Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features smoke from wildfires across the southeastern region of South Korea.



NASA noted that dozens of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-have-identified-the-key-driver-of-severe-wildfires-in-canada/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildland fires</a> broke out as dry winds swept across the country.



“Blazes began igniting on March 21, prompting evacuations as well as the deployment of thousands of personnel and more than 100 helicopters to combat the fires.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smoke-from-wildfires-in-south-korea">Smoke from wildfires in South Korea </h2>



“Smoke from some of the larger fires is visible in this image, acquired by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Aqua satellite on March 22,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/154083/outbreak-of-fire-across-south-korea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



One of the plumes is streaming from a wildfire near Andong in Uiseong County, where hundreds of people were evacuated.&nbsp;



“To the south, another large smoke plume originated from rural Sancheong County,” noted NASA.



‘A large, fast-moving fire had burned over 500 hectares (2 square miles) by the evening of March 22, the Associated Press reported, and caused multiple injuries and deaths.”&nbsp;



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



The devastating wildfires in South Korea have caused significant loss of life and property. The fires have claimed at least 24 lives, including four firefighters and a helicopter pilot who crashed while assisting in the efforts. 



Approximately 27,000 residents have been forced to evacuate as the flames have burned more than 17,000 hectares of land.&nbsp;



The fires have caused extensive damage to infrastructure and cultural heritage sites. More than 200 structures, including historical structures such as a seventh century Buddhist temple, have been destroyed.



The wildfires have spread rapidly. Lee Byung-doo, a forest disaster expert at the National Institute of Forest Science, told The Guardian that the Uiseong fire spread with “unimaginable” <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-wildfires-are-gaining-even-more-speed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">speed</a>.&nbsp;



Dry, windy conditions and record-high temperatures have made the fires difficult to contain.&nbsp;



The government has elevated the crisis alert to its highest level, deploying thousands of firefighters and over 130 helicopters to combat the blazes.



The hardest hit regions have been designated as disaster areas to expedite recovery efforts.



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-fire-risk-has-grown-exponentially-in-a-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a> is significantly influencing wildfire intensity by creating conditions that make fires more frequent, larger, and more severe.&nbsp;



Rising global temperatures lead to prolonged <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-now-the-driving-force-behind-droughts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">droughts</a>, drier vegetation, and higher evaporation rates, all of which contribute to an increased likelihood of wildfires.&nbsp;



As heat waves become more extreme and prolonged, forests and grasslands become more susceptible to ignition, whether from natural sources like lightning or human activity.



Shifting precipitation patterns also play a role in wildfire dynamics. Some regions experience less frequent but more intense rainfall, leading to rapid vegetation growth that, once dried out, becomes highly flammable fuel for fires.&nbsp;



In other areas, persistent droughts reduce soil moisture and weaken plant health, making ecosystems more vulnerable to burning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-and-unpredictable-fires-nbsp">Rapid and unpredictable fires&nbsp;</h2>



The warming climate is also altering wind patterns, which can spread fires more rapidly and unpredictably. Stronger winds carry embers over long distances, igniting new fires far from the original source.&nbsp;



Additionally, changes in seasonal patterns, such as earlier snowmelt and delayed autumn rains, extend the wildfire season, allowing fires to burn longer and with greater intensity.



These intensifying wildfires have cascading effects on ecosystems and human communities. Increased fire severity can lead to soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and long-term changes in forest composition.&nbsp;



In populated areas, wildfires pose serious threats to human life, property, and air quality, with smoke from large fires contributing to respiratory health issues and worsening climate change by releasing massive amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-escalating-cycle-nbsp">An escalating cycle&nbsp;</h2>



Ultimately, climate change and wildfires form a dangerous feedback loop. As wildfires become more intense and widespread, they release more carbon, accelerating climate change and increasing future fire risks.&nbsp;



This escalating cycle highlights the urgent need for strategies to mitigate climate change and improve wildfire management through policies that address both emissions reductions and adaptive land-use practices.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Smoke and destruction: South Korea’s wildfire crisis

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features Ksudach, a remarkable volcanic complex located on Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula.



“The peninsula is one of the world’s most active volcanic arcs due to tectonic plate movement, with the Pacific Plate subducting under the Eurasian Plate,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153779/ksudachs-nested-calderas-and-craters" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explosive-eruptions-of-ksudach">Explosive eruptions of Ksudach</h2>



Ksudach is classified as a shield <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-camera-helps-scientists-forecast-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcano</a> due to the gentle slopes formed by its extensive lava flows. The combination of its shield-like structure and the prominent caldera system makes Ksudach a unique volcanic feature on the Kamchatka Peninsula.



“Several overlapping calderas and craters comprise the volcano. Calderas are large, bowl-shaped depressions created by the collapse of overlying material into an emptied subsurface magma chamber,” explained NASA.



“Craters are circular depressions created by volcanic activity, surface impacts, or explosions.”



This volcanic system has a fascinating geological history shaped by multiple explosive eruptions.&nbsp;



The most significant of these occurred around 240 AD, leaving behind a prominent caldera that now hosts scenic crater lakes, such as Lake Ksudach. 



“Lakes within the volcanic region are primarily recharged by rain and snowmelt from the winter season. This photo shows the water’s contrasting blue hues surrounded by green vegetation,” noted NASA.



“Traces of snow fill valleys within and outside the volcano’s caldera complex. These snow-covered areas highlight the drainage patterns from higher to lower elevations. Water that flows through these erosional pathways and into the caldera supports its vegetation and lakes.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-landscape-of-ksudach-nbsp">Unique landscape of Ksudach&nbsp;</h2>



Ksudach's landscape also features pyroclastic deposits, lava flows, and hydrothermal features like fumaroles.&nbsp;



The surrounding environment - which is part of the UNESCO-listed Kamchatka Volcanoes - supports a diverse ecosystem with unique wildlife. 



Despite its remote location, Ksudach has drawn the attention of geologists, offering insights into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-volcanic-eruptions-are-more-harmful-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic processes</a> and the dynamics of caldera formation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-nature-of-earth-s-geology-nbsp">Dynamic nature of Earth's geology&nbsp;</h2>



The most well-documented eruption of Ksudach occurred in March 1907. This eruption ranks as one of the largest in Kamchatka in the 20th century, with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 5.



The eruption produced a colossal ash column that soared into the stratosphere, dispersing fine particles over vast distances and contributing to global atmospheric changes.&nbsp;



The sheer force of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/icelands-volcanic-eruptions-may-continue-for-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eruption</a> unleashed pyroclastic flows - fast-moving avalanches of hot gas, ash, and volcanic debris - that raced down the volcano's slopes, obliterating everything in their path.&nbsp;



These flows, capable of reaching temperatures over 1,000°C, decimated vegetation and altered the topography of the surrounding region.&nbsp;



Simultaneously, tephra deposits blanketed the landscape in layers of thick volcanic material, smothering ecosystems and creating a barren wasteland.&nbsp;



Today, Ksudach is considered an active <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/axial-seamount-large-underwater-volcano-off-us-coast-will-likely-erupt-in-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcano</a> but remains dormant. The region is closely monitored due to its potential for renewed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activity</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pacific-ring-of-fire-nbsp">Pacific Ring of Fire&nbsp;</h2>



The Kamchatka Peninsula lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped zone encircling the Pacific Ocean where tectonic activity is highly concentrated.&nbsp;



This geologically dynamic area features numerous volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, and frequent seismic activity - making it a hotspot for both natural beauty and scientific study. 



Kamchatka is home to over 160 volcanoes, with about 30 considered active, including Klyuchevskaya Sopka, the highest and one of the most active in the region.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-activity-nbsp">Volcanic activity&nbsp;</h3>



As the Pacific Plate dives into the Earth's mantle, it melts and generates magma that feeds Kamchatka’s volcanic systems.&nbsp;



This ongoing tectonic interaction also contributes to the broader activity of the Pacific Ring of Fire, which accounts for approximately 75% of the world's active and dormant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supervolcano-italy-solfatara-crater-phlegraean-fields-shows-signs-of-waking-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanoes</a> and about 90% of its earthquakes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-significance-nbsp">Broader significance&nbsp;</h3>



Beyond its geological significance, the Kamchatka Peninsula boasts a diverse ecosystem that is home to animals such as snow sheep, brown bears, red foxes, and unique plants that are adapted to its harsh environment. 



The coastal waters surrounding the peninsula support various fish species, including abundant salmon, as well as sea lions and killer whales.



The interplay of volcanic landscapes and pristine wilderness makes it a natural laboratory for understanding Earth's dynamic processes.



The image was captured by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Ksudach: A volcano shaped by explosive forces

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a galaxy that is located about 600 million light-years away in the constellation Gemini. The Hubble Space Telescope observed a supernova in this galaxy - which appears as a bright blue dot in the photograph.



“This picture was taken roughly two months after a supernova named SN 2022aajn was discovered in this galaxy. The supernova is visible as a blue dot at the center of the image, brightening the hazy body of the galaxy,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



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



Supernovae are spectacular explosions marking the violent deaths of stars. These cosmic events are so luminous they can briefly outshine entire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-are-much-bigger-than-we-originally-believed-gas-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and radiate more energy in a few weeks than our Sun will in its entire lifetime.&nbsp;



Supernovae explosions release heavy elements like carbon, oxygen, and iron into the interstellar medium. This stellar debris becomes the building blocks for new stars, planets, and even life itself. 



Supernovae also produce neutron stars or black holes, depending on the remaining core’s mass after the explosion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-supernovae-nbsp">Types of supernovae&nbsp;</h2>



There are two main types of supernovae, classified based on their causes. Type I supernovae occur when a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-dwarf-stars-may-be-billions-of-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarf</a> in a binary system accretes material from its companion star, eventually reaching a critical mass and triggering a runaway nuclear reaction.&nbsp;



Type II supernovae happen when a massive star, at least eight times the mass of the Sun, exhausts its nuclear fuel. Unable to support its own gravity, the core collapses, resulting in a massive explosion that ejects the outer layers into space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-distance-to-faraway-galaxies-nbsp">Measuring the distance to faraway galaxies&nbsp;</h2>



According to ESA, SN 2022aajn is a Type Ia supernova. “Supernovae of this type help astronomers measure the distance to faraway galaxies. This is possible because Type Ia supernovae are thought to be of the same intrinsic luminosity - no matter how bright they seem from Earth, they put out the same amount of light as other Type Ia supernovae.”



This means that researchers can calculate the distance to the supernova and its host galaxy by comparing the observed brightness to the expected brightness.



“This seemingly simple measurement method is complicated by cosmic dust. The farther away a supernova is, the fainter and redder it will appear - but intergalactic dust can make a supernova appear fainter and redder as well,” explained ESA.



“To understand this complication, researchers will use Hubble to survey a total of 100 Type Ia supernovae in seven wavelength bands from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared.”



By analyzing the brightness of supernovae across multiple wavelengths, researchers can distinguish between the influences of dust and distance, refining our measurements of galaxies that exist billions of light-years away.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-many-galaxies-exist">How many galaxies exist?</h2>



The number of galaxies in the universe is estimated to be around two trillion, based on observations from Hubble and more recent data from the James Webb Space Telescope. 



This estimate is derived from deep-field surveys that reveal countless galaxies, each containing billions to trillions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/interstellar-tunnel-found-that-connects-our-solar-system-to-other-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>.&nbsp;



However, because our observations are limited by current technology and the vastness of the cosmos, the actual number could be even higher.&nbsp;



Many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-galaxies-formed-from-the-earliest-elements-in-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> remain unseen due to their extreme distances, faintness, or obstruction by cosmic dust.



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



Gemini is one of the 12 zodiac constellations and is best known for representing the mythological twins Castor and Pollux. It is located in the northern celestial hemisphere and is most visible during winter in the Northern Hemisphere.&nbsp;



The constellation is bordered by Taurus to the west, Cancer to the east, and Orion to the south.



The two brightest stars in Gemini - Castor and Pollux - represent the heads of the twins and are easy to spot. Pollux, the brighter of the two, is an orange giant star about 34 light-years from Earth, while Castor is a more complex system made up of six stars. 



The constellation also contains several notable deep-sky objects, including the open cluster Messier 35, which is a beautiful collection of young stars located near Gemini’s western border.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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Hubble spots a supernova in the constellation Gemini 

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a satellite view of retreating glaciers in Alaska, where meltwater is rapidly expanding glacial lakes. 



“In parts of Alaska, water is replacing ice. As glaciers thin and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellite-images-reveal-hidden-retreat-of-arctic-glaciers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">retreat</a>, meltwater collects at their fronts, forming proglacial lakes. According to an analysis by Mauri Pelto, a glaciologist at Nichols College, three such lakes in the southeastern part of the state have grown rapidly in recent decades,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-retreating-glaciers-in-alaska">Retreating glaciers in Alaska</h2>



“A trio of glaciers - Yakutat, Alsek, and Grand Plateau - descend from inland mountains and flow onto the coastal plain southeast of Yakutat borough, ending at Harlequin Lake, Alsek Lake, and Grand Plateau Lake,” noted NASA.&nbsp;



The retreat of the glaciers, as well as the growth of the lakes, are visible in the image. When compared to an <a href="https://eoimages.gsfc.nasa.gov/images/imagerecords/153000/153638/fastestlake_tm5_19840705_lrg.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">image</a> captured by Landsat 5 in the summer of 1984, the changes are even more evident.



NASA elaborated on the extent of the glacier retreat from 1984 to 2024. “During this period, Yakutat Glacier’s main arm retreated 4.3 miles, while Alsek Glacier’s northern and southern arms retreated 3.3 miles and 3.4 miles, respectively. Grand Plateau Glacier’s northern arm lost the most, retreating 4.8 miles.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacial-lakes-doubled-in-size-nbsp">Glacial lakes doubled in size&nbsp;</h2>



“Collectively, the three lakes more than doubled in size over 40 years. In 1984, they covered about 50 square miles. By 2024, they spanned 90 square miles. That’s an area larger than Seneca Lake (67 square miles) - one of the Finger Lakes in New York, which also have a glacial origin,” said NASA.



Pelto noted that the lakes forming in this region are immense - starting at the mountains and spreading toward the coast - making this a new lake district that is unique in our nation.



“Millions of other lakes, named and unnamed, dot the state. But this system has grown fast, so much so that Pelto thinks it might represent the fastest lake growth in the United States this century,” said NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-glacier-retreat-nbsp">Understanding glacier retreat&nbsp;</h2>



Glacier retreat is a significant phenomenon driven primarily by global warming the results from rising greenhouse gas <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a>.&nbsp;



As temperatures rise, glaciers lose more ice during the summer melt than they can regain in winter snowfall, causing them to shrink over time. This process has profound implications for ecosystems, water resources, and global sea levels.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacial-lakes">Glacial lakes</h3>



When glaciers retreat, they often leave behind depressions in the landscape that can fill with meltwater, forming glacial lakes. These lakes are typically bounded by natural dams made of rock, ice, or moraine - accumulations of debris left behind by the glacier's movement.&nbsp;



Over the past century, the number and size of glacial lakes worldwide have increased significantly due to the accelerating pace of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-glaciers-offer-a-glimpse-of-our-harsh-climate-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacier</a> retreat. This trend is especially evident in high-altitude regions like the Himalayas, the Andes, and the Alps, as well as in polar areas such as Alaska and Greenland.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-positive-and-negative-impacts-nbsp">Positive and negative impacts&nbsp;</h3>



Glacial lakes can have both positive and negative impacts. They provide critical water sources for downstream communities, support biodiversity, and sometimes offer opportunities for hydropower development or tourism.&nbsp;



However, they also pose serious risks. The dams holding back these lakes can fail suddenly, causing glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). These catastrophic events can devastate downstream areas, destroying infrastructure, agricultural lands, and habitats while endangering human lives.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-changes">Monitoring changes</h3>



Understanding glacier retreat and glacial lake formation requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining climate science, hydrology, and geology.&nbsp;



Monitoring these changes is essential to mitigate associated risks and adapt to the evolving landscape shaped by a <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fperu-has-lost-over-half-of-its-glaciers-in-six-decades%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming planet</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glacier-retreat-worldwide">Glacier retreat worldwide</h2>



Studies and satellite observations show that most glaciers in almost all regions of the world are shrinking.&nbsp;



Melting glaciers contribute significantly to global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/emergency-meeting-reveals-the-alarming-extent-of-antarcticas-ice-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rise</a>, which threatens coastal communities and ecosystems.



The retreat of glaciers is considered one of the clearest indicators of climate change.&nbsp;Some glaciers are retreating at unprecedented rates, indicating accelerating climate impacts.



The image was captured on August 4, 2024 by the Landsat 8 satellite.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Retreating glaciers and expanding meltwater lakes in Alaska

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



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



The same cluster was featured in the 33rd anniversary image of the Hubble Space Telescope in April 2023. 



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



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-s-view-of-ngc-1333">Webb’s view of NGC 1333</h2>



ESA noted that the center of the image presents a deep peek into the heart of the NGC 1333 cloud.&nbsp;



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



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stars-in-the-sun-s-birth-cluster">Stars in the Sun's birth cluster</h2>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-stages-of-planet-formation">Early stages of planet formation </h2>



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



These stars are still in the process of gathering material and developing protoplanetary disks. 



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Stellar nursery shines in the Perseus cloud

Mejannes-le-clap,,Gard,,France,07,30,2013,,Incredible,Colors,Of,The

Deep underground, where sunlight never reaches, ancient minerals lie hidden within the rock - until illuminated by a black light. In that moment, once-drab walls blaze with color: pinks, blues, and greens glow from within.&nbsp;



For scientists studying how life survives in extreme environments, these fluorescent clues may offer critical insights - not only into Earth’s history, but also into the potential for life on other worlds, like Jupiter’s moon Europa.



At the Spring 2025 meeting of the American Chemical Society (<a href="https://www.acs.org/meetings/acs-meetings/spring.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS</a>), researchers led by astrobiologist Joshua Sebree from the <a href="https://uni.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Northern Iowa</a> are presenting new findings about the chemical makeup of cave systems and what it can teach us about life in places humans have yet to reach.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mineral-fingerprints-and-ancient-clues">Mineral fingerprints and ancient clues</h2>



Sebree and his students have explored caves across the U.S., including South Dakota’s Wind Cave and Minnesota’s Mystery Cave, mapping their twisting passages and hidden formations.&nbsp;



As they worked, the researchers also scanned the cave walls with ultraviolet light, uncovering brilliant displays of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cats-glow-in-the-dark-fluorescence-found-to-be-very-common-in-mammals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fluorescence</a> created by mineral impurities embedded in the rock over thousands of years.&nbsp;



These luminous patches often mark where water once flowed or pooled, leaving behind chemical traces. What looks like an ordinary stone wall under normal light is transformed under UV.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Fluorescent-caves_wind-cave_normal_UV-light_credit-Joshua-Sebree_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Fluorescent-caves_wind-cave_normal_UV-light_credit-Joshua-Sebree_1s.webp" alt="A section of South Dakota’s Wind Cave seen under normal white light (left image) transforms into something otherworldly when placed under UV light (right image). Credit: Joshua Sebree" class="wp-image-1963441"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A section of South Dakota’s Wind Cave seen under normal white light (left image) transforms into something otherworldly when placed under UV light (right image). Click to enlarge. Credit: Joshua Sebree</figcaption></figure>



“The walls just looked completely blank and devoid of anything interesting,” Sebree said. 



"But then, when we turned on the black lights, what used to be just a plain brown wall turned into a bright layer of fluorescent mineral that indicated where a pool of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ancient-ocean-water-shaped-early-life-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> used to be 10,000 or 20,000 years ago.”



The glowing hues provide more than visual drama. They reveal distinct chemical compositions that help scientists understand how the cave formed and how it may have supported life.&nbsp;



These “chemistry fossils” are collected not by breaking off rock samples, but through a non-destructive method: using a handheld spectrometer, the team gathers fluorescence spectra, essentially chemical fingerprints of the rock’s surface, right in the field.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-a-new-type-of-cave-map">Building a new type of cave map</h2>



Undergraduate student Anna Van Der Weide is building a public database of these spectral fingerprints, adding a new layer of chemical information to traditional cave maps. 



This work could help paint a clearer picture of a cave’s formation and environmental history.



Other students are contributing to the broader project as well. Jacqueline Heggen is studying the caves as models for astrobiological research on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extremophiles-and-the-quest-for-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extremophiles</a> - organisms that live in extreme conditions.&nbsp;



Jordan Holloway is developing an autonomous spectrometer that could be used in future missions to planets or moons. 



Celia Langemo is researching biometric monitoring systems to help ensure the safety of scientists exploring harsh underground environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glowing-minerals-and-cave-development-nbsp">Glowing minerals and cave development&nbsp;</h2>



The work is far from easy. At just 48 degrees Fahrenheit (9°C), caves like Minnesota’s Mystery Cave require extra planning to keep instruments functioning. 



For instance, the experts had to bury the spectrometer’s batteries in hand-warmers to keep them from dying. 



Reaching areas of interest sometimes meant crawling through tunnels less than a foot wide for long distances or standing in freezing water while conducting measurements.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Fluorescent-caves_wind-cave_UV-light_credit-Joshua-Sebree_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Fluorescent-caves_wind-cave_UV-light_credit-Joshua-Sebree_1s.webp" alt="One of Sebree’s students, Jacqueline Heggen, showing off glowing formations within Wind Cave. Credit: Joshua Sebree" class="wp-image-1963443"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">One of Sebree’s students, Jacqueline Heggen, showing off glowing formations within Wind Cave. Click to enlarge. Credit: Joshua Sebree</figcaption></figure>



Despite these physical obstacles, the fieldwork has already revealed major insights. In Wind Cave, the team found that manganese-rich water had carved out the cave and created zebra-striped calcites - formations that glow pink under black light.&nbsp;



These formations appear to have contributed to cave expansion by fracturing weaker rock, suggesting a previously overlooked mechanism of cave development.



“It’s a very different cave forming mechanism than has previously been looked at before,” Sebree explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-glimpse-into-other-worlds">A glimpse into other worlds</h2>



The bigger picture, though, reaches far beyond Earth. Because the chemistry in caves like Wind Cave may resemble conditions on icy moons such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-life-on-europa-co2-discovery-by-webb-increases-the-odds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Europa</a>, Sebree’s research helps scientists imagine how life could survive in dark, isolated, mineral-rich environments far from the sun.



Looking ahead, Sebree hopes to confirm the accuracy of fluorescence mapping by comparing it to traditional, more invasive techniques. 



He also wants to explore why some cave waters glow under UV light, which might help explain how life from Earth’s surface could influence ecosystems far underground.



Ultimately, Sebree’s work is driven by a larger question: if life can thrive in the deepest, coldest corners of our planet, what’s stopping it from doing the same in the outer reaches of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spiral-structure-discovered-at-the-edge-of-our-solar-system-oort-cloud/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a>?



“It was really cool to see how you can apply science out in the field and to learn how you function in those environments,” Van Der Weide said. 



That blend of fieldwork, curiosity, and science may one day help uncover life in places no human has ever gone.



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Fluorescent caves on Earth can teach us about extraterrestrial life

Deep underground, where sunlight never reaches, ancient minerals lie hidden...

In the fight against obesity and related health issues, attention is often focused on the nutritional content of meals or total calorie intake. Yet new research in Japan suggests that how we eat - particularly the pace at which we chew and swallow - could play a significant role in regulating food consumption and potentially combating obesity.&nbsp;



Led by professor Katsumi Iizuka from <a href="https://www.fujita-hu.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fujita Health University</a>, the team’s work sheds light on straightforward methods for slowing meal duration that might help people consume less food overall.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rethinking-eating-habits">Rethinking eating habits</h2>



Though numerous studies have underscored the link between slower eating and reduced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breaking-free-from-ultra-processed-foods-the-surprising-health-benefits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food intake</a>, Japan-specific evidence on how best to slow eating has been limited.&nbsp;



“While nutritional science is often concerned with food metabolism and absorption and dietary content, there’s limited evidence in Japan on dietary behavior that connects the two,” Iizuka said.



The researchers set out to explore factors influencing meal duration and eating behavior, from sex differences to chewing patterns and the potential impact of external rhythmic stimuli - namely, metronome beats or music that might prompt people to chew more slowly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-closer-look-at-meal-duration">A closer look at meal duration</h2>



The study involved 33 healthy adults between the ages of 20 and 65 who were asked to eat slices of pizza under a range of experimental scenarios.&nbsp;



The scientists recorded each participant’s meal duration, their number of chews and bites, and the speed at which they chewed. In some trials, participants listened to a slow metronome of about 40 beats per minute, while in others, they ate in silence.



When analyzing these data, several notable results emerged. First, the researchers found that there were sizable differences between men and women in how quickly they finished eating. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eating-habits-across-genders">Eating habits across genders </h2>



Women generally took longer on average to finish a slice (about 87 seconds) than men (about 63 seconds), and they tended to chew and bite more often (107 chews and 4.5 bites, compared with men’s 80 chews and 2.1 bites). However, both sexes had similar “chewing tempos” - that is, they chewed at roughly the same rate.



Once the researchers accounted for these sex-related differences, they observed that how long people took to finish a slice of pizza strongly correlated with how many chews and bites they performed. By contrast, body mass index (BMI) and chewing tempo had no direct tie to total meal duration.



Perhaps most striking, the team found that having participants listen to a slow metronome beat significantly increased their mealtime. This means that rhythmic cues could effectively encourage people to consume food more slowly.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-switching-up-eating-habits">Switching up eating habits</h2>



From these results, the research team proposes several strategies for extending mealtime.&nbsp;



First, increasing the number of chews per bite can lengthen the period spent eating. Next, taking smaller bites can raise the overall count of bites and therefore slow down consumption.&nbsp;



Finally, introducing slow, rhythmic cues in the environment - like calm music or deliberate metronome beats - may further encourage diners to reduce their eating pace.



“These are easy, money-saving measures that can be started right away to help prevent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-is-obesity-difficult-to-reverse-it-starts-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">obesity</a>,” said Iizuka, emphasizing that these tactics do not require special technology or major expense.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-combating-obesity">Implications for combating obesity</h2>



Given the worrying rise in obesity worldwide, these findings may prove valuable for policymakers and public health practitioners.&nbsp;



The study demonstrates that practical, no-cost interventions focusing on how we eat might complement more conventional approaches, such as dieting and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evening-exercise-can-reduce-major-health-risks-of-obesity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exercise</a>. 



“Incorporating the proposed eating behavior into school lunches and other programs can lead to the prevention of future diseases related to obesity,” Iizuka noted.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-combining-exercise-and-slower-eating">Combining exercise and slower eating</h2>



While this particular experiment relied on pizza as the test food, future research will likely extend to different cuisines and contexts to see if the principle holds. 



If so, meal duration could join the ranks of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-almonds-can-help-you-cut-calories/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">calorie</a> control and balanced diets as a key point of emphasis in anti-obesity campaigns.



Additionally, the findings suggest a certain synergy between higher physical activity and slower eating as well.&nbsp;



Though the study itself did not measure physical activity, prior research indicates that combining mindful eating habits with regular exercise can be more effective than tackling these issues separately.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-directions">Future research directions</h2>



No single study can resolve all questions, and the researchers acknowledge that further investigation is needed. More work could explore the effect of different food textures on chew rates, how cultural eating norms shape mealtime pacing, and whether long-term interventions focusing on slow eating can achieve lasting behavioral change.



Though the study did not find that BMI directly affects meal duration, it provides significant evidence that how people eat might alter how much they ultimately consume.&nbsp;



By urging people to chew more thoroughly, take smaller bites, or dine with calm, slow rhythms in the background, we may be able to gently nudge better habits without relying on dramatic diets or expensive gadgets.



Ultimately, this research delivers promising clues that our daily routines - such as the bite-by-bite process of eating - can be leveraged in combating obesity. 



By helping people develop an increased awareness of their meal speed and offering simple environmental tweaks, we can hope to reduce unnecessary caloric intake and pave the way for a healthier population.



The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu17060962" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nutrients</a>.



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Simple eating habit may be key to weight management

In the fight against obesity and related health issues, attention...

Phosphorus, alongside nitrogen and carbon, is an essential element for life on Earth - integral to molecules like DNA, RNA, and ATP.&nbsp;



Yet despite its importance, phosphorus is relatively scarce at Earth’s surface, posing a long-standing question: how did living organisms first acquire enough phosphorus to jumpstart the biochemical processes necessary for life?



A new study, led by Craig Walton from <a href="https://ethz.ch/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ETH Zurich</a>, offers a novel explanation. His work points to large, landlocked “soda lakes” as potential reservoirs that could have maintained sufficiently high concentrations of phosphorus to support prebiotic chemistry and eventually nurture early life. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-phosphorus-is-essential-yet-scarce">Why phosphorus is essential - yet scarce</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/phantom-nutrient-the-secret-force-that-fuels-plant-growth/">Phosphorus</a> shapes all life on Earth: it helps form the backbone of DNA and RNA, carries energy in cells through ATP, and is a key ingredient in many other biochemical reactions. However, unlike nitrogen and carbon, phosphorus is in limited supply.&nbsp;



Experiments in labs have shown that prebiotic chemistry - chemical reactions that likely preceded life - requires phosphorus levels roughly 10,000 times higher than what typically exists in natural waters.



This shortfall raises the question: how did Earth’s early environment ever manage to concentrate enough phosphorus for the formation of life?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soda-lakes-as-phosphorus-hotspots">Soda lakes as phosphorus hotspots</h2>



Walton posits that large soda <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/life-on-earth-may-have-first-sparked-in-shallow-soda-lakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lakes</a> - those without natural runoff - could have built and sustained extremely high concentrations of phosphorus.&nbsp;



Because water in these lakes escapes primarily via evaporation, phosphorus remains in the lake instead of being washed away by streams or rivers. Over time, the concentration of phosphorus can climb dramatically.



The concept of soda lakes as potential cradles of life is not entirely new; researchers at the <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a> proposed something similar in 2020.&nbsp;



But Walton’s research adds detail to this hypothesis, suggesting that only relatively large soda lakes would have had the right conditions - namely, a steady and abundant supply of phosphorus via inflowing water, coupled with minimal outflow - to maintain levels high enough for both prebiotic chemistry and newly emerged life forms.



Smaller lakes, by contrast, might experience sudden drops in phosphorus as soon as life starts to consume it, thereby stifling chemical reactions and halting further biological development.&nbsp;



Large soda lakes, however, can absorb that consumption thanks to ongoing inputs from tributaries or other sources, keeping phosphorus concentrations robust over longer timeframes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-life-s-beginnings">Implications for life’s beginnings</h2>



One real-world illustration of a suitable soda lake is Mono Lake in California. About twice the size of Lake Zurich, Mono Lake consistently supports diverse life due to its high phosphorus concentration.&nbsp;



Walton’s findings suggest that a lake of comparable size on the early Earth, fed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-disrupting-the-seasonal-flow-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a> and left to evaporate, could have sustained similar or even higher phosphorus levels, driving the chemical processes integral to the formation of life.



Walton’s theory indicates that the origin of life might have been more likely in large bodies of water than in the “small warm pond” that Charles Darwin once imagined.&nbsp;



In the unique environment of a large soda lake, not only would the necessary phosphorus be plentiful, but geological and ecological dynamics would also remain favorable over extended periods. This would give emergent life enough breathing room to evolve without quickly depleting its essential resources.



“This new theory helps to solve another piece of the puzzle of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-clues-about-the-origins-of-life-on-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">origin of life</a> on Earth,” Walton said. Because soda lakes can trap water, minerals, and key elements like phosphorus more effectively than smaller ponds, they may have fostered the right balance of chemical conditions and resources that early life-forms needed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soda-lakes-and-prebiotic-chemistry">Soda lakes and prebiotic chemistry </h2>



While many questions remain about how life first formed on Earth, Walton’s findings offer a compelling argument that large soda lakes, with their high phosphorus retention, could have provided an ideal setting for prebiotic chemistry.&nbsp;



If further research reinforces these conclusions, the longstanding puzzle about how Earth’s earliest life managed to obtain enough phosphorus for complex biochemical processes may take another step toward resolution.



By tying the early chemical environment to known geological settings, these insights open fresh avenues for investigating life’s origins - both on our planet and, potentially, on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-worlds-unraveling-the-mysteries-of-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alien worlds</a> that might host similar lake conditions.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adq0027" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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How soda lakes may have sparked life on Earth

Phosphorus, alongside nitrogen and carbon, is an essential element for...

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Today’s Video of the Day comes thanks to <a href="http://www.esa.int/">ESA’s</a> Earth from Space series and features a look at the Gulf of Finland.
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By <a href="mailto:rarnold@earth.com">Rory Arnold</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff">Earth.com</a>
Source: <a href="http://www.esa.int/spaceinvideos/Videos/2017/06/Earth_from_Space_Gulf_of_Finland">ESA</a>

The Gulf of Finland from space

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