births jumped from an anticipated 6.9 percent to 12.3 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-covid-19-vaccines">COVID-19 vaccines</h2>



The researchers found that there was a steep decline in premature births with the advent of COVID-19 vaccines. The team analyzed extensive birth records, covering nearly 40 million people in California, to assess the pandemic's impact across various demographics.



Notably, areas with higher vaccination rates saw a more rapid decrease in preterm birth risks.&nbsp;



“In ZIP codes with the highest vaccination rates, the excess risk of preterm birth declines much faster. By summer 2021, having COVID-19 in pregnancy had no effect on preterm birth risk in these communities. It takes almost a year longer for that to happen in the ZIP codes with the lowest vaccine uptake,” said Professor Nobles.&nbsp;



“That highlights how protective COVID vaccines have been. By increasing immunity faster, early vaccination uptake likely prevented thousands of preterm births in the U.S.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-implications-nbsp">Health implications&nbsp;</h2>



Premature births are the leading cause of infant mortality. Even slight reductions in gestation can lead to significant health and developmental challenges for children, often requiring costly medical interventions.



“And we found similar increases, of about 38%, in the risk of very preterm birth — that is pre-32 weeks — when a child is likely to need neonatal intensive care, with the possibility of developmental delays and serious implications for their families as well,” said Professor Nobles.



This evidence is crucial in addressing vaccine hesitancy among pregnant individuals, alleviating concerns about vaccine safety and emphasizing the greater risk of harm from not being vaccinated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-vigilance-nbsp">Ongoing vigilance&nbsp;</h2>



Despite the significant progress made in reducing COVID-related premature birth risks in California, the researchers stress the importance of ongoing vigilance.&nbsp;



“One big contributor to vaccine hesitancy is that people are worried about safety for the fetus and about the ability to get pregnant,” noted Professor Nobles.&nbsp;



“We already know there is very little evidence of adverse effects of vaccination on fetal development. The results here are compelling evidence that what will actually harm the fetus is not getting vaccinated. That’s a message practitioners can share with concerned patients.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-nbsp">Study implications&nbsp;</h2>



According to the researchers, the results should be a compelling argument in favor of getting vaccinations and boosters, even after COVID-related premature birth risk ebbed in California.



“This is still an evolving epidemic, and the rate of vaccine boosters among pregnant people right now is very low,” said Professor Nobles.&nbsp;



“The question is, how many more iterations of viral evolution does this need to escape the immunity that we have? It’s miraculous and incredible that we're now down to essentially zero additional preterm births, but it does not indicate that it’s going to be that way in perpetuity.”



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a>.



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Premature births linked to COVID-19 were halted by vaccines

Researchers have identified a significant increase in premature births linked...

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