<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>Jabirus, the tallest flying birds in South and Central America, 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 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 the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> features the Columbia Glacier, a tidewater glacier located in Prince William Sound on the south coast of Alaska. It is one of the most rapidly changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-pose-great-threat-to-biodiversity-in-mountain-ranges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glaciers</a> in the world and has been closely studied for the insights it provides into glacial mechanics and climate change impacts. </p>



<p>"Since the early 1980s, the Columbia Glacier has retreated more than 20 km and lost about half of its total volume. This one glacier accounts for nearly half of the ice lost in the Chugach Mountains," noted ESA.</p>



<p>"The changing climate is thought to have caused its retreat. Until 1980, when its rapid and constant retreat began, the glacier’s terminus was observed at the northern edge of Heather Island, which lies near the end of Columbia Bay, the inlet into which the glacier currently flows before draining into Prince William Sound."</p>



<p>"This satellite image, acquired in September 2023, shows instead the deep mostly ice-free Columbia Bay dotted with numerous icebergs and fragmented sea-ice."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dramatic-calving-events">Dramatic calving events</h2>



<p>The Columbia Glacier is known for its dramatic calving events, where large chunks of ice break off from the glacier's terminus and fall into the sea, becoming icebergs. This process has been particularly active as the glacier has retreated, contributing to hazards for shipping in Prince William Sound.</p>



<p>The glacier has been the focus of extensive scientific research, serving as a case study for understanding the dynamics of tidewater glaciers and their responses to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/preparing-for-ocean-acidification-a-silent-killer-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>. Studies have used satellite imagery, field observations, and modeling to track its changes over time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-impact-on-the-columbia-glacier">Climate impact on the Columbia Glacier</h2>



<p>"Columbia is just one of the many glaciers suffering from the effects of climate change. Most of the glaciers around the world are losing mass. However, before the advent of satellites, measuring their retreat and studying their vulnerability to climate change was difficult considering their size, remoteness and rugged terrain they occupy," said ESA.</p>



<p>"Different satellite instruments now can gather information systematically and over large areas, providing an effective means to monitor change, keep track of all calving stages and quantify the melting rate and their contribution to sea-level rise."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">More about Columbia Glacier&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Columbia Glacier flows from the Chugach Mountains into Columbia Bay. It was once one of the largest contributors to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-will-cost-coastal-cities-over-1-trillion-in-damages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea level rise</a> due to its significant ice loss. </p>



<p>The glacier's dynamics are influenced by its interaction with water, where the terminus meets the ocean. As the glacier flows into the sea, large chunks of ice calve off the front, leading to dramatic scenes of ice crashing into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shelf-sediment-ocean-composition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a>. This process has been intensifying due to warmer temperatures and changes in water circulation, which undermine the ice from below.</p>



<p>Columbia Glacier's retreat has significant implications for marine navigation and local ecosystems. The increase in icebergs calving into the bay poses hazards to ships, while the fresh meltwater impacts local water temperatures and salinity, affecting the habitat of fish and other marine life.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Melting glaciers and ocean composition&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Glaciers, which are large masses of accumulated snow and ice, store about 69 percent of the world's fresh water. As the climate warms, these glaciers increasingly melt and release freshwater into nearby seas and the ocean at large.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Influx of freshwater</h3>



<p>This influx of freshwater from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-pose-great-threat-to-biodiversity-in-mountain-ranges/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting glaciers</a> alters the salinity (salt concentration) of the ocean water. Since freshwater is less dense than saltwater, its addition can lead to stratification in which lighter, less salty water layers on top of denser, saltier water. </p>



<p>This stratification can disrupt ocean currents, which are driven in part by differences in water density and temperature. These currents are crucial for regulating global climate by distributing heat and nutrients around the planet.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Changes in salinity&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Furthermore, changes in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salinity</a> can affect marine life, which often has narrow salinity tolerance ranges. For example, shifts in salinity can impact breeding cycles, migration patterns, and the availability of nutrients. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Global carbon cycle</h3>



<p>As the ocean's composition changes, its capacity to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere could also be altered, affecting the global carbon cycle and, by extension, climate change feedback mechanisms.</p>



<p>The melting of glaciers contributes to more pronounced changes in ocean conditions, impacting everything from global climate systems to local ecosystems in marine environments.</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;</p>



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Columbia Glacier on the south coast of Alaska

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

<p>Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a 9.5-mile section of Pangong Lake on the western end of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperatures-are-rising-unexpectedly-fast-on-the-tibetan-plateau/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tibetan Plateau</a>. The image was captured on January 25, 2024 by a crew member aboard the International Space Station. </p>



<p>“In this winter scene, a sheet of cracked ice tops part of the lake,” noted NASA. “On the left side, open water appears blue. Shallow water offshore of a delta, formed by a small, winding river, appears green.</p>



<p>Parallel lines along the coastlines of bays are visible in the high-resolution version of this image. These lines indicate raised beaches, which formed in the past when lake levels were higher.”</p>



<p>“Several roads cut across the landscape, including one with switchbacks that ascends a steep slope. These roads facilitate tourist travel from both India and China.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migratory-birds-at-pangong-lake-nbsp">Migratory birds at Pangong Lake&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Pangong Lake and its surroundings are home to numerous bird species, particularly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-burn-unexpected-amounts-of-protein/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a>. Visitors can spot various waterfowl and waders that are rarely seen elsewhere.</p>



<p>“During the summer, species such as bar-headed geese and Brahminy ducks attract bird watchers to the lake, which is a major breeding ground for migrating birds,” said NASA.</p>



<p>Pangong Lake is one of the few places in India where the endangered Black-necked crane is found during its breeding season. Ruddy shelduck and brown-headed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gulls-are-shifting-their-habitats-to-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gulls</a> are also frequently spotted around the lake. The ruddy shelduck is known for its striking orange-brown body and creamy white head, while the Brown-headed gulls are often seen flying or swimming in the lake.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pangong-lake-nbsp">Pangong Lake&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Pangong Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake situated in the Himalayas, extending from India to the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. It is renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic setting, with the lake lying at an elevation of about 4,350 meters. One of the most distinctive features of Pangong Lake is its changing colors, ranging from shades of blue to green and even red, influenced by the sky's reflection and the lake's mineral content.</p>



<p>This saline water lake is approximately 134 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide at its broadest point, despite its considerable size, it's relatively shallow.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The lake gained additional popularity after being featured in several Indian films, most notably the Bollywood hit "3 Idiots." Its remote location requires a permit for visitors, especially due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control between India and China. Despite the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding its location, Pangong Lake remains a favorite among tourists for its unparalleled natural beauty and serene environment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-altitude-lakes">High-altitude lakes</h2>



<p>High-altitude lakes are unique bodies of water found at elevations typically above 3,000 meters (about 10,000 feet) in mountain ranges like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/himalayan-glaciers-retreating-threat-is-much-worse-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himalayas</a>, Andes, and Rockies. These lakes are formed either by glacial activity, where glaciers erode the earth to create depressions that fill with melted snow and rainwater, or when natural dams created by landslides or moraines trap water in valleys.</p>



<p>The conditions at high altitudes make these lakes distinct in several ways. The climate is typically colder and harsher, with significant temperature variations between day and night. This extreme environment affects both the physical characteristics of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lakes</a> and the types of ecosystems they support. For example, due to lower atmospheric pressure, the boiling point of water is reduced, which can affect the type of life that can survive in these regions.</p>



<p>Biologically, high-altitude lakes often have limited biodiversity because only certain types of plants and animals can tolerate the cold temperatures and lower oxygen levels in the water. Despite this, these lakes are crucial habitats for some unique species of fish, birds, and other wildlife. They also serve as important indicators of climate change, as variations in their water levels and temperatures can reflect environmental shifts.</p>



<p>These lakes are often clear and pristine, due to the low density of human populations in these areas and minimal industrial activity, making them significant for ecological studies and attractive for tourism. However, they are sensitive ecosystems, and increased tourist activity brings challenges like pollution and habitat disruption.</p>



<p>High-altitude lakes are not only beautiful and scientifically significant but also hold cultural importance for local communities, often considered sacred and associated with historical and spiritual significance.</p>



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



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Pangong Lake in the Himalayas

<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 Messier 82, a starburst galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major. This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceers-2112-ancient-galaxy-looks-strikingly-similar-to-ours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> is actively forming new stars at a rate ten times that of the Milky Way.</p>



<p>In a groundbreaking study using the <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> (JWST), an international team of astronomers has taken an unprecedented look at Messier 82 (M82), revealing intricate details about its frenzied star formation. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-nircam-and-infrared-observations">The power of NIRCam and infrared observations</h2>



<p>The study, led by Alberto Bolatto, utilized Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) to penetrate the thick dust and gas veiling the galaxy's core, a region critical to understanding <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>. </p>



<p>"M82 has garnered a variety of observations over the years because it can be considered as the prototypical starburst galaxy," noted Bolatto. “With Webb’s size and resolution, we can look at this star-forming galaxy and see all of this beautiful new detail.”</p>



<p>Webb's NIRCam has proven crucial for observing areas like M82’s center, where layers of dust typically obscure the view in other wavelengths. The camera's ability to capture infrared light allows it to reveal the galaxy's core and its dynamic processes.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-messier-82-image-shows-the-power-of-webb-nbsp">Messier 82 image shows the power of Webb&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“This image shows the power of Webb. Every single white dot in this image is either a star or a star cluster. We can start to distinguish all of these tiny point sources, which enables us to acquire an accurate count of all the star clusters in this galaxy,” noted study second author Rebecca Levy from the University of Arizona.</p>



<p>One of the NIRCam's innovative features is its mode that prevents bright sources from overwhelming the detector, which was particularly useful in studying the intensely active center of Messier 82.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In the image, the dark brown tendrils of dust weave through the galaxy's glowing white core, interspersed with small green specks that represent concentrated areas of iron from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> remnants. Red patches highlight regions where molecular hydrogen is illuminated by the radiation from nearby young stars.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-galactic-winds">Insights into galactic winds</h2>



<p>The study also focused on understanding how the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spin-of-a-new-black-hole-is-unlocking-galactic-mysteries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galactic wind</a>, driven by the rapid rate of star formation and subsequent supernovae, influences M82’s environment. The NIRCam images showed clumpy tendrils of gas, appearing in red, which extend above and below the galaxy's plane, marking the path of this wind rushing out from the starburst's core.</p>



<p>A key revelation came from the NIRCam’s tracing of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), sooty chemical molecules that map out the structure of the galactic wind. To the surprise of researchers, the PAH emissions closely resembled the patterns of the hot, ionized gas, suggesting a more complex interaction within the wind than previously understood.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"It was unexpected to see the PAH emission resemble ionised gas," said Bolatto. "PAHs are not supposed to live very long when exposed to such a strong radiation field, so perhaps they are being replenished all the time. It challenges our theories and shows us that further investigation is required."</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-observations-of-messier-82">Future observations of Messier 82</h3>



<p>The findings from Webb are just the beginning. The team plans to further analyze Messier 82 with additional data, including spectroscopic observations, to determine the ages of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-collisions-hubble-spots-a-string-of-pearls-star-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star clusters</a> and the duration of each star formation phase within the starburst environment. </p>



<p>These observations will also assist in a broader understanding of similar processes in early galaxies, which were common in the young universe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-study">Broader implications of the study</h2>



<p>Study co-author Torsten Böker of the European Space Agency (ESA) emphasized the broader implications of these findings.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“With these amazing Webb images, and our upcoming spectra, we can study how exactly the strong winds and shock fronts from young stars and supernovae can remove the very gas and dust from which new stars are forming,” explained Böker.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“A detailed understanding of this ‘feedback’ cycle is important for theories of how the early universe evolved, because compact starbursts such as the one in M82 were very common at high redshift.”</p>



<p>The study not only illuminates the specific mechanics of star formation in M82 but also enhances our general understanding of galactic evolution and the lifecycle of galaxies.&nbsp;</p>



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



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Messier 82: Unlocking the mysteries of star formation

<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 spiral galaxy IC 5332, which is located over 29 million light-years away from Earth and spans approximately 66,000 light-years in diameter. This makes it notably smaller than our <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>, which is about a third larger.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-look-at-ic-5332">Unprecedented look at IC 5332</h2>



<p>In a stunning photo release by NASA and ESA in 2022, the spiral galaxy IC 5332 was presented in an unprecedented level of detail in images captured by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-incredible-new-image-of-uranus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a>.</p>



<p>This feat was made possible through the use of the Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI), which captures images in the mid-infrared spectrum.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-perspective-from-earth">Unique perspective from Earth</h2>



<p>One of the most striking features of IC 5332, as revealed by these observations, is its almost perfect face-on orientation relative to Earth. </p>



<p>This unique perspective allows astronomers to clearly observe and admire the symmetrical arrangement of its spiral arms.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-unveils-ic-5332-in-new-light">Webb unveils IC 5332 in new light</h2>



<p>The clarity of these images represents a significant advancement over previous observations made by the Hubble Space Telescope, which imaged IC 5332 in ultraviolet and visible light.&nbsp;</p>



<p>While Hubble’s images revealed the galaxy’s symmetrical spiral arms, James Webb’s MIRI has unveiled these structures as a complex web of gas that emits infrared light at various temperatures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-miri-instrument-on-james-webb-nbsp">The MIRI instrument on James Webb&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Capturing this range of infrared light is no simple task. It requires highly specialized instruments that must be maintained at extremely cold temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The MIRI instrument on the James Webb Space Telescope is specifically designed for this purpose and performs exceptionally well. Its capabilities allow astronomers to see aspects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-galaxies-that-are-too-old-to-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> that are otherwise hidden in other wavelengths.</p>



<p>The detailed images provided by MIRI offer more than just a visual spectacle; they provide valuable data about the composition and temperature of the gases that make up the spiral arms of IC 5332. This can help scientists understand the processes of star formation within the galaxy and how these processes compare to those in our own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-finds-hidden-features-of-the-universe-nbsp">Webb finds hidden features of the universe&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Moreover, the images of IC 5332 serve as a critical test of the James Webb Space Telescope’s capabilities in observing the universe in infrared light. As astronomers continue to deploy Webb’s full suite of instruments to explore the cosmos, it is expected that many more hidden features of the universe will be revealed.</p>



<p>The information provided by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-telescope-discovers-second-most-distant-galaxy-in-pandoras-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> not only expands our understanding of the cosmos but also enhances our appreciation for the complex and beautiful structures that exist in our universe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>We can anticipate many more insights from Webb that will deepen our understanding of the fundamental processes governing galaxies and the broader universe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-spiral-galaxies-like-ic-5332">More about spiral galaxies like IC 5332</h2>



<p>Spiral galaxies are some of the most visually striking objects in the universe, characterized by their rotating arms that extend from a central nucleus, giving them a distinct spiral appearance.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These galaxies are primarily made up of a flat, rotating disk containing stars, gas, and dust, and a central concentration of stars known as the bulge. These are often surrounded by a much fainter halo of stars, many of which reside in globular clusters.</p>



<p>Spiral galaxies differ from other galaxy types, such as elliptical and irregular galaxies, in their structure and content. The spiral arms are sites of ongoing star formation and are brighter than the rest of the disk because of the young, hot stars that are typically found there. The arms appear distinct because of their density waves, which compress the gas and dust, leading to star formation.</p>



<p>The rotation of the spiral arms also contributes to the galaxy's flat shape due to the centrifugal forces acting on the disk. The central bulge can vary in size and often contains older, red stars.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Some spiral galaxies have a bar-shaped structure that extends from the central bulge, making them barred spirals. This bar affects the motion of stars and gas within the galaxy and can influence star formation activity.</p>



<p>The Milky Way, where our solar system resides, is an example of a barred spiral galaxy. Spiral galaxies are an important focus of study because they contain a significant amount of visible matter and play a crucial role in understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Their distinct features also make them particularly useful for studying the laws of physics under extreme conditions, such as high densities and velocities.</p>



<p>Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA, J. Lee and the PHANGS-JWST and PHANGS-HST Teams</p>



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Webb unveiled spiral galaxy IC 5332 in new light

<p>As the world witnesses the impacts of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ice-shelves-will-struggle-to-recover-from-global-warming/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming climate</a>, Antarctic ice shelves face a precarious future. Recent research led by the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (<a href="https://cires.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CIRES</a>) has uncovered alarming evidence on how these ice structures are not just bending under pressure but are actively fracturing.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-shelves-under-pressure">Ice shelves under pressure</h2>



<p>Floating ice shelves in Antarctica act as critical barriers, holding back glacier ice from spilling into the ocean. However, when air temperatures rise, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-arctic-glaciers-are-releasing-a-new-source-of-potent-methane-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting glacier</a> ice forms pools on these shelves, significantly weighing them down. </p>



<p>This increased weight causes the ice to bend and, as newly observed, to fracture dramatically. Such fractures can lead to the eventual collapse of these ice shelves, further exacerbating sea level rise - a concerning prospect for global coastal regions.</p>



<p>Alison Banwell, a CIRES scientist at the Earth Science and Observation Center and lead author of a recent study, emphasized the critical role of ice shelves in maintaining the stability of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-sheet-was-more-dynamic-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic Ice Sheet</a>. </p>



<p>"Ice shelves are extremely important for the Antarctic Ice Sheet’s overall health as they act to buttress or hold back the glacier ice on land," Banwell explained.</p>



<p>This study, which marks the first field-based observation of its kind, confirms longstanding theoretical models that predicted the susceptibility of ice shelves to fracturing due to surface meltwater.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctic-ice-shelves-fracturing">Antarctic ice shelves fracturing</h2>



<p>Banwell, along with her team from the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Cambridge</a>, <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>, and <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a>, conducted field research on the George VI Ice Shelf, located on the Antarctic Peninsula. </p>



<p>In November 2019, the team set up camp around a known depression in the ice, a site prone to collecting meltwater. Equipped with high-precision GPS stations, water-pressure sensors, and a timelapse camera system, they meticulously recorded the changes occurring on the ice surface.</p>



<p>Despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the team resumed their work in November 2021. They found that the remaining instruments had captured significant ice movements and the formation and drainage of a meltwater lake during the record-high melt season of 2019/2020. </p>



<p>The data revealed that the ice in the lake's center flexed downward by approximately a foot due to the weight of the accumulated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-glacial-meltwater-sea-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meltwater</a>, while the horizontal distance between the lake's edge and center also increased, indicating the formation and widening of circular fractures on the ice shelves.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-shelves-fractures-and-chain-reaction-of-collapse">Ice shelves fractures and chain reaction of collapse</h2>



<p>These observations provide crucial insights into the mechanics of ice shelf disintegration. "This is an exciting discovery," Banwell stated. "We believe these types of circular fractures were key in the chain reaction style lake drainage process that helped to break up the Larsen B Ice Shelf." </p>



<p>Her reference to the abrupt collapse of Larsen B in 2002, which saw thousands of meltwater lakes abruptly drain, underscores the potential for similar events to occur if current trends continue.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-insights-and-global-implications">Practical insights and global implications</h2>



<p>The results of this research are not just academic; they have practical implications for improving models that predict the stability of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarcticas-ice-shelves-are-dwindling-at-a-startling-pace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic ice shelves</a>. </p>



<p>By understanding the specific conditions that lead to ice shelf fracture, scientists can better forecast which shelves are most vulnerable to collapse. This knowledge is vital for anticipating the impacts of these collapses on global sea levels.</p>



<p>Furthermore, as the evidence mounts, the urgency to address the underlying causes of climate change becomes even clearer. </p>



<p>Antarctic ice shelves serve as a stark reminder of the broader environmental challenges that lie ahead, and the need for sustained scientific inquiry and environmental stewardship to mitigate these global threats.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Antarctic ice shelves&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Antarctic ice shelves are massive floating platforms of ice that form where the continent’s ice sheets meet the sea. These shelves are fed by the slow flow of glaciers and thick ice from the interior of Antarctica. They are critical components of the Earth's climate system because they act as barriers that regulate the flow of ice into the ocean.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stability of ice shelves&nbsp;</h3>



<p>When ice shelves are stable, they slow down the discharge of ice from glaciers. However, if they thin or break up, this can lead to a faster flow of ice into the ocean, which contributes to sea-level rise.</p>



<p>The stability of ice shelves is influenced by both atmospheric and oceanic temperatures. Warmer air can melt the surface of the shelves, while warmer ocean currents can erode their underbellies.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This dual assault can make them vulnerable to break-up and disintegration. Events like the dramatic collapses of the Larsen A and B ice shelves in 1995 and 2002 respectively, highlight the susceptibility of ice shelves to changing climate conditions.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ecological role</h3>



<p>Moreover, Antarctic ice shelves are also important for their ecological role. The underside of these ice platforms supports a unique ecosystem that includes algae, krill, and various fish species, which in turn are crucial for larger predators like whales and seals.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Polar research&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Scientific studies of these ice shelves are crucial for understanding not only the mechanisms of their change but also the broader implications for global sea levels and climate feedback loops. As such, they are a focal point of polar research, often involving satellite monitoring, field expeditions, and advanced climate modeling.</p>



<p>The study is published in the <em><em><a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-glaciology/article/observed-meltwaterinduced-flexure-and-fracture-at-a-doline-on-george-vi-ice-shelf-antarctica/EAAD863418F572E9F5DF781FF85EFD77" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Glaciology</a></em></em>.</p>



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



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Antarctic ice shelves are fracturing from meltwater weight

As the world witnesses the impacts of a warming climate,...

<p>In the last week, weather authorities across the U.S. have reported over 100 tornadoes tearing through central and southern regions, leading to significant destruction of homes and infrastructure from Oklahoma to Nebraska and Iowa. A particularly severe tornado struck Oklahoma in the middle of night, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals and injuries to over 300 due to severe thunderstorms and high winds.</p>



<p>As states like Colorado enter their severe weather season, Andrew Winters, an assistant professor in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences at the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Colorado, Boulder</a> provided insights into the formation of tornadoes, the potential impacts of climate change on these severe <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radar-signature-will-improve-tornado-forecasting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weather events</a>, and strategies for better preparation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zones-of-strong-wind-shear-nbsp">Zones of strong wind shear&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Tornadoes are rapidly spinning air columns connected to severe thunderstorms. They often develop in zones of strong “wind shear,” where wind direction and speed sharply change with altitude. These shears are drawn into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/thunderstorms-are-becoming-more-intense-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thunderstorms</a>, helping to spin up the air and form tornadoes that reach the ground.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tornado-risk-in-the-united-states-nbsp">Tornado risk in the United States&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The U.S. hosts an environment highly conducive to tornadoes, more so than most other places worldwide, though they also occur in South America and parts of Europe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The highest risk is in the central and southeastern states where warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico meets dry air from the Rockies, creating instability and promoting strong upward air motions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-surge-in-tornado-activity-nbsp">Surprising surge in tornado activity&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Tornado season typically kicks off in March in the southeastern U.S. and moves westward to the central and southern plains by late spring. By June, severe weather including tornadoes, strong winds, and hail shifts to higher latitudes such as Colorado.</p>



<p>However, the recent surge in tornado activity is somewhat unexpected, especially coming out of a strong <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/el-nino-event-may-push-earth-towards-its-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">El Niño</a> winter, which usually correlates with reduced severe weather in the Central Plains. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-frequent-tornadoes-in-the-coming-months">More frequent tornadoes in the coming months</h2>



<p>While it is too early to accurately predict future tornadoes, ongoing activity in the subtropical jet stream could signal more frequent tornadoes in the coming months.</p>



<p>The impact of climate change on tornadoes is still unclear due to the high resolution required by climate models to accurately simulate these events. However, shifts in atmospheric conditions could move tornado activity eastward from the traditional Tornado Alley to areas like the Mississippi River Valley.</p>



<p>Thus, enhancing awareness and improving severe weather communication is necessary to avoid the risks associated with tornadoes.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-multiple-warning-systems">Importance of multiple warning systems</h2>



<p>Winters emphasized the importance of multiple warning systems, including emergency notifications on phones and following local weather services on social media. Preparation also involves planning safe spaces in homes or community shelters for rapid access during a tornado.</p>



<p>As communication methods evolve, it is crucial to ensure that weather warnings reach diverse audiences through accessible and multilingual formats. The community and meteorological experts are focusing on refining these strategies to better prepare populations for the threats posed by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-does-extreme-weather-impact-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">severe weather</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-tornadoes-nbsp">More about tornadoes&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Tornadoes are among the most violent and unpredictable natural phenomena on Earth. They are rapidly rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground and are capable of immense destruction due to their high winds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The formation of tornadoes typically involves a severe thunderstorm, known as a supercell, which contains a rotating updraft called a mesocyclone. Under the right conditions, this mesocyclone can tighten and intensify, potentially lowering a funnel cloud that becomes a tornado once it touches the ground.</p>



<p>Tornadoes are rated based on their intensity and the damage they cause, using the Enhanced Fujita scale, which ranges from EF0 for the weakest to EF5 for the most powerful. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-will-climate-change-affect-extreme-weather-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">storms</a> can uproot trees, destroy buildings, and hurl objects and debris at high speeds, making them highly dangerous. </p>



<p>The central United States, particularly in an area known as Tornado Alley, is famously prone to tornadoes, but they can occur almost anywhere in the world under the right meteorological conditions.&nbsp;</p>



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U.S. tornado outbreak: 100 storms touched down in a week

In the last week, weather authorities across the U.S. have...

<p>Scientists have always been fascinated by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-magnetic-fields-may-be-key-features-of-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a>, the cosmic behemoths that devour everything in their path. But a specific subset of black holes has posed a particular puzzle. This mystery involves supermassive black holes found in distant quasars - blazing beacons marking the very early universe.</p>



<p>How did these monstrous black holes become so massive in the relatively short time since the universe was born? Thanks to a groundbreaking study by <a href="https://www.mit.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIT</a> astronomers and the powerful James Webb Space Telescope (<a href="https://webb.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>), we may finally be inching closer to an explanation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-quasars-and-supermassive-black-holes">Quasars and supermassive black holes</h2>



<p>Quasars are energetic giants that reside at the hearts of galaxies. These celestial powerhouses outshine all the combined light emitted by the billions of stars within their host galaxies. The source of this phenomenal luminosity lies in a supermassive black hole lurking at the quasar's core. </p>



<p>This monstrous <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/colossal-black-hole-found-in-our-galaxy-is-33-times-the-suns-mass/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a> isn't passive; it actively devours a colossal amount of surrounding gas and dust. As this material falls towards the black hole's immense gravity, it gets crushed and heated to unimaginable temperatures. </p>



<p>This extreme environment triggers the release of tremendous energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation, making quasars some of the brightest objects in the observable universe.</p>



<p>The immense distances across the cosmos act as a natural time machine. Since light travels at a finite speed, the farther we look into space, the further back in time we see. This makes quasars invaluable tools for astronomers. </p>



<p>Because of their incredible brightness, quasars are visible from vast cosmic distances, allowing us to observe them as they existed billions of years ago, during the very early stages of the universe's formation. Studying these distant beacons offers unique insights into the processes that shaped galaxies and the universe as we know it today.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-searchlight">Cosmic searchlight</h2>



<p>The fundamental challenge in studying quasars lies in the overwhelming brilliance emitted by the central supermassive black hole. This intense light completely washes out any subtler signals, effectively masking the presence of other objects within the quasar's host galaxy. </p>



<p>The surrounding stars, despite numbering in the billions, become virtually invisible. Efforts to study the properties of these host galaxies have been largely unsuccessful - until now.</p>



<p>MIT astronomers have leveraged the unparalleled capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). This revolutionary instrument offers extraordinary sensitivity and resolution. It allows scientists to dissect celestial light sources with unprecedented detail. </p>



<p>With meticulous analysis of JWST data, the researchers pierced through the quasar's blinding glare. In a recent achievement, they've started to detect the faint traces of starlight from the ancient galaxies hosting these early supermassive black holes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-time-traveling-discovery">Time-traveling discovery</h2>



<p>The latest findings from MIT astronomers completely upend our previous understanding of supermassive black holes. By meticulously studying three extremely distant quasars, they've peered back in time over 13 billion years. </p>



<p>These ancient quasars harbor supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-closest-black-hole-has-been-discovered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a> that are significantly more massive in comparison to their host galaxies, compared to what we observe in present-day galaxies within our own observable universe. </p>



<p>This striking difference suggests a crucial fact: in the very first stages of the universe's existence, supermassive black holes must have grown at an extraordinarily rapid rate. This discovery throws open new questions about the formation and early growth mechanisms of these cosmic giants.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-hole-s-monster-seeds-of-quasar">Black hole's monster seeds of quasar</h2>



<p>So, how did these titans get so big so fast? "After the universe came into existence, there were seed black holes that then consumed material and grew in a very short time," noted study co-author Minghao Yue.</p>



<p>The key might lie in the size of these "seed" black holes. Think of it like this: to build a skyscraper, you need a strong foundation. Likewise, perhaps early supermassive black holes may have started out from more massive and denser seeds than what exists later in the universe's history.</p>



<p>"These black holes are billions of times more massive than the sun, at a time when the universe is still in its infancy," explained study co-author Anna-Christina Eilers. "Our results imply that in the early universe, supermassive black holes might have gained their mass before their host galaxies did, and the initial black hole seeds could have been more massive than today."</p>



<p>The James Webb Space Telescope is transforming how we view the cosmos. It allows us to see fainter and further back in time than ever before. This study is just one example of how the JWST promises to shift our understanding of the universe's earliest years and illuminate the mysteries swirling around the cosmic giants that reside within them.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ad3914" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal</a></em>.</p>



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Ancient black holes and quasars grew faster than their galaxies

Scientists have always been fascinated by black holes, the cosmic...

<p></p>
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<p><br />
<span style="font-weight: 400;">Today’s </span><b>Video of the Day</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> comes from the </span><a href="http://www.esa.int/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">European Space Agency</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (ESA) and features a look at a timelapse trip from Spain to Russia.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The clip was assembled using images captured by ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli on board the International Space Station.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nespoli is on the space station as part of the Italian Space Agency’s long-term VITA mission.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> &#8212;</span></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">By </span></i><a href="mailto:rarnold@earth.com"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rory Arnold</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">, </span></i><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Earth.com</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Staff Writer</span></i></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Video Credit: </span></i><a href="http://www.esa.int/"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">European Space Agency</span></i></a></p>

A timelapse trip from Spain to Russia