Close-up of dangerous horned viper in the sahara Photo Credit: acceptphoto

Horned Viper

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Little Dumbbell Nebula, also known as Messier 76, located in the constellation Perseus 3,400 light-years away from Earth.



Astronomers captured this image of the Little Dumbbell Nebula to commemorate the 34th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope, a joint venture between NASA and the European Space Agency (<a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>).



The snapshot provides not only a breathtaking view, but also deep insights into the life cycle of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-stars-scientists-discover-a-new-type-of-star-powered-by-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> and the dynamic processes within nebulae.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-messier-76">Understanding Messier 76</h2>



Messier 76 is categorized as a planetary nebula - a term which refers to its round, planet-like appearance when viewed through early, low-power telescopes. 



However, the term is somewhat misleading as planetary nebulae have no connection to actual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-finds-17-exoplanets-that-have-oceans-and-possibly-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets</a>.&nbsp;



Instead, they represent an expansive shell of luminous gases expelled by a dying red giant star, which subsequently collapses into a dense, hot white dwarf. 



This transformation marks the late stages of stellar evolution for medium to low-mass stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure-of-messier-76">Structure of Messier 76</h2>



The structure of Messier 76 is particularly notable. It includes a central ring, giving the appearance of a bar-like feature, with two distinct lobes emanating from either side. 



This formation is believed to be the result of materials ejected by the star during its red giant phase, possibly sculpted by interactions with a companion star.&nbsp;



Although this binary companion is not visible in current Hubble images, its presence is inferred from the thick disk of dust and gas aligned with its orbital plane. 



The phenomenon of the companion star potentially being absorbed by the primary star, a process akin to stellar cannibalism, is a captivating aspect of the nebula's history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dynamic-environment-of-the-nebula">The dynamic environment of the nebula</h2>



At the core of the nebula, the primary star, now collapsing into a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-dwarf-stars-may-be-billions-of-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarf</a>, reaches extreme temperatures. This heat is estimated to be 120,000 degrees Celsius - about 24 times hotter than the surface of our Sun.&nbsp;



This intensely hot remnant is visible as a small, bright point at the center of the nebula. Directly below this, another star can be seen; however, it is merely aligned with the nebula by chance and is not a part of it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-powerful-glow-of-messier-76">Powerful glow of Messier 76</h2>



The dynamics within Messier 76 are driven by powerful forces. The central disk seems to constrict the material, creating two lobes of gas escaping along the rotational axis of the star, perpendicular to the disk.&nbsp;



The lobes are propelled outward by a potent stellar wind, moving at a staggering two million miles per hour. This rapid movement is sufficient to travel the distance from Earth to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/timeless-mystery-solved-scientists-uncover-what-is-inside-the-moons-core/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moon</a> in just over seven minutes.&nbsp;



The collision of the fast-moving gas with older, slower-moving material ejected during the star’s red giant phase results in the stunning glowing effect seen in the nebula. 



The glow, ignited by the ultraviolet radiation from the white dwarf, is a spectacle of colors with red emanating from nitrogen and blue from oxygen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-cosmic-moment-in-time">A cosmic moment in time</h2>



Despite its current brilliance, the existence of the Little Dumbbell Nebula is fleeting on a cosmological scale. It is expected to last only about 15,000 years - a mere moment in the lifespan of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-energy-is-ripping-the-universe-apart-but-we-arent-sure-how/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>.&nbsp;



This brief period highlights the transient nature of such cosmic phenomena, which, while short-lived, provide crucial insights into the mechanics of stellar evolution and the complex interactions within these celestial sculptures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-messier-76">More about Messier 76</h2>



Messier 76 was discovered by Pierre Méchain in 1780. It was later cataloged by Charles Messier, who included it in his famous list of nebulous objects.



The nebula's faintness and small size require a good telescope to be observed effectively, with larger telescopes able to reveal more of its fine details and structure.



Studying Messier 76 helps astronomers understand the life cycle of stars and the processes that occur during the late stages of stellar evolution. 



The materials expelled by planetary nebulae like Messier 76 eventually contribute to the interstellar medium, from which new stars and planetary systems may form.



Image Credit: ESA Space Agency&nbsp;



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Secrets of the Little Dumbbell Nebula  

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the remnants of Lake Razzaza, an artificial lake situated a few miles west of Karbala, Iraq.



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">lake</a> was created in the late 1970s as a flood control measure to regulate the floodwaters of the Euphrates River. 



Razzaza covers an area of approximately 1,562 square kilometers and is located in a depression where excess water from Lake Habbaniyah is diverted through a controlled escape channel or canal.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-colors-of-lake-razzaza">The colors of Lake Razzaza</h2>



“The lake, also known as Baḩr al-Milḩ (‘Sea of Salt’ in Arabic), is fed by overflow from Habbaniyah Lake, which lies just outside the top left corner of the image,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153756/iraqs-sea-of-salt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“The difference in water color results from the various communities of algae that thrive in the lake depending on the water temperature and salinity.”



“Green areas contain lower salt concentrations than red areas. At times when the lake receives no overflow from Habbaniyah Lake, as shown in this image, most of the lakebed is exposed.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-salinity-of-lake-razzaza">Salinity of Lake Razzaza</h2>



Over the years, the salinity of Lake Razzaza has been increasing due to inadequate water supply from the linked canal and high evaporation rates during Iraq's hot summers.&nbsp;



This rise in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/salt-pollution-threatens-freshwater-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salinity</a> has led to a decline in fish populations, adversely affecting local fishermen who once relied on the lake for their livelihoods. 



By 2008, only the fish species locally known as "al-Shanik" (Acanthopagrus arabicus), of marine origin and stocked by the government, was reported to survive in the lake.&nbsp;



The lake's fluctuating water levels and increasing salinity have also impacted its recreational appeal, with few recreational areas existing around the lake.&nbsp;



Additionally, the surrounding desert landscape and low cliff shores contribute to its limited accessibility for leisure activities.&nbsp;



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



Despite these challenges, Lake Razzaza remains an important habitat for various bird species. It has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International, supporting significant numbers of wintering waterfowl and serving as a breeding ground for species such as the marbled duck.&nbsp;



The lake's mudflats attract large numbers of waders and shorebirds during migration periods.&nbsp;



The surrounding area features vegetation such as Phragmites australis, Juncus acutus, Aeluropus lagopoides, Salicornia herbacea, and Schoenoplectus litoralis, along with desert shrublands including Tamarix aucherana, Prosopis farcta, and Haloxylon salicornicum.&nbsp;



Mammals reported in this region include Rüppell's fox, golden jackal, Indian grey mongoose, jungle cat, and wildcat.&nbsp;



In recent years, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lakes-are-warming-toward-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> has faced environmental challenges due to reduced water inflows and increased evaporation, leading to higher salinity levels and a decline in biodiversity. 



Efforts to address these issues are essential to preserve the ecological and economic significance of Lake Razzaza.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-euphrates-river-nbsp">The Euphrates River&nbsp;</h2>



The Euphrates River is one of the most significant rivers in the Middle East and holds immense historical, cultural, and ecological importance.&nbsp;



Stretching approximately 2,800 kilometers (1,740 miles), it originates in the mountains of eastern Turkey and flows through Syria and Iraq before merging with the Tigris River to form the Shatt al-Arab, which empties into the Persian Gulf.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/major-plastic-pollution-lurks-beneath-the-surface-of-rivers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river</a> has been a cradle of civilization for thousands of years, supporting ancient Mesopotamian societies, including Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Assyria.



The Euphrates has provided water for irrigation, enabling the development of agriculture in an otherwise arid region. Its floodplains have been vital for sustaining life and fostering the growth of cities along its course.&nbsp;



However, the river also plays a key geopolitical role, as disputes over water usage and dam construction among Turkey, Syria, and Iraq have emerged over the years, impacting water availability downstream.



Ecologically, the Euphrates supports a range of habitats, from wetlands to desert ecosystems, making it home to diverse flora and fauna.&nbsp;



However, modern challenges such as damming, pollution, and climate change threaten its flow and ecological balance. Despite these challenges, the Euphrates remains a symbol of life and resilience in the heart of the Middle East.



The image was captured by an astronaut on the International Space Station (ISS) on September 23, 2024.



Image Credit: NASA



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Lake Razzaza: A shrinking oasis shaped by salinity

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA features the spiral galaxy NGC 2566, which is located 76 million light-years away in the constellation Puppis. The image was captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.



“A prominent bar of stars stretches across the center of this galaxy, and spiral arms emerge from each end of the bar. Because NGC 2566 appears tilted from our perspective, its disk takes on an almond shape, giving the galaxy the appearance of a cosmic eye,” said <a href="https://phys.org/news/2024-12-hubble-spies-spiral-galaxy-ngc.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“As NGC 2566 appears to gaze at us, astronomers gaze right back, using Hubble to survey the galaxy's star clusters and star-forming regions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-appearance-of-ngc-2566">Complex appearance of NGC 2566</h2>



NGC 2566 lies at a considerable distance from Earth, making it a challenging object for amateur astronomers to observe in detail without powerful telescopes.&nbsp;



It can be seen in the Southern Hemisphere sky and is better observed from locations with minimal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-light-pollution-influences-interest-in-astronomy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">light pollution</a>.&nbsp;



The galaxy's arms are populated with young, bright stars, regions of active star formation, and interstellar gas and dust - giving it a dynamic and complex appearance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-ages-of-stars">Measuring the ages of stars</h2>



According to NASA, data from Hubble is especially valuable for studying stars that are just a few million years old. “These stars are bright at the ultraviolet and visible wavelengths to which Hubble is sensitive.”



“Using these data, researchers can measure the ages of NGC 2566's stars, which helps piece together the timeline of the galaxy's star formation and the exchange of gas between star-forming clouds and the stars themselves.”



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



Star formation in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> is a fascinating and complex process that unfolds over millions of years. It begins in vast clouds of gas and dust, known as molecular clouds, which are often found in the spiral arms of galaxies or in regions of irregular or starburst galaxies.&nbsp;



These clouds provide the raw material for star formation, consisting primarily of hydrogen and helium, with trace amounts of heavier elements.



As the molecular clouds collapse under their own gravity, regions within them begin to condense and fragment, forming dense clumps. Within these clumps, protostars emerge. Their formation is driven by the gravitational pull drawing in surrounding gas. 



During this process, the gas heats up due to increasing pressure, eventually igniting nuclear fusion in the core, signaling the birth of a new star.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rate-of-star-formation-nbsp-across-galaxies">Rate of star formation&nbsp;across galaxies</h2>



The rate of star formation varies across galaxies is influenced by numerous factors. In spiral galaxies like the Milky Way, star formation is most active in the spiral arms, where density waves compress gas and dust, triggering the collapse of molecular clouds. 



In contrast, elliptical galaxies, which often have little cold gas and dust, typically exhibit low rates of star formation or none at all.



Starburst galaxies, on the other hand, experience episodes of exceptionally high star formation, often triggered by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-captures-a-galaxy-collision-with-a-radiant-smile/">galactic collisions</a> or interactions. 



These events can funnel large amounts of gas into central regions, leading to intense star-forming activity. However, such bursts are usually short-lived on cosmic timescales, exhausting the available gas quickly.



The environment within a galaxy also plays a significant role. Stellar winds and supernova explosions from existing stars can both inhibit and promote star formation. They may disperse gas, preventing further collapse, or compress nearby clouds, triggering new star formation.&nbsp;



Over time, as galaxies evolve, the availability of gas diminishes, leading to a gradual decline in star formation activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-puppis-constellation-nbsp">The Puppis constellation&nbsp;</h2>



The Puppis constellation in the southern sky represents the stern of a ship. It was once part of a larger constellation known as Argo Navis, which depicted the mythical ship of Jason and the Argonauts. 



However, Argo Navis was later divided into three separate constellations: Puppis, Carina (the keel), and Vela (the sails). Puppis is the largest of these three and contains many notable celestial objects.



This constellation is home to several bright stars, including Naos (Zeta Puppis), a hot, massive star that emits intense ultraviolet radiation. Puppis also hosts a wide variety of deep-sky objects, such as open <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-star-clusters-captured-in-the-extreme-outskirts-of-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star clusters</a> and nebulae. 



Among these, Messier 46 and Messier 47 stand out. Both are beautiful star clusters that are visible through binoculars or small telescopes. The region is dense with stars because it lies along the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-collision-may-change-everything-we-know-about-our-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, making it a prime area for stargazing and astrophotography. 



Image Credit: NASA



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NGC 2566: A cosmic eye in the Puppis constellation

Today's Image of the Day from NASA features the spiral...

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543), located about 3,300 light-years from Earth in the constellation Draco.&nbsp;



The nebula's name comes from its eye-like appearance when viewed through a telescope. This particular image, which reveals the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/horsehead-nebula-webb-telescope-captured-unprecedented-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a> in stunning detail, was captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-nebulae-nbsp">Planetary nebulae&nbsp;</h2>



According to ESA, the Cat's Eye Nebula is one of the most complex planetary nebulae that has ever been discovered.



“A planetary nebula forms when Sun-like stars gently eject their outer gaseous layers to form bright nebulae with amazing twisted shapes," explained <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"Until recently, it was thought that shells around planetary nebulae were a rare phenomenon. However, astronomers have instead shown that these rings are likely to be the rule rather than the exception."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-appearance-of-the-cat-s-eye-nebula-nbsp">Appearance of the Cat's Eye Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



The central focus of the Cat's Eye is a hot, dying star that has shed its outer layers to form the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragons-egg-nebula-is-a-truly-stunning-sight-to-behold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a>. It is surrounded by concentric gas shells, jets of high-speed gas, and unusual shock-induced knots of gas.



“Although the rings may be the key to explaining the final ‘gasp’ of the dying central star, the mystery behind the Cat’s Eye Nebula’s nested ‘Russian doll’ structure remains largely unsolved,” noted ESA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rings-around-the-cat-s-eye">Rings around the Cat’s Eye</h2>



“This image, taken with Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS), reveals the full pattern of eleven or more concentric rings, or shells, around the Cat’s Eye. Each ‘ring’ is actually the edge of a spherical bubble seen projected onto the sky - which is why it appears bright along its outer edge.”



According to ESA, observations suggest that the star ejected its mass in a series of pulses at 1,500-year intervals. “These convulsions created dust shells that each contains as much mass as all of the planets in our solar system combined.”



Several explanations have been proposed for this phenomenon, including cycles of magnetic activity similar to our Sun's sunspot cycle, the influence of companion stars orbiting the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dying-stars-may-be-a-source-of-gravitational-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dying star</a>, or stellar pulsations.&nbsp;



Another theory suggests that the material is ejected smoothly from the star, with the rings forming later due to the creation of waves in the outflowing material.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-constellation-draco-nbsp">The constellation Draco&nbsp;</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extrasolar-ocean-planet-discovered-in-the-draco-constellation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Draco</a> is a constellation in the northern sky that represents a dragon. It's one of the largest constellations, winding between the Big and Little Dippers.&nbsp;



In Greek mythology, Draco is often identified as the dragon Ladon, who guarded the golden apples in the garden of the Hesperides.



Draco is a circumpolar constellation for most northern hemisphere observers, meaning it never sets below the horizon and can be seen all year round.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-famous-planetary-nebulae">Famous planetary nebulae </h2>



Planetary nebulae are some of the most beautiful and intriguing objects in the universe.&nbsp;



One of the most famous is the Ring Nebula, or M57, located in the constellation Lyra. This nebula is renowned for its nearly perfect ring shape, which is the result of a dying star shedding its outer layers.&nbsp;



Another well-known planetary nebula is the Helix Nebula, or NGC 7293, often referred to as the "Eye of God" due to its eye-like appearance. The Helix Nebula is one of the closest planetary nebulae to Earth, making it a popular target for amateur astronomers.&nbsp;



The Dumbbell Nebula, or M27, in the constellation Vulpecula, is another striking example. It is named for its resemblance to a dumbbell and is notable for being the first planetary nebula ever discovered, by Charles Messier in 1764.&nbsp;



The Butterfly Nebula, or NGC 6302, is located in the constellation Scorpius. Its name comes from its distinctive bipolar structure, resembling the wings of a butterfly. The nebula's central star is one of the hottest known, with a surface temperature of around 250,000 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;



The Eskimo Nebula, or NGC 2392, in the constellation Gemini, is known for its resemblance to a face surrounded by a fur parka, which gives it its name. Its intricate structure, including filaments and bubble-like shapes, makes it a fascinating object of study. 



These nebulae not only captivate us with their beauty but also provide valuable insights into the life cycles of stars and the processes that shape our galaxy.



Image Credit: NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope



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Cat's Eye Nebula in the constellation Draco

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a Copernicus Sentinel-2 photograph of South Georgia, a remote and rugged island located in the southern Atlantic Ocean. 



"Linked with the South Sandwich Islands to form a British Overseas Territory, this southern Atlantic island is a haven for a vast array of wildlife," said <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"Around five million seals call the islands home, as well as 65 million birds of 30 different species. Migrating whales and various fish species populate the surrounding waters and there is a large penguin population."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-and-wildlife-of-south-georgia">Climate and wildlife of South Georgia </h2>



The island is dominated by mountains, glaciers, and fjords. Its highest peak, Mount Paget, rises to 2,935 meters, making it one of the tallest in the region.



South Georgia’s location within the Antarctic Convergence gives it a cold, maritime climate. Although not part of the Antarctic Treaty System, its environment and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/conservation-efforts-are-not-enough-to-save-antarctic-wildlife/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife</a> are closely linked to Antarctica. 



The island is home to vast colonies of penguins, seals, and seabirds. The surrounding waters are rich with krill, providing an abundant food source for marine life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-penguins-adapted-to-harsh-environments">Penguins adapted to harsh environments </h2>



The most notable species found here are the king penguins, which are the second-largest penguin species in the world. South Georgia also hosts large populations of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-makes-the-gentoo-penguin-the-worlds-fastest-swimming-bird/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gentoo</a> and macaroni penguins. 



The island's harsh climate, characterized by strong winds, snow, and cold temperatures, makes it a tough environment, but the penguins have adapted well. 



Their colonies - some of which number in the hundreds of thousands - can be found along the island's rugged coasts and beaches. 



The island’s isolation, combined with its plentiful food supply, makes it a critical breeding ground for these penguins.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-history-of-south-georgia">History of South Georgia </h2>



The island has a history of exploration and exploitation. Captain James Cook first claimed South Georgia for Britain in 1775. 



During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it became a hub for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/echoes-of-the-past-whalings-long-term-impact-on-genetic-diversity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whaling</a> industry, with stations like Grytviken serving as operational centers. These stations have since been abandoned, and the island is now a haven for scientific research and ecotourism.



South Georgia is also notable for its role in Ernest Shackleton’s famed Endurance expedition. His crew reached the island in 1916 after an extraordinary open-boat journey from Elephant Island. Shackleton later died on South Georgia in 1922 and is buried in Grytviken.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pristine-nature-of-the-island">Pristine nature of the island</h2>



Today, South Georgia is a focus of conservation efforts. The eradication of invasive species, such as rats and reindeer, has been a significant success, allowing native wildlife to recover. 



Rats and mice were responsible for the decline of ground-nesting birds, including the South Georgia pipit, the island's only endemic bird. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reindeer-use-ultraviolet-vision-to-find-food-in-the-winter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reindeer</a>, which had been introduced for farming in the 19th century, caused extensive damage to the island’s vegetation, disrupting the habitat for native species.



South Georgia is uninhabited except for a small number of scientists and staff working at research stations and administrative facilities, emphasizing its role as a protected wilderness area and an essential site for understanding global environmental changes.



Its uninhabited status has helped preserve its pristine nature. Visitors to South Georgia must follow strict environmental guidelines to minimize human impact on this extraordinary island.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-significance-of-remote-islands">Scientific significance of remote islands </h2>



Remote <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plant-life-on-islands-loses-diversity-when-humans-arrive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">islands</a> are scientifically significant for several reasons. They often serve as unique ecosystems that can provide insights into evolutionary processes, biodiversity, and adaptation. 



Due to their isolation, species on remote islands may evolve differently from their mainland counterparts, resulting in the development of endemic species that exist nowhere else in the world. 



These islands also act as natural laboratories for studying the effects of climate change, human activity, and ecological interactions, as they are more vulnerable to disturbances. 



Moreover, remote islands can offer valuable information on the health of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, as their ecosystems are often less impacted by human-induced factors. This makes them ideal for studying natural processes in relatively undisturbed environments. 



The isolation of these islands can also help scientists study the patterns of species migration, colonization, and extinction.



Image Credit: ESA 



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South Georgia: One of the most remote islands in the world

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Messak Settafet, a rocky plateau located in the central Sahara Desert. It is part of the greater Messak Plateau, which stretches between the Erg Uan Kasa and the Murzuq Sand Sea.&nbsp;



The plateau's surface is characterized by blackened sandstone, sculpted by thousands of years of wind erosion. This dark patina, often referred to as "desert varnish," adds to its distinctive appearance. The region is starkly beautiful but harsh, with extreme temperatures and minimal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/even-desert-plants-are-not-immune-to-climate-stress/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegetation</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-image-of-the-messak-settafet">Image of the Messak Settafet</h2>



“Towering over the desert in southwestern Libya, the Messak Settafet plateau resembles the wall of a giant fortress, with its dark, erosion-resistant sandstone separating the Ubari Sand Sea to the north and the Marzūq Sand Sea to the south,” noted NASA.



“The large outcrop of Cretaceous rock features a sharp escarpment on its north side. The cliff, some 300 meters (1,000 feet) high in places, is lined with a thin dark shadow.”&nbsp;



“Dark debris from rockfalls is visible to the north. Note that an optical illusion called relief inversion can make high-elevation areas appear low and vice versa when shadows appear on the northern side of a feature.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-archaeological-significance-of-the-plateau-nbsp">Archaeological significance of the plateau&nbsp;</h2>



Messak Settafet is often referred to as the "land of stone tools" because it is one of the world's largest sites for prehistoric tools.&nbsp;



The area is littered with countless <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fstone-tool-discovery-challenges-entire-theory-of-human-evolution%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stone tools</a> and artifacts dating back to various prehistoric periods, including the Acheulean and Neolithic. These tools offer insights into early human technology and adaptation to desert environments.



“Signs of ancient tool making cover much of the plateau’s surface,” said <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>. “According to one archaeological survey, people discarded so many stone tools and rock fragments on the plateau over hundreds of thousands of years that roughly 75 artifacts per square meter now carpet the surface.”&nbsp;



“That makes this one of the earliest known examples of hominins modifying an entire landscape, according to the University of Cambridge archaeologists who conducted the survey.”



“Other signs of ancient activity include the bright spots that dot the image. These areas were likely quarrying pits where people dug up rocks and crafted them into tools, the archaeologists reported.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rock-art-on-the-plateau-nbsp">Rock art on the plateau&nbsp;</h2>



The plateau is home to numerous petroglyphs and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/negev-petroglyphs-ancient-art-rock-carvings-face-erosion-fungi-lichens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carvings</a>. These engravings depict animals, humans, and symbolic designs, providing valuable clues about the lives, beliefs, and environments of the region's ancient inhabitants.&nbsp;



“For instance, Wadi Mathendous, a prehistoric archaeological site located in the southern part of the plateau, contains engravings of rhinoceroses, crocodiles, hippopotamuses, fighting cats, giraffes, long-horned buffaloes, and elephants. The art is thought to be about 8,000 years old,” said NASA.



Some of the animals depicted, such as giraffes and elephants, indicate that the Sahara was once a <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fa-lush-green-sahara-desert-helped-early-humans-migrate-out-of-africa%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">much wetter</a> and more hospitable environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-significance-of-the-messak-settafet">Cultural significance of the Messak Settafet</h2>



Messak Settafet forms part of the Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. This designation highlights the area's importance for understanding early human culture and environmental changes in the Sahara.



The plateau has been a critical area for studying the migration and adaptation of early humans. Its archaeological richness offers a glimpse into how humans thrived in this region during periods when the climate was wetter.



“Although the plateau now receives less than 0.4 inches of rain annually, clues in the landscape make clear it was once much wetter,” noted NASA.



“Deeply incised dried stream valleys, or wadis, crisscross the plateau, indicating significant past water flow. The small, bright features scattered across the plateau are sand and silt deposits left where water once pooled.”



The Messak Settafet, like many remote <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sahara-desert-dust-storms-carry-harmful-bacteria-and-fungi-around-the-globe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">desert</a> regions, faces challenges such as erosion, vandalism of ancient rock art, and the potential impacts of development. 



Efforts to preserve its archaeological treasures are vital for protecting its cultural and scientific significance.



The image was captured November 17, 2024 by the Operational Land Imager-2 (OLI-2) on Landsat 9 on&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Messak Settafet plateau in the Sahara Desert

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;



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Spiral galaxy NGC 6744 in the constellation Pavo

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a pair of interacting spiral galaxies known as the Antennae Galaxies. They are located approximately 45 million light-years away in the constellation Corvus.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antennae-galaxies-in-a-deadly-embrace">Antennae Galaxies in a deadly embrace </h2>



“The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has snapped the best ever image of the Antennae Galaxies. Hubble has released images of these stunning galaxies twice before, once using observations from its Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2) in 1997, and again in 2006 from the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS),” noted <a href="https://esahubble.org/images/potw1345a/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“The galaxies - also known as NGC 4038 and NGC 4039 - are locked in a deadly embrace. Once normal, sedate spiral galaxies like the Milky Way, the pair have spent the past few hundred million years sparring with one another.”



According to ESA, the clash of the Antennae Galaxies is so violent that stars have been ripped from their host <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-collision-2-million-mph-stephans-quintet-captured-unprecedented-detail/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> to form a streaming arc between the two.&nbsp;



The name "Antennae" comes from this long stream of stars and gas, which resembles insect antennae.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intense-bursts-of-star-formation-nbsp">Intense bursts of star formation&nbsp;</h2>



The collision has triggered intense bursts of star formation, making the Antennae Galaxies one of the nearest and most dramatic examples of a starburst galaxy.&nbsp;



Many of the newly formed stars are concentrated in massive star clusters, some of which are expected to evolve into globular clusters over millions of years.



“This new image of the Antennae Galaxies shows obvious signs of chaos. Clouds of gas are seen in bright pink and red, surrounding the bright flashes of blue star-forming regions - some of which are partially obscured by dark patches of dust,” explained ESA.



“The rate of star formation is so high that the Antennae Galaxies are said to be in a state of starburst, a period in which all of the gas within the galaxies is being used to form stars.”&nbsp;



“This cannot last forever and neither can the separate galaxies; eventually the nuclei will coalesce, and the galaxies will begin their retirement together as one large elliptical galaxy.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-antennae-galaxies">Significance of the Antennae Galaxies</h2>



The Antennae Galaxies are one of the most well-studied examples of galaxy collisions, offering insight into the processes that shape galaxies over time.



Astronomers study the Antennae Galaxies using a range of telescopes across different wavelengths, including visible light, infrared, and X-rays.&nbsp;



Observations in X-rays have revealed evidence of supernovae and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-holes-may-talk-to-galaxies-through-energetic-winds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a>, while infrared studies highlight regions of dust and star formation.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-milky-way-s-collision-course-nbsp">The Milky Way's collision course&nbsp;</h2>



The Antennae Galaxies provide a glimpse into the future of our <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>, which is expected to eventually merge with the Andromeda Galaxy - our closest spiral galaxy neighbor.



The cosmic collision course of the Milky Way and Andromeda will reshape both galaxies over billions of years.&nbsp;



This event is expected to occur in about 4.5 billion years. Both galaxies are part of the Local Group, a cluster of galaxies bound together by gravity. Their mutual gravitational pull is drawing them closer at a speed of approximately 110 kilometers per second.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-birth-of-an-elliptical-galaxy-nbsp">The birth of an elliptical galaxy&nbsp;</h2>



When the two galaxies collide, their individual stars will largely avoid direct collisions due to the vast distances between them. However, the gravitational forces involved will create dramatic effects.&nbsp;



These forces will distort the galaxies' <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shapes</a>, triggering intense bursts of star formation as gas clouds collide and compress. Over time, the galaxies will settle into a new, larger elliptical galaxy often referred to as "Milkomeda" or "Milkdromeda" by astronomers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-merger-and-the-solar-system">Galaxy merger and the solar system</h2>



Despite the seemingly destructive nature of the collision, the solar system is unlikely to face direct harm. Our Sun may find itself flung into a new orbit within the merged galaxy or even cast into intergalactic space.&nbsp;



The merger will also significantly alter the night sky, with the Andromeda Galaxy becoming increasingly prominent before blending into the unified structure.



This event is part of the natural <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-are-much-bigger-than-we-originally-believed-gas-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution of galaxies</a> and serves as a fascinating reminder of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the universe. 



While the collision is still billions of years away, studying it helps astronomers understand galactic interactions and the long-term future of our cosmic neighborhood.



Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA



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The violent clash of the Antennae Galaxies  

The MODIS instrument, short for Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, is a key instrument aboard the Terra and Aqua satellites. MODIS is playing a vital role in the development of Earth ecosystem models, able to predict global changes, which then assist policy makers in making informed decisions about the protection of the global environment.

Heavy snow and cloud cover in the Alps are seen in this Image of the day&nbsp;from the <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> and features a look at heavy snow and low clouds in the Alps. Wildlife such as ibex live in the higher peaks to elevations of 3,400 m (11,155 ft), and plants such as Edelweiss grow in rocky areas in lower elevations as well as in higher elevations.

Heavy snow and cloud cover in the Alps

Monitoring Earth Changes with MODIS

Aqua is a NASA scientific research satellite that studies precipitation, evaporation, and water cycles. Terra and Aura make up the Earth Observing System. It's the second component of the system.

A frozen Lake Erie in February Today’s Image of the Day comes from the <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> and features a look at a frozen <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/icy-lake-erie/">Lake Erie</a>, which is currently 93.3 percent iced over. A frozen Lake Erie in February
This false-color image was created using data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on board the Aqua satellite to differentiate between snow, ice, and clouds.
Lake Erie /ˈɪəri/ (French: Lac Érié) is the fourth-largest lake (by surface area) of the five Great Lakes in North America, and the eleventh-largest globally if measured in terms of surface area.It is the southernmost, shallowest, and smallest by volume of the Great Lakes and therefore also has the shortest average water residence time. At its deepest point Lake Erie is 210 feet (64 metres) deep. 
Situated on the International Boundary between Canada and the United States, Lake Erie&#8217;s northern shore is the Canadian province of Ontario, specifically the Ontario Peninsula, with the U.S. states of Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York on its western, southern, and eastern shores. These jurisdictions divide the surface area of the lake with water boundaries. 
The lake was named by the Erie people, a Native American people who lived along its southern shore. The tribal name &#8220;erie&#8221; is a shortened form of the Iroquoian word erielhonan, meaning long tail
&#8212;
By <a href="mailto:rarnold@earth.com">Rory Arnold</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer
Image Credit: <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a>

A frozen Lake Erie in February

Aqua Earth Observing Satellite

This beautiful photo gallery contains 50 incredible images of Earth from Space. These images were taken by astronauts onboard the International Space Station, as well as by a multitude of NASA satellites orbiting the earth.

Today’s Image of the Day comes thanks to the <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=90654&amp;eocn=home&amp;eoci=iotd_readmore">NASA Earth Observatory</a> and features a look at Super Typhoon Noru in the Pacific Ocean just south of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/first-blue-chrysanthemums-created/">Japan</a>.
This image was captured by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite on July 31, 2017. 
At the time the photo was taken, Typhoon Noru was located just 250 kilometers south of Iwo Jima. Maximum sustained winds hit 150 miles per hour.
The storm briefly became a category 5 on July 30, before being downgraded to a category 4 one day later.
&#8211;
By <a href="mailto:rarnold@earth.com">Rory Arnold</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer
Source: <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=90654&amp;eocn=home&amp;eoci=iotd_readmore">NASA Earth Observatory</a>

Super Typhoon Noru in the Pacific Ocean

Incredible Images of Earth from Space

Photos from the International Space Station are found in this awesome Earth.com image gallery. Flat-earthers won't agree, but these incredible photos of the Earth were taken by astronauts onboard the International Space Station. The International Space Station is a modular space station in low Earth orbit.

Northern Italy from the space station is seen here in this Image of the Day from the <a href="http://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> (ESA). The view includes the top half of the Italian Peninsula, along with <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/wildfires-burn-northern-corsica/">Corsica</a> and Sardinia off the coast. This image was captured by ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli on his third and final mission to the Space Station.

Northern Italy from the Space Station

Photos from the International Space Station

Axial Seamount sits under the Pacific Ocean about 300 miles from the U.S. coast. Since 1997, scientists have kept a careful eye on it using instruments that measure pressure on the ocean floor. 



Data shows that the volcano has been swelling, with changing rates that hint at an upcoming eruption.



Its activity caught the attention of experts because it shows a pattern of erupting after reaching a particular level of inflation. 



Observers have noted that the volcano’s swelling slowed from 2015 to 2023, then sped up again in late 2023. By mid-2024, that rate hit 10 inches per year, while daily earthquakes soared into the hundreds.



Mark Zumberge, a geophysicist at <a href="https://scripps.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scripps Institution of Oceanography</a>, has described it this way: “It’s the most well-instrumented submarine volcano on the planet.” 



He and others use pressure sensors and AI-driven analysis to gauge shifts in earthquake patterns. William Chadwick of <a href="https://oregonstate.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oregon State University</a> once referred to a 2015 eruption forecast as their “best forecasting success.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-continental-plates-pull-apart">Where continental plates pull apart</h2>



Axial Seamount rises from the <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/subduction-juan-de-fuca-plate-beneath-north-american-pla" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Juan de Fuca Ridge</a>, an underwater mountain range in the northeastern Pacific. 



At this ridge, the Earth’s crust pulls apart due to the motion of tectonic plates, allowing molten rock to rise up and shape new crust. 



Plates moving apart have built a chain of peaks called a mid-ocean ridge. These ridges rarely capture the public’s imagination, yet they form one of Earth’s largest continuous geological features.



The ridge separates the Pacific Plate and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/claim-earth-has-six-continents-not-seven-north-america-europe-connected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North American Plate</a>. When those plates drift away from each other, magma surfaces and hardens. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supervolcano-italy-solfatara-crater-phlegraean-fields-shows-signs-of-waking-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Volcanic and seismic events</a> dot this region, including those at Axial. Repeated eruptions at this particular volcano have given researchers a real-time window into volcanic processes that most can only study from old rocks on land.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-axial-seamount-eruptions">Axial Seamount eruptions</h2>



Because Axial Seamount experiences frequent eruptions, it provides chances to fine-tune eruption predictions. 



Its swelling has reached levels that match those seen before past eruptions, prompting discussions about the next event possibly coming by the end of 2025.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/axial-seamount_underground-magma-system_credit-OregonStateU_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/axial-seamount_underground-magma-system_credit-OregonStateU_1s.webp" alt="A schematic model of the magmatic system below Axial Seamount. Green, blue, and cyan polygons on the seafloor indicate 1998, 2011, and 2015 lava flows, respectively. The red star indicates the location of a revised prolate-spheroid inflation source for the 2015 eruption52, and the magenta cycles denote the hydrothermal vents. Black lines denote eruptive fissures identified during 2011 and 2015 eruptions. A thermally controlled permeability boundary layer separates the MMR from hydrothermal fluid circulation (cyan dashed lines with arrows) in the dike and lava section above13. White dashed lines denote the isotherms. Credit: Nature" class="wp-image-1955438"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A schematic model of the magmatic system below Axial Seamount. Green, blue, and cyan polygons on the seafloor indicate 1998, 2011, and 2015 lava flows, respectively. The red star indicates the location of a revised prolate-spheroid inflation source for the 2015 eruption52, and the magenta cycles denote the hydrothermal vents. Black lines denote eruptive fissures identified during 2011 and 2015 eruptions. A thermally controlled permeability boundary layer separates the MMR from hydrothermal fluid circulation (cyan dashed lines with arrows) in the dike and lava section above13. White dashed lines denote the isotherms. Credit: Nature</figcaption></figure>



Since these eruptions have been fairly similar each time, scientists are learning which signs point to magma movement and what those signals might mean for future activity.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hydrothermal-vents-earths-blueprint-for-finding-alien-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hydrothermal vents</a> play a role in shaping local marine ecosystems. Lava flows and bursts of heated fluid feed specialized life, such as tube worms and clams, that flourish in dark, high-pressure environments. 



This small spot of deep-sea life is a reminder of how volcanic activity can spur biological communities in unexpected places.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-and-new-prediction-methods">AI and new prediction methods</h2>



A recent effort involves analyzing quake patterns prior to 2015. That study leverages machine learning to recognize signals that precede an eruption. 



Experts see these methods as a way to identify shifts in ground motion more quickly than manual approaches. 



As inflation picks up again, this automated tracking could help identify the precise moment when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unexpected-molten-rock-layer-discovered-under-earths-crust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">molten rock</a> nears the surface.



Zumberge and others draw on a network of sensors that map every tremor and change in ground tilt. “At Axial, we don’t have to worry about false alarms,” said Chadwick. 



Thanks to these tools, false starts - common in volcano monitoring - have not posed much confusion here.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-axial-seamount-s-slopes">Beyond Axial Seamount's slopes</h2>



Underwater eruptions may seem distant to folks on land, but they have global significance. The 2022 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tonga-eruption-had-the-energy-of-five-nuclear-explosions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hunga Tonga event</a>, for example, triggered a tsunami that caused an estimated $90 billion in losses. 



Though Axial Seamount itself poses little direct threat - shield volcanoes are less violent, and tremors here lack the force to create large waves - insights gained may aid efforts to forecast other, more hazardous sites.



“There’s no crystal ball,” noted volcanologist Valerio Acocella, from <a href="https://www.uniroma3.it/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University Roma Tre</a> in Italy, who studies both submarine and terrestrial volcanoes. 



That simple fact drives efforts to refine predictive science, using a wide range of data: ground deformation, quake frequency, and the chemistry of volcanic gases. 



Any improvement in these forecasts could limit harm in regions where eruptions might strike without warning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-refining-models-with-real-time-data">Refining models with real-time data</h2>



When Axial erupts, molten rock pours out across the seafloor, and new vents appear. These events offer a direct look at how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/crystals-can-help-predict-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magma moves underground</a>. 



Instruments feed constant streams of measurements to shore-based labs, revealing changes that happen within hours or even minutes. 



That trove of information helps experts see common threads that tie Axial’s predictable nature to more erratic volcanoes around the world.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/axial-seamount_seafloor-uplift_graph_credit-OregonStateU_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/axial-seamount_seafloor-uplift_graph_credit-OregonStateU_1s.webp" alt="Cumulative seafloor uplift and detected earthquakes at Axial Seamount underwater volcano. The vertical axis shows the uplift since May 2015, and the horizontal axis shows the cumulative amount of earthquakes detected since May 2015. Credit: Oregon State University" class="wp-image-1955436"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cumulative seafloor uplift and detected earthquakes at Axial Seamount underwater volcano. The vertical axis shows the uplift since May 2015, and the horizontal axis shows the cumulative amount of earthquakes detected since May 2015. Credit: Oregon State University</figcaption></figure>



Each new episode produces extra details, clarifying where magma is stored and how it shifts in the days or weeks before an eruption. 



According to Acocella, “We need these ideal cases to understand how volcanoes work.” 



Because Axial has such robust instrumentation, these “ideal cases” are more complete than anything available from many land-based sites.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



Even though the undersea location of Axial Seamount means there is minimal risk to nearby shorelines, scientists still keep track of everything that happens beneath the waves. 



If a future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-volcanic-eruptions-are-more-harmful-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">submarine volcano</a> shows similar signals but lies closer to inhabited regions, the same methods could help governments plan. 



Real-time data streams might allow them to evacuate at-risk areas or safeguard critical infrastructure.



At Axial, repeated eruptions give a sense of certainty about what might unfold next. 



Unlike volcanoes that lie dormant for decades, this one reactivates on a cycle, creating a chance to track repeated patterns. That cyclical aspect has turned Axial into a natural classroom for geophysicists.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-impact-of-axial-seamount">Global impact of Axial Seamount</h2>



To sum it all up, technological advances have made it easier to keep watch on both shallow and deep sections of Earth’s crust. Long cables connect sensors, offering near-instant awareness of quake swarms and ground shifts. 



By combining those tools with AI algorithms, research teams spot subtle shifts that might have gone unnoticed in older data sets.



The anticipation of Axial’s next eruption has galvanized experts who study volcanic forecasting. 



Axial’s shield structure, real-time monitoring, and location on a mid-ocean ridge present a unique scenario where everything lines up for practical research. 



Overall, many specialists see this site as a key test bed for learning about submarine eruptions. 



Eruptions at Axial allow researchers to gather immediate, detailed data that refine future warnings and guide planning for potentially dangerous underwater volcanoes elsewhere.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-49188-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



Image Credit: <a href="https://www.washington.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Washington</a>



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Underwater volcano off the US coast could erupt at any moment

Axial Seamount sits under the Pacific Ocean about 300 miles...

Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize the world of art, uncovering details that are invisible to the human eye. 



In a fascinating revelation, an AI neural network has unearthed a long-debated truth about Raphael’s&nbsp;Madonna della Rosa, a painting historically attributed to this Italian Renaissance master.



According to the study, not every brushstroke in the masterpiece is Raphael's.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-is-raphael">Who is Raphael?</h2>



Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino was one of the most famous artists of the Renaissance. Born on April 6, 1483, in Urbino, Italy, he became known for his beautiful paintings and frescoes. Sadly, he passed away on his 37th birthday, April 6, 1520.



He’s best remembered for works like "The School of Athens," a stunning fresco in the Vatican, "Madonna della Rosa," as discussed here, and "The Transfiguration," which is often seen as his final masterpiece. 



Raphael was known for creating art that felt balanced, clear, and full of beauty, blending emotion with graceful figures. 



He was able to mix the emotional depth of artists like Leonardo da Vinci with the elegant compositions of artists like Michelangelo.



Besides painting, Raphael was also a talented architect. He worked on the design of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican and later became the chief architect there. 



His influence shaped both art and architecture during the Renaissance, and he’s still considered one of the greats, alongside Leonardo and Michelangelo.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-masterpiece-madonna-della-rosa">The masterpiece: Madonna della Rosa</h2>



Madonna della Rosa&nbsp;is a Renaissance painting that was created during the late period of Raphael's career. The artwork portrays the Madonna and Child alongside St. Joseph and St. John, reflecting themes of familial unity and sacred devotion. 



The painting is notable for its vibrant color palette, soft rendering of figures, and the delicate interplay of light and shadow - all of which are hallmarks of Raphael's mature style.



Currently housed in the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid, the painting has undergone various restoration efforts over centuries to preserve its details and hues. 



Its title,&nbsp;Madonna della Rosa&nbsp;("Madonna of the Rose"), comes from the symbolic rose depicted in the scene, which has often been interpreted as a reference to the Virgin Mary's purity and suffering.



The painting represents a transitional moment in art history, blending elements of High Renaissance ideals with emerging Mannerist influences. 



Its history is intertwined with debates over authorship and the collaborative nature of Renaissance workshops, which were common at the time.



This has made&nbsp;Madonna della Rosa&nbsp;a subject of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-cave-painting-discovered-in-indonesia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fascination for art historians</a> and enthusiasts alike.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-st-joseph-s-face-in-madonna-della-rosa">St. Joseph’s face in Madonna della Rosa</h2>



The face of St. Joseph, featured in the top-left corner of the famous painting, has sparked centuries of speculation.



While the painting’s authenticity as a Raphael original has been questioned since the mid-1800s, recent AI-powered analysis points to a significant conclusion: St. Joseph’s face was likely painted by another artist.



"Using deep feature analysis, we used pictures of authenticated Raphael paintings to train the computer to recognize his style to a very detailed degree, from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/acoustic-echoes-may-have-inspired-prehistoric-rock-art/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brushstrokes</a>, the color palette, the shading, and every aspect of the work," explained Hassan Ugail, mathematician and computer scientist from the <a href="https://www.bradford.ac.uk/external/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bradford</a>.



"The computer sees far more deeply than the human eye, to microscopic level."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-ai-to-analyze-the-painting">Using AI to analyze the painting</h2>



The researchers designed a specialized algorithm to compare <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rock-art-reveals-early-human-ties-with-amazon-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">elements of the painting</a> to those found in verified Raphael works. 



This AI analysis, grounded in Microsoft’s ResNet50 framework and enhanced with a Support Vector Machine technique, could discern nuances at a microscopic level. The technology had previously demonstrated 98% accuracy in identifying Raphael’s works.



For this study, the team took the innovative step of analyzing individual faces within the painting. While the Madonna, the Child, and St. John showed clear signs of Raphael’s style, St. Joseph’s face stood out as inconsistent.



"When we tested the&nbsp;della Rosa&nbsp;as a whole, the results were not conclusive," said Ugail. "So, then we tested the individual parts and while the rest of the picture was confirmed as Raphael, Joseph's face came up as most likely not Raphael."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-is-the-mystery-artist">Who is the mystery artist?</h2>



Historical evidence suggests Giulio Romano, one of Raphael’s most talented pupils, may have contributed to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-neanderthals-mastered-adhesive-technology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">painting</a>. 



Art critics have long noted St. Joseph’s face appears less refined compared to the other figures. While the AI analysis strengthens this theory, it does not definitively confirm the identity of the artist responsible for painting St. Joseph.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-ai-in-art-authentication">Role of AI in art authentication</h2>



This revelation demonstrates the potential of AI to complement, not replace, human expertise in art authentication. 



AI’s ability to analyze brushstrokes, shading, and color palette at an unparalleled level provides a new dimension to evaluating artwork.



"This is not a case of AI taking people's jobs," said Ugail. "The process of authenticating a work of art involves looking at many aspects, from its provenance, pigments, condition of the work, and so on."



"However, this sort of software can be used as one tool to assist in the process."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-masterpiece-with-a-modern-twist">A masterpiece with a modern twist</h2>



Madonna della Rosa, painted between 1518 and 1520, remains a captivating masterpiece. Yet, its history grows richer with this discovery, adding another layer to the narrative of Renaissance art. 



As AI continues to advance, it holds promise for uncovering hidden secrets in centuries-old works, and for enhancing our understanding of artistic legacies while preserving their mystique.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://heritagesciencejournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40494-023-01094-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heritage Science</a>.



Image Credit: Museo Nacional del Prado



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AI identifies surprising details about one of the most famous paintings in the world

Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize the world of art,...

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), plastic particles and fibers sized from nanometers (≥ 1 nm) to micrometers (≤ 5 mm), have emerged as critical environmental pollutants. While their impact on marine ecosystems has been widely studied, research on the effects of microplastics on terrestrial ecosystems remains underdeveloped.



A recent study&nbsp;by researchers from the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden at the Chinese Academy of Sciences sheds light on this overlooked issue.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastics-in-terrestrial-ecosystems">Microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems</h2>



Micro- and nanoplastics are ubiquitous in terrestrial ecosystems, bioaccumulating in plants and organisms connected through aboveground (AG) and underground (BG) food webs.



These tiny particles not only impact individual plants but also disrupt multi-trophic interactions, biodiversity patterns, and ecosystem processes.



According to the researchers, MNPs interact with plants and associated AG-BG biota at multiple trophic levels. These interactions include herbivores, pollinators, and mycorrhiza fungi, which are essential for plant health and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-are-steadily-increasing-in-freshwater-environments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ecosystem</a> stability.



By transferring across trophic levels, MNPs can harm biodiversity and affect ecosystem multifunctionality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastic-transfer-in-terrestrial-ecosystems">Microplastic transfer in terrestrial ecosystems </h2>



The study identifies several trophic and non-trophic pathways for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-linked-to-health-issues-including-cancer-and-infertility/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MNP transfer</a> within and between AG-BG food webs. 



These include:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Leaves to herbivores: Herbivores that feed on plant leaves inadvertently ingest MNPs present on the surface of these leaves. This exposes them to potential toxic effects of these tiny particles.</li>



<li>Flowers to pollinators: Pollinators, like bees and butterflies, come into contact with MNPs when they land on flowers to collect nectar or pollen. These interactions can impact pollinator health and their role in pollination.</li>



<li>Prey to predators: Predators consume prey that has already ingested MNPs, leading to the transfer of these plastics up the food chain. This can accumulate and potentially harm predator species.</li>



<li>Roots to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi: Mycorrhizal fungi, which form symbiotic relationships with plant roots to aid in nutrient absorption, can absorb MNPs present in the soil. This impacts the fungi and their role in plant health.</li>



<li>Roots to herbivores: Soil-dwelling herbivores that feed on plant roots may ingest MNPs present in or around the roots, exposing them to the harmful effects of these plastics.</li>



<li>Leaf litter to decomposers: When leaves containing MNPs decay, decomposer organisms like fungi, bacteria, and invertebrates break them down, absorbing or ingesting the embedded plastics.</li>



<li>Aboveground litter to belowground decomposers: Plant litter from aboveground, such as fallen leaves or flowers, carries <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-is-everywhere-even-in-newborns-and-getting-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MNPs</a> into the soil, where they are processed by belowground decomposers like earthworms and microbes.</li>



<li>Belowground prey to aboveground predators: MNPs present in soil-dwelling prey (like insects or larvae) transfer to aboveground predators (like birds or spiders) when they consume these organisms.</li>



<li>Belowground larvae to aboveground adults: Insects that spend their larval stages underground and then emerge as adults aboveground may carry microplastics they absorbed in their earlier stages into aboveground ecosystems.</li>
</ul>



These pathways illustrate the complexity of microplastic interactions within ecosystems and highlight their potential to disrupt ecological functions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecotoxicological-effects-of-microplastics">Ecotoxicological effects of microplastics </h2>



The study emphasizes that MNPs pose ecotoxicological threats across trophic levels. 



When plants absorb MNPs, these particles can affect the interactions between plants and organisms, leading to cascading effects in food webs. 



The researchers noted significant impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem processes, and multifunctionality. However, the extent of these effects remains uncertain due to limited research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-call-for-urgent-research-and-mitigation">Call for urgent research and mitigation</h2>



The researchers argue that terrestrial ecosystems urgently require more attention to fully assess the ecological impacts of MNPs. 



They emphasize the need for research to identify the long-term effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-nanotechnology-is-fighting-microplastic-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MNPs</a> on plants and food webs, mitigation strategies to reduce MNP exposure in terrestrial ecosystems, and policies to manage MNP pollution effectively.



Such research will be critical to safeguarding plants and the intricate food webs they support.



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



To bridge the knowledge gap, researchers recommend focusing on the following areas:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>MNP detection methods:&nbsp;Developing advanced techniques to identify and measure MNPs in terrestrial environments.</li>



<li>Long-term monitoring:&nbsp;Establishing long-term studies to understand MNP bioaccumulation and ecosystem impacts.</li>



<li>Mitigation strategies:&nbsp;Designing solutions to reduce MNP exposure, such as improved waste management and soil remediation techniques.</li>
</ul>



In sum, micro- and nanoplastics have emerged as a hidden threat to terrestrial ecosystems, affecting plants and interconnected AG-BG food webs. The findings emphasize the urgency of expanding research on this topic to mitigate their ecological <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hotspots-of-microplastic-pollution-found-in-the-north-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">impact</a>.



This study highlights the interconnected nature of ecosystems and the critical role of plants in maintaining balance. Addressing MNP pollution in terrestrial systems will be vital for protecting biodiversity and ensuring ecosystem sustainability.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/trends/plant-science/abstract/S1360-1385(24)00335-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trends in Plant Science</a>.



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Silent invasion: How microplastics are disrupting land ecosystems

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), plastic particles and fibers sized from...

NASA’s Artemis program marks a shift from short lunar stays to a lasting human presence on the Moon. The agency has chosen the Lunar South Pole for its consistent visibility from Earth, near-continuous sunlight, and abundance of water ice.&nbsp;



However, this choice also presents an especially harsh lighting environment that could significantly limit astronaut safety and effectiveness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-low-angle-light-at-the-moon-s-south-pole">Low-angle light at the Moon's south pole</h2>



At the Lunar South Pole, the sun never rises more than a few degrees above the horizon. This geometry creates profound contrasts between bright light and deep shadow, often all within a short distance.&nbsp;



Past <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-new-lunar-fss-mission-will-explore-moon-far-side-moonquakes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lunar missions</a>, such as Apollo, did not encounter these extreme lighting conditions, so solutions that once worked no longer suffice for a permanent stay.&nbsp;



The human eye, while adaptable, struggles with frequent transitions between intense brightness and darkness.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-demands-of-the-artemis-project">Unique demands of the Artemis project</h2>



Under the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grow-plants-on-moon-by-2026-nasa-artemis-iii-mission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artemis</a> plan, astronauts must endure longer exposure to the sun and will also rely on artificial lighting in places where the sun never shines. These conditions demand a more complete approach, rather than relying on the spacesuit helmet alone or mission planning.&nbsp;



Effective vision is required for a range of duties, including moving around the surface, gathering samples, and managing rover systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coordinating-helmets-windows-and-artificial-lighting">Coordinating helmets, windows, and artificial lighting</h2>



A recent examination of existing technology revealed that improving vision in bright or dim settings requires a carefully integrated approach across <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a> programs.&nbsp;



The aim is to align the design of spacesuit helmets, windows, and lighting systems in ways that help astronauts adjust between dark and light environments while avoiding eye damage.&nbsp;



This combined effort must let astronauts see clearly when working under the lunar sun, in shadow, or when shifting from one extreme to the other.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-need-for-consistent-vision-nbsp">The need for consistent vision&nbsp;</h2>



Engineers discovered that current requirements focus on mobility but not enough on ensuring astronauts can see hazards or equipment in deep shadow or brilliant sunlight.&nbsp;



Tasks that future crews are expected to perform on the lunar surface do not fully match up with design expectations, meaning the need for consistent vision has not been thoroughly addressed across multiple systems.&nbsp;



This lack of cohesion could jeopardize <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-travel-takes-a-greater-toll-on-astronauts-brains-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">astronaut</a> performance and mission safety.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vision-in-extreme-lighting-conditions">Vision in extreme lighting conditions</h2>



The <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/nesc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA Engineering and Safety Center</a> has recommended that the ability to see well in the Moon’s extreme lighting conditions should be established as a distinct requirement. 



This shift would require that helmet and window designs, along with lighting setups, work together as one comprehensive system.&nbsp;



The plan also calls for a range of virtual and physical simulations that replicate the dazzling sunlight and deep shadows at the Lunar South Pole.&nbsp;



These simulations must incorporate varying terrain to test how astronauts handle basic tasks, like walking, alongside more advanced operations, such as equipment servicing.



Each simulation facility has different capabilities, so these facilities must be defined in terms of their advantages and limitations to ensure they collectively fulfill the necessary research and training objectives.&nbsp;



By refining designs, integrating these systems, and validating them through realistic testing, NASA aims to equip future astronauts with the tools to thrive on the lunar surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-a-sustainable-future-on-the-moon">Building a sustainable future on the Moon</h2>



Humanity’s drive to explore beyond our home planet is rooted in an enduring curiosity and a desire to push the boundaries of what is possible. This determination has propelled us from early observations of the night sky to monumental achievements like landing on the Moon.&nbsp;



Today, programs like Artemis represent a shift from fleeting exploration to establishing a sustained presence beyond Earth.&nbsp;



By overcoming the challenges of extreme environments, such as the Moon’s harsh lighting conditions, we are not only securing a foothold on another celestial body but also paving the way for deeper space exploration.



The lessons learned from living and working on the Moon will serve as a blueprint for future missions to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-gravity-pulls-earth-closer-to-the-sun-warming-our-climate-scientists-say/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a> and beyond.



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Astronauts face extreme lighting challenges at the Moon's south pole

NASA’s Artemis program marks a shift from short lunar stays...

Quantum,Computing,Concept.,Digital,Communication,Network.,Technological,Abstract.

Northwestern University engineers made a remarkable advance in quantum computing and communication, demonstrating quantum teleportation over a standard fiber optic cable that already carries everyday Internet traffic.



This development shows that quantum communication might not require dedicated lines, which clears the path for easier and more widespread integration of quantum and classical data sharing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-path-for-quantum-networking">Path for quantum networking</h2>



The news centers around the idea that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/parker-solar-probe-will-fly-through-suns-atmosphere-tomorrow-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum signals</a> -- information carried by delicate particles of light known as photons -- can travel alongside everyday Internet traffic without losing their integrity. This breakthrough demonstrates quantum teleportation, a process where the state of a particle (like a photon) is transferred to another distant particle without the initial particle moving physically.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-quantum-teleportation">Science behind quantum teleportation</h2>



By using entangled photons, this method enables secure, near-instantaneous data sharing and paves the way for future quantum networks.



The research team successfully tested a setup that allows <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/negative-time-observed-measured-tangible-in-new-quantum-experiments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> information to weave through the bustling flow of regular Internet data without interference. 



This achievement overcomes one of the biggest hurdles in making quantum networks a practical reality.



<a href="https://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/research-faculty/directory/profiles/kumar-prem.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prem Kumar</a>, who oversaw the research, is a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Northwestern’s <a href="https://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McCormick School of Engineering</a>. 



He is known for his contributions to quantum communication and serves as the director of the Center for Photonic Communication and Computing. In their recent work, Kumar and his collaborators introduce a new way of thinking about quantum signals alongside their classical counterparts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-entanglement-in-quantum-communication">Entanglement in quantum communication</h2>



Quantum teleportation stands out because it uses entanglement as a way to exchange information without physically sending matter across a distance. The concept traces back to <a href="https://journals.aps.org/pr/abstract/10.1103/PhysRev.47.777" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Einstein,</a> <a href="https://journals.aps.org/pr/abstract/10.1103/PhysRev.47.777" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Podolsky</a>, and Rosen in 1935. Scientists have since <a href="https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.70.1895" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tested</a> quantum entanglement in labs, culminating in the formal proposal for quantum teleportation in 1993.



One of the biggest appeals of quantum teleportation is that it can occur almost as fast as light travels. Photons can become entangled so that performing a measurement on one instantaneously affects its partner, no matter how far away it is. “This is incredibly exciting because nobody thought it was possible; our work shows a path towards next-generation quantum and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elusive-quantum-negative-entanglement-entropy-deciphered-in-the-lab/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">classical networks</a> sharing a unified fiberoptic infrastructure. Basically, it opens the door to pushing quantum communications to the next level,” enthused Kumar.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-delicate-photons">Protecting delicate photons</h2>



Securing a clear route for single photons involves more than just adding them to an active cable. Ordinary Internet traffic typically relies on millions of light particles, so a handful of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/google-record-shattering-quantum-ai-chip-accesses-parallel-universes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum</a> photons can easily get lost or overwhelmed. The <a href="https://www.northwestern.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northwestern</a> team performed detailed studies on how light scatters inside the cable to see if there was a specific wavelength that experiences less clutter. 



They pinpointed that sweet spot and added special filters to reduce the noise generated by normal data traffic.



“Quantum teleportation has the ability to provide quantum connectivity securely between geographically distant nodes,” said Kumar. Past work suggested that large-scale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/functioning-quantum-internet-makes-giant-stride-closer-to-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum networks</a> might need specialized systems. Now, his findings reveal that this might not be strictly necessary, if signals are positioned in just the right place in the spectrum.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-test-run-in-busy-channels">First test run in busy channels</h2>



Earlier demonstrations of quantum teleportation typically involved pristine settings or dedicated fibers. 



Some <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aan3211">researchers</a> believed that real-world cables, teeming with signals, would smother the faint quantum light. That assumption has been proven wrong.



In tests at Northwestern, the researchers ran quantum signals and classical communications over the same fiber optic cable without them colliding. 



They measured how well the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/electrons-can-follow-neat-paths-even-in-chaotic-quantum-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum information</a> arrived at its destination and confirmed that it was still correct at the other end. “Our work shows a path towards next-generation quantum and classical networks,” Kumar summarized.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-real-world-infrastructure">Real-world infrastructure</h2>



The immediate plan is to scale the system to longer runs and then transition to underground fiber connections. 



The group believes that an eventual shift to real-world cables could be next. Building on single-pair teleportation, they also want to experiment with multiple pairs of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-dance-entangled-photons-wave-functions-captured-real-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entangled photons</a> to achieve another crucial step known as entanglement swapping.



If that milestone is reached, quantum networks could begin to take shape across regions rather than only between two points. For critical operations in finance, defense, and data management, such networks could offer more secure connections thanks to the inherent secrecy of quantum methods, where any tampering is immediately noticeable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-applications">Broader applications</h2>



The capacity to support <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quantum-computer-can-instantly-execute-a-task-that-would-normally-take-47-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum connections</a> without setting up special cables makes many new ideas more viable. 



Distributed quantum computing, which relies on linking multiple quantum computers in different locations, would be simpler to establish. 



Distance-sensing tasks and advanced metrology could also benefit from more stable quantum links.



Even beyond computing, quantum networks have the potential to spur new technologies in encryption, imaging, and fundamental physics experiments. Researchers have also discussed using quantum entanglement to <a href="https://watermark.silverchair.com/020011_1_online.pdf?token=AQECAHi208BE49Ooan9kkhW_Ercy7Dm3ZL_9Cf3qfKAc485ysgAAAzAwggMsBgkqhkiG9w0BBwagggMdMIIDGQIBADCCAxIGCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQMxOCNBnzx99LUOAbXAgEQgIIC41_WikXKemGuhWdzU4OnkQXRNjdQ5jj8bK5la7lzZlWPVXgV6KM-mv4frQgdokiIKWhEiPaL2MBMicf8FXjC7C9DHm7cmfKlXHX0RsBGMmNFXIf3tnlSoygfD_3DsxoPrGUO5slXsAOpR2nNcOJqQMHxOtS2vZo885BZQmEF8j2Tdz7Eih6K3tmVzUTRmYwHJ4KtMk-RjD1JHXfFwUnnQ0B-Qk9VmP_s05zipejBq28CbQySyGw7Mi-SfxNEW7qC-VEEFHy__hVKeExMG4HmltzHbp-k_zPnwktK7eEojGWH17mX6qfBGSE_fSGYQYHh82x6TLx2HdMBx2RVuTZIxpClItEPUEuHXIn4ZM4QBHWUlhzFcnm5moZmsfIxN9II_S8v4fKN3hCeAp8QpjjhQyT3coqB4S80iIXBN3V1wpJMknK0WwKpuekyl7Tpcv1zPchLng2_lN8TuajzF8lyuBSRFWKGg4nKkdwtCV3OnUweAUfYwNrQdUgY769pFqspGxXh7VPhcgDe8hcdc9-EX2Y7uz7jMMmDyc9q7sJ0jW1tM2tUVkXYpOvSVkcuFN5Qa4ud5D8xdQ4UUL1nvGnhvJuTvT1kv2WiRlSy-3_uhi75BUEPppoyIv22JtpjkcAmQYEmLgcSdROYaB7LB5ySLLQ1rRZW7BFQvI5W7Zv0FX64VIvx1sNCubj1HvROm9OR026h8Kt-VuE8YZwoGgUP4DPycn_gwFHMguRZfU_bbMIBnLyufXePFSsPB0Nfv_gpwYN6lNzD3oyZPbo5BumjsspwgrOmvZADcEM6hyqkhAOGBm5gf5QiFtGWxvY9pYT2xSR9LI6C8cxxDNl8VMtRCK2pwJ_e2sg6h3sdILLYVzHuF4DO7SWTW0unBeit2cvJtDSN-PcPRtsTvI5eYgQkwouAfEZ3o4fKme-h8q4Ik1RVGvz3kMW2bnGOvgK0LeIer5Frkr3op85V1mpuWR1-l-Jjq6M">synchronize distant clocks</a> or to share random numbers for cryptography at unprecedented levels of security.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-quantum-teleportation">Significance of quantum teleportation </h2>



Quantum teleportation has matured from a fascinating theory to a tool that is becoming more practical. 



While it is never straightforward to integrate delicate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unbreakable-encryption-brings-quantum-internet-communication-closer-to-reality/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum signals</a>, the Northwestern group’s accomplishment raises confidence that such integration is within reach.



Many experts have believed that building specialized infrastructure was an unavoidable cost of quantum networking. 



According to Kumar’s report, if wavelengths are picked carefully, classical signals and quantum information can coexist just fine. This line of thinking spares organizations from installing entire new grids of cables.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-work-on-quantum-teleportation">Future work on quantum teleportation</h2>



In upcoming work, the researchers plan to expand the scope of their approach in longer segments to confirm that the method remains stable as cables stretch far past the lab. They will also design a multi-node demonstration to verify it can handle more than a single link. There is much excitement that existing communication channels, once tuned just right, could <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-atoms-qkd-quantum-communication-revolutionizing-data-protection-privacy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carry quantum data</a> to distant points.



With such possibilities on the horizon, quantum teleportation may shift from a theoretical concept to a tool that transforms communication. 



The future might see quantum and classical networks working side by side in ways that once sounded unlikely.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://opg.optica.org/optica/fulltext.cfm?uri=optica-11-12-1700&amp;id=565936" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Optica</a>.



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"Impossible" quantum teleportation achieved on normal internet cables

Northwestern University engineers made a remarkable advance in quantum computing...

Scientists have long studied Antarctica's icy frontiers to predict how our warming world could reshape coastlines everywhere. Their attention recently turned to an unexpected ally: an Antarctic octopus that inhabits the chilly waters around the continent.



This Antarctic octopus species, known among experts for its unique distribution, has offered vital clues about a time in the past when ice retreated, ocean passages opened, and sea levels rose. 



Its DNA carries signals of events that may happen again if global temperatures continue to rise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctic-ice-and-turquet-s-octopus">Antarctic ice and Turquet’s octopus</h2>



Lead author Sally Lau of <a href="https://www.jcu.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Cook University</a> in Australia explained that the genetic markers in this marine invertebrate link to shifts in Antarctica’s ice sheets thousands of years ago. 



She said, “I understand and then apply DNA and biology as a proxy of changes to Antarctica in the past.”



Researchers focused on a species commonly called Turquet’s octopus (<a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Turquets-octopus_Pareledone-turqueti_west-Antarctic-ice-sheet_wais_credit-SAEF_1m.webp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pareledone turqueti</a>), which is widespread around Antarctica and has been recognized for around four million years.



This cephalopod measures about half-a-foot (15 centimeters) long excluding its arms and weighs approximately 1.3 pounds (600 grams).



Because it lays relatively few large eggs that must be tended carefully on the seafloor, the animal tends not to wander far, making each population’s genetic signatures more distinct. Circular sea currents trap different groups in separate regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-turquet-s-octopus-the-basics">Understanding Turquet’s octopus - the basics</h2>



Known for its adaptability to the icy environment, Turquet’s octopus (Pareledone turqueti) is a master of camouflage, using its ability to change color and texture to blend into its surroundings. 



It thrives at depths of around 200 to 500 meters, where sunlight barely reaches, making it an elusive creature for scientists to study. 



Despite living in such a harsh environment, Turquet’s octopus is well-equipped to survive, thanks to its remarkable physiology and unique behaviors.



For such a small creature, it plays an outsized role in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/akarotaxis-gouldae-new-banded-dragonfish-species-discovered-reveals-antarctic-ecosystem/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Antarctic ecosystem</a>. It’s a predator, feeding on smaller fish and invertebrates, and is an important part of the food web.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-octopus-dna-and-antarctic-ice-sheet-melt">Octopus DNA and Antarctic ice sheet melt</h2>



Scientists analyzed genetic data across 96 samples taken over three decades from museum collections. Findings showed clear evidence that this octopus once traveled between the Weddell, Amundsen, and Ross seas.



The only way for that to have happened was if massive expanses of ice vanished, opening channels where water (and octopuses) could move freely.



Genetic mixing placed those moments of ice sheet collapse in the mid-Pliocene, roughly 3-3.5 million years ago, and again during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/accelerating-coastal-retreat-in-alaska-the-triple-threat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Last Interglacial period</a>, between 129,000 and 116,000 years ago.



“This was the last time the planet was around 1.5 degrees warmer than pre-industrial levels,” said Lau.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



Scientists report that human activity has so far raised global temperatures by 1.2C relative to late 1700s benchmarks.



Experts warn that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/west-antarctic-ice-sheet-melting-will-accelerate-regardless-of-climate-action/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West Antarctic Ice Sheet</a> (WAIS) could be unstable under current climate targets, with the potential to add around 10-15 feet (3.3-5 meters) of sea level rise long term.



This study provides empirical evidence indicating that the WAIS collapsed when the global mean temperature was similar to that of today, suggesting that the tipping point of future WAIS collapse is "close."



Another contribution described the analysis as “pioneering,” noting that “and this latest piece of evidence from octopus DNA stacks one more card on an already unstable house of cards.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-more-questions-remain">Many more questions remain</h2>



The researchers emphasized in their study that many factors can influence how quickly an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctica-is-greening-at-an-unprecedented-rate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice sheet melts</a>, including changing ocean currents and the interaction between ice and the underlying bedrock.



Additional mysteries include whether the sea level rise would stretch over many centuries or appear in a series of faster surges.



They also highlighted ongoing research into whether various forces, beyond warmer temperatures, triggered the previous collapses.



Low-lying coastlines face the brunt of these possibilities. Even a modest rise can reshape communities and infrastructure on a global scale.



Researchers point to growing data on past sea levels, combined with the new genetic work, as motivation for further studies into climate dynamics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-clues-from-the-southern-ocean">More clues from the Southern Ocean</h2>



Questions about Antarctica’s future intersect with the behavior of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/southern-ocean-absorbs-more-co2-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Ocean</a>. 



Recent analysis led by <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=b-RiXNQAAAAJ&amp;hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Professor Simon Josey</a>, an expert on ocean-atmosphere interaction at the UK’s National Oceanography Centre (<a href="https://noc.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOC</a>), connected shrinking Antarctic sea ice to more powerful winter storms and major changes in ocean structure.



According to the findings, years with minimal sea ice are likely to experience heightened storm activity and notable shifts in how heat and nutrients move through the water.



One crucial observation centers on water density. When <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rapid-antarctic-sea-ice-loss-is-causing-severe-storms-around-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surface waters lose heat</a>, they become heavier and sink more readily.



“The massive increase in ocean heat loss to the atmosphere is increasing the density of water at the sea surface to values not previously seen,” said Professor Josey.



This diving of denser water can alter how the ocean circulates, which then affects temperatures and nutrient flows over great distances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-antarctic-ice-turquet-s-octopus-and-the-future">Antarctic ice, Turquet’s octopus, and the future</h2>



Long-term changes in these deep currents might ripple through wider ocean basins, impacting weather patterns on other continents.



While many questions remain, scientists who investigate these signals from both ice sheets and marine life say the findings underscore the delicate balance of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-polar-regions-changing-fundamental-alarming-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polar environment</a>.



Observations from octopus DNA, past sea level data, and new measurements of ocean heat exchange all add to the conversation about how warming may influence global coastlines and climates.



Researchers continue searching for more clues. Some look to ocean sediments, others to geological evidence. Each piece offers a small glimpse into cycles of warming and cooling that have repeated over millennia.



The common thread is the realization that Antarctica, though distant for many, is entwined with planetary systems in ways that affect all of us.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ade0664?ftag=YHF4eb9d17" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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Octopus DNA tells scientists that total collapse of the Antarctic ice sheet is "close"

Scientists have long studied Antarctica's icy frontiers to predict how...

The UK has welcomed a charming new addition to its extensive list of pedigree dog breeds. The Kennel Club has officially recognized the Icelandic Sheepdog, making it the 224th pedigree breed in the country. 



This ancient and versatile breed has a captivating history spanning more than 1,000 years, with roots tracing back to Viking settlers who brought the sheepdogs to Iceland.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-origins-of-the-icelandic-sheepdog">Ancient origins of the Icelandic Sheepdog</h2>



The Icelandic Sheepdog is deeply woven into Nordic history. The breed is even referenced in Icelandic Sagas, highlighting its long-standing presence. 



Known for its foxy face, pointed ears, and a distinctive bushy, curling tail, the Icelandic Sheepdog’s dense coat comes in various colors, including black and white, red and white, and smoky grey. These features, coupled with a friendly and active nature, make them excellent family pets.



“They’re medium-sized and love to be part of the family, joining in with whatever is going on, but they’re also happy to have some downtime relaxing!” said Wendy Laker, a dedicated advocate for the breed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-journey-to-pedigree-breed-recognition">Journey to pedigree breed recognition</h2>



The road to pedigree recognition is long and meticulous. 



“The process of being recognized as a pedigree breed by The Kennel Club takes several generations of dogs,” explained Bill Lambert, spokesperson for <a href="https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Kennel Club</a>.



In 2017, the first three Icelandic Sheepdogs were brought to the UK from Iceland and Germany. Enthusiasts worked tirelessly to develop the breed responsibly, adhering to strict guidelines to ensure its health, temperament, and physical characteristics.



“It takes time to build a breed up responsibly and to get recognition in the UK, but we’ve worked hard to bring in lines from different countries and to develop relationships with passionate breeders,” said Laker.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-icelandic-sheepdog-s-future-in-the-uk">Icelandic Sheepdog’s future in the UK</h2>



Recognition by The Kennel Club means the Icelandic Sheepdog can now compete for prestigious titles, including Best in Show at Crufts. 



From April 2025, the Icelandic Sheepdog will be listed on the Imported Breed Register before moving to the main breed register after its standard is finalized.



As a Spitz breed, Icelandic Sheepdogs require regular grooming and an active lifestyle to keep their minds and bodies stimulated. They are vocal and energetic, traits stemming from their herding origins. 



“They were originally bred as herding dogs who would bark to keep animals in a flock, communicate with their owners, and protect their flock’s young,” Laker added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-a-pedigree-dog">What makes a pedigree dog?</h2>



A pedigree dog is a recognized breed with a well-documented ancestry spanning several generations. 



This detailed lineage provides reliable information about the dog’s temperament, physical traits, and care needs, making it easier for owners to understand and manage their pet. Additionally, a clear ancestry allows breeders to identify potential health risks specific to the breed. 



With this knowledge, breeders can use DNA tests to screen for inherited conditions, ensuring healthier puppies and responsible breeding practices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-recent-additions-to-the-uk-s-pedigree-list">Recent additions to the UK’s pedigree list</h2>



The Icelandic Sheepdog is the fourth breed to gain recognition in the UK in five years. Earlier this year, the Polish Hunting Dog joined the pack, following the Smooth Faced Pyrenean Sheepdog in 2021 and the Barbet in 2020.



“The slow but steady growth in the number of pedigree breeds in this country means that people have an even wider choice when trying to find the right dog for them,” noted Lambert.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bright-future-for-icelandic-sheepdogs">Bright future for Icelandic Sheepdogs</h2>



The Icelandic Sheepdog is known for its friendly nature, unique looks, and rich history. These qualities make it a popular choice for families and dog enthusiasts in the UK. 



Passionate breeders and supporters work hard to preserve the breed’s health and traits, ensuring its success as a beloved pet and a strong competitor in dog shows.



“Recognizing this breed means the breed will be able to compete for the prestigious Best in Show title at Crufts, which is exciting for all those who love these charming dogs,” Laker shared.



The Icelandic Sheepdog’s official entry into the UK’s pedigree list marks a significant milestone for dog lovers and a promising future for this ancient breed.



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Icelandic Sheepdog is the UK’s newest recognized pedigree breed

The UK has welcomed a charming new addition to its...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.



"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.



"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.



To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;



"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.



"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."



"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;



Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Kainji Lake, a reservoir on the Niger River.



In 1968, Kainji Lake was created by the construction of the Kainji Dam. The Niger River, the third longest in Africa, enters the lake in the north.&nbsp;



According to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-in-the-american-west-are-a-lifesaving-resource-for-birds/">ESA</a>, the creation of the lake submerged Foge Island and the town of Bussa and permanently flooded other riverine settlements, leaving around 50,000 people displaced.&nbsp;



Large parts of Foge Island are temporarily exposed during low water tides, and the land is often used by migrating fishermen. Kainji Dam is a dam across the Niger River in Niger State of Central Nigeria. 



Wild mammals occur at relatively low densities due to illegal hunting. Lake Kainji has suffered a dramatic decline as a fishery due to the high numbers of artisanal and subsistence fisherfolk using the lake. It has been suggested that a period of closure, together with controlled fishing rights may help improve fish stocks.



Kainji Lake National Park is the oldest of its kind in Nigeria. The park contains three distinct areas: a part of the Kainji Lake, the Borgu Game Reserve to the west of the lake, and the Zugurma Game Reserve to the southeast. The park is home to around 65 mammal species, 350 bird species, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. 



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"]</div>



Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.



“We need to double crop production by 2050 to feed a growing global population, and not only are we not on track to do that, but climate change is further complicating things,” said Amanda Cavanagh, a lecturer at the University of Essex. 



The study is part of Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), an international research project that aims to develop food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently.



“Using an engineering approach we designed multiple alternative metabolic pathways to photorespiration. Testing them in the field showed increases in productivity which led Amanda to significantly move the project forward by showing our engineered plants can withstand pretty extreme temperature stress,” said study co-author and RIPE researcher Paul South.&nbsp;



“As the climate changes and temperature stresses increase the pressure on our global food supply, farmers will need every tool available including engineering approaches like the synthetic biology used here to maintain safe and productive harvests.”



The experts tested plants modified to have more efficient photorespiration to see if they were better adapted to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;



The team found that the engineered plants produced 26 percent more biomass than the wild-type plants exposed to the same temperatures, and had 15 percent less yield loss under the higher temperatures.



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...