Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a galaxy that is located about 600 million light-years away in the constellation Gemini. The Hubble Space Telescope observed a supernova in this galaxy - which appears as a bright blue dot in the photograph.



“This picture was taken roughly two months after a supernova named SN 2022aajn was discovered in this galaxy. The supernova is visible as a blue dot at the center of the image, brightening the hazy body of the galaxy,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



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



Supernovae are spectacular explosions marking the violent deaths of stars. These cosmic events are so luminous they can briefly outshine entire <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-are-much-bigger-than-we-originally-believed-gas-clouds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and radiate more energy in a few weeks than our Sun will in its entire lifetime.&nbsp;



Supernovae explosions release heavy elements like carbon, oxygen, and iron into the interstellar medium. This stellar debris becomes the building blocks for new stars, planets, and even life itself. 



Supernovae also produce neutron stars or black holes, depending on the remaining core’s mass after the explosion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-supernovae-nbsp">Types of supernovae&nbsp;</h2>



There are two main types of supernovae, classified based on their causes. Type I supernovae occur when 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> in a binary system accretes material from its companion star, eventually reaching a critical mass and triggering a runaway nuclear reaction.&nbsp;



Type II supernovae happen when a massive star, at least eight times the mass of the Sun, exhausts its nuclear fuel. Unable to support its own gravity, the core collapses, resulting in a massive explosion that ejects the outer layers into space.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-distance-to-faraway-galaxies-nbsp">Measuring the distance to faraway galaxies&nbsp;</h2>



According to ESA, SN 2022aajn is a Type Ia supernova. “Supernovae of this type help astronomers measure the distance to faraway galaxies. This is possible because Type Ia supernovae are thought to be of the same intrinsic luminosity - no matter how bright they seem from Earth, they put out the same amount of light as other Type Ia supernovae.”



This means that researchers can calculate the distance to the supernova and its host galaxy by comparing the observed brightness to the expected brightness.



“This seemingly simple measurement method is complicated by cosmic dust. The farther away a supernova is, the fainter and redder it will appear - but intergalactic dust can make a supernova appear fainter and redder as well,” explained ESA.



“To understand this complication, researchers will use Hubble to survey a total of 100 Type Ia supernovae in seven wavelength bands from the ultraviolet to the near-infrared.”



By analyzing the brightness of supernovae across multiple wavelengths, researchers can distinguish between the influences of dust and distance, refining our measurements of galaxies that exist billions of light-years away.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-many-galaxies-exist">How many galaxies exist?</h2>



The number of galaxies in the universe is estimated to be around two trillion, based on observations from Hubble and more recent data from the James Webb Space Telescope. 



This estimate is derived from deep-field surveys that reveal countless galaxies, each containing billions to trillions of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/interstellar-tunnel-found-that-connects-our-solar-system-to-other-stars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a>.&nbsp;



However, because our observations are limited by current technology and the vastness of the cosmos, the actual number could be even higher.&nbsp;



Many <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-galaxies-formed-from-the-earliest-elements-in-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> remain unseen due to their extreme distances, faintness, or obstruction by cosmic dust.



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



Gemini is one of the 12 zodiac constellations and is best known for representing the mythological twins Castor and Pollux. It is located in the northern celestial hemisphere and is most visible during winter in the Northern Hemisphere.&nbsp;



The constellation is bordered by Taurus to the west, Cancer to the east, and Orion to the south.



The two brightest stars in Gemini - Castor and Pollux - represent the heads of the twins and are easy to spot. Pollux, the brighter of the two, is an orange giant star about 34 light-years from Earth, while Castor is a more complex system made up of six stars. 



The constellation also contains several notable deep-sky objects, including the open cluster Messier 35, which is a beautiful collection of young stars located near Gemini’s western border.



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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Hubble spots a supernova in the constellation Gemini 

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

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



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-complex-planetary-nebula">Complex planetary nebula </h2>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope



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Cat's Eye Nebula in the constellation Draco

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features Ksudach, a remarkable volcanic complex located on Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula.



“The peninsula is one of the world’s most active volcanic arcs due to tectonic plate movement, with the Pacific Plate subducting under the Eurasian Plate,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153779/ksudachs-nested-calderas-and-craters" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explosive-eruptions-of-ksudach">Explosive eruptions of Ksudach</h2>



Ksudach is classified as a shield <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-camera-helps-scientists-forecast-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcano</a> due to the gentle slopes formed by its extensive lava flows. The combination of its shield-like structure and the prominent caldera system makes Ksudach a unique volcanic feature on the Kamchatka Peninsula.



“Several overlapping calderas and craters comprise the volcano. Calderas are large, bowl-shaped depressions created by the collapse of overlying material into an emptied subsurface magma chamber,” explained NASA.



“Craters are circular depressions created by volcanic activity, surface impacts, or explosions.”



This volcanic system has a fascinating geological history shaped by multiple explosive eruptions.&nbsp;



The most significant of these occurred around 240 AD, leaving behind a prominent caldera that now hosts scenic crater lakes, such as Lake Ksudach. 



“Lakes within the volcanic region are primarily recharged by rain and snowmelt from the winter season. This photo shows the water’s contrasting blue hues surrounded by green vegetation,” noted NASA.



“Traces of snow fill valleys within and outside the volcano’s caldera complex. These snow-covered areas highlight the drainage patterns from higher to lower elevations. Water that flows through these erosional pathways and into the caldera supports its vegetation and lakes.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-landscape-of-ksudach-nbsp">Unique landscape of Ksudach&nbsp;</h2>



Ksudach's landscape also features pyroclastic deposits, lava flows, and hydrothermal features like fumaroles.&nbsp;



The surrounding environment - which is part of the UNESCO-listed Kamchatka Volcanoes - supports a diverse ecosystem with unique wildlife. 



Despite its remote location, Ksudach has drawn the attention of geologists, offering insights into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/underwater-volcanic-eruptions-are-more-harmful-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic processes</a> and the dynamics of caldera formation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-nature-of-earth-s-geology-nbsp">Dynamic nature of Earth's geology&nbsp;</h2>



The most well-documented eruption of Ksudach occurred in March 1907. This eruption ranks as one of the largest in Kamchatka in the 20th century, with a Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 5.



The eruption produced a colossal ash column that soared into the stratosphere, dispersing fine particles over vast distances and contributing to global atmospheric changes.&nbsp;



The sheer force of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/icelands-volcanic-eruptions-may-continue-for-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eruption</a> unleashed pyroclastic flows - fast-moving avalanches of hot gas, ash, and volcanic debris - that raced down the volcano's slopes, obliterating everything in their path.&nbsp;



These flows, capable of reaching temperatures over 1,000°C, decimated vegetation and altered the topography of the surrounding region.&nbsp;



Simultaneously, tephra deposits blanketed the landscape in layers of thick volcanic material, smothering ecosystems and creating a barren wasteland.&nbsp;



Today, Ksudach is considered an active <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/axial-seamount-large-underwater-volcano-off-us-coast-will-likely-erupt-in-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcano</a> but remains dormant. The region is closely monitored due to its potential for renewed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">activity</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pacific-ring-of-fire-nbsp">Pacific Ring of Fire&nbsp;</h2>



The Kamchatka Peninsula lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped zone encircling the Pacific Ocean where tectonic activity is highly concentrated.&nbsp;



This geologically dynamic area features numerous volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, and frequent seismic activity - making it a hotspot for both natural beauty and scientific study. 



Kamchatka is home to over 160 volcanoes, with about 30 considered active, including Klyuchevskaya Sopka, the highest and one of the most active in the region.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-volcanic-activity-nbsp">Volcanic activity&nbsp;</h3>



As the Pacific Plate dives into the Earth's mantle, it melts and generates magma that feeds Kamchatka’s volcanic systems.&nbsp;



This ongoing tectonic interaction also contributes to the broader activity of the Pacific Ring of Fire, which accounts for approximately 75% of the world's active and dormant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supervolcano-italy-solfatara-crater-phlegraean-fields-shows-signs-of-waking-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanoes</a> and about 90% of its earthquakes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-significance-nbsp">Broader significance&nbsp;</h3>



Beyond its geological significance, the Kamchatka Peninsula boasts a diverse ecosystem that is home to animals such as snow sheep, brown bears, red foxes, and unique plants that are adapted to its harsh environment. 



The coastal waters surrounding the peninsula support various fish species, including abundant salmon, as well as sea lions and killer whales.



The interplay of volcanic landscapes and pristine wilderness makes it a natural laboratory for understanding Earth's dynamic processes.



The image was captured by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Ksudach: A volcano shaped by explosive forces

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

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



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



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



The galaxy is notable for its relatively young appearance and the fact that it contains very few heavy elements. These characteristics indicate that it has experienced little <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> compared to other galaxies of similar age.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Dwarf galaxy provides a window into the early universe

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features ice on Lake Michigan in late January 2025, when extreme cold settled into the Chicago area.



“Between January 19 and 24, 2025, a brutal cold snap hit Chicago. This satellite image captured a glimpse of the wintry aftermath,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153885/a-chill-over-chicagoland" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the first half of the cold spell was the most intense.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cold-spells-and-snowfall">Cold spells and snowfall</h2>



Cold spells in the Chicago area are often accompanied by strong winds and significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-cover-has-decreased-in-recent-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowfall</a>.



“On January 21, the air temperature in Chicago reached as low as minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 26 degrees Celsius). At the time, little to no snow covered the ground in Chicago, which NWS noted is uncommon amid sub-zero temperatures,” said NASA.



“Snowflakes returned toward the end of the cold spell. Between the mornings of January 22 and 23, several waves of snowfall produced the blanket of white across the Chicago area visible in this image.”



“Another expanse of white is visible atop Lake Michigan. This is lake ice, which grows on the Great Lakes each winter, though its extent and timing can be highly variable. Ice coverage on the Great Lakes typically reaches its annual peak in late February or early March.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visible-ice-patterns">Visible ice patterns</h2>



Jia Wang, an ice climatologist at NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL), noted that on January 24, winds were blowing offshore and pushing ice away from the coastline.



In the photo, areas of dark, thin ice can be seen close to the shore, while patchy areas of bright white ice are visible away from shore. According to Wang, the whiter areas might be due to ice that has piled up and formed a very rough surface.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-cover-on-lake-michigan-nbsp">Ice cover on Lake Michigan&nbsp;</h2>



“The area of Lake Michigan covered with ice in late January 2025 hovered around the historical average (1973-2024) for the time of year, according to data from GLERL. When the image was acquired, ice covered about 20 percent of the lake,” noted NASA.



“Meanwhile, several hundred miles to the east, ice on Lake Erie spiked well above average in late January, according to GLERL, with ice spanning around 80 percent of the lake. The ice was thick enough to temporarily immobilize a Canadian cargo freighter, according to news reports.”



To calculate the thickness of ice on the Great Lakes, experts are investigating ways to use altimetry data from NASA’s ICESat-2 (Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite-2).



Eric Anderson, a researcher at the Colorado School of Mines, noted that such measurements could improve ice and weather <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-era-in-forecasting-ai-will-improve-extreme-weather-warnings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">forecasting</a> as well as help us understand changes in Earth’s surface freshwater.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ice-on-the-great-lakes">Ice on the Great Lakes</h2>



Ice formation on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-craters-found-in-the-bottom-of-lake-michigan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Lakes</a> is a dynamic process influenced by seasonal temperatures, wind patterns, and climate variability.&nbsp;



Each year, ice begins to develop in late fall and early winter, typically forming first in sheltered bays and shallow areas before extending over deeper waters.&nbsp;



The extent and duration of ice cover vary significantly, with some years experiencing widespread freezing while others see only partial coverage due to warmer conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fluctuations-in-ice-coverage">Fluctuations in ice coverage</h2>



Historically, ice coverage on the Great Lakes has fluctuated, with long-term records showing a decline in ice extent due to rising global temperatures.&nbsp;



The lakes act as vast heat reservoirs, meaning their large thermal mass can delay freezing, especially in milder winters.&nbsp;



When ice does form, it affects local weather patterns, contributing to lake-effect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-ice-loss-increases-snowfall-over-west-antarctica/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snow</a> in surrounding regions. It also impacts ecosystems, as ice cover influences fish spawning, winter survival of aquatic organisms, and shoreline <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fighting-coastal-erosion-electricity-turns-sand-into-a-sea-wall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">erosion</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-variability-in-ice-cover-nbsp">Increasing variability in ice cover&nbsp;</h2>



In recent decades, scientists have observed increasing variability in ice cover, with some years experiencing near-record lows. 



This trend impacts commercial shipping in two key ways: reduced ice cover can extend the navigational season, but unpredictable freeze-thaw cycles make ice-breaking operations more challenging.



Additionally, ice conditions influence recreational activities such as ice fishing, skating, and snowmobiling - all of which depend on stable and thick ice.



Overall, ice on the Great Lakes is a key indicator of changing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-earth-energy-imbalance-temperature-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate patterns</a>, with its variability providing insights into broader environmental shifts.&nbsp;



The image was captured on January 24, 2025 with the OLI (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 8.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Chicago cold spell brings ice to Lake Michigan 

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



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> was created in the late 1970s as a control measure to regulate the floodwaters of the Euphrates River. 



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA



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Lake Razzaza: A shrinking oasis shaped by salinity

Arguing with his boss, Shepard apparently said, “I will not be so frivolous. I want to wait until the very end of the mission, stand in front of the television camera, whack these golf balls with this makeshift club, fold it up, stick it in my pocket, climb up the ladder, and close the door, and we’ve gone.” Photo Credit: NASA

The ocean is home to some of the most fascinating creatures on Earth, and among them, sea turtles hold a special place. These ancient creatures have navigated the world’s waters for millions of years, surviving mass extinctions and dramatic environmental shifts.



Yet, in recent decades, the survival of sea turtles has been tested like never before, highlighting the critical need for conservation efforts. 



Climate change, habitat destruction, and human activities have posed significant threats to their existence.



A joint study conducted by researchers from <a href="https://www.deakin.edu.au" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Deakin University</a> and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (<a href="https://www.noaa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA</a>) sheds light on the conservation progress and ongoing struggles of sea turtle populations worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-success-of-sea-turtles">Conservation success of sea turtles</h2>



"Sea turtles are a beacon of marine conservation success, with many nesting populations showing remarkable recoveries," said Graeme Hays, a Deakin Distinguished Professor and Chair in Marine Science.



The researchers found that while the recovery is promising, it is far from complete. The study highlights the delicate balance between human intervention and natural resilience in ensuring the survival of these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-sea-turtle-day-celebrating-100-million-years-of-majesty/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iconic creatures</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conservation-efforts-yield-positive-results">Conservation efforts yield positive results</h2>



The resurgence of sea turtle populations is closely tied to specific conservation strategies. For instance, reducing artificial lighting on beaches has helped prevent hatchlings from becoming disoriented. 



Additionally, the adoption of turtle-safe fishing practices has played a pivotal role in reversing population declines. In some regions, hunting has decreased as awareness about conservation ethics has grown. 



Former poachers, once contributors to the decline, now work as eco-tour guides, offering tourists a chance to witness nesting turtles. This shift reflects changing public attitudes toward these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-impacts-the-size-of-sea-turtle-hatchlings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">marine animals</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stabilizing-sea-turtle-populations">Stabilizing sea turtle populations </h2>



Historically, sea turtles were abundant in places like the Caribbean, where they were so numerous that they often collided with ships at night. 



Overhunting drastically reduced their numbers, with estimates suggesting a 95% decline in green sea turtles in the region.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sea-turtle-threats_comeback-success-story_illustration_credit-NOAA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sea-turtle-threats_comeback-success-story_illustration_credit-NOAA_1s.webp" alt="Global threats to sea turtles shown here in this graphic illustration. Credit: Nature Reviews Biodiversity (2025)." class="wp-image-1958800"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Global threats to sea turtles shown here in this graphic illustration. Credit: Nature Reviews Biodiversity (2025).</figcaption></figure>



Global declines were driven by market-driven hunting, fishing net entanglement, and habitat loss. Legal protections and conservation initiatives have since helped stabilize and even grow populations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-promising-trends-across-species">Promising trends across species</h2>



The scientists analyzed nesting records and other data to assess the state of sea turtle populations worldwide. The findings reveal predominantly positive trends across species and regions.



A 2017 analysis of 299 annual abundance time series showed that population increases were three times more frequent than decreases. By 2024, this trend had strengthened, with increases occurring six times more often than declines.



Four out of five regional green <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/leatherback-sea-turtles-where-the-worlds-largest-turtles-go-to-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea turtle populations</a> are growing, and loggerhead nesting sites have shown significant improvements. On Sal Island in Cape Verde, for example, loggerhead nests surged from approximately 500 in 2008 to 35,000 in 2020. 



While data on species like hawksbill, olive ridley, Kemp's ridley, and flatback turtles is limited, most available records indicate growth. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-turtle-day-protecting-turtles-tortoises-and-their-vanishing-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">species</a> remain protected under U.S. and international endangered species regulations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-adaptive-responses">Climate change and adaptive responses</h2>



Rising temperatures pose a significant threat to sea turtles, particularly by skewing sex ratios toward females. However, emerging research offers hope.



Loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean, for instance, have been observed shifting their nesting sites to cooler areas. This behavioral adaptation could help maintain balanced sex ratios and reduce the impacts of climate change. 



"When harmful human activities are curtailed, species can recover and thrive," noted Dr. Jeffrey Seminoff, an expert at the NOAA Fisheries' <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/about/southwest-fisheries-science-center" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southwest Science Center</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-priorities-for-sea-turtle-conservation">Priorities for sea turtle conservation</h2>



Looking ahead, the experts have outlined key priorities to ensure the continued recovery of sea turtles.



These priorities include promoting resilience to climate change, reducing bycatch and illegal hunting, understanding the impacts of pollution, and ensuring sufficient foraging habitats like seagrass meadows.



"This success story demonstrates that humanity has the ability to reverse biodiversity loss when we commit to concerted conservation efforts," noted Professor Hays.



The conservation of sea turtles serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through dedication and collaboration. 



As conservationists continue their work, the hope is that these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-threatens-turtle-breeding-grounds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient mariners</a> will continue to thrive, inspiring future generations to value and protect the natural world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s44358-024-00011-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Reviews Biodiversity</a>.



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Sea turtles show signs of recovery, but conservation issues remain

The ocean is home to some of the most fascinating...

The manner in which black black holes grow, feed, and sustain themselves has perplexed astronomers for decades. These cosmic giants exert immense gravitational pull, consuming matter that drifts too close. 



However, a lingering question has remained: can black holes actively contribute to their own feeding process?



A recent study provides compelling evidence that they can. The research was based on data from NASA’s <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission/chandra-x-ray-observatory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chandra X-ray Observatory</a> and the Very Large Telescope (<a href="https://www.eso.org/public/teles-instr/paranal-observatory/vlt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VLT</a>).



Massive black holes appear to influence their surroundings in ways that encourage gas to cool and flow back toward them. This self-sustaining cycle ensures a continuous supply of material, enabling <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evidence-of-massive-early-universe-black-hole-stuns-astronomers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a> to keep growing.



The research was focused on galaxy clusters, which contain the largest galaxies in the universe. At the centers of these clusters reside enormous black holes with masses ranging from millions to tens of billions of times that of the sun.



These giants unleash powerful jets as they consume gas, affecting the cosmic environment in ways previously not fully understood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-holes-trigger-their-own-feeding">Black holes trigger their own feeding</h2>



Scientists analyzed seven galaxy clusters to study how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-draco-1es-1927-654-just-awoke-is-spewing-material-at-incredible-speeds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a> interact with surrounding gas. 



Among the most striking discoveries was that black hole outbursts do not simply push matter away but also contribute to cooling nearby gas. 



This cooling allows gas to condense into filaments, which then flow back toward the black hole, replenishing it.



Two galaxy clusters, the Perseus Cluster and the Centaurus Cluster, provided striking visual evidence of this process.



Chandra’s X-ray data revealed hot gas filaments in blue, while the <a href="https://www.eso.org/public/teles-instr/paranal-observatory/vlt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VLT</a>’s optical data highlighted cooler filaments in red. 



This contrast demonstrated a direct relationship between hot gas cooling and the formation of structures that help fuel black holes.



The findings challenge the traditional view that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-the-universe-remains-predictable-insights-from-quantum-mechanics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a> only consume matter passively. Instead, they appear to shape their own environment, ensuring that they always have a source of fuel. 



This revelation deepens our understanding of how these cosmic powerhouses maintain their activity over billions of years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-role-of-turbulence">The role of turbulence</h2>



According to the proposed model, outbursts from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/many-supermassive-black-holes-are-hidden-by-gas-and-dust/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a> trigger turbulence in the surrounding gas. This turbulence leads to the cooling and condensation of gas into narrow filaments, feeding the black hole. 



The filaments provide a direct pathway for matter to flow back into the black hole’s gravitational grasp. Once this gas reaches the black hole’s center, it fuels an intense outburst, releasing powerful jets and energy waves.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/filaments.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/black-holes_perseus-cluster_centaurus-cluster_comparison_x-rays_nasa_1s.webp" alt="Perseus Cluster: X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO/V. Olivares et al.; Optical/IR: DSS; H-alpha: CFHT/SITELLE; Centaurus Cluster: X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO/V. Olivaresi et al.; Optical/IR: NASA/ESA/STScI; H-alpha: ESO/VLT/MUSE; Image Processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/N. Wolk" class="wp-image-1958794"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Perseus Cluster: X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO/V. Olivares et al.; Optical/IR: DSS; H-alpha: CFHT/SITELLE; Centaurus Cluster: X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO/V. Olivaresi et al.; Optical/IR: NASA/ESA/STScI; H-alpha: ESO/VLT/MUSE; Image Processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/N. Wolk</figcaption></figure>



This energy expulsion paradoxically causes further cooling in the surrounding hot gas, perpetuating the cycle. The process unfolds in an ongoing loop, with each outburst setting the stage for the next feeding phase.



The astronomers predicted that a strong relationship should exist between the brightness of hot and warm gas filaments in galaxy clusters. This study was the first to confirm this connection. 



In areas where hot gas appeared brighter, the warm gas filaments also showed increased brightness, validating the model.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-star-formation">Implications for star formation</h2>



Beyond fueling black holes, these gas filaments have another crucial role: they contribute to star formation. 



As gas cools and condenses, some of it does not fall into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/directly-detecting-dark-matter-primordial-black-holes-simple-as-monitoring-mars-orbit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a> but instead forms new stars. This discovery highlights the interconnected nature of black hole activity and galactic evolution.



Using a novel technique, the research team was able to isolate the hot filaments detected in Chandra’s X-ray data from other structures. 



This step was crucial in confirming that the observed patterns were indeed linked to black hole outbursts rather than unrelated cosmic processes.



One of the most surprising aspects of the study was an unexpected similarity between these filaments and features found in jellyfish galaxies. These galaxies lose gas as they move through space, leaving behind long trailing tails.



The resemblance suggests that similar processes may be at play in vastly different cosmic environments. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-feeding-cycle-of-black-holes">Feeding cycle of black holes</h2>



The study brought together an international team of experts specializing in optical and X-ray astronomy, as well as computer simulations. The research was led by Valeria Olivares from the <a href="https://www.usach.cl/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Santiago de Chile</a>.



The team relied on advanced observational tools, particularly the <a href="https://www.eso.org/sci/facilities/develop/instruments/muse.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MUSE</a> (Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer) instrument on the VLT. 



This instrument enabled the researchers to construct 3D views of these distant cosmic structures, providing an unprecedented level of detail.



As astronomers continue to explore the nature of black holes and their interactions, studies like this push the boundaries of knowledge.



The ability of black holes to influence their environment in such a self-sustaining manner opens new avenues for understanding galaxy formation and the broader structure of the universe.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41550-024-02473-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a>.&nbsp;



Featured Image: Centaurus galaxy cluster captured by Chandra X-ray Telescope. Credit: NASA



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Black holes seen 'cooking' their own food in fascinating discovery

The manner in which black black holes grow, feed, and...

Refrigeration is entering a new era with an innovative cooling technology that is gaining attention for its efficiency and environmental benefits.



The new technology, based on thermogalvanic cells, leverages the power of reversible electrochemical reactions to create a cooling effect.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cleaner-energy-to-cool-to-our-lives">Cleaner energy to cool to our lives</h2>



The cooling system stands out for its potential to reduce operational costs while offering superior scalability. This makes it adaptable for a wide range of applications - from wearable cooling devices to large-scale industrial systems.



The study was led by researchers at the <a href="https://english.hust.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Huazhong University of Science and Technology</a> in Wuhan, China. Senior author Jiangjiang Duan emphasized the rising importance of thermogalvanic technology.



Duan noted that this technology has far-reaching implications in the realm of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-tech-uses-chicken-feathers-to-generate-clean-electricity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clean electricity</a> production and low-power cooling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-design-strategy">A new design strategy </h2>



Thermogalvanic cells reap the benefits of heat produced by reversible electrochemical reactions to generate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-harvest-electricity-from-wood-soaking-in-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">electrical power</a>.



Though earlier studies had hinted at the limited potential of thermogalvanic cells to generate cooling power, Duan and his team overcame this obstacle by tweaking the chemicals used in the technology.



“While previous studies mostly focus on original system design and numerical simulation, we report a rational and universal design strategy of thermogalvanic electrolytes, enabling a record-high <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cooling-sector-emissions-could-be-drastically-reduced-by-2050/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cooling</a> performance that is potentially available for practical application," explained Duan.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unlocking-greater-cooling-potential">Unlocking greater cooling potential</h2>



The cooling thermodynamic cells are based on the magic of electrochemical redox reactions involving dissolved iron ions.



In this process, iron ions lose an electron and absorb heat, and in the opposite phase, they gain an electron and release heat. This particular power-play cools the surrounding electrolyte solution, and the rising heat gets extracted.



By simply altering the solutes and solvents used in the electrolyte solution, the team optimized the cooling power of the hydrogalvanic cells.



A unique strategy involved the use of a hydrated iron salt with perchlorate, which favors iron ions to dissolve and dissociate more compared to previously tested iron-containing salts like ferricyanide.



Additionally, the iron salts were dissolved in a solvent containing nitriles instead of pure water. This improved the hydrogalvanic cells' cooling power by 70 percent.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-leap-in-refrigeration-technology">A leap in refrigeration technology</h2>



The revised system cooled the surrounding electrolyte by 1.42 K - a significant stride compared to the mere 0.1 K cooling capacity of previous thermogalvanic systems.



Duan and his team will continue to refine their system's design while exploring possibilities for commercial applications.



"Though our advanced electrolyte is commercially viable, further efforts in the system-level design, scalability, and stability are required to promote the practical application of this technology," said Duan.



"In the future, we aim to continuously improve the thermogalvanic cooling performance by exploring novel mechanisms and advanced materials."



"We are also attempting to develop diverse refrigerator prototypes towards potential application scenarios and are seeking to collaborate with innovation companies to promote commercialization of thermogalvanic technologies."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-refrigeration">The future of refrigeration</h2>



While thermogalvanic refrigeration has demonstrated remarkable efficiency in controlled experiments, its transition into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/smart-energy-how-everyday-objects-could-power-your-home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">everyday use</a> is now the next frontier. 



Researchers are actively exploring how this technology can be integrated into existing refrigeration systems to make them more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.



One promising application is in wearable cooling devices, which could revolutionize personal comfort in extreme climates or high-performance settings. 



Industries that rely on precise temperature control, such as pharmaceuticals and food storage, could also benefit from this innovative approach. 



Unlike traditional refrigeration units that require large compressors and harmful refrigerants, thermogalvanic cells offer a compact and sustainable alternative.



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



Beyond consumer and industrial applications, this technological breakthrough could also play a crucial role in addressing global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/epa-awards-20-billion-in-grants-for-clean-energy-projects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy</a> challenges.



As climate change drives up temperatures worldwide, cooling demands are increasing, placing strain on energy grids. 



By offering a low-power alternative, thermogalvanic refrigeration could reduce reliance on energy-intensive cooling methods and help curb greenhouse gas emissions.



With ongoing research into material improvements and system scalability, thermogalvanic refrigeration may soon become a practical and widely adopted solution. 



As the technology advances, collaborations between scientists and industry leaders will be key to bringing this next-generation cooling method from the lab to daily life.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/joule/fulltext/S2542-4351(25)00003-0?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2542435125000030%3Fshowall%3Dtrue" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joule</a>.



Image Credit: Credit: Yilin Zeng



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Refrigeration will finally get an upgrade with cleaner energy

Refrigeration is entering a new era with an innovative cooling...

Did you know that if you can wiggle your ears, you're exhibiting signs of a past ability that profoundly assisted our distant ancestors in sharpening their sense of hearing?



These muscles, called auricular muscles, alter the shape of the pinna (the ear's shell). They are considered vestigial, which means that they have become basically useless to humans over the course of evolution. 



However, a recent study reveals that even in their limited capacity, auricular muscles spring into action when we are in the middle of sonic chaos, trying to focus on one sound amidst many.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ear-wiggling-muscles">Ear-wiggling muscles</h2>



A team at <a href="https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saarland University</a> has taken a closer look at our seemingly insignificant ear-wiggling muscles.



"There are three large muscles which connect the auricle to the skull and scalp and are important for ear wiggling. These muscles, particularly the superior auricular muscle, exhibit increased activity during effortful listening tasks," noted Andreas Schröer, the study's lead scientist.



"This suggests that these muscles are engaged not merely as a reflex but potentially as part of an attentional effort mechanism, especially in challenging auditory environments."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-listening-isn-t-as-simple-as-it-seems">Listening isn't as simple as it seems</h2>



How do you measure how hard someone is <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/listening-to-music-makes-medication-more-effective/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">listening</a>? It's not as straightforward as it seems. 



While self-reported measures exist, the key to unraveling this mystery lies in the tool called electromyography, which measures electrical activity in a muscle. 



Researchers have previously found that the largest auricular muscles - the posterior and superior ones - show increased activity during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/live-music-connects-people-emotionally-and-physically/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">attentive listening</a>.



"The exact reason these became vestigial is difficult to tell, as our ancestors lost this ability about 25 million years ago," explained Schröer.



"One possible explanation could be that the evolutionary pressure to move the ears ceased because we became much more proficient with our visual and vocal systems."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-one-of-our-oldest-ear-muscles">One of our oldest ear muscles</h2>



To investigate the functions of these particular muscles, the researchers assembled a group of 20 study participants with normal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hearing-loss-linked-to-a-greater-risk-of-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hearing</a>.



The participants were subjected to a series of trials where they listened to an audiobook while simultaneously being exposed to distracting podcast sounds. 



Conducting trials with varying levels of difficulty, the researchers tracked the electrical activity in the participants' auricular muscles. Though the trials were designed to be challenging, they were feasible.



After all, if the task was too difficult, participants might give up, and no muscular effort would register on the electromyography readings. 



The researchers focused on the participants' subjective perceptions of effort, their estimated frequency of losing track of the audiobook, and their understanding of the audiobook content.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-distinct-responses-of-ear-muscles">Distinct responses of ear muscles </h2>



The experts discovered distinct responses from the two auricular muscles. The posterior auricular muscle reacted to changes in direction, while the superior auricular muscle responded to the difficulty level of the task.



Participant's self-reported measures and accuracy in answering questions about the audiobook reflected the task's difficulty level and correlated with the superior auricular muscles' activity.



"The ear movements that could be generated by the signals we have recorded are so minuscule that there is probably no perceivable benefit," explained Schröer. 



"However, the auricle itself does contribute to our ability to localize sounds. So, our auriculomotor system probably tries its best after being vestigial for 25 million years, but does not achieve much."



This new insight into our auricular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/eating-ultra-processed-foods-makes-your-muscles-weaker-and-more-fragile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">muscles</a> and their potential role in determining listening effort is a stepping stone towards understanding more about auditory processes.



"Investigating the possible effects of muscle strain itself or the ear’s miniscule movements on the transmission of sound is something we want to do in the future. The effect of these factors in people with hearing impairments would also be interesting to investigate," Schröer concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unused-ear-muscles">Unused ear muscles </h2>



If these muscles no longer serve their original purpose, why haven’t they disappeared entirely? 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/evolution-is-not-as-random-as-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evolution</a> doesn’t always eliminate unused traits. Instead, they may become repurposed or remain in a diminished state if they pose no significant disadvantage.



While many mammals, including cats and dogs, rely on ear movement to pinpoint sounds, humans have developed other mechanisms - like head-turning and binaural hearing - to achieve similar auditory awareness.



However, the research suggests that these vestigial muscles may not be entirely obsolete. 



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



Even though their movements are nearly imperceptible, the activation of auricular muscles during effortful listening implies they might still make a subtle contribution to sound localization or auditory attention.



Scientists are eager to explore whether these small muscle activations have any measurable impact on hearing precision or cognitive effort, particularly in individuals with hearing impairments.



Future studies may investigate whether targeted training or stimulation of auricular muscles could enhance auditory focus, especially in noisy environments. 



Additionally, researchers plan to examine how these muscles function across different age groups and whether their activity diminishes with age, similar to other motor functions.



As technology advances, more refined techniques may help unlock the hidden potential of these long-overlooked muscles, revealing whether they are truly remnants of the past or contribute to our auditory experience.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2024.1462507/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Neuroscience</a>.



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'Useless' ear muscles may actually serve a purpose

Did you know that if you can wiggle your ears,...

Xxl,Size,Physical,World,Map,Illustration.,Primary,Source,,Elements,Of

Geologists have long viewed North America and Europe as separate continents, yet new studies suggest there might be more complexity beneath the surface of Earth's oceans. 



Ongoing research has revealed hints of buried land that stretches from Greenland through Iceland to the Faroe Islands.



At the center of this conversation is the concept that these tectonic plates could still be pulling apart in unexpected ways. Some experts say this updated view could affect how we classify continents in the future.



One of the researchers behind these developments is Dr Jordan Phethean, a lecturer in Earth Science at the <a href="https://www.derby.ac.uk/">University of</a><a href="https://www.derby.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><a href="https://www.derby.ac.uk/">Derby</a>. 



He worked alongside a global team, including collaborators from Switzerland, Italy, and the USA, to study what lies beneath Iceland’s volcanic layers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-iceland-s-geology-and-africa-s-rift-zones">Iceland's geology and Africa’s rift zones</h2>



Researchers found similarities between an area in Africa known as the <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/77566/east-african-rift-valley-kenya" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Afra region</a> and the formation of Iceland. 



By examining how rifting occurs in both places, they identified a newly defined feature called a Rifted Oceanic Magmatic Plateau, or ROMP.



Their work suggests the North American and Eurasian plates have not finished splitting, despite previous estimates that this separation happened <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-forces-discovered-cause-earths-continents-to-rise-great-escarpment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tens of millions of years ago</a>. According to recent evidence, the process is still underway.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disputing-earth-s-continents">Disputing Earth's continents</h2>



Many geologists once believed the North American and Eurasian plates fully ruptured about 52 million years ago. 



They now see ongoing tension that, if confirmed, could merge North America and Europe into a single large body.



“They are, in fact, still stretching and in the process of breaking apart,” Dr Phethean explained. This reinterpretation challenges our standard teaching of how the continents evolved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fragments-below-iceland">Fragments below Iceland</h2>



Experts suspect that Iceland might hold fragments of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunken-worlds-discovered-under-the-pacific-ocean-in-earths-mantle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">submerged continental crust</a> beneath thick, volcanic rock, which suggests that the region’s geologic story is more complex than a simple hot plume scenario.



This idea is seen as an unusual parallel with the Afra region of East Africa, where active rifting also exposes deeper layers.



“I like to think of this concept as the Earth Science equivalent of finding the Lost City of Atlantis,” said Dr Phethean. 



Experts believe that these hidden fragments could connect past tectonic events with modern geophysical observations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-micro-continent-emerges">A new micro-continent emerges</h2>



Another striking revelation is the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1342937X24001023">proto-microcontinent</a> discovered between Canada and Greenland. It is about 250 miles long and sits below the <a href="https://visibleearth.nasa.gov/images/58325/baffin-bay-and-davis-strait">Davis Strait</a>, an important waterway linking the Labrador Sea to Baffin Bay.



This block likely formed around 60 million years ago, and sheds light on how shifting plates shape smaller fragments of land over millions of years. 



Investigators used gravity data from space satellites, along with seismic methods, to reveal its boundaries.



“Rifting and microcontinent formation are ongoing phenomena,” Dr Phethean noted. This perspective offers clues on how our planet’s features change through geologic time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pushing-earth-s-continent-boundaries">Pushing Earth's continent boundaries</h2>



Scientists plan to run <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/geodynamics">geodynamic</a> computer simulations to understand how these areas evolved over time. They hope to capture the complex interplay of magma, stretching plates, and buried crust to see if similar events have happened elsewhere.



These models could give us a better look at how rifting can create new microcontinents or modify existing landmasses. They also might help clarify why volcanic regions in Iceland and the Afra zone follow a related pattern.



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



Revising how we view continents and their structures can influence natural resource exploration, especially for minerals and fossil fuels that form where plates shift. 



Some industries already use knowledge of ancient rifts to guide drilling and surveying projects.



Better awareness of these features also strengthens our understanding of earthquake and volcanic hazards. 



Regions experiencing active rifting may face ground deformation or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/continent-sized-islands-llsvp-found-inside-earth-are-100-times-taller-than-mount-everest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">other geologic risks</a> that call for careful monitoring.



Plate movements never truly stop. Even when the timeline stretches over tens of millions of years, the Earth is shifting far beneath our feet in ways that might surprise us.



Tracing hidden land under the ocean challenges our textbook definitions of continents. This reclassification debate may intensify if further data confirms unbroken connections between large tectonic blocks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eco-friendly-solutions">Eco-friendly solutions</h2>



Understanding the deep <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-crust-is-dripping-under-turkey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crust</a> could also open doors to cleaner energy resources like geothermal power. Iceland has long been a leader in tapping underground heat for electricity, and new geologic data could encourage similar methods in other places.



Researchers and students at the University of Derby are exploring these possibilities. They see a link between geoscience progress and the push for sustainable solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earth-s-continents-and-academics">Earth's continents and academics</h2>



Training new scientists is essential for advancing our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mountain-building-triggered-a-mass-extinction-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth's changing structure</a>.



Young researchers and recent graduates often introduce fresh ideas that lead to new discoveries in how continents shift, how tectonic plates move, and how we can manage Earth's natural resources better.



As more people become interested in studying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-crust-is-dripping-under-turkey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">geological changes</a>, universities and research institutions that offer specialized programs in these fields may see more students enrolling.



Those who gain hands-on experience, such as working in the field or using computer models to simulate Earth’s processes, have a better chance of making important discoveries in the future.



This research highlights the need to keep an open mind about how Earth's structure works. While the ground beneath us feels solid and unchanging, the deeper layers of the planet are always moving. 



Understanding these shifts helps us prepare for the future and make better decisions about natural resources, disasters, and environmental sustainability.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1342937X24001023">Gondwana Research</a>.



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Earth only has six continents, not seven, according to a recent study

Geologists have long viewed North America and Europe as separate...

We all have heard the saying, "Listen to your gut." A growing collection of research shows that our guts have more to say than we ever imagined. They might even be speaking to our brains in ways that influence the progression of Alzheimer's-type illnesses.



A team of Italian and French scientists is on the trail of new insights into Alzheimer’s disease. Their research sheds new light on this devastating neurodegenerative condition that affects millions worldwide.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysterious-language-of-the-gut-and-brain">Mysterious language of the gut and brain</h2>



Alzheimer's disease is characterized by alterations in the brain including synaptic loss, chronic inflammation, and neuronal cell death.



Recent discoveries have shown that our gut and brain communicate via neurons in both organs. If this intricate communication system misfires, it often leads to psychiatric and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-deprivation-impairs-the-brain-potentially-causing-neurological-disorders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neurological disorders</a>, like Alzheimer’s.



In the midst of this, gut microbiota - the microorganisms residing in our intestinal tract - play a crucial role.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harmful-gut-bacteria-and-alzheimer-s-disease">Harmful gut bacteria and Alzheimer’s disease</h2>



“There are already many studies that support that changes in the gut composition can contribute to Alzheimer’s onset and progression,” said Alessia Cedola,&nbsp;a researcher at the <a href="https://www.cnr.it/en/institute/054/institute-of-nanotechnology-nanotec" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Nanotechnology</a>.



This is where "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/our-gut-microbiome-is-shaped-by-what-we-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dysbiosis</a>" enters the picture. It is an imbalance in the composition and function of microbial communities in the gut.



The loss of gut microbial diversity often leads to the prevalence of dangerous bacteria that produce toxic metabolites, promoting inflammation and potentially causing the break down of gut-brain barriers. But what exactly happens when gut dysbiosis occurs?



"The main hypothesis is that changes trigger the escape of bad bacteria from the gut, entering the circulation, reaching the brain, and triggering Alzheimer’s, but evidence is still poor," explained Cedola.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gut-changes-in-alzheimer-s">Gut changes in Alzheimer’s</h2>



To address this, the scientists pioneered the use of nano- and micro X-ray phase-contrast tomography (XPCT). They found this tool to be incredibly beneficial in studying structural and morphological alterations in the gut, sans any tissue manipulation.



The team conducted experiments at ESRF, the European Synchrotron in Grenoble, France. Peter Cloetens was the leading scientist on the project.



"Thanks to this technique we can image soft biological tissues with excellent sensitivity in 3D, with minimal sample preparation and without contrast agents," said Cloetens.



The data revealed changes in cell abundance and organization and structural alterations in different tissues of mice with Alzheimer's.



Specifically, the team found significant alterations in the gut's villi and crypts, cellular transformations, and many other vital factors.



These factors, when functioning properly, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/carrots-may-help-manage-diabetes-by-improving-gut-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maintain gut health</a>, support digestion, and protect the intestinal lining from damage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-detection-of-alzheimer-s">Early detection of Alzheimer's </h2>



Cedola believes that this technique might be pivotal in the early detection and prognosis of Alzheimer's disease. 



By gaining a deeper understanding of these processes, the team hopes to identify therapeutic targets and develop innovative treatments for this devastating disease.



In collaboration with their colleagues Francesca Palermo and Claudia Balducci, the team plans to further exploit the capabilities of XPCT. 



The goal is to investigate the enteric nervous system and its role in Alzheimer's disease. The research highlights the importance of biomedical studies at the ESRF.



“The ESRF will undoubtedly continue to play a crucial role in our research, and we look forward to many more exciting discoveries in the years to come,” noted Cedola.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-gut-s-role-in-alzheimer-s-prevention">The gut's role in Alzheimer’s prevention</h2>



As researchers uncover more about the gut’s role in neurodegenerative diseases, the question arises - can gut-targeted therapies help prevent or slow down <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-benefits-alzheimers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer’s progression</a>?



Scientists are increasingly exploring interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary modifications aimed at restoring microbial balance.



Some research even suggests that a healthy gut microbiome can decrease systemic inflammation, which is the hallmark of Alzheimer’s pathology. 



Furthermore, FMTs have been recently emerging as promising for reversing dysbiosis-related cognitive decline, but more research needs to be conducted to establish its effectiveness.



In the future, Cedola and her team believe that their high-tech imaging might be used to track how such interventions affect the gut structure, thereby influencing the health of the brain. Future treatments may not begin in the brain, but in the microbial world of the gut.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adr8511" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Targeting the gut might be key in preventing Alzheimer’s disease

We all have heard the saying, "Listen to your gut."...

The heart of our Milky Way galaxy is much more active than most people would realize. In fact, astronomers discovered two gigantic "bubbles" extending above and below the galactic center, roughly 50,000 light years in each direction.



Each one stretches tens of thousands of light-years above and below the galactic center, yet they stay hidden from casual stargazers because they glow mainly in gamma rays and X-rays. 



These mysterious formations appear to have emerged from the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cosmic-chimney-venting-found-heart-milky-way-galaxy-sagittarius-a/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black hole</a> at the center of the galaxy, Sagittarius A*. 



Researchers pieced together evidence that points to an enormous outburst several million years ago, releasing colossal amounts of energy in a short time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fermi-and-erosita-bubbles">"Fermi" and "eRosita" bubbles</h2>



These enormous structures are called the <a href="https://fermi.gsfc.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fermi</a> and <a href="https://www.mpe.mpg.de/eROSITA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eRosita</a> bubbles, named for the telescopes that found them independently in 2010 and 2020. 



Since then, researchers have published well over a hundred peer-reviewed papers that specifically investigate the nature, origins, and implications of the Fermi Bubbles. 



One study in particular explores how these bubbles arose and pinpoints the event that may have created them. 



It suggests that a powerful jet of material began erupting from the Milky Way’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/high-speed-baby-stars-swarm-around-milky-ways-supermassive-sagittarius-a/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">central black hole</a>, Sagittarius A*, about 2.6 million years ago, continuing for roughly 100,000 years. 



Mateusz Ruszkowski from the <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a> worked on this investigation alongside partners at <a href="https://nthu-en.site.nthu.edu.tw/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Tsing Hua University</a> in Taiwan and the <a href="https://www.wisc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Wisconsin</a>.



“Our findings are important in the sense that we need to understand how black holes interact with the galaxies that they are inside, because this interaction allows these black holes to grow in a controlled fashion as opposed to grow uncontrollably,” said U-M astronomer Mateusz Ruszkowski, a co-author of the study. 



“If you believe in the model of these Fermi or eRosita bubbles as being driven by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-ways-black-hole-formed-through-a-merger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supermassive black holes</a>, you can start answering these profound questions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-bubbles-and-black-hole-jets">Galaxy bubbles and black hole jets</h2>



The research indicates that a black hole outflow can blow away surrounding gas and inflate these bubbles rather than letting the black hole grow without limits. 



This idea contrasts with an older hypothesis that connected the bubbles to supernova-driven starbursts. 



The new results back the black hole scenario instead, helped by observations of a microwave haze and other emissions near the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/powerful-magnetic-fields-may-be-key-features-of-black-holes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy’s center</a>.



“We not only can rule out the starburst model, but we can also fine tune the parameters that are needed to produce the same images, or something very similar to what’s in the sky, within that supermassive black hole model,” Ruszkowski said. 



“We can better constrain certain things, such as how much energy was pumped in, what’s inside these bubbles and how long was the energy injected in order to produce these bubbles.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cosmic-rays-and-expanding-gas">Cosmic rays and expanding gas</h2>



The eRosita and Fermi bubbles each shine in different wavelengths, but they appear related to the same violent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/flares-shed-light-on-the-milky-ways-supermassive-black-hole/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">release of energy</a>. 



A shock wave triggered by the Fermi bubbles likely expanded the eRosita bubbles to nearly twice their size. 



The expanding cosmic rays can be traced, giving astronomers another way to explore what is happening at the core of our galaxy.



“Our simulation is unique in that it takes into account the interaction between the cosmic rays and gas within the Milky Way," Yang explained. 



"The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hess-observatory-detects-highest-energy-cosmic-rays-ever-observed-origin-unknown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic rays</a>, injected with the jets of the black hole, expand and form the Fermi bubbles that shine in gamma rays."



The same explosion pushes gas away from the Galactic center and forms a shock wave that is observed as the eRosita bubbles. 



Observing the eRosita bubbles allowed them to more accurately constrain the duration of the black hole activity, and better understand the past history of the Milky Way galaxy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creating-a-galaxy-bubble-timeline">Creating a galaxy bubble timeline</h2>



Multiple lines of evidence hint that the bubble-producing event in 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> galaxy lasted a mere fraction of the timescale once proposed by the starburst explanation.



Researchers involved in this work point out that the starburst model usually implies a longer energy injection period, which would produce different bubble sizes and shapes.



“On the other hand, our active black hole model accurately predicts the relative sizes of the eRosita x-ray bubbles and the Fermi gamma ray bubbles, provided the energy injection time is about one percent of that, or one tenth of a million years,” Zweibel noted.



Injecting energy over 10 million years would produce bubbles with a completely different appearance. It’s the opportunity to compare the x-ray and gamma ray bubbles from each telescope which provides the crucial previously missing piece.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-composition-of-the-galaxy-bubbles">Composition of the galaxy bubbles</h2>



The discovery of these towering structures close to home allows astronomers to collect more detailed data than they could from faraway galaxies. 



These bubbles also highlight the link between cosmic events and everyday life. The processes involved in creating these bubbles influence how galaxies grow and evolve, which affects the formation of the stars and planets we depend on.



The study’s authors performed simulations that incorporate hydrodynamics, gravity, and cosmic ray physics. 



Matching these simulations to real observations helps astronomers understand the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-jets-are-like-million-light-year-long-jedi-lightsabers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy involved</a> and the composition of the bubbles. 



The momentum driving and blowing up these massive Fermi and eRosita bubbles comes from kinetic, thermal, and cosmic ray energy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-bubbles-and-the-milky-way-galaxy">Space bubbles and the Milky Way galaxy</h2>



To sum it all up, these galaxy bubbles, which seem to be making some type of giant space sandwich out of the Milky Way, likely formed when the supermassive black hole at the center, Sagittarius A*, hurled out <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/porphyrion-largest-black-hole-jets-ever-seen-is-23-million-light-years-long/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">energy and hot gas</a>. 



Instead of running wild, the black hole pushed material away and created these balloon-like shapes that glow in different types of light - gamma rays and X-rays. 



Researchers studied these bubbles by modeling how energy flows through the galaxy, giving them clues about how the outflow grew so large and how it shaped the area around our galactic core.



The results suggest that this wasn't caused by exploding stars but rather by a focused burst of energy, or jets, from the black hole.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-any-of-this-matter-0">Why does any of this matter?</h2>



Now, I totally get it - two giant bubbles hovering above and below our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/runaway-star-j1249-36-spotted-trying-to-escape-our-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> galaxy, each over 50,000 light-years long, seems almost impossible to comprehend. 



But by learning about these massive bubbles and the energy from the black hole that created them, Sagittarius A*, we learn how galaxies grow, how stars and planets form, and how the universe impacts the environment around us. 



That knowledge helps scientists see the “big picture” of where we come from and where we might be headed.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/natastron/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Astronomy</a>.



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Two enormous "bubbles" discovered towering above and below our Milky Way galaxy

The heart of our Milky Way galaxy is much more...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

Harden pulled it off, providing Shepard with the perfect club to bring along to the Moon. But the astronaut still had to argue with his bosses to allow him to actually do it. In 1998 Shepard gave an interview where he spoke about this process, remembering that his superiors were initially very reluctant.

According to Brandel Chamblee, a golf expert who’s friends with Harden’s son, Harden Sr. was a genius at modifying golf clubs. The Denver Post has quoted Chamblee as saying, “[Harden] was [an] incessant tinkerer with equipment... I would tease Jack and his father, any club they got had been ‘Hardenized.’ No club off the rack was ever good enough for them. They always changed the lie, the loft, the bounce. They used lead tape. It was apropos he made Shepard’s six iron.” Photo Credit: NASA/Wikipedia Commons