<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the Corbassière glacier, a high-altitude glacier in Switzerland. The glacier originates on the northern slope of the Grand Combin, which is one of the highest peaks in the Pennine Alps.</p>



<p>Collectively, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alpine-glaciers-will-lose-half-of-their-volume-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alpine glaciers</a> of Switzerland have lost more than half of their volume since the 1930s.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-archives-of-past-climate">Natural archives of past climate </h2>



<p>"Glaciers are natural archives of past climate. In their frozen layers lies evidence of Earth’s changing temperature and atmospheric composition. But as the climate warms, some of the longest records of our changing planet are melting away," said NASA.</p>



<p>"In just over two decades, Corbassière has shrunk in area and surface mass. The glacier was darker in 2023 due to lack of snow, and the glacier’s tongue had retreated."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-cores-from-the-corbassiere-glacier">Ice cores from the Corbassière glacier</h2>



<p>To reconstruct past concentrations of atmospheric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-aerosols-impact-the-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aerosols</a>, a team of scientists analyzed ice cores that were collected from the Corbassière glacier in 2018 and 2020. </p>



<p>Aerosols are tiny airborne particles that are deposited in the ice. "Such information from glaciers around the world can provide clues about past environmental conditions thousands of years ago," noted NASA.</p>



<p>"Ice cores contain ammonium, nitrate, and sulfate ions - signatures of aerosols lacing the snow that’s deposited on glaciers year after year. Ion concentrations are lower in winter than in summer because less polluted air can rise from the valley when the air is cold."</p>



<p>When the researchers analyzed the ice core from 2018, they found seasonal fluctuations in the amount of ion deposits - which is what they expected to find.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"But when we went to core the glacier in 2020, we noticed melting on the surface right away,” said Margit Schwikowski, an environmental chemist at <a href="https://www.psi.ch/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paul Scherrer Institute</a> in Switzerland.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-surface-melting-on-corbassiere-glacier">Rapid surface melting on Corbassière glacier</h2>



<p>The experts determined that melting on the glacier's surface likely penetrated the glacier layers below and carried away the aerosol ions. "This melting rendered the core unusable in the team’s research, and other attempts to core the glacier had the same result. The valuable information stored in the ice was destroyed," explained NASA.</p>



<p>Schwikowski has joined a team of other experts in an effort to preserve cores from the last remaining glaciers. Led by the <a href="https://www.ice-memory.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ice Memory Foundation</a>, the goal of the project is to obtain ice cores from 20 endangered glaciers around the world in 20 years and collect them in a global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-ice-has-a-history-of-rapid-and-unexpected-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate archive</a>.</p>



<p>“Glaciers are retreating worldwide, and we may find similar issues at other sites,” said Schwikowski. She added that even at the highest altitudes in the Alps, "glaciers are on the verge of becoming unsuitable as natural paleo-archives."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about the Corbassière Glacier</h2>



<p>The Corbassière Glacier is a captivating natural feature located in the Swiss Alps, part of the canton of Valais. This glacier stretches over approximately 9 kilometers, making it one of the significant glaciers in the region. It originates from the Grand Combin, an imposing mountain massif that reaches heights of over 4,300 meters, contributing greatly to the glacier's nourishment through snow and ice accumulation.</p>



<p>A distinct feature of the Corbassière Glacier is its accessibility and the dramatic scenery it offers, which attracts many hikers and nature enthusiasts. One of the most notable attractions near the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doomsday-glacier-seems-to-have-lost-its-ability-to-recover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glacier</a> is the Corbassière footbridge, a 210-meter long suspension bridge that provides stunning views of the glacier and the surrounding peaks. </p>



<p>This bridge not only enhances the experience for visitors but also serves as a crucial observation point for scientists studying glacier dynamics and the effects of climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Swiss Alps&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The Swiss <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-cover-in-the-alps-could-soon-be-cut-in-half/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alps</a> are a majestic and expansive mountain range that stretches across the southern part of Switzerland, forming a part of the greater Alpine region that spreads across several countries in Europe. </p>



<p>Renowned for their stunning beauty and formidable peaks, the Swiss Alps are not just a geographical landmark but also a cultural symbol of Switzerland, epitomizing its identity as a nation of scenic landscapes and outdoor adventure.</p>



<p>The region is famous for its dramatic scenery, including towering mountains, pristine lakes, and picturesque valleys. Among these peaks are some of the highest in Europe, such as the Dufourspitze, part of the Monte Rosa massif, which is the highest point in Switzerland. </p>



<p>The Matterhorn, perhaps the most iconic of all Swiss mountains, is celebrated for its unique, pyramid-like shape and is a magnet for climbers and tourists alike.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory</p>



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Corbassière glacier: Earth's climate archives are melting away

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

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features dust streaming from Lago Colhué Huapi, a shallow endorheic lake located in the Chubut Province in southern Argentina.</p>



<p>"Strong northwesterly winds often race down the eastern side of the Andes Mountains and whip across the central Patagonian Desert. In the process, they sometimes lift dust from Argentina’s drying Lago Colhué Huapi, fueling intense dust storms," said NASA.</p>



<p>"Lago Colhué Huapi is a particularly rich source of dust because the shallow lake regularly grows and shrinks with variations in the flow of the Senguer River and the pace of evaporation. When lake water levels are low, as they were when MODIS captured this image, fine-grained, lightweight particles are easily transported by the wind."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-activity-from-lago-colhue-huapi">Dust activity from Lago Colhué Huapi</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-storms-in-the-gulf-of-alaska-help-shape-the-global-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dust storms</a> in this region are most common during the summer months from December to March. There are 15 to 30 dust storms in a typical year. </p>



<p>"Dust storms are frequent and persistent enough in this area that they have exposed an open-air archaeological site along the lake’s edge," said NASA.</p>



<p>"The Puesto Roberts 1 site, located in an old floodplain on the southeast side of Lago Colhué Huapi, was first identified in 2019 when archaeologists noticed that winds had exposed a five-centimeter layer of sandy loam soil littered with stone tools and the bones of a wild species of llama called guanaco."</p>



<p>"Archaeologists identified 427 artifacts at the site - including stone cutting blades, milling tools, scrapers, and egg-shaped bola stones used for hunting - spread across 15 square meters, according to a 2022 study led by Heidi Hammond, an archaeologist at the National University of the Patagonia San Juan Bosco."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-lago-colhue-huapi">More about Lago Colhué Huapi</h2>



<p>This lake is an interesting geographical feature primarily because it acts as a seasonal sink for the Senguerr River, which in turn gathers waters from various smaller streams in the region.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Due to its shallow nature, the size of Lago Colhué Huapi can vary significantly with the seasons and the amount of water it receives from its sources. During times of drought or reduced rainfall, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-pushing-lakes-to-their-boiling-point/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> can shrink considerably, affecting the local ecosystem and the wildlife that depends on it.</p>



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



<p>The lake's surroundings are characterized by a semi-arid climate, which influences the type of vegetation and animal life that can thrive in the area. Despite the harsh conditions, the region around Lago Colhué Huapi supports a variety of bird species, making it a site of interest for birdwatchers and naturalists.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-challenges">Environmental challenges </h3>



<p>In recent years, Lago Colhué Huapi has faced environmental challenges, including the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, which has led to lower water levels and increased salinity. These changes pose threats to the lake's ecological balance and the species that inhabit its waters and shores. The situation at Lago Colhué Huapi serves as a reminder of the broader environmental issues facing water bodies in arid and semi-arid regions around the world.</p>



<p>The image was captured on March 29, 2024 by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Aqua satellite.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory</p>



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

Dust streams from Lago Colhué Huapi in Argentina 

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> features the star-forming region NGC 604, which is located 2.73 million light-years away from Earth in the Triangulum Galaxy (M33). The image was captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.</p>



<p>By studying regions like NGC 604, astronomers can gain insights into the complex interactions between stars and the interstellar medium, as well as the conditions that lead to the birth of stars. This, in turn, helps in understanding the evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and the universe as a whole.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-stars-of-ngc-604">Massive stars of NGC 604</h2>



<p>"Sheltered among NGC 604’s dusty envelopes of gas are more than 200 of the hottest, most massive kinds of stars, all in the early stages of their lives," said ESA.</p>



<p>"These types of stars are known as B-types and O-types, the latter of which can be more than 100 times the mass of our own Sun. It’s quite rare to find this concentration of them in the nearby Universe. In fact, there’s no similar region within our own Milky Way galaxy."</p>



<p>"This concentration of massive stars, combined with its relatively close distance, means NGC 604 gives astronomers an opportunity to study these objects at a fascinating time early in their life."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gigantic-region-of-ionized-hydrogen">Gigantic region of ionized hydrogen</h2>



<p>NGC 604 is one of the largest known regions of ionized hydrogen, also known as an H II region. This nebula is significantly larger than the Orion Nebula, which is one of the most well-known H II regions in our own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-amount-of-dark-matter-may-be-missing-from-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way galaxy</a>. </p>



<p>NGC 604 spans about 1,500 light-years across, making it one of the largest H II regions in the Local Group of galaxies, which includes the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and about 54 other smaller galaxies. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-604-starburst-phenomenon">NGC 604 starburst phenomenon </h2>



<p>Within NGC 604, there are hundreds of young, hot, massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>. These stars have ionized the surrounding gas, causing it to glow and creating the nebula. The region is a prime example of a starburst phenomenon, where stars form at a much higher rate than in typical galactic conditions.</p>



<p>“The bright orange streaks in this image signify the presence of carbon-based molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs," explained ESA.</p>



<p>"As you travel further from the immediate cavities of dust where the star is forming, the deeper red signifies molecular hydrogen. This cooler gas is a prime environment for star formation. Ionized hydrogen from ultraviolet radiation appears as a white and blue ghostly glow."</p>



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



<p>Star formation is crucial for the evolution of galaxies and the synthesis of heavy elements. Elements heavier than helium are created in the cores of stars and spread throughout the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-stars-shakti-shiva-shaped-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> when stars reach the end of their lives and expel their material, either gently through winds or violently via supernova explosions. This enriching process allows for the formation of new stars and planets, and ultimately, the potential for life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-process-of-star-formation">Process of star formation</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cloud collapse</h3>



<p>The process begins when part of a molecular cloud becomes unstable and starts to collapse under its own gravity. This can be triggered by events like shock waves from nearby <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a>, galactic collisions, or the influence of other massive stars.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Formation of a protostar</h3>



<p>As the cloud collapses, it fragments into smaller clumps. Each clump will eventually form one or more stars. The material within these clumps continues to fall inward, heating up as it does so, eventually forming a warm core called a protostar. At this stage, the protostar is not yet hot enough for nuclear fusion, the process that powers stars, to occur.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Accretion disk</h3>



<p>Around the protostar, material from the surrounding cloud continues to fall inward, forming a rotating disk. This material slowly accretes onto the protostar, increasing its mass.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nuclear fusion begins</h3>



<p>Once the core of the protostar reaches a high enough temperature and pressure, hydrogen atoms begin to fuse into helium, releasing energy in the process. This marks the transition from a protostar to a main sequence star, like our Sun.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Main sequence and beyond</h3>



<p>The star will spend the majority of its life in the main sequence stage, where it balances the gravitational forces trying to collapse it and the outward pressure from nuclear fusion. </p>



<p>Eventually, the star will exhaust its hydrogen fuel. Its subsequent evolution will depend on its initial mass, leading to various end stages such as red giants, supernovae, neutron stars, or black holes.</p>



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



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NGC 604 is home to hundreds of hot, massive stars

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

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features thick haze over Thailand during the fire season. The photograph was captured by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the Suomi NPP satellite on March 16, 2024.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-waves-of-smoke-and-haze">Waves of smoke and haze</h2>



<p>"Each year in January and February, satellites begin to detect waves of smoke and fire in Southeast Asia, particularly in highland forests in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. Fire activity continues to increase through March and April, reaches a peak during the height of the dry season, and then fades in May with the start of the rainy season," noted NASA.</p>



<p>"Individual fires are usually small and short-lived. But they are often so numerous that smoke, along with air pollution from rural and urban areas, mixes to produce thick layers of haze that blanket the landscape." </p>



<p>"Such hazes contain mixtures of small airborne particles called aerosols and gaseous pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone that degrade air quality and have harmful health effects."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-haze-in-thailand-nbsp">Haze in Thailand&nbsp;</h2>



<p>An international field campaign - the Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ) - was recently launched to investigate the haze in Thailand.</p>



<p>"During the last two weeks of March 2024, NASA’s DC-8 and Gulfstream III aircraft flew several flights over Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and rural areas surrounding the cities to sample air quality with several sensors. At the same time, satellites observed the haze from above," said NASA.</p>



<p>James Crawford, ASIA-AQ’s principal investigator, said the team is collaborating closely with national and local government entities in Thailand.</p>



<p>“The goal is to take as many simultaneous measurements of pollutants as possible from the ground, air, and space,” said Crawford. The team will use the data to gain a better understanding of how the haze forms, evolves chemically over time, and moves throughout the region.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-haze-and-public-health-in-thailand">Haze and public health in Thailand </h2>



<p>According to media reports, nearly 200,000 people have been hospitalized this year due to air quality in the region, with over 1.3 million people falling ill since January.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-root-causes">Root causes</h3>



<p>The root causes of the haze include agricultural burning, particularly of corn fields, as part of slash-and-burn practices to prepare land for the next planting cycle. This is exacerbated by the dry season when there's little rain to wash the pollutants away. </p>



<p>The situation is worsened by industrial emissions and vehicle fumes, particularly in urban areas like Bangkok​.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sustainable-solutions-are-needed">Sustainable solutions are needed</h3>



<p>Efforts to address the crisis have been complex, involving local and transboundary issues. Much of the agricultural burning occurs not only within Thailand but also in neighboring countries like Myanmar and Laos, contributing to the transboundary nature of the haze. </p>



<p>Activists and local communities have called for sustainable solutions that do not exacerbate the poverty of smallholder farmers, emphasizing the need for affordable and realistic alternatives to burning​.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mitigation-measures-nbsp">Mitigation measures&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The Thai government has implemented a no-burning rule until the end of April to combat wildfires and haze, but enforcement and effectiveness remain challenges​​. </p>



<p>Some measures taken to mitigate the immediate effects of pollution in urban areas include spraying water and seeding clouds to encourage rain, although these have had limited success​​.</p>



<p>This ongoing environmental crisis has sparked widespread concern among citizens, who are increasingly using public interest litigation to hold companies and the government accountable for environmental commitments. </p>



<p>With recent political changes, there is hope that the new administration will take more decisive action against the haze, possibly through more stringent regulations and international cooperation​​.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-impacts-of-haze">Health impacts of haze</h2>



<p>Haze poses several health hazards for those exposed to it, particularly when it contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Here are some of the main health risks associated with exposure to haze:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-respiratory-problems">Respiratory problems</h3>



<p>Haze can aggravate conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). The fine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heatwaves-and-air-pollution-may-double-fatal-heart-attack-risk/">particles</a> can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing inflammation and reducing lung function.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cardiovascular-issues-and-haze">Cardiovascular issues and haze</h3>



<p>Exposure to fine particulate matter can also affect the cardiovascular system, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. Particles can affect blood vessel function and promote the formation of blood clots.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eye-irritation">Eye irritation</h3>



<p>Haze can cause eye irritation, leading to conditions such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or exacerbated symptoms in people with existing eye conditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-skin-problems">Skin problems</h3>



<p>For some people, exposure to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-will-increase-dramatically-in-a-hotter-climate/">polluted air</a> can cause skin irritation or exacerbate skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reduced-immune-function">Reduced immune function</h3>



<p>There is evidence to suggest that prolonged exposure to polluted air can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-on-mental-health">Impact on mental health</h3>



<p>There are growing concerns about the impact of air pollution on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-linked-to-multiple-chronic-health-conditions/">mental health</a>, with studies suggesting a link between exposure to polluted air and an increased risk of depression and anxiety.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pregnant-women-and-children">Pregnant women and children</h3>



<p>Pregnant women, children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the effects of haze. There may be increased risks of preterm birth and low birth weight in babies, and children may experience delayed development and reduced lung function.</p>



<p>The health impacts of haze can be mitigated by staying indoors on days when air quality is particularly poor, using air purifiers, wearing masks designed to filter out fine particles, and following local health advisories.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory</p>



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

Haze pollution is an environmental crisis in Thailand

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features smoke streaming from a fire near the border of Oaxaca and Chiapas in southern Mexico.</p>



<p>"As Mexico entered peak fire season in March 2024, dry and warm conditions helped fuel the flames of more than 100 active blazes across the country," said NASA.</p>



<p>"According to Mexico’s National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR), there were 120 actively burning fires across Mexico on March 27. Preliminary data indicated that fires that day affected more than 7,000 hectares (27 square miles) across 19 of Mexico’s 31 states."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fire-season-in-mexico-nbsp">Fire season in Mexico&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Fire season in Mexico is a period marked by a heightened risk of wildfires, primarily occurring from January through June, with the peak usually observed between March and May. This timing is largely due to the country's climatic patterns, where the end of the dry season and the beginning of the warmer spring months create conditions ripe for fires.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These conditions include dry vegetation, which serves as ample fuel for wildfires, and the onset of warmer temperatures, which can exacerbate the risk of fires starting and spreading.</p>



<p>Mexico's varied topography and climatic zones mean that fire risk and behavior can differ significantly across the country. However, areas with extensive forest cover, such as the pine-oak forests in the northern and central regions, are particularly vulnerable during the fire season.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Human activities, including agricultural practices such as the clearing of land through burning (known as "slash and burn"), contribute significantly to the ignition of these wildfires. Additionally, accidental fires caused by campfires, cigarettes, or even deliberate arson add to the annual fire count.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intense-fire-seasons-across-the-globe-nbsp">Intense fire seasons across the globe&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The phenomenon of more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-breaking-wildfire-years-are-just-getting-started/">intense fire seasons</a> across the globe is a complex and multifaceted issue that intertwines with climate change, land management practices, and human activities.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Over the past decades, several regions around the world have experienced unprecedented wildfires in both frequency and intensity. These fires have resulted in devastating impacts on ecosystems, wildlife, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-is-an-underestimated-threat-to-public-health/">air quality</a>, and human settlements.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-north-america-nbsp">North America&nbsp;</h3>



<p>In North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, fire seasons have become significantly longer and more destructive.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The combination of prolonged droughts, higher temperatures, and an increase in the amount of dead and dry vegetation has turned vast areas into tinderboxes, ready to ignite with a single spark.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Notably, the wildfires in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-caused-the-devastating-2020-fire-season-in-california/">California</a> have set records for their sheer size and the amount of destruction they've caused, burning millions of acres and destroying thousands of homes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-australia-nbsp">Australia&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Australia's fire season during 2019-2020, known as the Black Summer, was one of the most severe in the country's history. A prolonged drought and extreme heatwaves contributed to widespread <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/australian-bushfires-triggered-rare-multi-year-la-nina/">bushfires</a> that burned through millions of hectares, destroyed over 3,000 homes, and led to the loss of at least 33 lives.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The environmental impact was catastrophic, with significant losses to wildlife and biodiversity, including an estimated billion animals killed.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amazon-rainforest-nbsp">Amazon rainforest&nbsp;</h3>



<p>In the Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the Earth's lungs, there has been an alarming increase in fires. These are largely attributed to deforestation and agricultural practices.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The fires not only contribute to the global carbon emissions but also result in the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of vital ecosystems that are crucial for global climate regulation.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-europe-nbsp">Europe&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Europe has not been spared either, with countries like Greece, Portugal, and Spain experiencing deadly wildfires that have been linked to heatwaves and changing precipitation patterns. The Mediterranean region, in particular, is becoming more susceptible to wildfires as temperatures rise and summers become drier.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-siberia-fires">Siberia fires</h3>



<p>Russia's Siberia has also seen an increase in fire activity, with massive wildfires engulfing vast areas of forest. The smoke from these fires has reached as far as the United States and Canada, highlighting the global impact of such events. These fires not only release significant amounts of carbon dioxide but also thaw permafrost, releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas.</p>



<p>The increasing intensity and frequency of fire seasons around the world underscore the urgent need for global action on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-impacts-are-evolving-due-to-climate-change-but-in-what-ways/">climate change</a> and more sustainable land management practices. As temperatures continue to rise and weather patterns become more extreme, the challenge of managing wildfires and mitigating their impacts becomes increasingly daunting.</p>



<p>The image was captured on March 27, 2024 by the OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory</p>



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Intense fire season in Mexico is part of a worldwide trend

<p>In recent years, astronomers have stumbled upon a peculiar phenomenon in the vast expanse of the universe: enormous circular radio features surrounding some galaxies. Structures like the featured named Cloverleaf, collectively known as odd radio circles (ORCs), have puzzled scientists since their discovery in 2021. </p>



<p>Thanks to advancements in technology, radio surveys have become sensitive enough to detect these faint signals, leading to the identification of eight ORCs scattered randomly beyond our galaxy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hunting-the-cloverleaf-orc">Hunting the Cloverleaf ORC</h2>



<p>Esra Bulbul, an astrophysicist at the Max Planck Institute for <a href="https://www.mpe.mpg.de/main" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Extraterrestrial Physics</a> in Garching, Germany, and her postdoctoral researcher Xiaoyuan Zhang, have been at the forefront of unraveling the mystery of ORCs. </p>



<p>Their study focused on the Cloverleaf ORC, which has provided valuable insights into the formation and nature of these enigmatic structures.</p>



<p>"This is the first time anyone has seen <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-x-ray-telescope-discovers-the-ghostly-cosmic-hand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">X-ray emission</a> associated with an ORC," said Bulbul. "It was the missing key to unlock the secret of the Cloverleaf's formation."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-x-ray-vision-unlocks-orc-secrets">X-ray vision unlocks ORC secrets</h2>



<p>Bulbul and Zhang began their investigation by examining data from <a href="https://www.mpe.mpg.de/eROSITA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eROSITA</a>, an orbiting German/Russian X-ray telescope. </p>



<p>They noticed some X-ray emission that seemed to originate from the Cloverleaf, based on a mere 7 minutes of observation time. </p>



<p>This finding prompted them to assemble a larger team and secure additional telescope time with <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/XMM-Newton_overview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">XMM-Newton</a>, an ESA mission with <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> contributions.</p>



<p>"We were allotted about five-and-a-half hours, and the data came in late one evening in November," Bulbul recounted. "I forwarded it to Xiaoyuan, and he came into my office the next morning and said, 'Detection,' and I just started cheering!"</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assembling-the-cloverleaf-orc-puzzle-pieces">Assembling the Cloverleaf ORC puzzle pieces</h2>



<p>The X-ray emission observed by the team traces the distribution of gas within the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">group of galaxies</a>, much like police tape around a crime scene. </p>



<p>By analyzing how the gas has been disturbed, scientists determined that the galaxies embedded in the Cloverleaf are actually members of two separate groups that drew close enough together to merge.</p>



<p>"We really got lucky," Zhang said. "We saw several plausible X-ray point sources close to the ORC in eROSITA observations, but not the expanded emission we saw with XMM-Newton. It turns out the eROSITA sources couldn't have been from the Cloverleaf, but it was compelling enough to get us to take a closer look."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shock-waves-from-a-galactic-merger">Shock waves from a galactic merger</h2>



<p>The team proposes that the merger of the two galaxy groups produced shock waves that accelerated particles, resulting in the observed radio emission. </p>



<p>The temperature of the X-ray emission, around 15 million degrees Fahrenheit (8-9 million degrees Celsius), suggests that the Cloverleaf ORC is hosted by approximately a dozen galaxies that have gravitated together.</p>



<p>"Galaxies interact and coalesce all the time," said Kim Weaver, the NASA project scientist for XMM-Newton at NASA's <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goddard Space Flight Center</a> in Greenbelt, Maryland, who was not involved in the study. </p>



<p>"But the source of the accelerated particles is unclear. One fascinating idea for the powerful radio signal is that the resident <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-map-of-supermassive-black-holes-unveiled/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black holes</a> went through episodes of extreme activity in the past, and relic electrons from that ancient activity were reaccelerated by this merging event," Weaver concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-elusive-nature-of-orcs-holds-their-mystery">Elusive nature of ORCs holds their mystery</h2>



<p>While the team has solved the mystery of the nature of the Cloverleaf ORC, their findings have also raised additional questions. <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-luminous-galaxy-ngc-3783-and-a-blue-giant-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Galaxy group</a> mergers are common, but ORCs are extremely rare, and it remains unclear how these interactions can produce such strong radio emissions.</p>



<p>"The power needed to produce such an expansive radio emission is very strong," Bulbul explained. "Some simulations can reproduce their shapes but not their intensity. No simulations explain how to create ORCs."</p>



<p>Bulbul and her team plan to study the Cloverleaf in more detail to unravel these remaining mysteries. "Mergers make up the backbone of structure formation, but there's something special in this system that rockets the radio emission," she said. "We can't tell right now what it is, so we need more and deeper data from both radio and X-ray telescopes."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-window-into-the-cosmos">Window into the cosmos</h2>



<p>The study of ORCs and galaxy mergers offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of cosmic phenomena. </p>



<p>As Weaver aptly put it, "We stand to learn a lot from more thorough observations because these interactions take in all kinds of science. You've pretty much got everything that we deal with in the cosmos put together in this little package. It's like a mini universe."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cloverleaf-orcs-and-the-future-of-radio-astronomy">Cloverleaf, ORCs, and the future of radio astronomy</h2>



<p>In summary, the discovery of the Cloverleaf ORC and the groundbreaking research conducted by Esra Bulbul, Xiaoyuan Zhang, and their team have opened a new chapter in our understanding of the universe. </p>



<p>Their findings highlight the complex interactions between galaxies and the formation of these enigmatic structures. As astronomers continue to explore the mysteries of ORCs and galaxy mergers, we eagerly anticipate the new insights and discoveries that will emerge from their tireless efforts. </p>



<p>The study of the Cloverleaf serves as a testament to the power of collaboration, advanced technology, and the indomitable human spirit in our quest to unravel the secrets of the cosmos.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2024/05/aa49900-24/aa49900-24.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astronomy and Astrophysics</a></em>.</p>



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An ORC named 'Cloverleaf' is captured in a new light

In recent years, astronomers have stumbled upon a peculiar phenomenon...

An extraordinary celestial spiral

<p>A team of astronomers has recently captured a stunning image of an unusual pre-planetary nebula, known as IRAS 23166+1655, using the Advanced Camera for Surveys on the NASA/ESA <a href="https://esahubble.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble Space Telescope</a>. The nebula is located around the star LL Pegasi (also known as AFGL 3068) in the constellation of Pegasus (the Winged Horse).</p>



<p>The striking picture shows what appears to be a thin spiral pattern of astonishing regularity winding around the star, which is itself hidden behind thick dust. According to the researchers, the spiral pattern suggests a regular periodic origin for the nebula's shape.</p>



<p>The material forming the spiral is moving outwards a speed of about 50,000 km/hour. By combining this speed with the distance between layers, we calculate that the shells are each separated by about 800 years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-binary-system-believed-to-cause-the-spiral-formation">Binary system believed to cause the spiral formation</h2>



<p>The astronomers believe that the spiral arises because LL Pegasi is a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-found-in-the-habitable-zone-of-a-binary-star-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">binary system</a>, with the star that is losing material and a companion star orbiting each other. </p>



<p>The spacing between layers in the spiral is expected to directly reflect the orbital period of the binary, which is indeed estimated to be also about 800 years.</p>



<p>The creation and shaping of planetary nebulae is an exciting area of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stellar-cannibalism-scientists-find-the-remnants-of-devoured-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stellar evolution</a>. Stars with masses from about half that of the Sun up to about eight times that of the Sun do not explode as supernovae at the ends of their lives. </p>



<p>Instead, a more regal end awaits them as their outer layers of gas are shed and drift into space, creating striking and intricate structures that to Earth-bound observers often look like dramatic watercolor paintings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ll-pegasi-the-enigmatic-star-behind-the-spiral-nebula">LL Pegasi: The enigmatic star behind the spiral nebula</h2>



<p>As mentioned previously, LL Pegasi is the star at the center of the remarkable spiral nebula IRAS 23166+1655. This enigmatic star has captured the attention of astronomers worldwide, as it plays a crucial role in the formation of the stunning geometric structure that surrounds it.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cool-pulsating-giant">Cool, pulsating giant</h3>



<p>LL Pegasi is a type of star known as an asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star. These stars are in the late stages of their lives and have expanded to become cool, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-mystery-solved-the-puzzling-behavior-of-a-pulsar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pulsating giants</a>. </p>



<p>As they pulsate, they shed their outer layers of gas and dust into space, creating the building blocks for the intricate nebulae that will eventually surround them.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-binary-connection">Binary connection</h3>



<p>One of the most intriguing aspects of LL Pegasi is its suspected binary nature. Astronomers believe that the star is part of a binary system, where two stars orbit each other. </p>



<p>The presence of a companion star is thought to be the key factor in shaping the spectacular spiral structure of IRAS 23166+1655. As the stars orbit each other, they create a regular pattern of material ejection, leading to the formation of the evenly spaced shells that make up the spiral.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-ll-pegasi">Evolution of LL Pegasi</h3>



<p>As LL Pegasi continues to evolve, it will eventually shed its outer layers completely, exposing its hot core. This will mark the beginning of a new chapter in its life as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/cosmic-cannibalism-and-stellar-winds-unveiling-the-secrets-of-messier-76/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary nebula</a>. </p>



<p>The material ejected during its AGB phase will be ionized by the intense radiation from the exposed core, creating a glowing shell of gas that will expand into space. </p>



<p>The spiral structure created during the binary interaction phase will likely persist, adding to the beauty and complexity of the resulting planetary nebula.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-central-star-yet-to-emerge-from-dust-cocoon">Central star yet to emerge from dust cocoon</h2>



<p>IRAS 23166+1655 is just starting the process of creating a planetary nebula, and the central star has yet to emerge from the cocoon of enveloping dust. </p>



<p>The researchers used images from the Wide Field Channel of the Advanced Camera for Surveys on Hubble to create this picture. Images through a yellow filter (F606W, colored blue) were combined with images through a near-infrared filter (F804W, colored red). </p>



<p>The exposure times were 11 minutes and 22 minutes respectively, and the field of view spans about 80 arcseconds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ethereal-jewel-in-ll-pegasi">Ethereal jewel in LL-Pegasi</h2>



<p>In summary, the discovery of the stunning spiral formation in the pre-planetary nebula IRAS 23166+1655 by the Hubble Space Telescope has opened a new window into the captivating realm of stellar evolution. </p>



<p>As astronomers continue to study this remarkable object, they will undoubtedly unravel more secrets about the intricate processes that shape the cosmos. </p>



<p>This celestial masterpiece serves as a testament to the power of human curiosity and the technological marvels that allow us to explore the vast expanse of the universe. </p>



<p>With each new finding, we inch closer to understanding the fundamental laws that govern the birth, life, and death of stars, and the fascinating structures they leave behind.</p>



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Pre-planetary nebula formation captured around the star LL-Pegasi

A team of astronomers has recently captured a stunning image...

<p>In the face of escalating animal extinction, an emerging field of conservation medicine suggests that chemists and pharmacists could play a crucial role in reversing this grim <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/endangered-species-day-millions-of-species-share-the-earth-with-humans-and-they-need-our-help/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trend</a>. </p>



<p>The researchers propose that integrating the expertise of medicinal chemists into wildlife conservation is a strategy that could potentially save numerous plant and animal species from the brink of extinction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chemists-and-animal-extinction">Chemists and animal extinction </h2>



<p>The scientist leading this initiative, Timothy Cernak, a professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a> College of Pharmacy, emphasizes the critical need for medicinal chemistry in conservation. </p>



<p>"Medicinal chemistry expertise is desperately needed on the frontlines of extinction," said Professor Cernak. "Animals are dying at staggering rates, but they don't have to. Modern bioscience has achieved enormous breakthroughs in treating human diseases, and the same medications and science can be applied in the wild."</p>



<p>Professor Cernak's lab not only focuses on drug discovery for human conditions but has also begun applying its findings to combat diseases in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-disease-transmission-between-wildlife-and-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a>, such as the deadly fungus devastating amphibian populations. </p>



<p>This multifaceted approach to both human and animal health is gaining traction, and the research actively promotes the role of chemistry in conservation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-the-conservation-toolkit">Expanding the conservation toolkit</h2>



<p>The push for a collaborative approach in conservation is evident as Professor Cernak and his team, including local high school students, encourage professionals from various fields to join forces. </p>



<p>"We are chasing mass die-offs around the world," said Professor Cernak, listing species from lowland gorillas to the akikiki bird of Hawaii as being in critical danger. "It’s crucial to bring the power of modern pharmaceuticals and the dosing expertise of medicinal chemistry into conservation efforts."</p>



<p>By integrating medicinal chemistry, Professor Cernak believes that immediate, impactful interventions can be made in wildlife disease, a major driver of the current <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extinction-event-shows-how-life-responds-to-extreme-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mass extinction</a>. </p>



<p>The work in his lab includes using advanced techniques to test chemical compounds on affected wildlife, identifying potential treatments for diseases that are currently decimating species like the Panamanian golden frogs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-conservation-efforts">Future conservation efforts </h2>



<p>Beyond immediate interventions, Cernak envisions a larger role for pharmaceutical companies and emerging scientists in the field of conservation medicine.</p>



<p>“At the higher level, my mission is to have pharmaceutical companies be involved in this space and young scientists view this as the field they want to go into - a field that doesn’t really exist at this point,” he noted.</p>



<p>The immediate goal includes fundraising and expanding research to further establish the value of this nascent field.</p>



<p>The urgency of this mission is exemplified by recent incidents like the mass die-off of sea lion pups in Argentina from avian flu, highlighting the potential public health implications of wildlife diseases.</p>



<p>Additionally, the researchers are pioneering the use of AI and other technologies to expedite the drug discovery process, potentially enabling quicker responses to emerging threats to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/small-scale-wildlife-surveys-can-reveal-the-health-of-entire-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife health</a> and preventing further extinctions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-collaborative-future-in-conservation">A collaborative future in conservation</h2>



<p>The research efforts advocate for a harmonious integration of medicinal chemistry with the ongoing efforts of veterinarians and conservationists. </p>



<p>"Bringing chemists and pharmacists into the conservation fold isn’t meant to diminish the roles of other professionals but to blend their experience and achieve the same goals of saving lives - and ecosystems," explained Professor Cernak.</p>



<p>The concept of "One Health Pharmacy," which recognizes the interconnected health of plants, animals, and humans, is central to Cernak's philosophy. </p>



<p>This approach treats any living being - plant or animal - that is sick or in need, thereby reinforcing the link between human and environmental health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harnessing-chemistry-to-combat-animal-extinction">Harnessing chemistry to combat animal extinction</h2>



<p>The advancements in technology, particularly AI, are not only transforming drug discovery for human patients but are also setting the stage for future conservation efforts. </p>



<p>"Streamlining drug and agrochemical discovery with automation and artificial intelligence is likely to usher in a future era of accelerated medicinal invention tailored to specific patient populations," said the researchers. </p>



<p>They envision a future where medicinal chemistry can be directly applied to solve specific health issues in endangered species, offering new hope in the fight against extinction.</p>



<p>This innovative approach marks a significant shift in how conservation efforts may be conducted in the future, illustrating the potential for cross-disciplinary collaborations to foster solutions that benefit both wildlife and human populations alike.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02334" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Medicinal Chemistry</a></em>.</p>



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Chemists could be key to prevent animal extinction

In the face of escalating animal extinction, an emerging field...

<p></p>
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<p><br />
<span style="font-weight: 400;">A musical tour of Europe Today’s </span><b>Video of the Day</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> comes from the </span><a href="https://www.esa.int/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">European Space Agency</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (ESA) and features a look at a musical tour of all of the countries in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/risk-wildfires-europe-increase/">Europe</a> that make up the organization.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The European Space Agency originated back in the 1960s and now consists of 22 different member states committed to space observation and research.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These images were captured </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">by the Copernicus Sentinel-1A, Sentinel-2A, Sentinel-3A, Proba-V and Envisat satellites.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8212;</span></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">By </span></i><a href="mailto:rarnold@earth.com"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rory Arnold</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span></i><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Earth.com</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Staff Writer</span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Video Credit: </span></i><a href="https://www.esa.int/"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">European Space Agency</span></i></a></p>