<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 Bermejo River and the Río Grande de Tarija, which flow through Argentina and Bolivia in South America. The photograph was captured by an astronaut onboard the International Space Station.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meandering-rivers">Meandering rivers</h2>



<p>“The meandering rivers in this image are sourced in the Andes Mountains and generally flow southeast through valleys in the foothills - the region between the high mountains and plains. The Iruya River deposits particles of silt and clay as it flows into the valley centered in this image,” said NASA.</p>



<p>“Visible indications of the rivers’ shifting channels include river islands, point bars (on the inside curve of streams), and several meander scars. Such scars form when a river gets cut off from the main flow and fills in with sediment, soil, and vegetation.”</p>



<p>“Sediment from the adjacent highlands filled valleys that were formed by tectonic forces driving uplift of the Andes. These deposits are subsequently carried by rivers, such as the Iruya, along with new sediment to form the light-toned braided channels and the adjacent darker-toned floodplains. Nutrient-rich floodplain soils provide fertile ground for agricultural fields.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bermejo-river">Bermejo River</h2>



<p>The Bermejo River originates in the Bolivian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodiversity-hotspots-are-shrinking-in-the-andes-mountains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Andes</a> and flows into Argentina. It plays a crucial role in the geographical and ecological landscape of the region. The river's course is characterized by its meandering path through the Gran Chaco plain, making it a significant river in the region's hydrological system.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-importance">Economic importance</h3>



<p>The Bermejo River is vital for agriculture, providing essential water resources for irrigation. It also has potential for hydroelectric power generation.</p>



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



<p>The diverse habitats created by the Bermejo River, including its riverbanks, floodplains, and adjacent forests, support rich biodiversity. However, the wildlife in this region faces threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, making conservation efforts critical for their survival.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/jaguars-in-the-amazon-are-threatened-by-climate-extremes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jaguars</a> are the apex predators of this region, and are occasionally spotted along the riverbanks, where they hunt. Large, herbivorous mammals called tapirs are found in the forests around the Bermejo River. They often visit the river to drink and cool off.</p>



<p>Capibaras, the world’s largest rodents, are commonly found in the wetlands and along the river edges.</p>



<p>The tallest flying bird found in South and Central America, jabirus can often be seen in wetlands along the Bermejo River. Toco toucans, known for their colorful bills, can be found in the forested areas near the river.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rio-grande-de-tarija">Río Grande de Tarija</h2>



<p>The Río Grande de Tarija, also known in its lower stretches as the Guadalquivir, flows primarily within Bolivia. It is a critical watercourse in the Tarija Department, contributing significantly to the region's agriculture and livelihoods.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-importance-0">Economic importance</h3>



<p>This river is essential for irrigation, supporting a variety of crops and contributing to the local economy. The surrounding lands are fertile and productive, thanks to the river's water.</p>



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



<p>Similar to other rivers, the Río Grande de Tarija faces challenges such as water management issues, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predicting-the-effects-of-pollutants-on-river-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollution</a>, and the impacts of climate change on its flow and health.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-in-bolivian-rivers">Wildlife in Bolivian rivers</h3>



<p>River basins in Bolivia are home to a wide range of bird species, including various species of herons, egrets, kingfishers, and perhaps even some rarer species like the wattled jacana or the sunbittern. The diverse birdlife is attracted to the abundance of fish and the relatively untouched natural habitats along the river.</p>



<p>The Characidae family includes many fish species that are commonly found in South American rivers, such as tetras. They are known for their diversity and are a key part of the river's ecosystem, serving as both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diving-to-extremes-predatory-fish-frequent-the-oceans-twilight-zone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predator</a> and prey.</p>



<p>Cichlids are another diverse group of fish that can be found in South American rivers. They are appreciated by aquarium enthusiasts worldwide and play significant roles in their ecosystems as both predators and herbivores.</p>



<p>The rivers of Bolivia are also home to various catfish species, which are well adapted to life in muddy and turbulent waters. These include the armored catfish, which are often found clinging to rocks and logs.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/ ISS Crew Earth Observations Facility/ Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, Johnson Space Center</p>



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

The Río Grande de Tarija and Bermejo River in South America

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 the delta of the Ebro River on the northeast coast of Spain, captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ebro-river">Ebro River</h2>



<p>“Stretching across 910 km of northern Spain, the Ebro River is the second-longest river in the Iberian Peninsula. In the image, it can be seen as a green line winding its way through the peninsula before flowing into the Mediterranean, shaping the Ebro Delta,” noted ESA.</p>



<p>“The Ebro River discharges more water into the sea than any other river in Spain. As suspended sediment flows from the river’s mouth, it tints the coastal waters with a turquoise hue.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ebro-delta">Ebro Delta</h2>



<p>The Ebro Delta is one of the largest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wetland-methane-emissions-have-surged-at-high-latitudes/">wetland areas</a> in the western Mediterranean region. The river's basin is the largest in Spain, covering about 85,000 square kilometers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-significance-nbsp">Historical significance&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Historically, the Ebro River has been significant in numerous battles, including the famous Battle of the Ebro during the Spanish Civil War, which was one of the war's longest and deadliest conflicts.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-significance-nbsp">Economic significance&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Economically, the Ebro plays a crucial role in agriculture, particularly in regions like La Rioja and Navarre, which are known for their vineyards. Additionally, the river supports various industries and hydroelectric power generation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-significance">Ecological significance</h2>



<p>The Ebro Delta is ecologically rich, providing habitat for diverse bird species. It is also a vital area for rice cultivation in Spain.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nature-reserve">Nature reserve</h3>



<p>“Most of the delta comprises the Ebro Delta Nature Reserve. With its protected wetlands, beaches, marshes, salt pans and estuaries, this reserve provides a natural habitat for numerous migratory birds and waterfowl,” said ESA.</p>



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



<p>The river and its delta face environmental challenges such as pollution, water extraction for irrigation, and the impacts of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-may-have-altered-river-flow-worldwide/">climate change</a>, which threaten its ecosystem and the sustainability of its water resources.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-northeast-coast-of-spain">The northeast coast of Spain</h2>



<p>The northeast coast of Spain is a vibrant and diverse region, characterized by its rich history, unique culture, and stunning landscapes. </p>



<p>It includes the autonomous communities of Catalonia, which features the dynamic city of Barcelona, and part of the Valencian Community. This area is also part of what is known as the Costa Brava, which stretches from the town of Blanes up to the French border.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geography">Geography</h3>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-activity-impacts-97-percent-of-the-worlds-coastline/">coastline</a> is renowned for its rugged beauty, with rocky cliffs, secluded coves, and small beaches. The interior regions feature mountains such as the Pyrenees, which offer skiing in winter and hiking in the summer.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-heritage">Cultural heritage</h3>



<p>The area has a strong cultural identity, particularly in Catalonia, where there is a significant movement for independence. The Catalan language is widely spoken alongside Spanish. The region is also known for its festivals, architecture (notably the works of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona), and traditional dances like the Sardana.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cuisine">Cuisine</h3>



<p>The cuisine is a delightful mix of fresh seafood from the Mediterranean, traditional Catalan dishes like "pa amb tomàquet" (bread with tomato), and rice dishes such as paella in the Valencian region. The area is also famous for its wines, including the sparkling wine Cava.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tourism">Tourism</h3>



<p>The northeast coast attracts millions of tourists each year due to its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and vibrant cities. Barcelona, in particular, is a major tourist destination with attractions like the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and the bustling La Rambla.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economy">Economy</h3>



<p>The economy of the northeast coast is one of the most dynamic in Spain, with Barcelona serving as a major hub for trade, education, entertainment, and technology.</p>



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



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The Ebro River on the northeast coast of Spain

<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 United Arab Emirates, where a slow-moving storm system dumped more than a year's worth of rainfall in just a few hours. </p>



<p>“The UAE’s National Center for Meteorology reported that eastern parts of the country measured up to 250 millimeters (10 inches) of rain in less than 24 hours. UAE, known for its dry desert climate, receives only about 140 to 200 millimeters (5.5 to 8 inches) of rainfall per year,” said NASA.</p>



<p>“Dubai International Airport recorded 119 millimeters on April 16, which is 1.5 times its typical annual rainfall. The deluge temporarily halted flights at the airport, which is among the world’s busiest for international travel.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heaviest-rainfall-on-record-in-the-united-arab-emirates-nbsp">Heaviest rainfall on record in the United Arab Emirates&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Authorities noted that this was the heaviest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-heat-fueled-unexpected-and-deadly-storms-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a> on record in the United Arab Emirates. The news agency WAM called it a historic weather event that surpassed “anything documented since the start of data collection in 1949.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Heavy rain triggered flash flooding across eastern parts of the country, inundating roads and disrupting transportation,” said NASA. “The system first hit Oman on April 14 and continued to batter the UAE through most of the day on April 16.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>At least 18 people were killed in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/heavy-rainfall-events-in-the-northeast-are-set-to-increase-by-over-50-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heavy rains</a> in Oman, including ten children that were swept away in a vehicle with one adult, according to a statement from the country’s National Committee for Emergency Management.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strong-low-pressure-system">Strong low-pressure system</h2>



<p>Michael Mann, a climate scientist at the University of Pennsylvania, noted that three low-pressure systems formed a train of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thunderstorms-are-becoming-more-intense-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storms</a> slowly moving along the jet stream - the river of air that moves weather systems - toward the Persian Gulf.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“The strong low-pressure system delivered multiple rounds of high winds and heavy rain to the northern and eastern parts of the country,” said NASA. “Some areas remained flooded on April 19, when Landsat 9 passed over the region for the first time since the storms.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Climate experts attribute such extreme weather events to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-degrees-celsius-would-save-billions-of-lives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>. According to a report from Reuters, researchers anticipate that climate change will lead to hotter temperatures, increased humidity, and a greater risk of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seeking-ways-to-prevent-flooding-caused-by-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flooding</a> in parts of the Gulf region. “Countries like the UAE where there is a lack of drainage infrastructure to cope with heavy rains can suffer the most,” the report stated.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-united-arab-emirates-nbsp">More about the United Arab Emirates&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates located on the eastern side of the Arabian Peninsula. It borders Oman and Saudi Arabia, and has maritime borders with Iran and Qatar in the Persian Gulf. Established as a federation in 1971, the UAE has rapidly developed into one of the most modern and wealthy nations in the world, largely thanks to its vast oil and natural gas reserves.</p>



<p>Abu Dhabi serves as the capital and is the largest emirate, both in terms of land area and economy, largely because it holds the majority of the UAE's oil reserves. Dubai is the most populous city and is renowned globally for its spectacular skyscrapers, including the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, as well as its bustling ports, and vibrant tourism and shopping sectors.</p>



<p>The UAE has a diverse and multicultural society with a significant expatriate population, drawn by business opportunities and the tax-free living in many sectors. The official language is Arabic, though English is widely spoken, especially in business and educational settings.</p>



<p>Politically, the UAE is a federal absolute monarchy. It is governed by a Supreme Council of Rulers made up of the seven emirs, who appoint the prime minister and the cabinet. The country has made significant strides in terms of infrastructure and healthcare, and it continues to invest heavily in various sectors including renewable energy, education, and technology.</p>



<p>Culturally, the UAE balances its rapid modernization with a strong commitment to traditional Arab culture. The heritage of the desert Bedouin lifestyle is celebrated with falconry, camel racing, and traditional dance remaining integral to its cultural festivities. The nation is also a major hub for international arts and sports events, enhancing its global profile and cultural footprint.</p>



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



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Storms dumped record rainfall in the United Arab Emirates

<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 barred spiral galaxy NGC 3783, which is located about 130 million light-years away in the constellation Centaurus. NGC 3783 is also the most prominent of a galaxy group (by the same name) that contains 47 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-galaxies-that-are-too-old-to-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-groups">Galaxy groups</h2>



<p>“Like galaxy clusters, galaxy groups are aggregates of gravitationally bound galaxies. Galaxy groups, however, are less massive and contain fewer members than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/titanic-galaxy-cluster-collision-defies-all-current-understanding-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy clusters</a> do: where galaxy clusters can contain hundreds or even thousands of constituent galaxies, galaxy groups do not typically include more than 50,” noted ESA.</p>



<p>“The Milky Way is actually part of a galaxy group, known as the Local Group, which contains two other large galaxies (Andromeda and the Triangulum galaxy), as well as several dozen satellite and dwarf galaxies.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hd-101274-a-blue-giant-star">HD 101274: A blue giant star</h2>



<p>The bright object that appears to the right of the galaxy is the star HD 101274. “The perspective in this image makes the star and the galaxy look like close companions, but this is an illusion. HD 101274 lies only about 1,530 light-years from Earth, meaning it is about 85 thousand times closer than NGC 3783,” explained ESA.&nbsp;</p>



<p>HD 101274 is part of the NGC 3766 cluster, which is sometimes referred to as the Pearl Cluster, an open cluster known for its richness in bright stars and its relatively young age.</p>



<p>HD 101274 is categorized as a blue giant star, characterized by its high temperature and luminosity. Blue giants are massive stars that have left the main sequence phase of stellar evolution and are burning helium or heavier elements in their cores. These stars are known for their short lifespans relative to smaller stars due to their rapid consumption of nuclear fuel.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-stars-scientists-discover-a-new-type-of-star-powered-by-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stars</a> like HD 101274 are important for astronomers because they help in studying the properties of stellar populations in clusters and the dynamics of stellar evolution in different environments. The spectral and photometric observations of such stars can provide valuable insights into the characteristics of their atmospheres, internal structures, and the processes occurring within and around them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bright-central-region-of-ngc-3783">Bright central region of NGC 3783</h2>



<p>One of the most interesting aspects of NGC 3783 is that it harbors an active galactic nucleus, meaning its central region is exceptionally luminous, likely due to the presence of a supermassive black hole. This black hole is actively accreting material, which emits a substantial amount of radiation as it spirals inward and heats up.</p>



<p>This galaxy is particularly known for its bright central region and has been studied extensively in the ultraviolet and X-ray light spectra to understand better the properties of the accretion disk around the black hole and the complex dynamics of the material surrounding it. These studies are crucial for understanding the physics of active galactic nuclei and the role they play in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy evolution</a>.</p>



<p>According to ESA, NGC 3783 is a Type I Seyfert galaxy. “In this image it is recorded by Hubble in incredible detail, from its glowing central bar to its narrow, winding arms and the dust threaded through them, thanks to five separate images taken in different wavelengths of light," noted ESA.</p>



<p>“In fact, the galactic center is bright enough to Hubble that it exhibits diffraction spikes, normally only seen on stars such as HD 101274.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-ngc-3783-galaxy-group">More about the NGC 3783 galaxy group</h2>



<p>The NGC 3783 group is part of the larger Hydra-Centaurus Supercluster, which itself is a massive collection of galaxies and galaxy clusters located primarily in the constellations of Hydra and Centaurus.</p>



<p>The NGC 3783 group consists of several galaxies that are gravitationally bound and interact with each other. These interactions can influence the galaxies' evolution through mechanisms like tidal forces and merger events, which can trigger star formation, fuel central black holes, and reshape the galaxies' structures.</p>



<p>Studying groups like the NGC 3783 group helps astronomers understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceers-2112-ancient-galaxy-looks-strikingly-similar-to-ours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> evolve together in a common gravitational environment, offering insights into the dynamics and evolution of structures on cosmic scales. This is especially relevant in understanding how galaxies influence each other through gravitational interactions and the environmental effects on galaxy evolution.</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA</p>



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The luminous galaxy NGC 3783 and a blue giant star

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 sediment swirling in the Gulf of Alaska on December 29, 2023.</p>



<p>"After an unusually snowy start to winter, southern Alaska’s coastline remained under a blanket of white in late December," said NASA.</p>



<p>"Meanwhile, greens and tans swirled in the dark blue water offshore. The dullness of the hues near shore suggests that the water is mostly colored by sediment. It is likely that phytoplankton - microscopic plant-like organisms - contributed to some of the hues farther from the coast."</p>



<p>According to NASA, much of the sediment in this region comes from “glacial flour” carried into the gulf by the Copper River.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Glacial flour forms as glaciers move over bedrock and grind it into a fine silt. When suspended in water, glacial flour can make the water appear an opaque turquoise color - similar to phytoplankton blooms. The sediment carries iron and other nutrients that can spur the growth of these tiny marine organisms," explained NASA.</p>



<p>Aimee Neeley, a biological oceanographer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, noted that there are always phytoplankton in the water, but usually at lower levels in the wintertime at these latitudes.</p>



<p>The Gulf of Alaska is a vast and biologically rich body of water that lies at the northernmost part of the Pacific Ocean, encircled by Alaska.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The gulf extends approximately 1,500 miles from the Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands in the west to the Alexander Archipelago in the east.</p>



<p>Characterized by a subarctic climate, it's known for heavy rain and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-loss-increases-snowfall-over-west-antarctica/">snowfall</a>. The region is also prone to frequent storms and is a significant pathway for colder northern weather patterns moving into the United States.</p>



<p>The Gulf of Alaska is home to a diverse marine ecosystem. It supports many species of fish, such as salmon and halibut, and is also a habitat for marine mammals like whales, sea lions, and seals.</p>



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



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



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Sediment swirling in the Gulf of Alaska

<p>In the Solomon Islands, a team of scientists led by the <a href="https://www.unimelb.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Melbourne</a> has identified a swift and unusual type of evolutionary change among local <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolutionary-secrets-how-bat-teeth-adapted-to-their-diverse-diets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bat</a> populations. The experts suggest that two distinct groups of leaf-nosed bats, initially thought to be different species due to their significant size differences, are actually proof of a rare case of parallel evolution.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-different-sizes-similar-dna">Different sizes, similar DNA</h2>



<p>Although these two species share the same environment, they have independently developed similar traits. The smaller species, <em>Hipposideros diadema</em>, is widespread, inhabiting not only the Solomon Islands but also regions in Southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea, and northern Australia. In contrast, the larger species, named <em>Hipposideros dinops</em> or the Fierce Leaf-Nosed Bat in 1905, is exclusive to the Solomon Islands.</p>



<p>“Although they are very different sizes, the bats’ DNA is very similar. They use very different sonar frequencies, they probably eat different food, and even when they live in the same cave together they don’t interbreed. That is why no one has ever really questioned whether they were different species,” explained lead author Tyrone Lavery, a mammalogist at the University of Melbourne.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-evolution-of-larger-bodied-bats">Rapid evolution of larger-bodied bats</h2>



<p>According to the scientists, despite their independent origins, each group of larger bats has evolved to look the same, averaging more than double the weight of the small bat. “Our research suggests the rapid and repeated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vampire-bats-live-blood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> of larger bodied bats from smaller bats, each happening independently on separate islands,” said Lavery.</p>



<p>“When we created family trees using the bats’ DNA, we found that what we thought was just one species of large bat in the Solomon Islands was actually a case where bigger bats had evolved from the smaller species multiple times across different islands.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parallel-bat-evolution-nbsp">Parallel bat evolution&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This phenomenon of parallel evolution, where separated populations of the same species evolve similar traits in similar environments, is exceedingly rare and seldomly observed in real-time, especially among mammals.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The experts suggest that these larger bats might be evolving to exploit food sources not accessible to their smaller counterparts, although they are theoretically capable of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/interbreeding-survival-early-elephants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interbreeding</a>.</p>



<p>“Something very strong is pushing or selecting for these big bats, and it is strong enough for it to happen multiple times on different islands. We think these larger bats might be evolving to take advantage of prey that the smaller bats aren’t eating. Although they could probably interbreed, they don’t for some reason,” Lavery said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-dietary-preferences-nbsp">Diverse dietary preferences&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The differences in sonar frequencies between the groups suggest diverse dietary preferences, with the larger bats likely targeting bigger prey such as larger insects or even <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-frog-day-addressing-environmental-threats-to-frogs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">frogs</a>. </p>



<p>The study, which included measuring 103 bat specimens from various international museums, confirmed no overlap in body size between the two groups, reinforcing their distinct developments despite genetic similarities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-islands-and-bat-evolution">Islands and bat evolution</h2>



<p>According to Lavery, this pattern of parallel evolution in leaf-nosed bats has been observed in the Solomon Islands on Guadalcanal and in the Western Province, but more research is needed to see if the same pattern occurs on other islands.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“We may think of evolution as a very slow process, but it can happen rapidly when the conditions are right and two groups are separated and stop interbreeding. They can begin to evolve on different pathways,” he said.</p>



<p>“Islands are famous for helping us to observe and understand the processes for how species evolve in real time. They’re also places that are very vulnerable to the types of disturbance that humans create. It’s important that we look after these incredible landscapes in Solomon Islands before we lose these stories even before we find them,” he concluded.</p>



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



<p>Bats represent a remarkable example of mammalian evolution, having developed unique adaptations that allow them to thrive across diverse environments globally. The evolution of bats is particularly notable for their development of flight and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bats-share-social-information-through-echolocation-calls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">echolocation</a>, which have played crucial roles in their ability to occupy ecological niches that other mammals cannot.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-bats">Early bats</h3>



<p>The fossil record suggests that bats first appeared at least 50 million years ago during the Eocene epoch. These early bats already possessed the wing structures necessary for flight, indicating that their ability to fly evolved quite rapidly in evolutionary terms.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This quick adaptation to flight is believed to have significantly contributed to their global spread and diversification.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-echolocation">Echolocation</h3>



<p>Echolocation, the ability to navigate and find food using sound waves, is another key evolutionary development in bats, although it is not universal among all bat species.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Echolocation likely developed after flight, with different bat species evolving this ability independently. This suggests a strong evolutionary pressure to optimize feeding strategies in dark environments, like night skies or dense forests.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-convergent-evolution">Convergent evolution</h3>



<p>Molecular studies have provided insights into bat phylogeny, showing that bats are divided into two main suborders: the largely <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-fruit-bats-suffer-no-consequences-from-their-high-sugar-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fruit-eating</a> megabats and the echolocating microbats. </p>



<p>Interestingly, some megabats have also developed echolocation, albeit through different mechanisms than microbats, showcasing convergent evolution - where different species independently evolve similar traits.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-morphological-changes-and-diet">Morphological changes and diet</h3>



<p>Bats have also adapted to a wide range of dietary preferences, from insects and fruit to vertebrates and blood, each adaptation allowing bats to exploit new or underserved ecological niches. </p>



<p>These dietary adaptations are accompanied by morphological changes, such as tooth and jaw structure, digestive enzymes, and flight adaptations, enabling them to specialize and thrive.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/evolut/qpae039" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Evolution</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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



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

Rare type of parallel evolution found in island bats

In the Solomon Islands, a team of scientists led by...

<p>For the first time since November 2023, <a href="https://voyager.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA’s Voyager 1</a> spacecraft has started transmitting useful data back to Earth about the status and functionality of its onboard systems. </p>



<p>The mission team is now preparing for the spacecraft to resume sending back scientific data. Voyager 1, along with its sibling Voyager 2, are the only spacecraft to venture into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-received-laser-communication-from-10-million-miles-away/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interstellar space</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-malfunction-in-voyager-s-computers">Malfunction in Voyager's computers</h2>



<p>Voyager 1 had ceased transmitting intelligible science and engineering data on November 14, 2023. Although the spacecraft appeared to be receiving instructions and operating as expected, the data it sent back was unreadable.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In March, the engineering team at NASA’s <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a> (JPL) in Southern California diagnosed the problem as being related to a malfunction in one of the spacecraft’s three onboard computers, specifically the flight data subsystem (FDS). This system is responsible for organizing the science and engineering data before it is sent to Earth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resurgence-of-voyager-data">Resurgence of Voyager data</h2>



<p>The resurgence of data transmission in April 2024 was met with celebrations by the Voyager team at JPL. The malfunction was traced back to a single memory chip within the FDS that had failed.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This chip was crucial as it held part of the FDS's memory, including segments of its software code, essential for processing the data sent to Earth.&nbsp;</p>



<p>With the chip non-functional and irreplaceable, the team attempted to reassign the code to different parts of the FDS memory. However, no single section of the memory was sufficiently large to accommodate the entire code.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-process-of-retrieving-the-voyager-data">Process of retrieving the Voyager data</h2>



<p>The solution involved fragmenting the code into smaller segments and reallocating these across several memory locations. This intricate process required adjustments to ensure the fragmented code could operate seamlessly as a whole. This also involved updating references to the code’s location in the FDS memory.</p>



<p>The focus initially was on the segment of the code responsible for collating the spacecraft’s engineering data. This was successfully relocated within the FDS memory on April 18. Given Voyager 1's immense distance - over 15 billion miles (24 billion kilometers) from Earth - it takes about 22 ½ hours for a signal to travel from Earth to the spacecraft and another 22 ½ hours for the response to return.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enduring-missions">Enduring missions</h2>



<p>When communications were reestablished on April 20, the team confirmed that the adjustments were successful, marking the first time in five months that they could verify the spacecraft's operational health and status.</p>



<p>In the upcoming weeks, the Voyager team plans to reposition and modify the remaining sections of the FDS software, which are crucial for resuming the transmission of scientific data.</p>



<p>Meanwhile, <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/voyager/voyager-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Voyager 2</a> remains fully functional. Launched more than 46 years ago, the Voyager spacecraft - both Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 - are the most enduring and farthest-traveling spacecraft ever launched. Prior to entering interstellar space, each spacecraft conducted flybys of Jupiter and Saturn, with Voyager 2 also visiting Uranus and Neptune.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-voyager-mission">More about the Voyager mission</h2>



<p>The NASA Voyager mission consists of two spacecraft, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, which were launched in 1977 to explore the outer solar system and beyond. The primary goal of the mission was to take advantage of a rare planetary alignment that allowed for a grand tour of the outer planets - Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This alignment occurs only once every 176 years, and the mission's timing capitalized on this to extend our knowledge of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alien-worlds-unraveling-the-mysteries-of-exoplanets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">distant worlds</a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-voyager-1">Voyager 1</h3>



<p>Voyager 1's trajectory took it past Jupiter in March 1979 and Saturn in November 1980, providing detailed images and data on the planets and their moons. After its encounter with Saturn, Voyager 1's path was adjusted so it would pass close to Saturn's moon Titan and then head out of the solar system.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-voyager-2">Voyager 2</h3>



<p>Voyager 2, on a longer trajectory, passed Jupiter in July 1979, Saturn in August 1981, Uranus in January 1986, and Neptune in August 1989. Each flyby yielded significant scientific discoveries, including the first detailed images of these planets' atmospheres, magnetic fields, rings, and numerous moons.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-interstellar-space">Interstellar space</h3>



<p>After completing their primary missions, both Voyagers continued into the heliosheath - the outermost layer of the heliosphere where the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-solar-wind-which-creates-beautiful-auroras-on-earth-is-now-less-mysterious/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar wind</a> is slowed by the pressure of interstellar gas. Voyager 1 entered interstellar space in August 2012, making it the first human-made object to do so. Voyager 2 followed into interstellar space in November 2018.</p>



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



<p>Despite their vast distance from Earth, the Voyagers continue to communicate with the NASA Deep Space Network to send back scientific data.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This enduring mission has expanded our understanding of the heliosphere and provides unique insights into the nature of the interstellar space beyond our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-the-delicate-balance-of-our-solar-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a>. </p>



<p>The spacecraft carry a golden record containing sounds and images selected to portray the diversity of life and culture on Earth, intended as a message for any intelligent extraterrestrial life that might find them.</p>



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



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Voyager 1 resumes sending data to Earth from interstellar space

For the first time since November 2023, NASA’s Voyager 1...

<p>For centuries, desert travelers have relied on oases as life-giving sanctuaries. These pockets of green have sustained communities, fueled trade, and sparked imaginations. Yet, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thriving-reefs-oases-corals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oases</a> are under pressure. New research exposes the delicate balance between human intervention and natural forces such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pastoralists-desertification-sahara/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">desertification</a> shaping the fate of these vital ecosystems.</p>



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



<p>An oasis isn't simply a desert mirage. It's a distinct, well-defined area where vegetation thrives, contrasting sharply with the surrounding arid landscapes. This extraordinary phenomenon is made possible by a dependable water source, which could be:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Groundwater:</strong>&nbsp;Underground water that reaches the surface, creating a natural spring or well.</li>



<li><strong>Mountain runoff:</strong>&nbsp;Water from rain or melting snow that flows down from higher elevations, gathering in low-lying desert areas.</li>
</ul>



<p>Despite covering only a tiny fraction (around 1.5%) of our planet's land area, oases play a disproportionately important role. They provide essential resources and support around 10% of the world's population, offering a lifeline in otherwise harsh, dry environments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-efforts-to-expand-oasis">Human efforts to expand oasis</h2>



<p>Recent research offers a surprising insight into the changing nature of oases. Counterintuitively, between 1995 and 2020, the total area of oases worldwide increased by a staggering 85,000 square miles. While this might seem like a positive development, there's a crucial caveat. </p>



<p>The majority of this expansion is not a natural phenomenon but the result of deliberate human intervention. Here's how it happens:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-scale-irrigation-projects">Large-scale irrigation projects</h3>



<p>Governments and private entities embark on ambitious projects to divert water from rivers, lakes, or drill deep wells to tap into underground aquifers. This water is then channeled into desert regions, transforming them into artificially-created oases.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-intensive-agriculture">Water-intensive agriculture</h3>



<p>The primary objective of many artificial <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/heart-shaped-oasis-on-the-nile-river/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oases</a> is to support agriculture in otherwise barren areas. This involves growing crops that may not be naturally suited to arid environments, leading to high water demands.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urbanization-and-development">Urbanization and development</h3>



<p>In some cases, artificial oases are created to support urban growth or industrial development in desert regions. These projects often require substantial and ongoing water resources.</p>



<p>However, the crucial issue with artificial oasis expansion lies in its potential unsustainability. These projects often rely on water sources that are either finite or overexploited. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-desertification-and-oases">Desertification and oases</h2>



<p>On the flip side, a relentless process called <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/desertification/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">desertification</a> poses a severe threat to oases. Desertification is the gradual transformation of fertile land into barren desert, often caused by factors such as climate change, overgrazing, and unsustainable water use. Desertification has led to the loss of approximately 52,000 square miles of oases during the same 25-year period.</p>



<p>“Although the scientific community has always emphasized the importance of oases, there has not been a clear map of the global distribution of oases,” said Dongwei Gui, a geoscientist at the <a href="https://english.cas.cn" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Academy of Science</a> who led the study.</p>



<p>“Oasis research has both theoretical and practical significance for achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and promoting sustainable development in arid regions.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-net-result-of-desertification-precarious-oases-growth">Net result of desertification: Precarious oases growth</h2>



<p>At first glance, the expansion of oases might seem like a promising development – a victory against harsh desert conditions. However, a closer examination paints a far more complex and worrying picture. While the total area of oases has increased by approximately 33,400 square miles, this net growth masks a deeper problem. </p>



<p>Much of the recent growth in oasis areas is a direct result of artificial expansion projects. These human-made oases mask simultaneous losses of natural oases due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sand-and-dust-storms-have-become-unpredictable-and-dangerous/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">desertification</a>.</p>



<p>Many artificial oases depend on unsustainable water practices. This includes tapping into rapidly depleting groundwater sources or diverting water from ecosystems that rely on those rivers or lakes for their own survival. It's a trade-off, sacrificing one area for the short-term growth of another.</p>



<p>This reliance on unsustainable water use casts a long shadow on the future of these oases. As water resources dwindle and ecosystems are disrupted, the artificial expansion will become increasingly difficult to maintain. The very existence of these oases becomes precarious.</p>



<p>The net growth figure, while seemingly positive, hides a troubling reality. It underscores the delicate and vulnerable nature of these ecosystems and raises serious questions about whether this artificial expansion is simply a short-term solution with potentially devastating long-term consequences.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-we-save-oases-from-desertification">Why do we save oases from desertification?</h2>



<p>Oases serve as irreplaceable havens in the world's drylands. They:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-provide-essential-water">Provide essential water</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Drinking and domestic needs:</strong>&nbsp;Oases serve as primary water sources for communities living within them, fulfilling basic human needs.</li>



<li><strong>Farming:</strong>&nbsp;Irrigation from oases enables agriculture even in arid regions, providing food and supporting local economies.</li>



<li><strong>Livestock:</strong>&nbsp;Oases provide water to animals raised for sustenance or livelihood, crucial for pastoral and nomadic populations.</li>



<li><strong>Industry and development:</strong>&nbsp;Some oases support small-scale industries or other development projects that depend on access to water.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-support-biodiversity">Support biodiversity</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Unique habitats:</strong>&nbsp;Oases create distinct micro-ecosystems within harsh desert environments, allowing specialized plants and animals to flourish.</li>



<li><strong>Endemic species:</strong>&nbsp;Some oases harbor plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth, contributing to global biodiversity.</li>



<li><strong>Migratory stopovers:</strong>&nbsp;Oases act as vital resting and refueling points for migratory birds and other wildlife traveling through arid regions.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-offer-resilience-against-climate-change">Offer resilience against climate change</h3>



<ul>
<li><strong>Buffers against drought:</strong>&nbsp;Oases can provide water and sustenance during extended periods of drought, offering respite to both people and wildlife.</li>



<li><strong>Microclimates:</strong>&nbsp;The vegetation and water presence in oases can create slightly cooler and more humid conditions locally, mitigating the harshness of the desert climate.</li>



<li><strong>Adaptation strategies:</strong>&nbsp;Traditional oasis management practices may offer valuable lessons for adapting to water scarcity and climate change in wider regions.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oases-are-under-attack-on-multiple-fronts">Oases are under attack on multiple fronts </h2>



<ul>
<li><strong>Overexploitation of groundwater:</strong>&nbsp;As discussed, excessive pumping of groundwater for irrigation or other needs can deplete aquifers faster than they naturally recharge, endangering the long-term survival of the oasis.</li>



<li><strong>Climate change:</strong>&nbsp;Rising temperatures increase evaporation rates, making water scarcity even more severe. Changing rainfall patterns can disrupt the delicate water balance that sustains oases.</li>



<li><strong>Loss of glaciers:</strong>&nbsp;Glacier meltwater is a lifeline for many oases. As glaciers retreat due to climate change, this essential water source diminishes, threatening the oasis's future.</li>
</ul>



<p>“While higher temperatures increase glacier melt, temporarily boosting oases’ water supplies, as glaciers gradually disappear, the yield of meltwater will eventually decrease, leading to the shrinkage of oases once again,” Gui said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oases-and-desertification">Oases and desertification</h2>



<p>The delicate state of our oases demands a transformative approach. Here's what we can do:</p>



<ul>
<li><strong>Sustainable water management:</strong>&nbsp;Promote water conservation, efficient irrigation techniques, and find ways to replenish groundwater sources.</li>



<li><strong>Ecological land use:</strong>&nbsp;Halt destructive practices like overgrazing and support traditional land management that works in harmony with nature.</li>



<li><strong>International cooperation:</strong>&nbsp;Many rivers cross borders, and oases depend on them. Countries must work together to protect vital water resources.</li>
</ul>



<p>“Due to the unique mechanism of oasis formation, a river basin often nurtures multiple oases across several countries, making transboundary cooperation key to addressing water scarcity and promoting sustainable development,” Gui said.</p>



<p>Oases represent extraordinary resilience. In the face of harsh conditions, they offer life and beauty. Yet, their future hangs in the balance. By understanding the intricate dynamics shaping them and embracing sustainable practices, we have the power to safeguard these fragile wonders for generations to come.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023EF004086" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Earth's Future</em></a>.</p>



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Oases face severe threats from desertification

For centuries, desert travelers have relied on oases as life-giving...

<p></p>
<div class="vdb_player vdb_58e3ebce955a315103d39bd158d96b98cd4fed198a0d2a49" vdb_params="m.embeded=cms_video_plugin_www.earth.com" data-placeholder="//img.vidible.tv/prod/2017-07/26/5979149a92fdde3555fc2612/597914c3016e6c278ead205f_o_A_v2.jpg?w=1440&#038;h=900">	<script type="text/javascript" src="//delivery.vidible.tv/jsonp/pid=58e3ebce955a315103d39bd1/vid=5979149a92fdde3555fc2612/58d96b98cd4fed198a0d2a49.js?m.embeded=cms_video_plugin_www.earth.com"></script></div>
<p><br />
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Today’s </span><b>Video of the Day</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> comes from </span><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">NASA</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and features a look at the special jets that will chase the August 21st solar eclipse from the sky. Two jets will follow the moon’s shadow as it pases over the eastern United State during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/august-21st-solar-eclipse/">eclipse</a>.</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></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Credit: </span></i><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">NASA Goddard Flight Center</span></i></a></p>

NASA jets to chase the total solar eclipse from the sky