Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the galaxy I Zwicky 18, which was captured in remarkable detail by the James Webb Space Telescope.



I Zwicky 18 is a blue compact dwarf <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> located approximately 59 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-i-zwicky-18">Star formation in I Zwicky 18</h2>



The galaxy is notable for its relatively young appearance and the fact that it contains very few heavy elements. These characteristics indicate that it has experienced little <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> compared to other galaxies of similar age.



“The galaxy was first identified by Swiss astronomer Fritz Zwicky in the 1930’s and resides roughly 59 million light-years from Earth,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>. “This galaxy has gone through several sudden bursts of star formation.”&nbsp;



According to ESA, I Zwicky 18 is typical of the kinds of galaxies that inhabited the early universe and is much smaller than our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/runaway-star-j1249-36-spotted-trying-to-escape-our-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-telescope-image-of-the-galaxy">Webb telescope image of the galaxy</h2>



“Two major starburst regions are embedded in the heart of the galaxy. The wispy brown filaments surrounding the central starburst region are bubbles of gas that have been heated by stellar winds and intense ultraviolet radiation unleashed by hot, young stars,” said ESA.



“A companion galaxy resides nearby to the dwarf galaxy, which can be seen at the bottom of the wider-field image. The companion may be interacting with the dwarf galaxy and may have triggered that galaxy's recent star formation.”&nbsp;



ESA explained that the “orange blobs” surrounding the galaxy are the dim glow from ancient fully formed galaxies at much larger distances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-characteristics-of-i-zwicky-18">Key characteristics of I Zwicky 18</h2>



As previously mentioned, the galaxy has a very low abundance of elements heavier than hydrogen and helium, suggesting that it has not undergone significant stellar processing.



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



Despite its old age, I Zwicky 18 contains many young, hot stars. This suggests that it might have experienced a burst of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-detects-awe-inspiring-newborn-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> relatively recently in its history.



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



The galaxy has a high density of gas, which is a prime ingredient for star formation. This gas is mostly in the form of hydrogen.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-characteristics">Unusual characteristics</h3>



Its characteristics are more typical of primordial galaxies found in the early universe, making it a valuable object of study for understanding galaxy formation and evolution.



Ultimately, I Zwicky 18 provides insights into the conditions and processes that might have been prevalent in the early universe.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-life-cycles-of-stars-and-dust">Life cycles of stars and dust</h3>



The image was captured as part of a Webb program to study the life cycle of dust in I Zw 18.&nbsp;



“Scientists are now building off of previous research with Hubble obtained at optical wavelengths, studying individual dusty stars in detail with Webb’s equivalent spatial resolution and sensitivity at infrared wavelengths.”&nbsp;



ESA noted that this galaxy is of particular interest as its content of elements heavier than helium is one of the lowest of all known <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-galaxy-formation-occurred-much-faster-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> in the local universe.&nbsp;



“Such conditions are thought to be similar to those in some of the first star-forming galaxies at high redshift, so the Webb study of I Zw 18 should shed light on the life-cycle of stars and dust in the early universe.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-ursa-major">The constellation Ursa Major </h2>



Ursa Major, also known as the Great Bear, is one of the most prominent and easily recognizable constellations in the northern sky. 



Its name, "Ursa Major," means "Great Bear" in Latin, and it has been a significant part of various mythologies and star lore across cultures for thousands of years. 



One of the most famous asterisms within Ursa Major is the Big Dipper, a group of seven bright stars that form a shape resembling a ladle or dipper. The Big Dipper is often used as a navigation tool because it points to Polaris, the North Star, located in the nearby constellation Ursa Minor.



Ursa Major is best viewed in the northern hemisphere and is circumpolar, meaning it is visible year-round for much of the Northern Hemisphere. Its position changes with the seasons, rotating around Polaris, the North Star.



Image Credit: NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Dwarf galaxy provides a window into the early universe

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the galaxy ESO 300-16, which is located 28.7 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Eridanus. 



The galaxy is part of the ESO (European Southern Observatory) catalog, which includes a vast collection of galaxies observed in the southern hemisphere.



It is notable for its chaotic structure, lacking the well-defined <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/hubble-captures-a-collection-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiral arms</a> or elliptical shape seen in many other galaxies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ghostly-assemblage-of-stars">Ghostly assemblage of stars</h2>



According to <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>, ESO 300-16 is a ghostly assemblage of stars which resembles a sparkling cloud. 



"A rogue’s gallery of distant galaxies and foreground stars complete this astronomical portrait, which was captured by the Advanced Camera for Surveys," said ESA.



"This observation is one of a series which aims to get to know our galactic neighbors; around three quarters of the known galaxies suspected to lie within 10 megaparsecs of Earth have been observed by Hubble in enough detail to resolve their brightest stars and establish the distances to these galaxies."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-irregular-galaxy-structure">Irregular galaxy structure </h2>



ESO 300-16 lies at a relatively close distance to Earth compared to many other extragalactic objects, making it an interesting target for studies on galaxy formation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-galactic-explosion-provides-clues-about-galaxy-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>. 



Its irregular structure suggests that it may have undergone past interactions with other galaxies or is in a stage of dynamic evolution.



One of the most striking features of ESO 300-16 is its wispy, diffuse appearance, with scattered patches of bright star-forming regions embedded within a fainter background. This indicates ongoing star formation, which is a common characteristic of irregular galaxies. 



Unlike large <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiral galaxies</a>, where star formation is often concentrated in well-organized arms, ESO 300-16's active regions are more randomly distributed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-raw-material-for-star-formation">Raw material for star formation</h2>



Due to its irregular nature, the galaxy does not have a well-defined nucleus. Instead, it appears as a loose collection of stars, gas, and dust, which astronomers can study to understand the processes shaping such galaxies. 



Irregular galaxies like ESO 300-16 are often rich in gas and dust, providing the raw material for new stars to form. 



Observations in different wavelengths, such as infrared and ultraviolet, can help reveal the presence of young, hot stars and cooler dust clouds that might be sites of future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-formation-reignited-in-the-galaxy-leo-p-after-billions-of-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>.



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



Hubble observations of ESO 300-16 provide insight into the structure and stellar populations of the galaxy, helping astronomers piece together its history and evolutionary path. 



The study of galaxies like ESO 300-16 contributes to our broader understanding of how galaxies form and evolve, especially those that do not fit into the traditional classifications of spirals and ellipticals.



Because irregular galaxies are often shaped by gravitational interactions or past mergers, ESO 300-16 may have had a turbulent past. 



It could have once been part of a larger system before being disrupted, or it might have formed in an environment where gravitational influences from nearby galaxies prevented it from developing a more regular shape. 



Studying its motion and the distribution of its stars can provide clues about any past interactions it may have experienced.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-glimpse-into-the-early-universe">A glimpse into the early universe </h2>



ESO 300-16 also provides a glimpse into what some galaxies in the early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universe-is-expanding-faster-than-science-can-explain-hubble-tension-physics-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a> might have looked like. 



Many early galaxies were irregular in shape before evolving into more structured forms over time. As a result, studying nearby irregular galaxies like ESO 300-16 can offer valuable analogs for understanding galaxy formation in the distant past.



Although ESO 300-16 is not one of the most famous galaxies, it remains an important object for astronomers studying irregular galaxies, star formation, and the role of interactions in shaping galactic structures. 



Image Credit: ESA



—--



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/">Earth.com</a>.

Ghostly galaxy in the constellation Eridanus

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features smoke from the Magdalena Valley fire, which is one of multiple fires burning in the Andes Mountains of Patagonia.



NASA noted that the fires had burned about 30,000 hectares (115 square miles) of forest in south-central Argentina by February 11, forcing hundreds of people to evacuate their homes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-patagonia-fires-fueled-by-wind-and-heat">Patagonia fires fueled by wind and heat</h2>



“Strong winds and unusually high temperatures fueled the region’s blazes, which began in December 2024,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153929/fires-rage-in-patagonia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“Warm, dry wind from the west crossed the Andes and swept through Lanín National Park at speeds up to 45 kilometers (28 miles) per hour in early February. As the wind flowed down the lee side of the Andes, it compressed, increasing the air temperature and driving down humidity.”&nbsp;



“A similar phenomenon occurs during the Chinook Winds, which flow down the east side of the Rocky Mountains.”



René Garreaud is an atmospheric scientist at the University of Chile. She pointed out that westerly winds crossing the Andes were stronger than average from early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astonishing-global-heat-in-january-2025-defied-climate-expectations/">January</a> to early February. During this same time frame, central and northern Argentina were exceptionally hot.



“Maximum temperatures hovered around 35-45 degrees Celsius (95-113 degrees Fahrenheit), which is 3-5°C above normal, according to Argentina’s national weather service. The weather service noted that these ‘extreme <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-people-attribute-extreme-heat-and-wildfires-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a>’ were expected to persist in parts of the country until February 12," said NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fires-across-patagonia">Fires across Patagonia</h2>



The Patagonia wildfires have affected vast areas across multiple provinces. In the Lanín National Park, located in Neuquén Province, fires consumed over 50,000 acres of forest.&nbsp;



The challenging terrain and dense vegetation were obstacles to firefighting efforts. Fortunately, no populated areas were immediately threatened.



In Río Negro Province, the town of El Bolsón suffered significant damage. The fires destroyed more than 100 homes and led to the tragic death of an 87-year-old resident who chose to stay behind to protect his animals.&nbsp;



Authorities have determined that these fires were intentionally set, with evidence pointing to deliberate actions in multiple locations.



Chubut Province was also heavily impacted. In the town of Epuyén, approximately 2,000 hectares were burned and around 200 families were evacuated.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2025-wildfire-season">2025 wildfire season</h2>



In addition to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fewer-forest-fires-happen-today-than-in-the-past-ironically-causes-bigger-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fires</a> in Patagonia, Argentina's northeastern province of Corrientes has also been battling wildfires since January, with up to 250,000 hectares of farmland and pine forests consumed.&nbsp;



This highlights the widespread nature of the wildfire crisis affecting various regions of the country simultaneously.&nbsp;



The 2025 wildfire season in Patagonia stands as one of the most severe in recent history. The intense fire activity emphasizes the need for enhanced preventive measures and rapid response strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfires-in-a-changing-climate-nbsp">Wildfires in a changing climate&nbsp;</h2>



Climate change is making wildfires more frequent, intense, and widespread by altering key environmental conditions. Rising global temperatures dry out <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intense-forest-fires-leave-scorched-earth-heating-the-planet-faster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation</a>, creating more fuel for fires and extending wildfire seasons.&nbsp;



In many regions, what used to be a short fire season has now stretched to nearly year-round conditions. Higher temperatures also contribute to more intense heat waves, which further dehydrate forests and grasslands, increasing their susceptibility to ignition.



Shifting precipitation patterns play a crucial role as well. Some areas are experiencing prolonged droughts, reducing soil moisture and leaving landscapes parched.&nbsp;



When rain does arrive, it often comes in intense bursts rather than steady, soaking periods, which leads to rapid vegetation growth that later dries out and becomes additional fuel.&nbsp;



Strong winds, exacerbated by changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-co2-emissions-from-forest-fires-have-surged-by-60-percent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric conditions</a>, help spread fires faster and make them harder to contain. As the climate continues to change, wildfires are becoming not just a seasonal event but a year-round challenge in many parts of the world.&nbsp;



Scientists emphasize the need for proactive adaptation measures, such as improved forest management, early warning systems, and stronger fire-resistant infrastructure, to mitigate the growing risks.



The image was captured on February 9 by the OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager-2) on Landsat 9.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Multiple fires are raging in Patagonia 

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

Today's Image of the Day 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;



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;



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



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;



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.



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



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. 



<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.



Researchers are utilizing Euclid’s data to explore the relationship between dust, gas, and star formation; to map the distribution of different stellar populations and identify regions of active star formation; and to investigate the underlying physics of spiral galaxy structures.&nbsp;



Spiral arms play a significant role in star formation by compressing gas, yet the precise mechanisms behind this process are still unclear. The presence of “spurs” along NGC 6744’s spiral arms offers valuable insights into the dynamics of star formation within these structures.



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



Additionally, Euclid's dataset will help scientists identify clusters of old stars (globular clusters) and discover new dwarf galaxies around NGC 6744. Remarkably, Euclid has already identified a new dwarf satellite galaxy of NGC 6744 - a surprising discovery given that the galaxy has been studied extensively.



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>.



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



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;



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



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



<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;



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;



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;



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



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.



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



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. 



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



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



The constellation 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.



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



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Spiral galaxy NGC 6744 in the constellation Pavo

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features an active landslide zone that has been shifting for decades on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles County.



This area, particularly in Portuguese Bend, experiences ongoing ground movement, with land sliding toward the ocean at varying rates - sometimes moving several feet per year.&nbsp;



The instability is largely due to weak, water-saturated bedrock and the effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-seas-sinking-cities-land-subsidence-on-the-east-coast/">human activity</a>, including road construction and irrigation, which have exacerbated the natural movement.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-analysis-of-the-landslide-zone">Analysis of the landslide zone</h2>



According to a recent report from NASA, the landslide zone on the Palos Verdes Peninsula has expanded.&nbsp;



“Researchers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California used data from an airborne radar to measure the movement of the slow-moving landslides on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles County,” the <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153893/los-angeles-area-landslide-expands">report</a> stated.



“The analysis determined that, during a four-week period in the fall of 2024, land in the residential area slid toward the ocean by as much as 4 inches (10 centimeters) per week."



“Portions of the peninsula, which juts into the Pacific Ocean just south of the city of Los Angeles, are part of an ancient complex of landslides that has been moving for at least the past six decades, affecting hundreds of buildings in local communities.”&nbsp;



NASA noted that the motion accelerated and the active area expanded following record-breaking rainfall in Southern California in 2023 and heavy <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-is-increasingly-unpredictable-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">precipitation</a> in early 2024.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visualization-of-the-landslide-zone">Visualization of the landslide zone</h2>



To create the image, the Advanced Rapid Imaging and Analysis (ARIA) team used data from four flights of NASA’s Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR) collected between September 18 and October 17, 2024.&nbsp;



“The UAVSAR instrument was mounted to a Gulfstream III jet flown out of NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, and the four flights were planned to estimate the speed and direction of the landslides in three dimensions,” explained NASA.



“In the image above, colors indicate how fast parts of the landslide complex were moving in late September and October, with the darkest reds indicating the highest speeds." 



"The arrows represent the direction of horizontal motion. The white solid lines are the boundaries of the active landslide area as defined in 2007 by the California Geological Survey.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accelerating-land-movement-and-risks">Accelerating land movement and risks</h2>



Alexander Handwerger is a landslide scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory who performed the analysis. “In effect, we’re seeing that the footprint of land experiencing significant impacts has expanded, and the speed is more than enough to put human life and infrastructure at risk,” said Handwerger. 



The landslide activity in this region dates back to the 1950s, when road construction projects disturbed the already <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-billion-people-are-threatened-by-land-subsidence/">unstable terrain</a>, accelerating movement.&nbsp;



Since then, shifting ground has led to significant damage to infrastructure, including cracked roads, broken utility lines, and distorted buildings. The instability has made it difficult for the city to maintain roads and essential services in the affected areas.



Despite efforts to slow the movement, including drainage improvements and engineering solutions, the land continues to shift. Homeowners and city officials have had to adapt, with some structures built to withstand slow movement, while others have been abandoned.&nbsp;



The situation remains a challenge, with scientists monitoring the landslide to better understand its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/landslide-predictions-could-become-94-percent-more-accurate/">behavior</a> and explore potential mitigation strategies.



Portuguese Bend is a well-known example of a continuously active landslide, highlighting the complex interaction between geology, human development, and environmental forces.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Landslide zone in Los Angeles County is expanding

Scientists recently shared news of a particle event that has sparked excitement in the physics community. One of the most energetic neutrinos ever recorded was observed in the Mediterranean Sea by the ARCA detector of the KM3NeT project.



The astounding neutrino, named KM3-230213A, has caught global attention. Researchers estimate its energy at about 220 million billion.



“KM3NeT has begun to probe a range of energy and sensitivity where detected neutrinos may originate from extreme astrophysical phenomena," said Paschal Coyle, a researcher at the National Centre for Scientific Research (<a href="https://www.cnrs.fr/fr/le-cnrs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNRS</a>).



"This first ever detection of a neutrino of hundreds of PeV opens a new chapter in neutrino astronomy and a new observational window on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-gravity-search-south-pole-neutrinos-experiment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Universe</a>.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysterious-elementary-particles">Mysterious elementary particles</h2>



Neutrinos travel across the universe, slipping through <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-coronae-borealis-nova-explosion-nearby-star-light-up-earths-skies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> and planets without much disturbance. 



For decades, scientists have aimed to spot ultra-high-energy neutrinos to shed light on cosmic accelerators. The <a href="https://www.km3net.org/about-km3net/collaboration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KM3NeT Collaboration</a> unites more than 360 experts from 68 institutions in 21 countries.



“Neutrinos are one of the most mysterious of elementary particles. They have no electric charge, almost no mass and interact only weakly with matter. They are special cosmic messengers,” said Rosa Coniglione, a researcher at the <a href="https://home.infn.it/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">INFN National Institute for Nuclear Physics</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-deep-sea-sensors-detect-neutrinos">How deep-sea sensors detect neutrinos</h2>



KM3NeT is a sprawling setup resting on the seabed, composed of two detectors called ARCA and ORCA. 



ARCA is located about 50 miles from <a href="https://www.italia.it/en/sicily/portopalodicapopassero" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Portopalo di Capo Passero</a>, Sicily, at a depth of 11,319 feet. ORCA is positioned near Toulon, France, at a depth of 8,038 feet. 



Each site serves a distinct goal, with ARCA tuned for high-energy neutrinos and ORCA for lower-energy neutrinos.



The detectors depend on photomultipliers nestled within glass spheres. When a cosmic neutrino collides with water molecules, faint bluish light appears. The sensors collect that light, letting researchers map the neutrino’s journey.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remarkable-single-muon">Remarkable single muon</h2>



ARCA picked up a single <a href="https://www.energy.gov/science/doe-explainsmuons" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">muon</a>, which signaled a neutrino interaction close by. Its path across the detector left a trail that triggered a large number of active sensors. 



This confirmed the neutrino was <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-dandelion-year-1181-leaves-behind-zombie-star-defying-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic</a> in origin rather than coming from local backgrounds.



“To determine the direction and energy of this neutrino required a precise calibration of the telescope and sophisticated track reconstruction algorithms,” said Aart Heijboer, KM3NeT Physics and Software Manager.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-origins-of-high-energy-neutrinos">Origins of high-energy neutrinos </h2>



Scientists suggest that such high-energy neutrinos could come from cataclysmic sources like supernova remnants or supermassive black holes.



Interactions between cosmic rays and other matter or photons can also create these neutrinos. Some of the most energetic cosmic rays in the universe may bump into the cosmic microwave background, producing what researchers call “cosmogenic” neutrinos.



Studying these events may unmask fresh secrets of the universe, offering a direct clue about the places and processes that fling particles to unimaginable energies. 



As these neutrinos fly mostly unimpeded from their source, they can deliver information that light or charged particles cannot.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-advancing-neutrino-astronomy">Advancing neutrino astronomy </h2>



The ARCA site will eventually include 230 detection units, while the ORCA site will have 115. Each unit features 18 high-tech optical modules, and altogether, KM3NeT will span over a cubic kilometer of water.&nbsp;



Miles Lindsey Clark is the KM3NeT Technical Project Manager and research engineer at the CNRS - Astroparticle and Cosmology laboratory in France.



“The scale of KM3NeT, eventually encompassing a volume of about one cubic kilometer with a total of about 200 000 photomultipliers, along with its extreme location in the abyss of the Mediterranean Sea, demonstrates the extraordinary efforts required to advance neutrino astronomy and particle physics,” said Clark. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-capturing-a-rare-event">Capturing a rare event</h2>



Though the installation is incomplete, ARCA was able to catch one of the rarest events in nature. With advanced calibration and data analysis, teams extracted the trajectory and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-travels-back-in-time-to-better-understand-supernovae-science/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy details</a> of this neutrino. 



Since it most likely entered the water with more than 220 PeV of energy, that single neutrino opens the door to more surprises as KM3NeT continues to grow.



Such an event supports the existence of even higher-energy cosmic neutrinos. Different from lower-energy detections, these ultra-high-energy signals hint that distinct astrophysical engines could drive them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-directions">Future research directions </h2>



Teams worldwide aim to see if this was a “cosmogenic” neutrino or if it sprang from an active celestial powerhouse. 



Eventually, a bigger fleet of detection units will allow more frequent captures of such signals, improving the odds of pinpointing their origin and clarifying the forces that shape our universe.



“We stand at a frontier where new data will sharpen our understanding of the cosmos,” said a KM3NeT representative. Each new detection offers a chance to spot patterns and compare them with signals from gamma-ray telescopes and other observatories.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08543-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Record-breaking neutrino spotted deep in the Mediterranean sea

Scientists recently shared news of a particle event that has...

Sea turtles have fascinated people for generations. Their calm nature on the shore belies an intricate journey across the open ocean that seems almost impossible to track. Their ability to migrate thousands of miles has puzzled researchers for years. 



Experts have long suspected that sea turtles rely on Earth’s magnetic field to chart their course, but the details were not entirely clear.



A study led by Kayla Goforth from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has focused on how these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-sea-turtles-swim-and-choose-their-paths-instead-of-drifting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> might learn and remember different magnetic signals that mark important locations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-navigation-with-earth-s-magnetic-field">Navigation with Earth’s magnetic field</h2>



Loggerhead turtles are known for their extended travels to specific feeding spots and nesting grounds. They can roam over 1,000 miles in the Atlantic, always finding their way back to familiar waters.



The study reveals that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turtles-have-genomes-unlike-any-other-animal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a> not only have an internal map but can pick up distinct magnetic signals from important destinations. This ability may help them return to prime foraging areas without losing their sense of direction.



“Our study investigated for the first time whether a migratory animal can learn to recognize the magnetic signatures of different geographic areas," said Goforth. 



"Researchers have speculated for decades that animals can learn magnetic signatures, but this is the first empirical demonstration of that ability, so it fills in an important gap in our knowledge."



Sea turtles use these learned signals much like memorized landmarks. Each area’s magnetic signature might serve as a mental pin on the ocean’s map, guiding them with surprising accuracy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnetic-senses-of-sea-turtles">Magnetic senses of sea turtles </h2>



Scientists have long debated whether sea turtles have a single magnetic sense or multiple. The new data points to a magnetic compass sense and a magnetic map sense, each functioning differently.



In practical terms, one sense helps the reptiles align themselves in a direction, while the other helps them know where they are in the grand scheme of Earth’s field. This dual system seems to be a key factor in long-distance migration.



“The ability to distinguish among magnetic fields of different geographic areas likely explains how many animals – not just sea turtles – can navigate long distances to specific locations,” said Ken Lohmann, a professor of biology at UNC-Chapel Hill.



The findings suggest that multiple migratory species could be relying on a similar combination of orientation and positional information. People have observed comparable behaviors in certain birds, which points to an elegant pattern shared by different groups of animals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-technology-and-conservation">Technology and conservation</h2>



Sea turtles’ sensory talents might inform modern navigation solutions. Some engineers study how animals interpret electromagnetic cues to improve drones and autonomous vehicles.



Protecting turtles involves more than preventing poaching or pollution. Conservationists now wonder if man-made magnetic interference, such as power cables, might confuse sea turtles trying to make their way home.



“It is amazing that sea turtles have access to a wealth of invisible information that they use to navigate in ways that are hard for us to even imagine,” said Catherine Lohmann, a biology professor at UNC-Chapel Hill. 



Some experts suggest that marine development plans take into account the sensitive magnetic world these creatures rely on. Careful planning might minimize disruptions, giving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-turtle-day-protecting-turtles-tortoises-and-their-vanishing-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turtles</a> a better shot at reaching their feeding and nesting grounds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-connecting-physics-and-biology">Connecting physics and biology </h2>



One of the more surprising aspects of the research involved a specialized antenna system. It helped recreate specific magnetic conditions in a controlled environment so turtles could be exposed to different fields.



“Remarkably, the antenna system we built for the turtle study is nearly identical to that of an unrelated dark matter search we had worked on,” said Reyco Henning, a professor in UNC-Chapel Hill’s Department of Physics and Astronomy. 



This overlap between physics and biology shows that solving real-world puzzles often brings together multiple branches of science.



With such technology, scientists can observe how animals respond to shifting magnetic elements without sending them out to sea. That approach speeds up data collection and expands what researchers can learn in a lab setting.



The team aims to test whether loggerheads can remember multiple magnetic fields and how quickly they adapt to novel signals. Further questions remain about how these navigation skills develop and whether <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turtles-with-unique-features-are-most-likely-to-go-extinct/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">turtles</a> pass on any knowledge to offspring.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-on-sea-turtles">Future research on sea turtles </h2>



Future projects plan to look deeper at how turtles stitch together bits of magnetic data to map vast swaths of the ocean. Investigations might also see if certain environmental factors affect this map-building skill, or if there’s any limit to what they can learn.



Other marine animals, like some fish, appear to sense magnetism as well. Scientists are keen to see if a shared mechanism influences how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-sea-turtle-day-celebrating-100-million-years-of-majesty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">different species</a> roam across the planet.



There’s hope that a better grasp of these magnetic senses can lead to strategies that protect sensitive habitats. Insights from turtle research might help balance human development with the needs of ocean-dwelling creatures.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08554-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Sea turtles use Earth's magnetic field like an invisible map

Sea turtles have fascinated people for generations. Their calm nature...

Hippos are among the most fascinating creatures on the planet. Their massive size, powerful presence, and semi-aquatic lifestyle make them one of the most unique mammals in the wild. 



Despite their somewhat comical appearance, hippos are formidable animals, capable of running at surprising speeds and fiercely defending their territories. World Hippo Day offers a chance to celebrate these incredible creatures while also raising awareness about their conservation.



Whether through folklore, art, or real-life encounters, hippos have long captured human imagination. However, they now face significant threats due to habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.



World Hippo Day serves as a reminder of their importance in the ecosystem and the need for their protection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture-and-history">Culture and history</h2>



For centuries, hippos have played a vital role in African mythology and folklore. Zulu warriors admired their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hippos-can-actually-become-airborne-when-they-run-at-full-speed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strength</a> and courage, often portraying them as symbols of bravery.



In Ancient Egypt, hippos had a dual image. While they were hunted for their meat, skin, and ivory-like teeth, hippos were also linked to Taweret, the goddess of fertility and childbirth.



Statues and carvings of this hippo-headed deity adorned many temples and households, highlighting the reverence for these animals.



Beyond Africa, hippos have made their way into art, literature, and entertainment. From ancient cave paintings to modern-day children’s books, these creatures have always sparked curiosity. 



Today, they appear in movies, cartoons, and even popular music, further solidifying their status as beloved yet misunderstood <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/missing-data-on-hippos-could-push-them-closer-to-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-a-vulnerable-species">Threats to a vulnerable species</h2>



Despite their tough exterior, hippos are vulnerable to numerous threats. In 2006, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (<a href="https://iucn.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IUCN</a>) classified hippos as a vulnerable species after observing a 20% population decline over two decades. 



Habitat destruction, illegal hunting, and climate change have all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/megafauna-extinction-dwarf-elephants-and-hippos-cyprus-directly-linked-to-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contributed</a> to this decline, making conservation efforts more critical than ever.



Several organizations work tirelessly to protect hippos and their habitats. The <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Wildlife Fund</a>, <a href="http://pygmyhippofoundation.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pygmy Hippo Foundation</a>, and <a href="https://www.awf.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">African Wildlife Foundation</a> all play key roles in conservation, research, and advocacy. 



Donating to these organizations or spreading awareness about their work can make a meaningful impact on hippo populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-curious-history-of-hippos">Curious history of hippos </h2>



While hippos are native to Africa, there have been attempts to introduce them elsewhere. One of the most unusual proposals came in 1910 with the American Hippo Bill. 



This legislation aimed to introduce hippos to Louisiana to control invasive plants and provide an alternative meat source during a food crisis. However, the bill never passed, leaving hippos confined to their natural habitats.



In the 1980s, a more notorious case of hippo relocation occurred when Colombian drug cartel leader Pablo Escobar illegally imported four hippos to his private estate. 



After his downfall, the hippos were left to roam freely, and their population has since exploded to nearly 100 individuals. With no natural predators, these hippos continue to thrive in Colombia, causing concern for local ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-facts-about-hippos">Surprising facts about hippos</h2>



The word “hippopotamus” originates from the Ancient Greek term meaning “river horse.” This name perfectly describes the animal’s affinity for water, as hippos spend most of their lives submerged to stay cool and protect their skin.



Although they are excellent at holding their breath, hippos cannot swim in the traditional sense. Instead, they push off the riverbed and glide through the water using their buoyant bodies. This method allows them to navigate rivers and lakes effortlessly.



One of their most remarkable adaptations is their ability to secrete a red-colored fluid that acts as a natural sunscreen. This substance protects their skin from harmful UV rays and also serves as an antibacterial agent, helping to prevent infections.



Hippos may appear sluggish, but they are surprisingly fast. On land, they can reach speeds of nearly 20 mph, making them one of the fastest large mammals in short bursts. This speed, combined with their powerful jaws and aggressive nature, makes them one of the most dangerous animals in the wild.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-world-hippo-day-matters">Why World Hippo Day matters</h2>



World Hippo Day is more than just a celebration of these fascinating animals. It serves as a reminder of their importance in the ecosystem and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nation-will-slaughter-700-elephants-hippos-zebras-and-other-animals-due-to-drought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">challenges they face</a>. 



By learning about their history or supporting conservation efforts, everyone can contribute to ensuring that hippos continue to thrive for generations to come.



By raising awareness and taking action, we can help protect these magnificent creatures and preserve their place in the wild. Whether through fun activities or serious conservation efforts, there are many ways to make a difference on this special day.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

World Hippo Day: A tribute to nature’s river giants

Hippos are among the most fascinating creatures on the planet....

<div class="vdb_player vdb_591c9e3c9efa894c3c6e150b58d96b98cd4fed198a0d2a49"><script type="text/javascript" src="//delivery.vidible.tv/jsonp/pid=591c9e3c9efa894c3c6e150b/vid=592ddc313b94c704af351183/58d96b98cd4fed198a0d2a49.js"></script></div>
We&#8221;re asking Americans like you to send in a 15-second response to this video explaining the important role that water plays in your life. So grab your friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, classmates, and pets and join in and let us know why &#8220;Water is Worth It&#8221; to you!

Water Is Worth It Video Project