<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features NGC 1792, a spiral galaxy located in the constellation Columba about 43 million light-years away from Earth.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This galaxy, discovered by British astronomer James Dunlop in 1826, is part of the larger NGC 1808 group of galaxies.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intimate-view-of-ngc-1792">Intimate view of NGC 1792</h2>



<p>“An orange glow radiates from the center of NGC 1792, the heart of this stellar forge. Captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, this intimate view of NGC 1792 gives us some insight into this galactic powerhouse,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.</p>



<p>“The vast swathes of tell-tale blue seen throughout the galaxy indicate areas that are full of young, hot stars, and it is in the shades of orange, seen nearer the center, that the older, cooler stars reside.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vigorous-star-formation-nbsp">Vigorous star formation&nbsp;</h2>



<p>NGC 1792 is notable for its vigorous star formation, classifying it as a starburst galaxy. The high rate of star birth is thought to be triggered by gravitational interactions with neighboring galaxies, though the exact cause is still under study.</p>



<p>“Nestled in the constellation of Columba (The Dove), NGC 1792 is both a spiral galaxy, and a starburst galaxy,” said ESA. </p>



<p>“Within starburst galaxies, stars are forming at comparatively exorbitant rates. The rate of star formation can be more than 10 times faster in a starburst galaxy than in the Milky Way.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fierce-bursts-of-star-formation">Fierce bursts of star formation</h2>



<p>ESA noted that when galaxies have a large reservoir of gas, like NGC 1792, these short-lived starburst phases can be sparked by galactic events such as mergers and tidal interactions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“One might think that these starburst galaxies would easily consume all of their gas in a large forming event. However, supernova explosions and intense stellar winds produced in these powerful starbursts can inject energy into the gas and disperse it.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This halts the star formation before it can completely deplete the galaxy of all its fuel. Scientists are actively working to understand this complex interplay between the dynamics that drive and quench these fierce bursts of star formation.”</p>



<p>Due to its distance and brightness, NGC 1792 can be observed with medium-sized telescopes under favorable conditions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-evolution-of-galaxies">The evolution of galaxies </h2>



<p>Galaxy evolution refers to the process by which galaxies form and change over time. It begins in the early universe, shortly after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-observations-disprove-big-bang-theory-universe-began-tired-light-theory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Bang</a>, when small density fluctuations in the primordial gas led to the collapse of matter into the first galaxies.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-mergers">Galaxy mergers</h3>



<p>Early galaxies were small and irregular, and were composed mostly of gas and dark matter. Over billions of years, galaxies grew larger by merging with one another and by accreting gas from the surrounding space.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These interactions often triggered bursts of star formation, and collisions between galaxies sometimes led to the creation of new, more massive galaxies.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structural-changes">Structural changes</h3>



<p>As galaxies evolve, their morphology - shape and structure - can change. Early galaxies were often irregular or disk-shaped, but over time, many galaxies formed into the elliptical or spiral shapes we see today.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Star formation is a key driver of galaxy evolution, but it gradually slows down as galaxies age. </p>



<p>The gas that fuels <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-is-starving-its-host-galaxy-of-star-forming-fuel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> can be used up, or it can be heated and pushed out of galaxies by supernovae or black holes, reducing the galaxy's ability to form new stars.</p>



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



<p>The environment in which a galaxy resides also plays a role in its evolution. Galaxies in dense clusters are more likely to interact with their neighbors, which can alter their shape or trigger bursts of star formation.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In contrast, galaxies in more isolated regions of space evolve more slowly and without as many dramatic interactions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-matter">Dark matter</h3>



<p>Dark matter also plays a crucial role in galaxy evolution. It provides the gravitational framework that holds galaxies together and influences their interactions with one another.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/search-results/?search=Galaxies%20merge&amp;start=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a>, found at the centers of most large galaxies, can also affect their evolution by releasing energy that impacts star formation and the movement of gas within the galaxy.</p>



<p>Overall, galaxy evolution is a complex and ongoing process driven by interactions between stars, gas, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-dark-matter-does-not-exist-and-the-universe-is-27-billion-years-old/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a>, and black holes, and shaped by both internal processes and external influences.</p>



<p>Image Credit<strong>:</strong> ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA, J. Lee</p>



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Starburst galaxy in the constellation Columba

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

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features a brilliant stellar nursery located about 163,000 light-years away.</p>



<p>According to ESA, the image is one of the most photogenic examples of the many stellar nurseries observed by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope during its 30-year lifetime. </p>



<p>“The portrait features the giant nebula NGC 2014 and its neighbor NGC 2020 which together form part of a vast star-forming region in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.</p>



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



<p>Stellar nurseries are regions in space where new stars are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">born</a> - often within vast clouds of gas and dust called molecular clouds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These areas are fascinating because they are cradles of stellar evolution, where gravity causes clumps of gas to collapse, eventually forming protostars.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Over time, the protostars will heat up and start the nuclear fusion process that powers a star.</p>



<p>One of the most well-known stellar nurseries is the Orion Nebula, which is visible to the naked eye and located about 1,350 light-years from Earth.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-nature-of-a-stellar-nursery-nbsp">Dynamic nature of a stellar nursery&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Within these nurseries, the balance between gravity and pressure determines the types of stars that form, from massive, luminous stars to smaller, cooler ones like our Sun.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The environment is incredibly dynamic, with powerful winds from young stars shaping the clouds and triggering the birth of even more stars.</p>



<p>These regions are often illuminated by the light from massive newborn stars - creating stunning, colorful displays. The light reveals the intricate structure of the dust and gas, sculpted by the energy of young stars.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-stellar-nurseries-nbsp">Significance of stellar nurseries&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Stellar nurseries are essential for understanding the early stages of planetary formation, as protoplanetary disks (the material from which <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets form</a>) are often found around young stars in these regions.</p>



<p>Stellar nurseries play a crucial role in the ongoing evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-is-starving-its-host-galaxy-of-star-forming-fuel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>. They are responsible for the continuous birth of new stars that enrich the interstellar medium with heavier elements. This constant recycling of material is key to the development of future generations of stars and planets.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Furthermore, the study of these regions helps astronomers understand the fundamental processes that govern the life cycles of stars and the overall dynamics of the universe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-local-group">The Local Group</h2>



<p>The Local Group is a collection of over 80 galaxies that includes the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and the Triangulum Galaxy, along with numerous smaller dwarf galaxies. These galaxies are bound together by gravity and span a region roughly 10 million light-years across.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-ways-thin-disk-is-billions-of-years-older-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> and Andromeda are the dominant members, with their respective satellite galaxies orbiting them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Local Group is part of a larger structure known as the Virgo Supercluster, and its galaxies are moving toward the gravitational center of the Local Group, contributing to its dynamic nature.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-magellanic-cloud">Large Magellanic Cloud</h2>



<p>The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) is the fourth largest galaxy in the Local Group and can be seen with the naked eye from the Southern Hemisphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This irregular dwarf galaxy is home to the Tarantula Nebula, one of the most active star-forming regions in our cosmic neighborhood.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Large Magellanic Cloud played a key role in astronomical history, particularly when the supernova SN 1987A was observed, providing valuable insights into stellar evolution.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The LMC's interaction with the Milky Way, along with its own companion, the Small Magellanic Cloud, is believed to influence its shape and star formation activity. Its proximity and unique properties make it a crucial object of study for understanding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-galactic-explosion-provides-clues-about-galaxy-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy evolution</a>, star formation, and the dynamics of interacting galaxies.</p>



<p>Image Credit<strong>: </strong>NASA, ESA, and STScI</p>



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Hubble captures a stunning stellar nursery

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features the barred spiral galaxy NGC 1559, located around 35 million light-years away in the southern constellation Reticulum. The image was captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"The data featured in this portrait make use of two of Webb’s instruments: the Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI) and Near-InfraRed Camera (NIRCam)," noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.</p>



<p>"Here MIRI captures the glow of interstellar dust grains, which trace out the interstellar medium, the fuel for future star formation. NIRCam shows the light from stars, even young stars hidden behind prodigious amounts of dust. NIRCam also captures emission from ionized nebulae around young stars."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-reveals-galaxies-in-new-light">Webb reveals galaxies in new light</h2>



<p>According to ESA, the data was collected by the <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/phangs/home">PHANGS team</a> as part of a program in which Webb will observe 55 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-galaxies-that-are-too-old-to-exist/">galaxies</a> that have also been mapped by the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) radio telescope, the Hubble Space Telescope, and more.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"By combining Webb’s unprecedented view of the dust and stars with data from these other facilities, the team aims to obtain a new, highly detailed view of how stars are born, live, and die in galaxies across the Universe."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-1559-a-loner-in-space">NGC 1559: A loner in space</h2>



<p>Although NGC 1559 appears to sit close to one of our nearest neighbors in the sky - the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) - this is just a trick of perspective, noted ESA.</p>



<p>While it is part of the Reticulum constellation, NGC 1559 is not part of the Local Group of galaxies but instead resides in a more distant region of space.</p>



<p>"In reality, NGC 1559 is physically nowhere near the LMC in space; in fact it truly is a loner, lacking the company of any nearby galaxies or membership of any galaxy cluster," said ESA.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-1559">Star formation in NGC 1559</h2>



<p>NGC 1559 is notable for its active star formation and strong magnetic fields. It has also been the site of several <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a>, making it of particular interest to astronomers who study stellar evolution and the life cycle of stars.</p>



<p>The structure of NGC 1559 includes well-defined spiral arms that contain young, hot stars and regions of ionized gas, indicative of ongoing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-is-starving-its-host-galaxy-of-star-forming-fuel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-extragalactic-wonder">An extragalactic wonder</h2>



<p>Despite being relatively small compared to larger galaxies like the Milky Way, NGC 1559 is an important object for understanding how barred spiral galaxies evolve and the processes that trigger supernovae.</p>



<p>The galaxy’s remote location and active nature make it a fascinating subject of study in the field of extragalactic astronomy. </p>



<p>The isolation of NGC 1559 allows for a clearer view of its structure without much interference from neighboring galaxies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barred-spiral-galaxies">Barred spiral galaxies</h2>



<p>Barred spiral galaxies are a type of spiral galaxy characterized by a central bar-shaped structure composed of stars. This bar extends out from the core and connects to the galaxy's spiral arms, which swirl outward in a graceful pattern.</p>



<p>Scientists believe that the bar plays a crucial role in the evolution of the galaxy, funneling gas towards the core and potentially triggering star formation or feeding a central black hole. </p>



<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, our own galaxy, is an example of a barred spiral. These galaxies are quite common in the universe, making up about two-thirds of all observed spiral galaxies.</p>



<p>The bar itself is thought to be a temporary feature, developing as the galaxy matures and possibly disappearing over time as the dynamics of the stars change. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-reticulum-constellation">The Reticulum constellation</h2>



<p>Reticulum is a small, faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name means "the reticle" in Latin, which refers to the crosshairs in an eyepiece of a telescope.</p>



<p>The constellation was named in the 18th century by the French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille to honor the reticle he used in his scientific instruments. It is one of the 88 modern constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union.</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA, A. Leroy, J. Lee and the PHANGS Team</p>



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Spiral galaxy glows with young stars and interstellar dust

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from the European Space Agency features NGC 6744 - a large, barred spiral galaxy located approximately 30 million light-years away in the constellation Pavo.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The galaxy is often considered a close analog to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uma3-u1-faintest-star-system-found-orbiting-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> due to its similar structure and size, spanning about 175,000 light-years across.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-euclid-space-mission-nbsp">Euclid space mission&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The image was captured by the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid</a> space telescope. NGC 6744 stands out as a prime example of the galaxies currently forming the majority of stars in the nearby universe, making it an ideal subject for study with the Euclid mission.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Euclid’s extensive field-of-view allows it to capture the entire galaxy, showcasing not only its large-scale spiral structure but also revealing intricate details on smaller scales across various wavelengths. These details include feather-like dust lanes, known as “spurs,” emerging from the spiral arms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-6744">Star formation in NGC 6744</h2>



<p>Euclid's observations enable scientists to count individual stars within NGC 6744, trace the distribution of stars and dust throughout the galaxy, and map the dust associated with the gas that fuels the development of new stars.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Star formation</a> is a key process in the growth of galaxies, making these studies crucial for understanding galaxy evolution.</p>



<p>Researchers are utilizing Euclid’s data to explore the relationship between dust, gas, and star formation. The data can also be used to map the distribution of different stellar populations and identify regions of active star formation.</p>



<p>Spiral arms play a significant role in star formation by compressing gas, yet the precise mechanisms behind this process are still unclear. </p>



<p>The presence of “spurs” along NGC 6744’s spiral arms offers valuable insights into the dynamics of star formation within these structures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-new-dwarf-galaxies-nbsp">Discovering new dwarf galaxies&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Additionally, Euclid's dataset will help scientists identify clusters of old stars (globular clusters) and discover new dwarf galaxies around NGC 6744. </p>



<p>Remarkably, Euclid has already identified a new dwarf satellite galaxy of NGC 6744 - a surprising discovery given that the galaxy has been studied extensively.</p>



<p>With Euclid’s detailed observations, scientists are gaining a deeper understanding of the processes shaping galaxies, providing essential clues to the evolution and appearance of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universes-expansion-rate-hubble-tension-puzzles-astronomers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-ngc-6744">More about NGC 6744</h2>



<p>NGC 6744's disk is rich in star-forming regions and contains numerous young, bright blue stars. The galaxy's nucleus is slightly elongated and has a bar structure, which influences the motion of the stars and gas within it.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The spiral arms of NGC 6744 are well-defined and extend outward, wrapping around the central bar. </p>



<p>Additionally, NGC 6744 has a smaller companion galaxy, NGC 6744A, which is interacting with it, adding to the complexity and interest of this distant system.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-spiral-galaxies">Types of spiral galaxies</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spiral galaxies</a> are one of the most common types of galaxies in the universe, characterized by their distinct, spiral-shaped structure.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The galaxies typically consist of a flat, rotating disk containing stars, gas, and dust, along with a central concentration of stars known as the bulge. This bulge is often surrounded by a halo of older stars.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The spiral arms, which extend from the central bulge, are regions of active star formation and are rich in young, hot stars, giving them a bright, bluish appearance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These arms are also sites where interstellar gas and dust are concentrated, leading to the formation of new stars.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Spiral galaxies are classified into different types based on the tightness of their spirals and the size of their central bulge, with classifications ranging from tightly wound arms in Sa galaxies to more loosely wound arms in Sc galaxies. The <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</a>, our home galaxy, is a prime example of a spiral galaxy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-pavo">The constellation Pavo</h2>



<p>Pavo, which means "peacock" in Latin, is a constellation in the southern sky. It was named by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius in the late 16th century, based on observations made during the Dutch explorations of the southern hemisphere. </p>



<p>Pavo is one of the 12 constellations created by Plancius from the records of explorers Pieter Dirkszoon Keyser and Frederick de Houtman. </p>



<p>The constellation is known for its distinctive shape, resembling a peacock with a long, curved tail. It is not visible from most of the northern hemisphere, but it can be seen from the southern hemisphere, particularly during the winter months.</p>



<p>Pavo contains several interesting celestial objects, including the star Peacock, also known as Alpha Pavonis, which is the brightest star in the constellation. This star is a blue-white subgiant located about 179 light-years from Earth.</p>



<p>Image Credit: <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA&nbsp;</p>



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Young stars illuminate a spiral galaxy in the constellation Pavo

<p>Today's <strong>Image of the Day</strong> from NASA Earth Observatory features Lake Chad in central Africa. The photograph was taken by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station.</p>



<p>According to <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/154407/lake-chads-water-wetlands-and-dunes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, Lake Chad once ranked among the largest natural lakes in the world. It was a critical resource for millions of people and animals, supporting agriculture and fishing across the region.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Lake Chad straddles the borders of Chad, Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon. The shallow <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lakes-are-warming-toward-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> is primarily fed by the Chari River, which brings water from the Central African Republic. </p>



<p>The water levels are also influenced by seasonal rainfall. The rainfall patterns vary significantly across the basin but generally follow a wet-dry seasonal cycle.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-decline-and-shrinkage-nbsp">Environmental decline and shrinkage&nbsp;</h2>



<p>From the 1960s to the early 2000s, the lake lost more than 90 percent of its surface area. It transformed from a vast expanse of open water into a patchwork of wetlands, reed beds, and scattered pools.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This environmental decline has had severe consequences for local communities, leading to food and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-water-security-relies-on-the-origins-of-rainfall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water insecurity</a>, loss of livelihoods, and increasing competition over scarce resources.</p>



<p>“Ongoing droughts and the rising demand for fresh water have shrunk the lake to less than a tenth of the area it covered in the middle of the last century,” noted NASA.</p>



<p>“Although the lake has experienced dry and wet periods for thousands of years, there has been a significant decline in the amount of lake water available since the 1960s.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conflict-culture-and-economy">Conflict, culture, and economy</h2>



<p>Lake Chad is a geopolitical hotspot. The region has been affected by conflict, including the insurgency led by Boko Haram, which has displaced millions and further complicated efforts to manage and protect the lake’s fragile ecosystem.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Despite these challenges, regional governments and international organizations are working to restore and sustain the lake, including ambitious proposals to divert water from the Congo River basin.</p>



<p>Culturally and economically, Lake Chad remains vital. It is a hub for trade and social exchange among diverse ethnic groups and continues to provide fish and fertile land despite its reduced size.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The future of Lake Chad hinges on sustainable water management, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-extremes-alter-how-sunlight-travels-through-clear-lakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> resilience, and political cooperation across national boundaries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-evolution-of-lake-chad-nbsp">Evolution of Lake Chad&nbsp;</h2>



<p>According to NASA, the evolution of Lake Chad has been documented by astronaut photography over the past 60 years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“During the Apollo 7 mission in 1968, an astronaut acquired an oblique <a href="https://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/SearchPhotos/photo.pl?mission=AS07&amp;roll=8&amp;frame=1932" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photograph</a> of the lake as one large body of water. In 1982, another <a href="https://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/SearchPhotos/photo.pl?mission=STS005&amp;roll=39&amp;frame=1022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photo</a> from the space shuttle mission STS-5 recorded receding water levels and encroaching sand dunes.”</p>



<p>“A <a href="https://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/SearchPhotos/photo.pl?mission=ISS042&amp;roll=E&amp;frame=244403" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photo</a> taken in 2015 during space station Expedition 42 captured the lake’s remaining waters and wetlands in dark green, blue, and brown, contrasting with the sandy shades of the surrounding land.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-of-lake-chad">Wildlife of Lake Chad</h2>



<p>Lake Chad still supports wildlife, though species diversity and abundance have declined significantly due to ecosystem degradation</p>



<p>The lake and its surrounding wetlands are home to several species of fish, including tilapia, catfish, and Nile perch, which are important both ecologically and economically.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These fish support a major regional fishing industry, although overfishing and changes in water conditions have put pressure on fish populations.</p>



<p>Birds are another key component of the ecosystem. The lake serves as a crucial habitat and stopover point for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-may-be-using-quantum-physics-for-migration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a> traveling along the African-Eurasian flyway. </p>



<p>Species such as herons, storks, ducks, and geese can be found in the region, especially during the wet season when parts of the lake flood and create rich feeding grounds.</p>



<p>Mammals that depend on the surrounding floodplains and wetlands include hippos and various antelope species, yet their numbers have declined.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-efforts-and-challenges">Conservation efforts and challenges</h2>



<p>Reptiles like Nile crocodiles and turtles also inhabit the lake's waters and marshy areas. In the past, larger wildlife such as elephants and lions may have roamed the wider Lake Chad basin, but they are now mostly gone from the immediate lake area due to habitat loss and human activity.</p>



<p>Despite these challenges, Lake Chad remains an important, yet increasingly fragile, refuge for wildlife in a region where water and natural habitats are becoming more scarce.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Conservation efforts aim to balance the needs of people and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thousands-of-freshwater-species-are-threatened-with-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a>, but the success of such efforts depends on managing the lake’s limited resources in the face of climate change, political instability, and population growth.</p>



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



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



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Lake Chad: A vanishing lifeline in Central Africa

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

<p>In the waters of Lake Malawi, a single group of fish has evolved into over 800 different species in just a few million years. This rapid and concentrated evolutionary explosion has long puzzled scientists.</p>



<p>Now, researchers have uncovered a powerful genetic mechanism that may explain how such extreme <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-mitigation-strategies-may-be-endangering-biodiversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a> can arise so quickly.</p>



<p>A recent study led by scientists from the Universities of <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cambridge</a> and <a href="https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antwerp</a> reveals that large chunks of reversed, or “flipped,” DNA in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/curiosity-of-cichlid-fish-boosts-biodiversity-in-lake-tanganyika/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cichlid fish</a> act like evolutionary accelerators.</p>



<p>These chromosomal inversions preserve key genetic traits across generations and help fish adapt swiftly to new habitats - fueling the formation of new species at remarkable speed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-shortcut-in-our-genes">The shortcut in our genes</h2>



<p>“Why are there so many different kinds of animals and plants on Earth?” is a question that has guided evolutionary biology for centuries.</p>



<p>In the case of Malawi’s cichlids, all 800-plus species share a common ancestor. Yet they’ve diversified into everything from algae-grazers to sand-sifters to open-water predators - all within the confines of one lake.</p>



<p>To understand this phenomenon, the researchers examined the genomes of over 1,300 individual cichlids. Some species had flipped DNA sections across five chromosomes - a genetic anomaly called a chromosomal inversion.</p>



<p>“We discovered that, in some species, large chunks of DNA on five chromosomes are flipped - a type of mutation called a chromosomal inversion,” said senior author Hennes Svardal from the University of Antwerp.</p>



<p>Ordinarily, recombination reshuffles <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oldest-human-dna-ever-found-tells-story-of-lost-branch-on-human-neanderthal-family-tree/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DNA</a> each generation by mixing genetic material from both parents.</p>



<p>But inside these chromosomal inversions, the structure blocks recombination. As a result, organisms inherit linked gene sets together, preserving adaptations that function effectively as a group.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fish-supergenes-lock-in-traits">Fish supergenes lock in traits</h2>



<p>“It’s sort of like a toolbox where all the most useful tools are stuck together, preserving winning genetic combinations that help fish adapt to different environments,” said Moritz Blumer from Cambridge’s Department of Genetics.</p>



<p>These preserved gene clusters, or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supergenes-drove-the-rapid-spread-of-common-ragweed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supergenes</a>, help explain how diverse cichlid fish evolve while sharing the same lake. In sandy lake beds, inversions limit gene mixing, helping preserve each species’ unique adaptations despite a lack of barriers.</p>



<p>The supergenes govern traits essential to survival: vision, hearing, feeding behavior, and more. For instance, fish that live in the lake’s deep waters - some as far down as 655 feet (200 meters) - require specialized vision to navigate dim light.</p>



<p>They also need unique diets to survive in the nutrient-poor depths and physiology to withstand high pressure. Their supergenes lock in those abilities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-supergenes-in-fish-interbreeding">Supergenes in fish interbreeding</h2>



<p>Another advantage of these DNA inversions is that they can transfer wholesale between species when different cichlids <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/28000-year-old-hybrid-child-confirms-interbreeding-between-humans-and-neanderthals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interbreed</a>. This spreads entire suites of beneficial traits in one stroke.</p>



<p>“When different cichlid species interbred, entire inversions can be passed between them - bringing along key survival traits, like adaptations to specific environments, speeding up the process of evolution,” Blumer said.</p>



<p>This genetic mechanism lets adaptations transfer between species, speeding evolution without needing to evolve traits independently each time.</p>



<p>Researchers found these inversions often act as sex chromosomes, determining whether a fish develops as male or female. Because sex chromosomes drive speciation, this finding adds complexity to how cichlids diversify so rapidly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-going-beyond-fish">Going beyond fish</h2>



<p>“While our study focused on cichlids, chromosomal inversions aren’t unique to them,” said co-senior author Richard Durbin, a professor at Cambridge’s Department of Genetics.</p>



<p>“They’re also found in many other animals - including humans - and are increasingly seen as a key factor in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolution-is-not-as-random-as-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a> and biodiversity.”</p>



<p>These findings reveal new ways to study the genetics of speciation. This applies not just to fish, but across all branches of the tree of life. Supergenes and inversions may be more than just quirks of DNA - they could be among evolution’s most powerful tools for generating new forms and functions.</p>



<p>“We have been studying the process of speciation for a long time,” Svardal said. “By understanding how these supergenes evolve and spread, we’re getting closer to answering one of science’s big questions: how life on Earth becomes so rich and varied.”</p>



<p>The study shows how a DNA twist can speed evolution, offering a key clue to the mystery of biodiversity. It also reveals that sometimes, nature hides its most elegant solutions in its smallest structures.</p>



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



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Genetic ‘supergenes’ power explosive evolution in some fish

In the waters of Lake Malawi, a single group of...

<p>For many people, the idea of combining a psychedelic substance with organized religion may sound like a stretch. Yet a team of researchers recently <a href="https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/psymed.2023.0044" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">investigated</a> the effects of psilocybin on spiritual leaders across several faith traditions, hoping to learn how this compound might influence well-being and religious attitudes.</p>



<p>The experts enrolled clergy from major world religions in a study comparing those who received psilocybin sessions with those who did not. </p>



<p>The late <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/2023/10/roland-griffiths-pioneering-psychedelic-researcher-dies" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roland Griffiths</a> from <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University</a> was one of the scientists at the center of this project, ensuring careful protocols and ethical oversight.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-psilocybin-affects-the-brain">How psilocybin affects the brain</h2>



<p>Psilocybin is the primary compound in certain types of mushrooms. It belongs to a group called <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/serotonergic-psychedelic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">serotonergic psychedelics</a>, which means it interacts with a specific set of receptors in the brain. </p>



<p>A growing body of clinical <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00213-017-4771-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work</a> has explored its effects on mood, mental health, and personal meaning. <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0269881116675512" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Research</a> suggests that psilocybin can prompt introspection and feelings of connectedness. </p>



<p>Some participants in past studies have described enduring changes in perspective. These trials have followed standard safety measures and were typically supervised by professionals trained in guiding the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychedelic-ibogaine-can-now-be-produced-without-rare-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experience</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-religious-leaders-joined-psilocybin-trial">Religious leaders joined psilocybin trial</h2>



<p>Clergy hold leadership roles in their faith communities. They often counsel congregants and guide spiritual practices. </p>



<p>The researchers wanted to determine if psilocybin-assisted <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psychedelic-drug-induces-feelings-of-oceanic-boundlessness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sessions</a> might shape the perspectives and effectiveness of these leaders in their day-to-day vocations.</p>



<p>According to the study, members of various denominations and faiths took part. Some received two psilocybin sessions spaced about one month apart, while others were placed on a waitlist. </p>



<p>Afterward, each volunteer answered questions about spiritual awareness, prayer, and attitudes toward their beliefs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-religious-leaders-on-psilocybin">Religious leaders' on psilocybin</h2>



<p>Participants were screened for physical and mental health conditions before the sessions. A comfortable setting was provided on the dosing days, including support from trained facilitators. </p>



<p>Many of those who ingested psilocybin said it was among the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-fungus-in-morning-glory-seeds-produces-lsd-like-compounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiritually</a> significant experiences of their lives.</p>



<p>“Participants who had received psilocybin reported significantly greater positive changes in their religious practices, attitudes about their religions, and effectiveness as a religious leader,” stated Stephen Ross, from the NYU <a href="https://med.nyu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grossman School of Medicine</a>.</p>



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



<p>According to the study, improvements in daily spiritual practices and a sense of deeper connection with both one’s own faith and other religious traditions were still observed well over a year after the sessions. </p>



<p>These trends suggest the psilocybin experience could potentially support religious work by offering fresh perspectives on matters of meaning and devotion.</p>



<p>On a non-religious level, many participants noted a positive shift in personal well-being. </p>



<p>They reported mood improvements that continued as time passed. These outcomes highlight a pattern similar to previous psilocybin trials in different populations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reflecting-on-challenges">Reflecting on challenges</h2>



<p>Not everyone’s journey during a psychedelic session is easy. The report acknowledged that psilocybin can bring about intense moments of worry or confusion. </p>



<p>Careful screening and supervision seemed to reduce potential risks, with no serious adverse events reported.</p>



<p>Still, the authors cautioned against making sweeping generalizations. They pointed out that the research population was relatively small. </p>



<p>The researchers also emphasized that self-selection and expectations might have shaped the experiences to some degree.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-long-lasting-changes-in-perspective">Long-lasting changes in perspective </h2>



<p>The researchers noted that the results in clergy were broadly in line with past clinical studies of psilocybin in non-religious participants. </p>



<p>In both cases, high-dose sessions led to long-lasting changes in behavior, perspective, and emotional health.</p>



<p>What made this trial unique was that the effects showed up in areas directly tied to religious leadership, such as prayer life, perceived vocational effectiveness, and tolerance of other faiths.</p>



<p>Compared to studies involving cancer patients or individuals with depression, the clergy participants tended to rate their sessions as more spiritually meaningful and less therapeutically intense. </p>



<p>That could be due to the nature of their role or their prior exposure to sacred frameworks.</p>



<p>Still, about 42% described at least one session as among the most <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/magic-mushrooms-are-the-most-popular-psychedelic-drug/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychologically</a> challenging experiences of their lives.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-religious-studies-on-psilocybin">Future religious studies on psilocybin</h2>



<p>This project invites more exploration of psilocybin’s role in religious contexts. Larger samples from diverse spiritual backgrounds may clarify how much culture and preexisting beliefs influence the session’s outcomes. </p>



<p>Some may wonder whether these insights could inform religious education or help religious professionals facing burnout.</p>



<p>Any upcoming investigations are expected to follow rigorous guidelines. Researchers often stress that psilocybin should only be used in supervised studies or other lawful frameworks to minimize potential harm and misunderstanding.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-approaches-to-spiritual-care">New approaches to spiritual care</h2>



<p>Faith leaders stand at a unique crossroads of tradition and human need. Studies like this one spark discussions about new approaches to spiritual care. </p>



<p>They also add to the growing literature suggesting psilocybin’s potential for promoting introspection and community well-being.</p>



<p>It remains to be seen how religious organizations respond to these findings. Some may embrace research aimed at enriching spiritual life, while others might remain cautious. </p>



<p>Either way, the results open a conversation about how substances like psilocybin could interact with centuries of established rituals and beliefs.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/psymed.2023.0044" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Psychedelic Medicine</em></a>.</p>



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



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Religious leaders of all faiths ate 'magic mushrooms' in a scientific study, and it changed their lives

For many people, the idea of combining a psychedelic substance...

<p>Mercury levels in Arctic animals keep climbing even though the world has reduced new emissions. A new study shows that mercury already in the ocean is drifting northward on century-long currents and silently refueling pollution.</p>



<p>Researchers from <a href="https://international.au.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a> and the <a href="https://www.ku.dk/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Copenhagen</a> analyzed more than 700 samples collected across Greenland.</p>



<p>The experts compared modern tissues from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-polar-bear-day-keeping-moms-and-cubs-safe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar bears</a>, seals, fish, peat, and even 40-year-old archives, then matched each sample’s six mercury isotopes - slight atomic variants that act like barcodes - to known ocean pathways.</p>



<p>“These isotope signatures act like fingerprints, revealing the sources and transport pathways of mercury,” explained lead author Jens Søndergaard, a senior researcher at Aarhus.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-old-emissions-ride-ocean-loops">Old emissions ride ocean loops</h2>



<p>When smokestacks or gold mines release mercury, the vapor can circle the globe for a year before it falls out of the air. Once it sinks into seawater, however, the metal can linger for three hundred years.</p>



<p>The new study shows that this “legacy mercury” is now the main supplier to the Arctic. Water entering central West Greenland rides the North Atlantic’s Irminger Current and arrives with a different isotopic stamp than water feeding the north and east coasts, which drifts down from the Arctic Ocean.</p>



<p>In regions swept by the Atlantic branch, animals carry less total mercury but show higher values of the heavy isotope δ202Hg. Farther north and east, concentrations are higher and the isotope mix points to older Arctic stores.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mercury-climbs-in-arctic-predators">Mercury climbs in Arctic predators</h2>



<p>Scientists have tracked Arctic mercury since the late 1970s, hoping to see a decline after many countries ratcheted down pollution.</p>



<p>Instead, concentrations in polar bears and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-species-of-toothed-whale-is-the-earliest-ancestor-of-modern-dolphins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toothed whales</a> are now twenty- to thirtyfold above pre-industrial levels.</p>



<p>“We’ve monitored mercury in Arctic animals for over 40 years. Despite declining global emissions since the 1970s, we see no corresponding decrease in Arctic concentrations - on the contrary,” said senior author Rune Dietz, an ecologist at Aarhus.</p>



<p>The new isotope data show why: mercury carried by currents can take up to a century and a half to reach Greenland.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-isotopes-trace-mercury-s-path">Isotopes trace mercury's path</h2>



<p>Mercury atoms come in several naturally occurring forms that differ slightly in mass. Industrial smokestacks, volcanic plumes, rivers, and ocean chemistry each leave a characteristic mix.</p>



<p>By scanning these mixes in muscle, fur, and ancient peat layers, the team drew a map of hidden routes. In central West Greenland the isotope blend matches Atlantic inflow; in north-eastern sites it matches the high-mercury Arctic Basin.</p>



<p>The peat cores also tell a time-lapse story: layers laid down in recent centuries hold heavier isotopes than layers deeper in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/permafrost-thaw-is-a-rising-threat-to-arctic-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">permafrost</a>, confirming that modern pollution is still piling up.</p>



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



<p>“Mercury affects the immune system, reproduction, and possibly sensory functions in animals, which can impact their survival,” said co-author Christian Sonne, a professor at Aarhus.</p>



<p>Seals, polar bears, and seabirds already harbor levels linked to suppressed immunity and hormonal disruption. </p>



<p>Indigenous communities that rely on marine mammals for food face the same toxic threat. With mercury reservoirs still drifting north, even the toughest emission cuts may not deliver quick relief.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arctic-slow-to-reflect-progress">Arctic slow to reflect progress</h2>



<p>The <a href="https://minamataconvention.org/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Nations Minamata Convention</a> aims to curb new mercury emissions. The Danish team’s work explains why Arctic numbers refuse to fall despite progress elsewhere.</p>



<p>Ocean inventories of legacy mercury - much of it released during the 19th- and 20th-century coal age - are simply too vast and too slow-moving. Any evaluation of the treaty’s success, the authors warn, must account for that time lag.</p>



<p>The group is expanding its isotope surveys through the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbial-awakening-arctic-food-webs-are-transforming-from-green-to-brown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GreenPaths project</a> and collaborating with international programs such as WhaleAdapt to follow mercury’s course through other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microbial-awakening-arctic-food-webs-are-transforming-from-green-to-brown/">Arctic food webs</a>.</p>



<p>By stitching together isotope records from peat, glaciers, rivers, and marine life, they hope to predict hotspots years before the pollutant arrives.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-can-be-done-now"><a></a>What can be done now?</h2>



<p>Reducing modern mercury still matters; every gram kept out of the water is one less gram entering the conveyor belt.</p>



<p>But policymakers must pair emission goals with long-term monitoring, dietary guidance for northern communities, and studies on how climate-driven shifts in currents could speed or slow the toxic flow.</p>



<p>The lesson is stark: once mercury reaches the sea, it becomes a traveler with no passport expiry. And as the new isotope “fingerprints” show, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forever-chemicals-threaten-arctic-wildlife-and-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic’s wildlife</a> - and the people who depend on it - will keep feeling the aftershocks of 19th- and 20th-century pollution well into the 22nd.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-60356-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.</p>



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



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Mercury pollution rides ocean currents north, threatening Arctic wildlife

Mercury levels in Arctic animals keep climbing even though the...


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