Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features a false-color image of Lake Abbe in northeast Ethiopia. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.&nbsp;



"Visible as the large round dark area, Lake Abbe, also known as Lake Abhe, straddles the border of Ethiopia to the west and Djibouti to the east. The lake is 19 km wide and 17 km long and is extremely salty. It is dotted with clusters of steaming limestone chimneys and surrounded by large salt flats, visible in white, and rift volcanoes," says ESA.



"The biggest volcano in the image is Mount Dama Ali, a dormant 25-km-wide shield volcano that rises on the northwest shore of the lake."



"Lake Abbe and Lake Afambo, which is visible at the top of the image, are part of a chain of six connected salt lakes, fed by the Awash River - one of Ethiopia’s biggest rivers.'



Copernicus Sentinel-2’s near-infrared channel highlights vegetation in bright red. This strategy makes it easy to spot algal blooms, such as the one that is visible in Lake Abbe. According to ESA, the light blue color on the west shore indicates sediment discharged into the lake.



"Because of its dry, desert, almost lunar landscape and the steaming, sulphuric vents, Lake Abbe is considered one of the most inaccessible areas on Earth," says ESA. "Earth observation satellites are key in these cases as they are particularly relevant for monitoring remote regions such as this."



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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Lake Abbe in northeast Ethiopia

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features vibrantly colored water near the coastline of Vancouver Island.



"The colorful plumes - which are likely comprised of both phytoplankton and sediment - stood out in this image, acquired by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the NOAA-20 satellite on July 26," said NASA.



"Clouds covered much of Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia at the time of this image. But coastal areas were cloud-free, exposing water that likely contained flourishing populations of phytoplankton - floating plant-like organisms that are the foundation of the aquatic food web."



During the summer in the northeast Pacific Ocean, phytoplankton blooms are frequent due to offshore winds pushing surface waters away from the coast. This leads to the upwelling of cooler, nutrient-rich waters from the depths, which fuels the growth of phytoplankton.&nbsp;



The Salish Sea plays a significant role in supplying nutrients through its circulation and upwelling, enhancing phytoplankton productivity along the continental shelf near Vancouver Island. Additionally, the bloom may also be fueled by nutrient-rich sediment runoff from the coast.



Vancouver Island is known for its lush landscapes, including mountains, forests, and stunning coastlines. The island is also home to the city of Victoria, the capital of British Columbia.&nbsp;



Vancouver Island offers various outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, including opportunities to see whales and bears. The island has a rich Indigenous history, which is reflected in many of its local arts and cultural exhibits



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Vibrant colors off the coast of Vancouver Island

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features a massive smoky storm cloud that developed over Northwestern Canada on September 16, 2023.



"For much of summer 2023, fires burned through boreal forests in northern British Columbia and Alberta, and in the South Slave Region of the Northwest Territories. The blazes triggered evacuations as they approached towns and unleashed plumes of smoke that occasionally dipped south into the United States," said NASA.



"In mid-September, strong winds from a passing cold front interacted with some of the fires to create a vast smoke-infused cloud spiral. The smoky storm, which spanned hundreds of kilometers, is visible in this image captured by the VIIRS (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite) on the NOAA-20 satellite."



Wind gusts as high as 40 miles per hour intensified the fires and created towering “fire clouds” called pyrocumulonimbus clouds, which boosted smoke up into the storm clouds.&nbsp;



“We see dozens of pyrocumulonimbus clouds each year, but this was an impressive event,” said Colin Seftor, an atmospheric scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.&nbsp;



Seftor monitors the spread of the airborne aerosols within wildfire smoke using the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite sensor on the NOAA-NASA Suomi NPP satellite.



“After the smoke was lofted up and entrained within the circulation of a passing low-pressure system, it resulted in the highest aerosol measurements we’ve seen this year,” said Seftor. “We did see two other smoke events in Canada in mid-August and early September, when aerosol index values were nearly as high,” he added.



Atmospheric scientist Hiren Jethva analyzed data collected by a lidar sensor on NASA’s ICESat-2 to measure the height of the smoke plume. “ICESat-2 data show a rising smoke cloud ranging from 6 to 11 kilometers,” he said.&nbsp;



According to NASA, scientists track smoke heights as part of a broader effort to understand how aerosols within wildfire smoke affect the radiation budget and climate when they form smoke layers above clouds.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Smoke-infused storm cloud over the Northwest Territories 

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features the port city of Derna on the northeastern coast of Libya, where heavy rainfall caused catastrophic flooding that killed thousands of people.&nbsp;



"On September 10 and 11, over 100 millimeters (4 inches) of rain fell on Derna. The city lies at the end of a long, narrow valley, called a wadi, which is dry except during the rainy season," explained NASA.



"Floods triggered two dams along the wadi to collapse. The failure of the second dam, located just one kilometer inland of Derna, unleashed 3- to 7-meter-high floodwater that tore through the city. According to news reports, the flash floods destroyed roads and swept entire neighborhoods out to sea."



The image was captured by the Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2) on Landsat 9 on September 18. It shows the eroded banks of Wadi Derna, and muddy water off the coast.&nbsp;&nbsp;



"Preliminary estimates by the United Nations Satellite Center (UNOSAT) indicate that 3,100 buildings in Derna were damaged by rushing water. According to the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM), about 40,000 people in the country were displaced by the storm, and 30,000 of those were displaced from Derna," said NASA.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Aftermath of catastrophic flooding in Derna, Libya

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory </a>&nbsp;features the western region of Morocco, where a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck on September 8, 2023. The violent earthquake killed thousands of people and many are still missing more than a week later.



"The damage proxy map shown above is a NASA Earth Observatory version of a map created by the Earth Observatory of Singapore - Remote Sensing Lab (EOS-RS). The map uses modified Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite data processed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and with software originally developed at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Caltech," said NASA.



"To map the landscape, including buildings, Sentinel-1’s radar sends pulses of microwaves toward Earth’s surface and 'listens' for reflected echoes of those waves. In the map above, the damage proxy data from EOS-RS was laid over a Landsat 9 image and combined with a digital elevation model based on data collected by the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission."



According to NASA, the most severe destruction occurred in small rural villages in the High Atlas Mountains. Near the epicenter, entire communities were destroyed.



A resident of the town of Tinzert, Hakim Idlhousein, told CNN that it took just 10 seconds for his whole village to disappear. The homes have been reduced to rubble, and the survivors are still waiting for government aid. These hardest-hit regions have been difficult to reach after roads were destroyed by the earthquake.&nbsp;



"Help has been slow to come and has so far mostly consisted of food and water brought up into the mountains in private cars by volunteers from across Morocco," reported CNN.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Entire villages destroyed by earthquake in the High Atlas Mountains

Night,Landscape,With,The,Milky,Way,In,Namibia,In,The

A recent study has shone a new light on our understanding of the universe, revealing that Milky Way-like galaxies are not as rare as previously thought. In fact, they are are surprisingly common, reshaping notions surrounding galaxy formation and evolution. 



The study involved an international team of researchers, including prominent scientists from the <a href="https://www.manchester.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Manchester</a> and the <a href="https://www.uvic.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Victoria</a> in Canada, utilizing the advanced <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> (JWST).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shift-in-cosmic-perspectives">Shift in cosmic perspectives</h2>



The conventional wisdom was that galaxies resembling our Milky Way were scarce due to their delicate nature. The use of the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/main/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble Space Telescope</a> had led scientists to think that disc galaxies scarcely existed until the universe was approximately six billion years old. 



However, the findings from the new study, published in the <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/acc45c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Astrophysical Journal</a>, reveal that such galaxies were ten times more prevalent and have existed much longer, forming around 10 billion years ago or even earlier.



Professor Christopher Conselice, a Professor of Extragalactic Astronomy at the University of Manchester, noted, "These JWST results show that disk <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-galaxy-cluster-as-it-appeared-4-6-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> like our own Milky Way are the most common type of galaxy in the Universe. This implies that most stars exist and form within these galaxies which is changing our complete understanding of how galaxy formation occurs."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pioneering-discoveries-with-webb">Pioneering discoveries with Webb</h2>



The JWST has played a pivotal role in these discoveries, illustrating its unparalleled ability to uncover details about galaxies’ structures far earlier in the universe than scientists had anticipated. 



Lead author Leonardo Ferreira from the University of Victoria commented on the instrumental role of the JWST, saying, "The fact that JWST finds so many [disc galaxies] is another sign of the power of this instrument."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-debunking-the-fragility-myth">Debunking the fragility myth</h2>



The longevity and commonality of Milky Way-like galaxies dispel previous notions about their rarity stemming from their fragile nature and supposed susceptibility to the violent encounters that galaxies frequently undergo. 



The newfound abundance of these galaxies is compelling evidence that these entities form much earlier in the Universe than researchers had estimated.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rewriting-galactic-understanding">Rewriting galactic understanding</h2>



These revelations raise fundamental questions about the formation of the first galaxies and the evolution of galaxy over the last 10 billion years, necessitating a comprehensive reevaluation of our understanding of the universe. 



Professor Conselice stressed the significance of these findings, stating, "Based on our results astronomers must rethink our understanding of the formation of the first galaxies and how galaxy evolution occurred over the past 10 billion years."



Moreover, the results imply profound implications for our understanding of dark matter in the early universe, about which little is currently known. The fact that the majority of stars exist and form within these common disk galaxies is reshaping the entire scientific perspective on galaxy formation and dark matter, propelling forward our comprehension of cosmological phenomena.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-and-next-steps">Implications and next steps</h2>



These findings open up a realm of new questions and doubts regarding the universe's evolution and galaxy formation, obliging scientists to reconsider existing theories and models. The advanced insights provided by the JWST will continue to be crucial in answering these emerging questions and refining our knowledge of the cosmos.



The discovery of the abundance of Milky Way-like galaxies marks a transformative moment in astronomy and cosmology, offering new pathways for exploring the complexities of the universe and prompting renewed curiosity and fascination with the mysteries of the cosmos. 



The continued exploration and research into galaxies and the universe will undoubtedly unravel more secrets and deepen our understanding of our place in the cosmos.



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Galaxies like our own Milky Way are not unique

A recent study has shone a new light on our...

The U.S. Space Force has set a new record by launching a satellite into orbit with a mere 27 hours' notice. Unfortunately, Earth's ionosphere was damaged by the launch. 



This unexpected and swift action took place on September 14th with the launch of the <a href="https://fireflyspace.com/missions/victus-nox/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Victus Nox mission</a> from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard a Firefly Alpha rocket. This rapid deployment showcases the United States’ capacity to respond and augment its space capabilities with minimal notice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-record-setting-deployment">Record-setting deployment</h2>



The Victus Nox, Latin for "conquer the night," managed to shock the space exploration community due to the lack of prior announcement regarding the timing and the absence of live streaming of the event. 



The rush from approval to launch was a staggering and unprecedented 27 hours, highlighting the agility and responsiveness of the nation’s space endeavors.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mission-goals-and-observations">Mission goals and observations</h2>



Victus Nox is set to conduct "space domain awareness" operations, aimed at enhancing the Space Force's ability to monitor the orbital environment, playing a critical role in overseeing space activities and potential threats. 



The launch drew notable attention, not only for its rapid execution but also due to the enormous exhaust plume it produced, which was visible from more than 1,000 miles away. This visibility, marked by a lingering faint red glow in the sky, indicated that the rocket likely pierced the Earth's ionosphere during liftoff.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-ionosphere">Understanding the ionosphere</h2>



The ionosphere, situated between 50 and 400 miles above Earth’s surface, is a region of the atmosphere where gases undergo ionization. Ionospheric holes are formed where rocket fuel combusts within this layer, around 125–185 miles above the Earth. 



The exhaust, comprising carbon dioxide and water vapor, causes ionized oxygen atoms to recombine into oxygen molecules, releasing energy as light in the process.



Such interactions are not unprecedented, with a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket having created a similarly expansive red patch earlier this year. Importantly, these ionospheric holes pose no threat to terrestrial life and naturally close after a few hours when the recombined gases revert to their ionized state.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behind-the-scenes">Behind-the-scenes</h2>



Firefly Aerospace, having secured the Victus Nox contract in October 2022, was prepared to launch the satellite with less than 24 hours' notice, which was specified at the time of the agreement. 



The launch team efficiently executed all necessary preparations, including software updates, satellite encapsulation, transportation, mounting, and final inspections within the stringent timeframe. However, inclement weather conditions necessitated a slight delay in the launch.



Lt. Col. MacKenzie Birchenough of the Space Force's Space Systems Command emphasized the mission's importance, stating it was designed to "demonstrate the United States' ability to rapidly place an asset in orbit when and where we need it," underlining the strategic flexibility and enhanced operational capability offered by such rapid deployment options.



In summary, the unanticipated and swift launch of the Victus Nox mission by the U.S. Space Force has set a new benchmark in space mission execution, illustrating the United States’ capability to fortify its space assets rapidly and efficiently. 



This development, coupled with the public visibility of the launch’s interaction with the ionosphere, has highlighted the dynamism and strategic evolution within modern space exploration and military operations.



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U.S. rocket launch ripped a hole in Earth's ionosphere

The U.S. Space Force has set a new record by...

Hubble’s Crisp New Image of Jupiter and Europa

At a glance, it seems rather perplexing: five months post-launch and the spacecraft named Juice has covered 370 million kilometers, which represents a mere 5% of its journey to Jupiter.&nbsp;



To explain the extended timeline, the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> breaks down the science of flight dynamics and orbital mechanics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-dance-of-planets">Complex dance of planets</h2>



Every celestial body in our universe - planets, moons, stars, or galaxies - orbits another entity.&nbsp;



Earth orbits the Sun at a 30 km/s. When a spacecraft is launched from our planet, it inherits this orbital energy, effectively placing it in a similar orbit around the Sun as Earth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-for-juice-nbsp">Challenges for Juice&nbsp;</h2>



One might assume the most efficient route to Jupiter would be a straight line, but this approach has its challenges.&nbsp;



Not only would it require immense fuel to propel the spacecraft in such a direction, but an even greater fuel reserve would be essential to decelerate and orbit Jupiter upon arrival, lest the spacecraft overshoot its target.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-targets">Moving targets</h2>



Earth and Jupiter, in their eternal celestial journey around the Sun, are constantly changing positions relative to each other.&nbsp;



Their distance varies, reaching a maximum of 968 million kilometers and a minimum of just under 600 million.&nbsp;



Given this perpetual motion, aiming a spacecraft directly at Jupiter is not feasible.&nbsp;



Instead, flight engineers must anticipate where Jupiter will be when the spacecraft arrives.&nbsp;



"The planets are all moving at different rates in their orbits around the Sun," said ESA.&nbsp;



"Imagine throwing a ball at a moving target from a moving vehicle. Engineers must calculate the ideal time to make the jump on a circular path from Earth’s orbit to where Jupiter will be when the spacecraft arrives, not where it is when the spacecraft leaves Earth."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flyby-missions">Flyby missions</h2>



Historically, missions like Voyager, Pioneer, and New Horizons have managed to reach Jupiter in under two years.&nbsp;



However, these missions were mere flybys, using Jupiter as a gravitational slingshot to other destinations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-and-mass">Energy and mass</h2>



To maintain an extended presence around Jupiter, the approach must be slower.&nbsp;



A spacecraft's mass plays a pivotal role here. More mass implies more fuel, which in turn affects the launch complexity. Juice, weighing in at over 6,000 kg, is one of the heaviest interplanetary probes to date.&nbsp;



Even with the immense power of the Ariane 5 rocket, a direct two-year trajectory to Jupiter wasn't viable.



The solution lies in gravity-assist or flyby maneuvers. These maneuvers utilize the gravitational pull of celestial bodies to boost the spacecraft's speed, a cosmic dance that trades energy between the spacecraft and planets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trading-energy-nbsp">Trading energy&nbsp;</h2>



Juice's itinerary includes a series of flybys involving Earth, the Moon, and Venus. These maneuvers will position it for its grand rendezvous with the Jovian system in July 2031.



The journey, filled with an unprecedented 35 flybys of Jupiter's moons, will end with Juice entering the orbit of Ganymede, marking a historic first for humankind.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-precise-maneuvers-nbsp">Precise maneuvers&nbsp;</h2>



But such intricate space choreography is not without challenges. Every maneuver must be precise.&nbsp;



Even slight miscalculations could lead to the probe being lost in space or requiring extensive fuel to correct its course.



The overarching goal of Juice's mission is to study the potentially life-harboring oceans beneath the icy surfaces of Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.&nbsp;



Through this grand exploration, insights into the formation of planets and moons across the universe might be gleaned.



For updates, you can follow the mission's progress on Twitter via @ESAJuiceBar.



Image Credit: ESA



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Why is our trip to Jupiter taking so long?

At a glance, it seems rather perplexing: five months post-launch...

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Thawing Permafrost Will Accelerate Global Warming This video about how a new study says that thawing permafrost likely will accelerate global warming in coming decades. credit: University of Colorado