Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the star-forming region NGC 604. The nebula is located 2.73 million light-years away from Earth in the Triangulum Galaxy (M33). 



By studying regions like NGC 604, astronomers can gain insights into the complex interactions between stars and the interstellar medium, as well as the conditions that lead to the birth of stars. This, in turn, helps in understanding the evolution of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and the universe as a whole.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-massive-stars-of-ngc-604">Massive stars of NGC 604</h2>



"Sheltered among NGC 604’s dusty envelopes of gas are more than 200 of the hottest, most massive kinds of stars, all in the early stages of their lives," said <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"These types of stars are known as B-types and O-types, the latter of which can be more than 100 times the mass of our own Sun. It’s quite rare to find this concentration of them in the nearby universe. In fact, there’s no similar region within our own Milky Way galaxy."



According to ESA, this concentration of massive stars, combined with its relatively close distance, means that NGC 604 gives astronomers an opportunity to study these objects at a fascinating time early in their life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gigantic-region-of-ionized-hydrogen">Gigantic region of ionized hydrogen</h2>



NGC 604 is one of the largest known regions of ionized hydrogen, also known as an H II region. This nebula is significantly larger than the Orion Nebula, which is one of the most well-known H II regions in our own <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 galaxy</a>.&nbsp;



NGC 604 spans about 1,500 light-years across, making it one of the largest H II regions in the Local Group of galaxies. This group includes the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and about 54 other smaller galaxies.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-604-starburst-phenomenon">NGC 604 starburst phenomenon </h2>



Within NGC 604, there are hundreds of young, hot, massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>. These stars have ionized the surrounding gas, causing it to glow and creating the nebula. The region is a prime example of a starburst phenomenon, where stars form at a much higher rate than in typical galactic conditions.



“The bright orange streaks in this image signify the presence of carbon-based molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs," explained ESA.



"As you travel further from the immediate cavities of dust where the star is forming, the deeper red signifies molecular hydrogen. This cooler gas is a prime environment for star formation. Ionized hydrogen from ultraviolet radiation appears as a white and blue ghostly glow."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-star-formation">More about star formation </h2>



Star formation is crucial for the evolution of galaxies and the synthesis of heavy elements. In the cores of stars, elements heavier than helium are created.



The elements are spread throughout the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-stars-shakti-shiva-shaped-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy</a> when stars reach the end of their lives and expel their material - either gently through winds or violently via supernova explosions. 



This enriching process allows for the formation of new stars and planets, and ultimately, the potential for life.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cloud collapse</h3>



The process begins when part of a molecular cloud becomes unstable and starts to collapse under its own gravity. This can be triggered by events like shock waves from nearby <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a>, galactic collisions, or the influence of other massive stars.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Formation of a protostar</h3>



As the cloud collapses, it fragments into smaller clumps. Each clump will eventually form one or more stars. 



The material within these clumps continues to fall inward, heating up as it does so, eventually forming a warm core called a protostar. At this stage, the protostar is not yet hot enough for nuclear fusion (the process that powers stars) to occur.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Accretion disk</h3>



Around the protostar, material from the surrounding cloud continues to fall inward, forming a rotating disk. This material slowly accretes onto the protostar, increasing its mass.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nuclear fusion begins</h3>



Once the core of the protostar reaches a high enough temperature and pressure, hydrogen atoms begin to fuse into helium, releasing energy in the process. This marks the transition from a protostar to a main sequence star, like our sun.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Main sequence and beyond</h3>



The star will spend the majority of its life in the main sequence stage, where it balances the gravitational forces trying to collapse it and the outward pressure from nuclear fusion. 



Eventually, the star will exhaust its hydrogen fuel. Its subsequent evolution will depend on its initial mass, leading to various end stages such as red giants, supernovae, neutron stars, or black holes.



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



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Young, massive stars in the Triangulum Galaxy

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the star-forming region NGC 604. The nebula is located 2.73 million light-years away from Earth in the Triangulum Galaxy (M33). By studying regions like NGC 604, astronomers can gain insights into the complex interactions between stars and the interstellar medium, as well as the conditions that lead to the birth of stars. This, in turn, helps in understanding the evolution of galaxies and the universe as a whole. Massive stars of NGC...

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



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



ESO 300-16 is notable for its chaotic structure, lacking the well-defined <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/hubble-captures-a-collection-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spiral arms</a> or elliptical shape seen in many other galaxies.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: ESA



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Ghostly galaxy in the constellation Eridanus

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the spiral galaxy NGC 5643, which is located roughly 40 million light-years away in the constellation Lupus.&nbsp;



NGC 5643 belongs to the Hubble classification SBc, indicating that it is a barred spiral galaxy with loosely wound arms.&nbsp;



Its orientation, nearly face-on to Earth, provides astronomers with an exceptional view of its detailed spiral structure and central bar.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-5643-a-grand-design-spiral-nbsp">NGC 5643: A grand design spiral&nbsp;</h2>



“NGC 5643 is what’s known as a grand design spiral, referring to how the galaxy’s two large, winding spiral arms are clear to see,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images">ESA</a>. “The spiral arms are defined by bright blue stars, lacy reddish-brown dust clouds and pink star-forming regions.”



“As fascinating as the galaxy appears at visible wavelengths, some of NGC 5643’s most interesting features are invisible to the human eye.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intense-activity-in-ngc-5643">Intense activity in NGC 5643</h2>



This galaxy is notable for its Seyfert 2 nucleus, a type of active galactic nucleus (AGN). The intense activity in its core is powered by a supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/awakening-of-a-black-hole-witnessed-for-the-first-time/">black hole</a> that accretes surrounding material, emitting energy across a wide range of wavelengths.&nbsp;



“When a supermassive black hole ensnares gas from its surroundings, the gas collects in a disc that heats up to hundreds of thousands of degrees. The superheated gas shines brightly across the electromagnetic spectrum, but especially at X-ray wavelengths,” said ESA.



Observations have revealed jets and outflows of material emanating from the nucleus, likely driven by the black hole’s activity.&nbsp;



NGC 5643’s AGN has been studied extensively for its role in galactic evolution, particularly in how its energetic processes interact with the galaxy’s interstellar medium.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mystery-of-ngc-5643-x-1">The mystery of NGC 5643 X-1</h2>



ESA pointed out that NGC 5643’s active galactic nucleus isn’t the brightest source of X-rays in the galaxy. 



“Researchers using ESA’s XMM-Newton discovered an even brighter X-ray-emitting object, called NGC 5643 X-1, on the galaxy’s outskirts. What could be a more powerful source of X-rays than a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-do-black-holes-become-supermassive/">supermassive black hole</a>?”&nbsp;



“Surprisingly, the answer appears to be a much smaller black hole! While the exact identity of NGC 5643 X-1 is not yet known, evidence points to a black hole that is about 30 times more massive than the Sun.”&nbsp;



“Locked in an orbital dance with a companion star, the black hole ensnares gas from its stellar companion, creating a superheated disc that outshines the galactic center,” said ESA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-5643">Star formation in NGC 5643</h2>



NGC 5643 also exhibits prominent regions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-rogue-worlds-discovered-inside-a-young-star-forming-nebula/">star formation</a> within its spiral arms. These areas are rich in gas and dust - the raw materials for birthing new stars - and glow brightly in ultraviolet and infrared light.&nbsp;



Observations from the Hubble Space Telescope and the Very Large Telescope (VLT) have helped uncover the complex interplay between star formation and the galaxy's central activity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extended-ionized-gas-regions-nbsp">Extended ionized gas regions&nbsp;</h2>



A defining feature of NGC 5643 is the presence of its extended ionized gas regions, which are shaped by the galaxy's AGN activity and star-forming regions.&nbsp;



These structures have been mapped through optical spectroscopy, revealing intricate patterns that help astronomers understand the physical conditions of the gas, such as density, temperature, and composition.



The galaxy also has a dust lane that crosses its nucleus, partially obscuring direct observations of the central region in visible light.&nbsp;



Overall, NGC 5643 offers a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of barred <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/">spiral galaxies</a> with active nuclei, serving as a valuable resource for studying the interactions between supermassive black holes, star formation, and galactic evolution.



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



Lupus is a constellation located in the southern sky, its name meaning "wolf" in Latin. It has been known since antiquity and was cataloged by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy.&nbsp;



Once part of the larger constellation Centaurus, Lupus was later recognized as a distinct constellation. It is relatively faint but holds historical significance in mythology, often associated with a sacrificial wolf in ancient stories.



Lupus is bordered by other constellations like Scorpius, Centaurus, and Libra. Its stars do not form a particularly striking pattern, but it contains a variety of interesting astronomical features. Among them are numerous double stars, globular clusters, and other deep-sky objects, visible through telescopes.&nbsp;



For observers in the Southern Hemisphere, Lupus is best seen in the winter and spring months, while it appears closer to the horizon for those in northern latitudes.



This constellation also lies along the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/">Milky Way</a>, offering a rich field of stars and nebulae for stargazers. Despite its modest brightness, Lupus holds a special place in the science of astronomy.



Image Credit: NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope



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Secrets of a spiraling galactic powerhouse

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and STScI



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Hubble captures a stunning stellar nursery

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Little Dumbbell Nebula, also known as Messier 76. The nebula is 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 (ESA) features the distant galaxy LEDA 22057, which is located about 650 million light-years away in the constellation Gemini. 



Within the galaxy lies a pale blue dot - SN 2024PI, a supernova explosion that was discovered by an automated survey in January 2024.



“The survey covers the entire northern half of the night sky every two days and has cataloged more than 10,000 supernovae,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2025/01/Pale_blue_supernova_dot" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“The supernova is visible in this image: located just down and to the right of the galactic nucleus, the pale blue dot of SN 2024PI stands out against the galaxy’s ghostly spiral arms.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-remnants-of-a-supernova">Remnants of a supernova </h2>



ESA noted that the image was taken about a month and a half after the supernova was discovered, so it appears many times fainter than its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shockingly-bright-carbon-monoxide-detected-in-supernova-remnant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maximum brilliance</a>.



“SN 2024PI is classified as a Type Ia supernova. This type of supernova requires a remarkable object called a white dwarf, the crystallized core of a star with a mass less than about eight times the mass of the Sun,” explained ESA.



“When a star of this size uses up the supply of hydrogen in its core, it balloons into a red giant, becoming cool, puffy and luminous. Over time, pulsations and stellar winds cause the star to shed its outer layers, leaving behind a white dwarf and a colorful planetary nebula.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-fate-of-white-dwarfs">The fate of white dwarfs</h2>



Most stars in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> will eventually transition to white dwarfs after their death. Whether or not a star becomes a white dwarf depends on its mass.&nbsp;



Stars that are significantly more massive will end their lives differently. Stars that exceed the critical mass threshold of eight times the Sun undergo more violent deaths.&nbsp;



After exhausting their nuclear fuel, they collapse under their immense gravity and trigger a supernova explosion. Depending on the remaining core mass, they may leave behind either a neutron star or a black hole, rather than a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hungry-white-dwarf-stars-eat-heavy-metals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarf</a>.&nbsp;



These remnants represent extreme outcomes of stellar evolution and are fundamentally different from white dwarfs.



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



Gemini is one of the twelve zodiac constellations located in the northern celestial hemisphere.&nbsp;



Its name means "twins" in Latin, reflecting its representation of the mythological twins Castor and Pollux from Greek and Roman mythology.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stars-of-gemini">Stars of Gemini</h3>



The stars Castor and Pollux, which form the heads of the twins, are the brightest stars in Gemini and are key to its identification.&nbsp;



Pollux is a bright orange giant star, while Castor is a multiple <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-found-in-the-habitable-zone-of-a-binary-star-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star system</a> made up of six stars.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neighboring-constellations">Neighboring constellations</h3>



Gemini lies between Taurus to the west and Cancer to the east, and it is bordered by several other constellations, including Orion to the south.



It is most visible in the night sky during the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in January and February.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-gemini">Significance of Gemini</h3>



The constellation is part of the ecliptic, the path that the Sun appears to take through the sky, making it significant in both astronomy and astrology.



Astronomically, Gemini is home to several interesting deep-sky objects, including the open star cluster M35, which is easily visible with binoculars or a small telescope.&nbsp;



The constellation also contains several stars and stellar systems of interest, such as variable stars and binary systems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greek-mythology-nbsp">Greek mythology&nbsp;</h3>



In Greek mythology, Castor and Pollux were the sons of Leda, but they had different fathers - Castor was mortal, while Pollux was divine, being the son of Zeus.&nbsp;



Their story is one of loyalty and brotherhood, as Pollux begged Zeus to share his immortality with Castor after his brother's death. As a result, Zeus placed them in the sky as the constellation Gemini, symbolizing their eternal bond.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-culture">Modern culture</h3>



In modern culture, Gemini continues to be associated with duality, adaptability, and communication in astrology.&nbsp;



The constellation also holds significance in space science, lending its name to NASA's Gemini program in the 1960s. This program conducted critical missions that paved the way for the Apollo moon landings.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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Supernova explosion captured in the constellation Gemini 

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the galaxy NGC 2090, located approximately 40 million light-years away in the constellation Columba.



NGC 2090 is a stunning spiral galaxy that is notable for its well-defined structure, featuring a bright central core surrounded by tightly wound spiral arms.&nbsp;



These arms are filled with young, hot stars and interstellar gas, indicating active star formation.&nbsp;



Captured by the Webb Telescope’s MIRI and NIRCam instruments, the image reveals the galaxy's winding spiral arms and the swirling gas and dust of its disc in magnificent and unique detail, noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-of-ngc-2090">Observations of NGC 2090</h2>



The galaxy’s spiral pattern is relatively symmetrical, making it a fascinating object of study for astronomers interested in galactic evolution and dynamics.&nbsp;



Observations of NGC 2090, including those conducted by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hubble-helps-solve-the-mystery-of-a-young-eruptive-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hubble</a> Space Telescope, have provided valuable insights into the properties of its stellar populations, gas content, and the nature of its spiral structure.



“NGC 2090 was one of many galaxies studied by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope to refine the measurement of the Universe’s expansion rate, or ‘Hubble constant,’” said ESA.&nbsp;



“This can be done by observing a special type of variable stars named ‘Cepheids’ in relatively nearby galaxies.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-insights-into-ngc-2090">New insights into NGC 2090</h2>



A Cepheid-based measurement from 1998 indicated that NGC 2090 is 37 million light-years away from Earth. However, the latest measurements suggest that the galaxy is 40 million light-years away.



“Already before that Hubble project in 1998, NGC 2090 had been well studied as a very prominent nearby example of star formation,” noted ESA.&nbsp;



“Described as a ‘flocculent’ spiral, this galaxy has a patchy, dusty disc and arms that are flaky or not visible at all. We can see those patterns well in Hubble's visible-light images. However, Webb’s NIRCam near-infrared data reveal the spiral arms with remarkable clarity.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-spiral-galaxies">What are 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 among the most common and visually striking types of galaxies in the universe.&nbsp;



They are characterized by their flat, disk-like shape with a bright central bulge surrounded by sweeping spiral arms.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spiral-arms-and-central-bulge-nbsp">Spiral arms and central bulge&nbsp;</h3>



The arms of a spiral galaxy are regions where stars, gas, and dust are concentrated, often glowing brightly with the light of young, hot stars that form within them.&nbsp;



The central bulge typically contains older stars and can host a supermassive black hole at its core.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-spiral-galaxies-nbsp">Types of spiral galaxies&nbsp;</h3>



Spiral galaxies are classified into different types based on how tightly their arms are wound and the size of their central bulge, ranging from tightly wound "Sa" galaxies to loosely wound "Sc" types.



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



The structure of spiral galaxies is maintained by the interplay of gravity and angular momentum, with a rotating disk of stars and gas giving rise to their iconic shape.&nbsp;



They are active sites of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-star-redefines-our-understanding-of-stellar-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> due to the abundance of gas in their arms.&nbsp;



Spiral galaxies often have a halo of older stars and globular clusters surrounding their disks, which provides clues about their formation and evolution.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barred-spiral-galaxy">Barred spiral galaxy</h3>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-way-galaxy-is-surrounded-by-massive-magnetic-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, the galaxy that contains our Solar System, is a prime example of a barred spiral galaxy, a subtype where a bar-shaped structure of stars extends from the central bulge.&nbsp;



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



Columba is a small and relatively faint constellation in the southern sky, whose name means "dove" in Latin. It was introduced in the late 16th century by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius and first appeared in a celestial atlas by Johann Bayer in 1603.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/super-jupiter-discovered-in-the-great-bear-constellation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">constellation</a> is said to represent the dove sent out by Noah during the biblical flood, tying it to themes of hope and peace.



Columba lies near the larger constellation Canis Major and is bordered by others such as Lepus and Puppis.&nbsp;



Although it lacks particularly bright stars, its most notable star, Alpha Columbae (also called Phact), shines at a magnitude of approximately 2.6 and is a hot blue-white star. Beta Columbae, another prominent star in the constellation, is a slightly cooler, yellow-white star.



The constellation is best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere during the summer months, though it can also be seen from lower latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope&nbsp;



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Webb unveils a spiral galaxy in magnificent detail

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



This area, particularly in Portuguese Bend, experiences ongoing ground movement, with land sliding toward the ocean at varying rates of up to several feet per year. 



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Landslide zone in Los Angeles County is expanding

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Southern Ring Nebula, also known as NGC 3132.



The nebula is located about 2,000 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Vela. This remarkably detailed image was created using data from Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam).



The Southern Ring Nebula is one of the more famous examples of planetary nebulae. It is often studied for its beauty and valuable insights into the end stages of stellar evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stars-power-the-southern-ring-nebula-nbsp">Stars power the Southern Ring Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



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> is powered by two central stars in a binary system. The brighter star is actually a less massive companion. The fainter, dimmer star is the dying, hot central star that has shed its outer layers to form the nebula. 



The dimmer star is a white dwarf and is responsible for the ionization of the gas in the nebula, causing it to glow.



“The bright star at the center of NGC 3132, while prominent when viewed by NASA’s Webb Telescope in near-infrared light, plays a supporting role in sculpting the surrounding nebula," noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"A second star, barely visible at lower left along one of the bright star’s diffraction spikes, is the nebula’s source. It has ejected at least eight layers of gas and dust over thousands of years.” 



“But the bright central star visible here has helped ‘stir’ the pot, changing the shape of this planetary nebula’s highly intricate rings by creating turbulence." 



ESA explained that the pair of stars are locked in a tight orbit, which leads the dimmer star to spray ejected material in a range of directions as they orbit one another, resulting in these jagged rings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-characteristics-of-the-southern-ring-nebula">Characteristics of the Southern Ring Nebula </h2>



The Southern Ring Nebula displays a complex structure with multiple layers of gas and dust. 



The outer shells of the nebula consist of hydrogen and other elements that were ejected from the dying star in previous stages of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/young-stellar-objects-observing-the-early-lives-of-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>.&nbsp;These layers are illuminated by ultraviolet radiation from the central white dwarf.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coloration">Coloration</h3>



The colors seen in the Southern Ring Nebula come from the different gases present. For example, hydrogen emits red light, while oxygen emits blue-green light. 



These colors help astronomers study the composition and dynamics of the nebula.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size-and-shape">Size and shape</h3>



The nebula spans about half a light-year in diameter. Its intricate, symmetrical structure provides valuable insights into the late stages of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/star-collapse-black-hole-instead-of-supernova-vanish-from-sky/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stellar evolution</a>, especially the processes involved in the shedding of outer layers by dying stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spotlights-from-a-bright-star">Spotlights from a bright star</h2>



ESA noted that hundreds of straight, brightly-lit lines pierce through the rings of gas and dust. “These ‘spotlights’ emanate from the bright star and stream through holes in the nebula like sunlight through gaps in a cloud."



“But not all of the starlight can escape. The density of the central region, set off in teal, is reflected by how transparent or opaque it is. Areas that are a deeper teal indicate that the gas and dust are denser - and light is unable to break free.”



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



According to ESA, this is not only a crisp image of a planetary nebula - it also shows us objects in the vast distances of space behind it. The transparent red sections of the nebula are filled with distant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-have-hearts-and-lungs-that-help-them-live-longer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>.



“Look for the bright angled line at the upper left. It is not starlight - it is a faraway galaxy seen edge-on. Distant spirals, of many shapes and colors, also dot the scene. Those that are farthest away - or very dusty - are small and red,” said ESA.



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



Vela is a southern constellation that represents the sails of a ship. It was once part of a larger constellation called Argo Navis, which depicted the ship of the mythological hero Jason and the Argonauts. 



In the 18th century, Argo Navis was divided into three separate constellations: Vela (the sails), Carina (the keel), and Puppis (the stern).



Vela is notable for containing several interesting astronomical features. One of its most prominent stars is Gamma Velorum, also known as Suhail or Regor, which is a bright, massive star system consisting of multiple stars.&nbsp;



The constellation also hosts the Vela Supernova Remnant, the remains of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> explosion that occurred about 11,000 years ago. 



This remnant is associated with the Vela Pulsar, a neutron star that formed during the supernova explosion, which is one of the brightest pulsars in the sky.



Vela is best observed in the Southern Hemisphere, where it can be seen in the summer months. Its position along the Milky Way makes it a popular region for both amateur and professional astronomers to explore.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI



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Southern Ring Nebula in the constellation Vela 

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the barred spiral galaxy NGC 3783, which is located about 130 million light-years away in the constellation Centaurus. 



NGC 3783 is also the most prominent of a galaxy group (by the same name) that contains 47 galaxies.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-groups">Galaxy groups</h2>



“Like galaxy clusters, galaxy groups are aggregates of gravitationally bound galaxies. Galaxy groups, however, are less massive and contain fewer members than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/titanic-galaxy-cluster-collision-defies-all-current-understanding-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy clusters</a> do: where galaxy clusters can contain hundreds or even thousands of constituent galaxies, galaxy groups do not typically include more than 50,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“The Milky Way is actually part of a galaxy group, known as the Local Group, which contains two other large galaxies (Andromeda and the Triangulum galaxy), as well as several dozen satellite and dwarf galaxies.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-blue-giant-star">A blue giant star</h2>



The bright object that appears to the right of the galaxy is the star HD 101274. “The perspective in this image makes the star and the galaxy look like close companions, but this is an illusion. HD 101274 lies only about 1,530 light-years from Earth, meaning it is about 85 thousand times closer than NGC 3783,” explained ESA.&nbsp;



The star is part of the NGC 3766 cluster, sometimes referred to as the Pearl Cluster, which is known for its richness in bright stars and its relatively young age.



Characterized by its high temperature and luminosity, HD 101274 is categorized as a blue giant star.



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



Blue giants are massive stars that have left the main sequence phase of stellar evolution and are burning helium or heavier elements in their cores. These stars are known for their short lifespans relative to smaller stars due to their rapid consumption of nuclear fuel.



<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> like HD 101274 are important for astronomers because they help in studying the properties of stellar populations in clusters and the dynamics of stellar evolution in different environments. 



Observations of blue giant stars can provide valuable insights into the characteristics of their atmospheres, internal structures, and the processes occurring within and around them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bright-central-region-of-ngc-3783">Bright central region of NGC 3783</h2>



One of the most interesting aspects of NGC 3783 is that it harbors an active galactic nucleus. This means that its central region is exceptionally luminous, likely due to the presence of a supermassive black hole. 



The black hole is actively accreting material, which emits a substantial amount of radiation as it spirals inward and heats up.



The galaxy has been studied extensively in the ultraviolet and X-ray light spectra to understand better the properties of the accretion disk around the black hole and the complex dynamics of the material surrounding it. 



These studies are crucial for understanding the physics of active galactic nuclei and the role they play in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy evolution</a>.



According to ESA, NGC 3783 is a&nbsp;Type I Seyfert galaxy. “In this image it is recorded by Hubble in incredible detail, from its glowing central bar to its narrow, winding arms and the dust threaded through them, thanks to five separate images taken in different wavelengths of light," noted ESA.



“In fact, the galactic center is bright enough to Hubble that it exhibits diffraction spikes, normally only seen on stars such as HD 101274.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-3783-galaxy-group">NGC 3783 galaxy group</h2>



The NGC 3783 group is part of the larger Hydra-Centaurus Supercluster, which itself is a massive collection of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and galaxy clusters located primarily in the constellations of Hydra and Centaurus.



The NGC 3783 group consists of several galaxies that are gravitationally bound and interact with each other. These interactions can influence the galaxies' evolution through mechanisms like tidal forces and merger events, which can trigger star formation, fuel central black holes, and reshape the galaxies' structures.



Studying the NGC 3783 group helps astronomers understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceers-2112-ancient-galaxy-looks-strikingly-similar-to-ours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> evolve together in a common gravitational environment, offering insights into the dynamics and evolution of structures on cosmic scales.



Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA



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Luminous spiral galaxy and a blue giant star

When astronauts gaze at our planet from space, they call it the “Blue Marble.” But that iconic color, which reflects the vast oceans and sunlit sky, may be a relatively new look. Dive deeper into Earth's past - about 2.5 to 4 billion years ago - and you might see a very different hue. 



Scientists now argue that Earth's oceans once shimmered green, not blue.



These emerald waters weren’t just a geological oddity - they were a cradle for evolution, especially for one of life’s most influential architects: the cyanobacteria.



A recent study by Taro Matsuo and his team at <a href="https://en.nagoya-u.ac.jp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nagoya University</a>, which is published in Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution, reimagines Earth’s early biosphere.



By exploring how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-oceans-are-rapidly-changing-colors-matching-climate-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">underwater</a> light filtered through iron-rich seas, the researchers offer a bold hypothesis: the evolution of cyanobacteria's photosynthetic systems was deeply shaped by the presence of green light.



This green ocean world could change how we recognize life on other planets - and how we view our own beginnings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-oceans-were-iron-rich-and-green">Early oceans were iron-rich and green</h2>



Four and a half billion years ago, Earth formed from cosmic debris. Life took its time to appear, only arriving around 3.7 billion years ago.



Before the first cells emerged, oceans covered the planet’s surface, but their appearance differed greatly from what we see today. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sea-hydrothermal-vents-provide-clues-about-the-origin-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hydrothermal vents</a>, erupting across ocean floors, pumped reduced iron - Fe(II) - into the water, filling the seas with ferrous iron.



This chemistry defined the early ocean’s interaction with sunlight. With no oxygen in the atmosphere and an abundance of Fe(II), the oceans lacked the reflective quality of today’s blue waters. 



There was no ozone to block UV rays, and no land plants to shift the atmosphere. What these iron-saturated oceans had instead was a strange relationship with light - one that bent toward green.



With the arrival of cyanobacteria, oxygen started appearing in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunken-worlds-discovered-under-the-pacific-ocean-in-earths-mantle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a>. That oxygen transformed ferrous iron into ferric iron, which is insoluble and formed rust-like particles. 



These particles sank slowly but didn’t disappear quickly. Instead, they lingered and affected the light that filtered into the ocean depths.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-green-light-shapes-evolutionary-paths">Green light shapes evolutionary paths</h2>



The ferric iron, suspended in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/weakening-ocean-currents-could-cost-trillions-of-dollars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> as fine iron hydroxide, had a powerful optical effect. It absorbed red and blue wavelengths but let green light pass. 



As a result, the oceans themselves took on a green hue. Had anyone been there to witness it, they would have seen Earth’s waters glowing emerald.



This green-light environment had significant consequences for the organisms living in it. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/turning-plants-into-carbon-capture-machines-with-cyanobacteria/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cyanobacteria</a>, the early masters of photosynthesis, began to adapt. 



They already used chlorophyll a, a pigment that absorbs red and blue light. But under green light, chlorophyll a becomes far less effective.



To survive, cyanobacteria evolved phycobilisomes - large antenna-like structures that are packed with accessory pigments. Among these pigments, phycoerythrobilin (PEB) proved especially vital.



It absorbed green light and passed that energy to chlorophyll a for photosynthesis. These structures enabled cyanobacteria to dominate the early oceans.



“Genetic analysis revealed that cyanobacteria had a specialized phycobilin protein called phycoerythrin that efficiently absorbed green light,” Matsuo said in a statement. “We believe that this adaptation allowed them to thrive in the iron-rich, green oceans.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simulating-earth-s-early-green-oceans">Simulating Earth's early green oceans</h2>



To test their theory, Matsuo and his colleagues ran detailed numerical simulations, recreating the underwater light environment from the Archean eon. These simulations accounted for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-broke-records-for-450-straight-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> chemistry, light diffusion, and pigment absorption.



They discovered that at depths of 5 to 20 meters (16 to 66 feet), iron hydroxide particles created a persistent green-light window. Even tenfold variations in particle concentration did not shift the spectrum significantly.



Under these conditions, green light dominated, matching perfectly with the absorption range of PEB. Phycobilisomes equipped with PEB gave <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-algae-soak-up-loads-of-carbon-to-help-save-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cyanobacteria</a> an evolutionary edge.



In addition to models, the team performed genetic experiments. They engineered cyanobacteria strains to produce PEB. 



When exposed to green light, the modified strains outgrew the wild-type strains. The energy transfer was so efficient that PEB didn’t even need its usual protein partner, phycoerythrin - it could work by attaching directly to phycocyanin instead.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-bodies-match-ancient-green-oceans">Water bodies match ancient green oceans</h2>



Still, simulations and lab results weren’t enough for Matsuo. In 2023, he journeyed to Iwo Island, part of Japan’s Satsunan archipelago. 



There, nature offered a rare analog to Earth’s ancient <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/record-ocean-warming-in-2024-is-a-warning-for-our-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">oceans</a>. Hydrothermal vents beneath the island release Fe(II), which oxidizes into iron hydroxide - just as it did in the early oceans, billions of years ago.



“From the boat, we could see that the surrounding waters had a distinct green shimmer due to iron hydroxides, exactly like how I imagined the Earth used to look,” said Matsuo.



Measurements at 5.5 meters depth (18 feet) confirmed the dominance of green light. Fluorescence analysis showed that cyanobacteria at this depth contained more PEB than those at the surface. It was a perfect modern echo of the ancient world.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phycobilisomes-are-tools-born-from-light">Phycobilisomes are tools born from light</h2>



Phycobilisomes remain a defining trait of the cyanobacteria. Made up of three major proteins - phycoerythrin (PE), phycocyanin (PC), and allophycocyanin (APC) - these structures evolved to absorb light in a range of wavelengths. 



In the Archean oceans, PE’s ability to absorb green light and transfer it to chlorophyll a was unmatched.



Phylogenetic analyses suggest that even the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pyramid-lake-nevada-water-turns-dark-green-with-beautiful-swirling-whirlpool-currents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">earliest cyanobacteria</a> had the complete PE–PC–APC system. Over time, some cyanobacteria lost PE, especially those that adapted to brighter or different light conditions. But for the early dwellers of green oceans, PE was crucial.



Further analysis showed that energy transfer from PEB was more efficient than from carotenoids like β-carotene. In fact, the distance over which PEB could transfer energy to chlorophyll was about seven times greater. 



This meant that even in low-light conditions, PEB-packed phycobilisomes kept photosynthesis humming.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-earth-s-green-oceans-matter">Why Earth's green oceans matter</h2>



The implications of green oceans stretch beyond Earth's history. They reshape how we might detect life on alien worlds.



Traditionally, astronomers have searched for blue planets, assuming that water reflects that hue. But as Matsuo’s team showed, oceans rich in iron hydroxide appear brighter and greener from a distance.



“Remote-sensing data show that waters rich in iron hydroxide, such as those around Iwo Island in the Satsunan archipelago, appear noticeably brighter than typical blue oceans,” he explained. “This leads us to think that green oceans might be observable from a longer distance, making them easier to detect.”



In the search for extraterrestrial life, scientists might do well to widen their palette. A green tint could signal oceans teeming with microbial activity, and shaped by chemistry just as Earth’s once were.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-we-ve-learned-from-this-study">What we've learned from this study</h2>



The light window on Earth has not always remained the same. Before the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-first-bacteria-used-oxygen-about-one-billion-years-earlier-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Oxidation Event</a> (GOE), the planet’s light environment favored green.



After the GOE, as oxygen levels rose and iron dropped, oceans cleared, and the light window shifted toward white. Land plants evolved under this white light, and cyanobacteria on land lost their need for PE.



Still, in dim underwater habitats, PE remained essential. The evolution of phycobilisomes thus mirrors Earth’s atmospheric and oceanic transformations. Each stage of light drove new adaptations, and carved paths for life to expand and diversify.



Matsuo wasn’t always convinced. “When I first started pondering the idea in 2021, I was more skeptical than anything else,” he said. “But now, after years of research, as geological and biological insights gradually came together like pieces of a puzzle, my skepticism has turned into conviction.”



That conviction now paints a different portrait of early Earth as a pale green sphere where light sculpted life in unexpected ways.



The study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-025-02637-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Ecology and Evolution</a>.



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Earth was once a 'Green Marble' before its oceans turned blue

When astronauts gaze at our planet from space, they call...

It was once thought that when an aging star engulfed a planet it would be a dramatic swelling and devouring event akin to a predator eating its prey. New observations, however, tell a very different story.



Data from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (<a href="https://webbtelescope.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a>) reveals that the planet’s orbit didn’t terminate with a sudden engulfment. Instead, the planet spiraled slowly inward over time until it met its fiery end.



The scientists behind this surprising update are from NSF’s <a href="https://noirlab.edu/public/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOIRLab</a>, and they worked with data collected by Webb’s powerful mid- and near-infrared instruments.



Their observations challenge earlier theories and offer a clearer picture of what may await <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/massive-stars-shape-planetary-systems-like-ours-with-ultraviolet-radiation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary systems</a> like our own.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disappearing-planet-grabbed-attention">Disappearing planet grabbed attention</h2>



The star at the center of this event sits about 12,000 light-years from Earth in our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> galaxy. A flash of visible light, first spotted in 2020 and labeled ZTF SLRN-2020, originally caught astronomers’ attention. 



But even earlier, infrared data from NASA’s <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/neowise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NEOWISE mission</a> had picked up a brightening signal that hinted at a build-up of dust. 



A deeper <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/missions/neowise/caught-in-the-act-astronomers-detect-a-star-devouring-a-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">investigation in 2023</a> led researchers to think the star was becoming a red giant.



Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (<a href="https://webbtelescope.org/contents/media/images/01FA0SZA5HPXKRKH8Y6PKB10V1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MIRI</a>) changed the narrative. Its ability to isolate faint emissions in crowded star fields showed that the star wasn’t as bright as a red giant should be.



In fact, it never expanded enough to swallow a planet whole.



“Because this is such a novel event, we didn’t quite know what to expect when we decided to point this telescope in its direction,” said Ryan Lau. 



“With its high-resolution look in the infrared, we are learning valuable insights about the final fates of planetary systems, possibly including our own.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engulfed-planet-s-final-orbit">Engulfed planet’s final orbit</h2>



Instead of being engulfed in a sudden flash, the planet met its end in slow motion.



Researchers now believe the planet was roughly the size of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-is-our-trip-to-jupiter-taking-so-long/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jupiter</a> and orbited its host star much closer than Mercury orbits the Sun. 



Over millions of years, it spiraled inward. Eventually, it began brushing the star’s outer atmosphere. That contact triggered a runaway effect - the closer the planet got, the faster it fell in.



“The planet, as it’s falling in, started to sort of smear around the star,” said Morgan MacLeod.



This violent encounter would have blown gas outward from the star’s surface. That gas then cooled and formed dust, creating a faint halo that continued to glow in the infrared long after the planet’s demise.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engulfed-planet-leaves-gas-disk-behind">Engulfed planet leaves gas disk behind</h2>



Webb’s Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) offered an even closer look. 



Along with the expected cool dust cloud, it revealed something much more surprising: a hot, molecular gas disk surrounding the star. 



This accretion disk contained carbon monoxide and other compounds - the kind often found in regions where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-ingredients-of-life-are-with-planets-at-their-birth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planets are born</a>.



“With such a transformative telescope like Webb, it was hard for me to have any expectations of what we’d find in the immediate surroundings of the star,” said Colette Salyk. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://stsci-opo.org/STScI-01JRDSW6JDQZ8TTTY7SCMDX0XK.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/planetary-engulfment-event_star-ZTF-SLRN-2020_swallows-planet_Webb_NASA_1s.webp" alt="This illustration depicts the sequence of events that took place over millions of years, based on observations from Webb’s MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument) and NIRSpec (NIR-Infrared Spectrograph). Panel 1: The planet was about Jupiter-sized, and orbited very close to the star – even closer that Mercury’s orbit around our Sun. Panel 2: The planet’s orbit slowly shrank, or decayed, over time, and the planet approached the star. It eventually started to graze the star’s atmosphere. As the planet was falling in, it smeared around the star. Panel 3: The planet was engulfed by the star completely, and blasted gas away from the outer layers of the star. Panel 4: As that gas expanded and cooled off, the heavy elements in this gas condensed into cold dust over the next year. There is a hot circumstellar disk of molecular gas closer to the star. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, Ralf Crawford (STScI)" class="wp-image-1965437"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This illustration depicts the sequence of events that took place over millions of years, based on observations from Webb’s MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument) and NIRSpec (NIR-Infrared Spectrograph). Panel 1: The planet was about Jupiter-sized, and orbited very close to the star – even closer that Mercury’s orbit around our Sun. Panel 2: The planet’s orbit slowly shrank, or decayed, over time, and the planet approached the star. It eventually started to graze the star’s atmosphere. As the planet was falling in, it smeared around the star. Panel 3: The planet was engulfed by the star completely, and blasted gas away from the outer layers of the star. Panel 4: As that gas expanded and cooled off, the heavy elements in this gas condensed into cold dust over the next year. There is a hot circumstellar disk of molecular gas closer to the star. Click image to enlarge. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, Ralf Crawford (STScI)</figcaption></figure>



“I will say, I could not have expected seeing what has the characteristics of a planet-forming region, even though planets are not forming here, in the aftermath of an engulfment.”



This leftover material provides fresh clues about what happens after a planet disappears into a star. 



Researchers are now questioning how the interaction may have altered the star’s outer layers or affected nearby planetary debris.



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



The event was observed under Webb’s Guaranteed Time Observation program 1240, one of the first Target of Opportunity programs ever conducted by the telescope.



These programs are meant to catch rare moments, like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/t-coronae-borealis-blaze-star-explosion-visible-one-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stellar explosions</a> or dramatic system changes, even though scientists can’t predict exactly when or where they’ll happen.



“This is truly the precipice of studying these events. This is the only one we've observed in action, and this is the best detection of the aftermath after things have settled back down,” enthused Lau. “We hope this is just the start of our sample.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-will-planet-earth-be-engulfed-by-the-sun">Will planet Earth be engulfed by the Sun</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/see-the-sun-in-exquisite-detail-in-rare-solar-orbiter-video/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Sun</a>, like all stars, won’t shine forever. In about five to seven billion years, it’ll run out of hydrogen - the fuel that’s kept it stable and warm all this time. 



When that happens, its core will contract and heat up, while the outer layers expand. The Sun will swell into a red giant, growing so massive that it might swallow <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/layer-diamonds-nine-miles-thick-discovered-on-planet-mercury-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mercury</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/venus-may-have-far-more-volcanic-activity-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Venus</a>. 



Earth sits right on the edge of that danger zone. Some scientists think the Sun could completely engulf it. Others believe Earth might just escape, pushed outward as the Sun loses mass. Either way, the outcome isn’t good.



Even if Earth avoids getting swallowed, it won’t survive the heat. The oceans will boil away. The atmosphere will vanish. The surface will burn. 



Eventually, the Sun will shed its outer layers and collapse into a tiny, dense <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>. What’s left of Earth - if anything - will be a frozen, lifeless husk orbiting a dim, burnt-out star. No fire, no light, no life. Just silence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next">What happens next?</h2>



More events like ZTF SLRN-2020 are expected to be discovered in the future, thanks to observatories like the upcoming Vera C. Rubin Observatory and NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.



These tools will scan the sky repeatedly, helping scientists to track sudden changes and expand our understanding of how stars and planets interact in their final acts.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/adb429" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal</a>.



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First-ever recorded planetary engulfment event captured by Webb

It was once thought that when an aging star engulfed...

Injecting,Injection,Vaccine,Vaccination,Medicine,Against,Covid-19,Into,A,Syringe.

Five years ago, as the world reeled from the emerging COVID-19 pandemic, the first volunteers lined up to test what would become a groundbreaking vaccine. Within a year, tens of millions of Americans had received at least one dose - free of charge. Now, new research shows that decision paid off in many ways.



A new study led by researchers at the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a> (U-M), has confirmed that the U.S. national COVID-19 vaccination strategy not only saved lives but also saved money - making it a rare example of a public health effort that fully paid for itself, and then some.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-worthwhile-national-investment">A worthwhile national investment</h2>



“All in all, we can safely say that this was a prudent investment for the American people, using a really conservative analysis,” said Lisa Prosser, lead author of the study and a professor at the U-M Medical School and School of Public Health.



“From a broader societal economic perspective, and from the perspective of medical care costs, the federal government’s decision to accelerate vaccine testing, buy large quantities of vaccine, and support the cost of vaccination in many settings was wise.”



The study assessed not only how much was spent on testing, distributing, and administering the vaccine, but also what the country saved in return - from reduced hospitalizations and emergency care, to fewer cases of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/long-covid-persistent-spike-proteins-accumulate-in-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long COVID</a>, and even fewer work days lost.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breaking-down-the-savings">Breaking down the savings</h2>



The research team, including senior author David Hutton from U-M, created a comprehensive economic model to evaluate the costs and benefits of the vaccine rollout during its first year.



The analysis included factors such as: the price of the vaccine and associated delivery costs, medical care for various degrees of illness, costs related to testing, rare vaccine side effects, the impact of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-people-who-suffer-from-long-covid-never-even-tested-positive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">long COVID</a>, and productivity losses from illness and death.



Even when productivity losses weren’t factored in, the strategy was cost-saving for most adults over 40. And for younger adults aged 18 to 39 - who tend to have milder COVID cases - the vaccine program still proved cost-effective by national standards.



Thus, since the vaccines reduced how many people developed serious illnesses or died, the U.S. saved more money than it spent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-conservative-estimate">A conservative estimate</h2>



The researchers emphasize that their findings likely underestimate the true financial benefits. The model doesn’t include a number of indirect costs, such as unpaid family caregiving, patients’ out-of-pocket expenses, or transportation to and from medical facilities.



The model also didn’t include the government’s decades-long investment in basic mRNA research that paved the way for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, nor the broader economic damage a deadlier pandemic might have caused.



According to Prosser,&nbsp;since the model uses conservative estimates, the amount of the savings may in fact be even larger than the study reports.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-covid-vaccines-still-matter-in-2025">COVID vaccines still matter in 2025</h2>



While the early years of the pandemic saw record numbers of hospitalizations and deaths, the situation in 2025 is markedly improved. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universal-vaccine-may-be-effective-against-any-variant-of-any-virus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vaccination</a> and improved treatments have brought down the death toll - but the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/viruses-can-hide-in-lung-cells-and-cause-chronic-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">virus</a> hasn’t disappeared.



Still, 800 to 1,000 people have died of COVID-19 every week of 2025 for which full data is available. Additionally, approximately 1% of all emergency department visits in recent months have been for COVID-19.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-guidance-for-covid-vaccines">Guidance for COVID vaccines </h2>



The <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDC</a> currently recommends that everyone over the age of six months receive at least one dose of one of the three updated COVID-19 vaccines, which have been revised annually since 2023. As of now, about 30 million people have followed that recommendation.



Among those at highest risk - people aged 65 and older - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/covid-vaccines-linked-to-neurological-blood-and-heart-related-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vaccination</a> rates hover around 30%, a figure that public health officials hope to increase. 



For those in that group, or for people who are immunocompromised, the CDC recommends a second dose six months after the first. That means individuals who received their updated vaccine in September 2023 are due for another.



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



The U-M team has continued its work by modeling the cost-effectiveness of additional waves of vaccination after 2021 in collaboration with the CDC. They hope to develop models for future vaccine updates, depending on funding and data availability.



The research confirms that the benefits of vaccination extend beyond health and safety - they’re also a smart economic choice. As Prosser put it, this was a prudent investment for U.S. citizens.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X25000222?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vaccine</a>.



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COVID vaccine strategy paid off - and it’s still saving lives

Five years ago, as the world reeled from the emerging...

Wave,Function,Series.,Backdrop,Of,Colored,Sine,Vibrations,,Light,And

A little over 50 years ago, theorists predicted that certain groups of quantum particles could switch into a coordinated, collective state without any outside push. However, until very recently, this phase was thought to be impossible in the real world.



Researchers just reported the first direct observation of this behavior, known as superradiant phase transition (SRPT), showing that reality can sometimes match even the most puzzling theoretical ideas. 



Their work points to interesting possibilities in quantum computers and sensing devices.



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



The superradiant phase transition (SRPT) is a remarkable phenomenon that occurs when a collection of atoms - each behaving like a tiny dipole - interacts very strongly with a shared <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invisible-electric-field-discovered-surrounding-earth-nasa-says-its-as-crucial-as-gravity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electromagnetic field</a>, typically within a cavity or resonator. 



Under normal conditions, atoms emit light independently, but in this case, they begin to radiate collectively, producing an intense burst of light. 



What sets SRPT apart is that this collective behavior marks a distinct phase of the system, much like the transition from liquid to solid. 



When the coupling strength between the atoms and the electromagnetic field exceeds a critical threshold, the system shifts into a superradiant phase in which the field acquires a nonzero value, even without any external driving force.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-team-discovered">What the team discovered</h2>



The scientists found evidence of this unexpected state in a crystal containing erbium, iron, and oxygen. 



The crystal was chilled to minus 457 degrees Fahrenheit and placed under a powerful 7-tesla magnetic field, which is over 100,000 times stronger than <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s magnetic field</a>.



“Originally, the SRPT was proposed as arising from interactions between quantum vacuum fluctuations - quantum light fields naturally existing even in completely empty space - and matter fluctuations," explained lead author Dasom Kim from <a href="https://www.rice.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rice University</a>.



“However, in our work, we realized this transition by coupling two distinct magnetic subsystems - the spin fluctuations of iron ions and of erbium ions within the crystal.” 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-go-theorem">No-go theorem</h2>



Spin describes the magnetic orientation of particles like electrons. When spin patterns ripple across a solid, those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/goodbye-electrons-future-computers-may-be-powered-by-magnons/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ripples are magnons</a>. 



Until now, there were questions about whether this phase could happen at all due to a theoretical obstacle sometimes called a no-go theorem.



One group of magnons in the material did the job once believed to belong to quantum vacuum fluctuations, while another group of spins served as matter fluctuations. 



This approach allowed the team to dodge that long-standing obstacle and see unmistakable signs of a new phase.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observing-srpt-in-the-lab">Observing SRPT in the lab</h2>



“We established an ultrastrong coupling between these two spin systems and successfully observed an SRPT, overcoming previous experimental constraints,” Kim said. 



In practical terms, the energy signal of one spin mode dropped away, and another showed a sudden shift. 



Those signs matched theoretical predictions for the onset of the new phase, reinforcing that a half-century-old prediction really plays out in nature.



“Near the quantum critical point of this transition, the system naturally stabilizes quantum-squeezed states - where <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microsoft-announces-giant-leap-in-quantum-computing-majorana-1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quantum noise</a> is drastically reduced - greatly enhancing measurement precision,” Kim explained. 



“Overall, this insight could revolutionize quantum sensors and computing technologies, significantly advancing their fidelity, sensitivity, and performance.”



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



By catching this event in a solid crystal, the team showed that methods from quantum optics can be adapted for use in other materials. 



“Although the basic mathematical model was already laid out before by Motoaki, we needed to account for some of the specific magnetic properties of the material to obtain the precise results," noted Rice graduate student and co-author Sohail Dasgupta, who collaborated with <a href="https://www.ynu.ac.jp/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yokohama National University</a> professor Motoaki Bamba on the model.



"When your theory matches the experimental data - which happens rather rarely - it is the best feeling for a scientist."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-controlling-phases-of-matter">Controlling phases of matter</h2>



Research on magnons has already helped make sense of several quantum effects, and these latest findings add a fresh piece of evidence for the versatility of such approaches.



“This opens a new way to create and control phases of matter using ideas from cavity quantum electrodynamics,” said Rice associate professor of physics and astronomy, <a href="https://profiles.rice.edu/faculty/kaden-hazzard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaden Hazzard</a>. 



He and Dasgupta worked closely to interpret the measurements and confirm that the data aligned with the model.



The crystal that was used belongs to a bigger family of magnetic materials, so there might be more examples of interesting behaviors hidden in similar crystals. 



The latest work hints that related combinations of spins could yield novel quantum features.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next-with-srpt">What happens next with SRPT?</h2>



“Demonstrating a form of SRPT driven entirely by coupling two internal matter fluctuations marks a significant breakthrough in quantum physics, establishing a new framework for understanding and exploiting intrinsic quantum interactions within materials,” concluded Junichiro Kono, the Karl F. Hasselmann Professor in Engineering and the corresponding author on the study.



This discovery shows that ideas once confined to theory can become a reality under the right lab conditions. 



It offers a peek at fresh opportunities for sensing, computing, and beyond, all thanks to a single crystal and a well-chosen magnetic field.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adt1691" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Exotic quantum phase, once thought impossible, was just observed in the lab

A little over 50 years ago, theorists predicted that certain...

The bison in Yellowstone National Park have captivated visitors for generations. These animals have roamed the region since the park’s establishment in 1872, bringing travelers from around the world to see these majestic creatures up close.



Bison once endured a disastrous period known as the <a href="https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/36694#page/7/mode/1up" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">population bottleneck</a>, leaving fewer than 25 wild animals in Yellowstone in the early 1900s. 



A small group of domestic bison from Montana and the <a href="https://www.traveltexas.com/cities-and-regions/panhandle-plains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Texas Panhandle</a> helped rebuild the numbers when they were introduced to bolster the wild survivors.



The national park <a href="https://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/images/get-involved/students-resource-about-bison/bison-conservation-papers/White-et-al-Management-of-Yellowstone-bison-and-brucellosis-transmission-risk-January-2011.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">population</a> rose to about 4,000 - 6,000 individuals over the following century. This growth stands out as a story of resilience, given the dangers once faced by these iconic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wolves-are-rebuilding-forests-and-restoring-ecosystem-balance-in-yellowstone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">creatures</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bison-now-form-one-big-herd">Bison now form one big herd</h2>



After years of monitoring their movements, Dr. James Derr from the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology at the College of Veterinary Medicine &amp; Biomedical Sciences (<a href="https://vetmed.tamu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VMBS</a>) at Texas A&amp;M has brought new clarity to how these bison breed.



His team’s genetic findings indicate a shift in behavior that rewrites previous understandings of separate herds within <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-supervolcano-eruption-study-sparks-new-debate-on-where-and-when-it-will-erupt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yellowstone</a>.



Management plans have often revolved around the assumption of two distinct herds that needed separate strategies. According to the latest research, that division may no longer exist.



“This finding certainly has a direct impact on the long-term conservation and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-tourism-generates-over-1-megaton-carbon-annually/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">management</a> of this iconic bison population,” said Dr. Derr. In simpler terms, the park’s bison are now breeding in a unified way.



“To get a clearer picture, we examined samples from the two major summer breeding groups and two major winter ranges,” said Dr. Sam Stroupe, a researcher at VMBS.



Evaluations confirmed that genetic exchange is happening throughout Yellowstone, rather than staying within smaller pockets.



Scientists took advantage of new tools to compare markers in bison DNA, offering a fuller picture than was possible two decades ago. 



This helped them pinpoint the extent of gene flow, revealing the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/giant-viruses-found-in-yellowstones-hot-springs-are-1-5-billion-years-old/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> function as one interconnected group.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unified-bison-herd-boosts-stability">Unified bison herd boosts stability</h2>



Experts now recommend that these bison be managed as a single population with multiple subunits. This shift in approach aims to preserve genetic diversity for future generations.



One reason for this recommendation is the strong health of the overall gene pool. 



Researchers observed that the bison population carries lineages from both the original <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-lake-maintains-ice-cover-despite-warming-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yellowstone</a> group and later introductions, which appears to boost stability.



Park officials work alongside wildlife specialists to watch for any sign of genetic risk in the herd. 



Recognizing a single breeding population encourages consistent strategies that keep gene flow open and protect the animals from harmful inbreeding.



Stewardship also involves collaboration with various stakeholders to maintain ecological balance. By monitoring bison migration between seasonal ranges, specialists can refine how they address population numbers and habitat needs.



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



The U.S. national mammal has long served as a symbol of vitality and grit. Part of what makes Yellowstone special is its free-roaming herds that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-tourism-generates-over-1-megaton-carbon-annually/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remind onlookers of wilder days</a> in American history.



These new findings come with the hope that data-driven strategies will guide the next steps in bison management. 



Experts underscore that clear research on herd structure is key to making solid decisions about when, where, and how to intervene.



These animals continue to face environmental challenges, from harsh winters to pressure at park boundaries. 



Yet the results of this study suggest that a single, large interbreeding population can handle setbacks if carefully supported.



Conservation teams believe that gene flow across herds helps the species maintain the adaptability needed for long-term survival. Watching for any future shifts will remain essential, given Yellowstone’s changing landscape.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-the-yellowstone-bison-herd">Tracking the Yellowstone bison herd</h2>



As rangers and scientists track bison movements, they will look for ways to keep habitats healthy. A wide-ranging herd needs well-managed feeding grounds, especially during winter, to prevent overuse of any single area.



Researchers also emphasize the importance of monitoring herd size. When bison remain robust and widespread, they are less vulnerable to sudden ecological shifts.



Some experts suggest that this united herd might further stabilize <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wolves-are-rebuilding-forests-and-restoring-ecosystem-balance-in-yellowstone/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yellowstone’s ecological balance</a>. 



The presence of these formidable grazers recycles nutrients in grasslands and provides food sources for predators and scavengers.



Standing as the largest wild bison herd in the country, these animals offer a unique window into how to handle wildlife management challenges. They also serve as a source of cultural pride and a reminder of North America’s natural heritage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-based-animal-protection">Science-based animal protection</h2>



Moving forward, the focus is on using science-based approaches to protect these Yellowstone bison without fragmenting the population. 



This aligns with a broader trend toward <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bison-slaughter-had-lasting-traumatic-impacts-on-indigenous-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safeguarding genetic variety</a> in national parks across the country.



Keeping tabs on reproduction patterns will remain vital. If different groups started breeding apart again in the future, managers would need to adapt their strategies.



This shift to one breeding population also carries lessons for other species. Large areas of protected habitat, combined with the right research, can help threatened animals recover from historical hardships.



Several wildlife researchers have praised Yellowstone’s example. Their unified effort confirms that even after past declines, thoughtful planning can sustain a species that once hovered on the edge of vanishing.



The study is published in the <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jhered/article/116/1/1/7756833?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Heredity</a>.



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Yellowstone's iconic bison have finally merged back into a single her after 120 years of effort

The bison in Yellowstone National Park have captivated visitors for...

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. 



The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
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Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. 



Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.



Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. 



They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).



Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.



Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.



This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

Young, massive stars in the Triangulum Galaxy

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