Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features dust streaming off the coast of Iran in January 2025.



“Some of the desert dust was carried across the Gulf of Oman to the Arabian Peninsula, degrading air quality for those in its path,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153859/desert-dust-streams-from-iran" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“The airborne material appears to primarily originate in the dried bed of the intermittent lake known as Hamun-e Jazmurian (Hamun-e Jaz Murian), while some may be blown from coastal areas." 



"Along with arid regions such as the Garagum and Lut deserts and the Sistan Basin, the lakebed is a major source of dust in southwest Asia.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-precipitation-in-the-jazmurian-basin">Precipitation in the Jazmurian Basin</h2>



According to NASA, some areas of the Jazmurian Basin receive less than four inches of rain annually, on average, and evaporation rates are high. During wet times, however, parts of the basin may be covered by an intermittent lake, marshland, or other vegetation.&nbsp;



“Terra’s MODIS sensor has previously captured images of the area when water is present in Hamun-e Jazmurian and when green vegetation fringes the lakebed,” said NASA.



“In early 2025, the land was dry enough for winds to blow dust plumes south-southwest over the Gulf of Oman. Dust traveled across the water to the coast of the United Arab Emirates, where the haze reduced visibility in places, according to news reports.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-particles-in-dust-storms">Particles in dust storms</h2>



In addition to disrupting transportation and other daily activities, the suspended particles in dust storms can pose significant health risks. 



Recent research has revealed that dust from the Jazmurian Basin often contains heavy metals and other potentially harmful substances, such as silica and organic pollutants, which can negatively impact both human and ecosystem health.&nbsp;



Prolonged exposure to these particles has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, as well as the exacerbation of pre-existing health conditions like asthma and bronchitis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-impact-of-dust-storms">Environmental impact of dust storms</h2>



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dust-is-an-understudied-contributor-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental impact</a> of dust storms extends beyond human health. The fine particles can settle on vegetation, reducing photosynthesis and agricultural productivity.&nbsp;



Dust deposition can also alter soil composition by introducing heavy metals and changing nutrient balances, which may affect crop growth and soil microbial communities. 



Such changes can lead to long-term degradation of arable land and disrupt local food security.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dust-in-the-jazmurian-basin-nbsp">Dust in the Jazmurian Basin&nbsp;</h2>



Communities near the Jazmurian Basin are particularly vulnerable to the effects of dust storms due to limited access to healthcare and mitigation resources.



Seasonal changes and climate conditions, including prolonged droughts and desertification, further intensify the frequency and severity of dust storms in the region.&nbsp;



This creates a cycle of environmental and health challenges, making it imperative to develop strategies for prevention and adaptation.



Potential measures include reforestation and soil stabilization projects to reduce dust emissions, stricter regulations to limit activities that contribute to desertification, and public health initiatives to educate communities on protective measures during dust events.&nbsp;



Investing in early warning systems and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-driven-wildfires-worsen-u-s-air-quality-and-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">air quality</a> monitoring can also help minimize exposure and protect both human populations and the environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-the-jazmurian-basin">Significance of the Jazmurian Basin</h2>



The Jazmurian Basin is a prominent endorheic basin located in southeastern Iran, spanning parts of the provinces of Sistan and Baluchestan as well as Kerman. It lies at the heart of an arid region characterized by sparse vegetation, high temperatures, and limited rainfall.&nbsp;



The basin is primarily fed by the Halil and Bampur rivers, which provide seasonal water flow to the basin's low-lying areas. At its center lies the Jazmurian Depression, which forms a seasonal playa or shallow lake, though it often dries up during extended dry periods.&nbsp;



The area holds geological and archaeological significance, offering insights into ancient human settlements and environmental changes over time.&nbsp;



Despite its harsh climate, the basin supports small-scale agriculture and serves as a critical habitat for certain desert-adapted wildlife. 



The image was captured on January 22 by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Terra satellite.&nbsp;



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Dust rises from the Jazmurian Basin in Iran

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Fedchenko Glacier in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan. It is one of the world's longest glaciers outside of the polar regions.&nbsp;



“An astronaut aboard the International Space Station took this photo of glaciers in the high-elevation valleys of the Pamir Mountains of Central Asia. The upper portion of Fedchenko Glacier crosses the center of the scene.”



NASA noted that most of the larger glaciers in the image show a prominent pattern of light- and dark-brown parallel lines.&nbsp;



“The darker ‘streamlines,’ known as medial moraines, give a sense of the direction of flow of the ice down the valleys. These are concentrations of debris that has been eroded by the glacier from the adjacent mountainsides or a rocky outcrop,” said NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fedchenko-a-high-altitude-glacier">Fedchenko: A high-altitude glacier</h2>



Fedchenko Glacier stretches for approximately 48 miles and covers an area of around 270 square miles. This massive glacier is a critical source of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/satellites-reveal-a-sudden-drop-in-global-freshwater-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">freshwater</a>, feeding several rivers and influencing the region's hydrology.



Fedchenko lies at high altitudes, with its origins in the high peaks of the Pamirs, where snow accumulates heavily. Despite being situated in a relatively arid region, the glacier's significant size and volume are maintained by substantial snowfall. 



Named after Alexei Pavlovich Fedchenko, a Russian explorer and naturalist, the glacier was first surveyed in 1928 during Soviet-era expeditions. It plays a crucial role in climate studies, as changes in its length and mass provide insights into the effects of global warming in Central Asia.&nbsp;



The glacier is also part of a spectacular and remote landscape, surrounded by towering <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/early-humans-preferred-the-mountains-and-it-changed-our-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mountains</a> and rugged terrain, making it a key feature of the Pamirs' natural beauty.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-threats-to-glaciers-worldwide">Threats to glaciers worldwide</h2>



Like many glaciers worldwide, Fedchenko faces the threat of retreat due to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/peru-has-lost-over-half-of-its-glaciers-in-six-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a>, raising concerns about water availability and ecosystem changes in the region.



Rising global temperatures caused by greenhouse gas emissions are the primary driver of glacier melting. Warmer temperatures not only melt glacier surfaces but also increase the flow of meltwater beneath them, accelerating their disintegration.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-activities-and-pollution-nbsp">Human activities and pollution&nbsp;</h3>



Deforestation and urbanization exacerbate these effects by reducing reflective snow cover and increasing heat absorption in nearby areas.&nbsp;



Airborne pollutants like soot and black carbon darken glacier surfaces, reducing their ability to reflect sunlight and speeding up the rate of melting.&nbsp;



Industrial activities and tourism in glacier regions add physical stress and pollution, further degrading these fragile ecosystems.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-supplies">Water supplies</h3>



The loss of glaciers has far-reaching consequences. It disrupts freshwater supplies for millions of people who depend on glacial runoff for drinking water, agriculture, and hydropower.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-sea-levels">Rising sea levels</h3>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-unleash-invasive-species-into-unexpected-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Melting glaciers</a> contribute to rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities and ecosystems worldwide. Additionally, the loss of glaciers impacts biodiversity, as many species rely on cold, glacial habitats for survival.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protecting-glaciers">Protecting glaciers</h3>



Efforts to mitigate these threats focus on reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/melting-glaciers-are-hidden-sources-of-greenhouse-gases/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">greenhouse gas</a> emissions, protecting glacier regions from industrial exploitation, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.&nbsp;



However, without urgent action, the continued decline of glaciers will have profound implications for the planet's climate, water systems, and ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-pamir-mountains-nbsp">The Pamir Mountains&nbsp;</h2>



The Pamir Mountains, often called the "Roof of the World," are a vast and rugged mountain range located in Central Asia.&nbsp;



They span across Tajikistan, Afghanistan, China, and Kyrgyzstan, forming a vital part of the junction where the Himalayas, the Tian Shan, the Karakoram, the Kunlun, and the Hindu Kush converge.&nbsp;



With peaks soaring over 7,000 meters, including Ismoil Somoni Peak, the range is home to some of the highest altitudes on Earth.



The Pamir Mountains have been central to trade and cultural exchange for centuries, serving as a critical segment of the ancient Silk Road.&nbsp;



Today, the mountains are a popular destination for trekkers and explorers drawn by their breathtaking beauty and challenging terrain.



The Pamirs are not only a natural wonder but also a biological treasure trove, supporting unique wildlife that is adapted to extreme altitudes.&nbsp;



Culturally, the mountains are home to diverse communities, each with its unique traditions and ways of life, shaped by the harsh but majestic environment.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory



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Fedchenko Glacier in the Pamir Mountains

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features UGC 5460, a spiral galaxy that is located about 60 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major.&nbsp;



“This image combines four different wavelengths of light to reveal UGC 5460’s central bar of stars, winding spiral arms and bright blue star clusters. Also captured in the upper left-hand corner of this image is a far closer object: a star just 577 light-years away in our own galaxy,” said <a href="https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“UGC 5460 has hosted two recent supernovae named SN 2011ht and SN 2015as. It’s because of these two stellar explosions that Hubble targeted this galaxy, collecting data for three observing programmes that aim to study various kinds of supernovae.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-core-collapse-supernova-nbsp">A core-collapse supernova&nbsp;</h2>



SN 2015as is an example of a core-collapse supernova. This type of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> occurs when the core of a massive star - typically with more than 8 times the mass of the sun - can no longer support its own gravity after exhausting its nuclear fuel. 



This causes the core to collapse under its own weight, leading to an extremely violent explosion. The collapse triggers the release of an enormous amount of energy, expelling the outer layers of the star into space.



In the aftermath of the explosion, a dense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shockingly-bright-carbon-monoxide-detected-in-supernova-remnant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remnant</a> is created. This is often a neutron star or black hole, depending on the mass of the original star. Core-collapse supernovae are some of the most powerful events in the universe.



According to ESA, Hubble observations of SN 2015as will help researchers understand what happens when the expanding shockwave of a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-dandelion-year-1181-leaves-behind-zombie-star-defying-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> collides with the gas that surrounds the exploded star.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-stars-with-large-eruptions-nbsp">Rare stars with large eruptions&nbsp;</h2>



“SN 2011ht might have been a core-collapse supernova as well, but it could also be an impostor called a luminous blue variable. Luminous blue variables are rare stars that experience eruptions so large that they can mimic supernovae,” noted ESA.



“Crucially, luminous blue variables emerge from these eruptions unscathed, while stars that go supernova do not. Hubble will search for a stellar survivor at SN 2011ht’s location, and the explosion’s identity may be revealed at last.”



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



Spiral galaxies are some of the most recognizable and beautiful structures in the universe. They are known for their distinctive arms that spiral outward from a central bulge.&nbsp;



These galaxies are typically composed of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter. The arms are often sites of intense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fluffy-molecular-clouds-may-change-our-understanding-of-star-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>, where clouds of gas collapse to form new stars. 



In the center of a spiral galaxy lies a dense concentration of older stars and, often, a supermassive black hole.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structure-of-a-spiral-galaxy-nbsp">Structure of a spiral galaxy&nbsp;</h2>



The structure of a spiral galaxy is generally divided into three main components: the disk, the bulge, and the halo.&nbsp;



The disk is where the spiral arms are located and contains most of the galaxy's visible stars and interstellar medium.&nbsp;



The bulge is a tightly packed region of older stars at the core, and the halo consists of a sparse collection of stars and globular clusters that surround the galaxy.&nbsp;



Spiral galaxies can be classified into different types based on the tightness and number of their spiral arms, as well as the size of their central bulge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-milky-way-galaxy">The Milky Way galaxy</h2>



Our solar system is located within a large spiral galaxy known as the Milky Way. The name refers to its appearance as a dim, milky band of light stretching across the night sky.&nbsp;



The term "Milky Way" comes from ancient Greek mythology, where it was associated the goddess Hera's milk spilling into the sky. In Greek, it was called "Galaxias Kyklos," meaning "milky circle."&nbsp;



Spanning about 100,000 light-years in diameter, the Milky Way is composed of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter. The galaxy has a distinct disk shape with spiral arms that wind outward from a central bulge, which houses a supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/milky-ways-black-hole-unleashes-mysterious-flares/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black hole</a>. 



Our sun is located in one of the spiral arms - known as the Orion Arm - positioned roughly halfway from the center to the outer edge.&nbsp;



The Milky Way is part of a small group of galaxies called the Local Group, which includes the Andromeda Galaxy and several smaller galaxies.



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Hubble views a spiral galaxy with stellar explosions

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA features an extraordinary view of Uranus, the seventh planet from the sun in our solar system. 



The photo reveals the rings, moons, and extreme seasons of the ice giant Uranus in unprecedented detail.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dynamic-north-polar-cap-nbsp">Dynamic north polar cap&nbsp;</h2>



“The Webb image exquisitely captures Uranus’s seasonal north polar cap, including the bright, white, inner cap and the dark lane in the bottom of the polar cap,” noted NASA.



Unlike Earth, where polar ice caps are formed by the freezing of water, Uranus's polar caps are thought to be primarily composed of a dense concentration of haze in the atmosphere.&nbsp;



The polar cap's haze is likely composed of methane particles. Methane in Uranus's atmosphere condenses into ice particles, which then create a thick haze that scatters sunlight, giving the polar cap its distinct bright appearance in visible and infrared light.



The polar cap is dynamic and changes over time. It becomes more prominent during the summer season of each pole. 



As Uranus moves along its orbit, the cap's appearance transforms, with the haze becoming thicker and brighter when the pole is in continuous sunlight.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-zeta-ring-nbsp">The Zeta ring&nbsp;</h2>



The inner and outer rings of Uranus are visible in the image, including Zeta - the innermost ring which is the faintest and most difficult to observe.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stunning-photo-of-uranus-and-its-rings-and-moons-captured-by-the-webb-telescope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rings of Uranus</a> are primarily composed of narrow bands of particles, likely made of water ice mixed with a dark material. These rings are distinct from those of Saturn in that they are much darker and narrower.



The faintness and characteristics of the Zeta ring make it a subject of interest in studies related to the dynamics and composition of planetary ring systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moons-of-uranus-nbsp">Moons of Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



The <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/multimedia/images/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Webb</a> photo also features nine of the planet’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-four-uranus-moons-may-have-oceans-that-are-miles-deep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moons</a>, which appear as blue dots surrounding the rings.&nbsp;



“Clockwise starting at 2 o’clock, they are: Rosalind, Puck, Belinda, Desdemona, Cressida, Bianca, Portia, Juliet, and Perdita. The orbits of these moons share the 98-degree tilt of their parent planet relative to the plane of the solar system,” noted NASA.



Uranus has 27 known moons, and they are divided into three main groups based on their orbits: the inner moons, the major moons, and the irregular moons.



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranus-moon-ariel-may-have-a-hidden-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moons</a> of Uranus are unique because they are named after characters from the works of William Shakespeare and Alexander Pope, rather than being named after figures from classical mythology, as is common for the moons of other planets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ice-giant-uranus-nbsp">The ice giant Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



Uranus is classified as an "ice giant" because, unlike the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn, which are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, Uranus has a significant proportion of "ices" in its composition.&nbsp;



In astronomical terms, ices refer to volatile substances like water, ammonia, and methane, which exist in solid or liquid forms at the low temperatures found in the outer solar system.



Uranus has a thick atmosphere of hydrogen and helium, but beneath that, it contains a large, dense mantle composed of these ices, along with rock and other heavier elements.&nbsp;



The term <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diamond-rain-may-be-common-on-giant-icy-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice giant</a> differentiates Uranus (and Neptune, the other ice giant) from the larger gas giants, emphasizing the different chemical compositions and internal structures of these planets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-of-uranus-nbsp">Climate of Uranus&nbsp;</h2>



Uranus has a unique and extreme climate, largely influenced by its unusual tilt, which causes the planet to rotate almost on its side. This tilt leads to extreme seasonal variations, with each pole experiencing 42 years of continuous sunlight followed by 42 years of darkness.&nbsp;



Even though it is closer to the sun than Neptune, Uranus is the coldest planet in the solar system, with temperatures plunging to as low as -224°C (-371°F). The reason for this is not fully understood, but it might be due to an internal heat distribution anomaly.



Despite these frigid conditions, Uranus experiences intense weather patterns, including powerful storms and winds that can reach speeds of up to 900 kilometers per hour. These winds blow in the same direction as the planet’s rotation and are some of the fastest in the solar system.



Storms on Uranus are driven by its internal heat and the interaction of its <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uranus-is-more-gassy-less-icy-than-we-ever-imagined/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">atmospheric gases</a>. Observations have shown that these storms can be quite large, sometimes comparable in size to the Earth, and can last for several years.&nbsp;



The planet’s extreme axial tilt also means that the storms and weather patterns are highly variable, depending on the season. During equinoxes, when the Sun is directly over the equator, Uranus exhibits more storm activity compared to when the poles are pointed towards the Sun or away from it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-observations-of-uranus">Observations of Uranus</h2>



“One day on Uranus is about 17 hours, so the planet’s rotation is relatively quick. This makes it supremely difficult for observatories with a sharp eye like Webb to capture one simple image of the entire planet - storms and other atmospheric features, and the planet’s moons, move visibly within minutes,” explained NASA.



“This image combines several longer and shorter exposures of this dynamic system to correct for those slight changes throughout the observing time.”



The first recorded observations of Uranus were made by John Flamsteed on December 13, 1690. However, Flamsteed mistakenly identified the planet as a star, which he named “34 Tauri."&nbsp;



It wasn't until March 13, 1781, that Uranus was officially identified as a planet by William Herschel. He initially thought he had discovered a comet, but further observations and calculations by other astronomers confirmed that it was a new planet, making Uranus the first planet discovered in modern history with the aid of a telescope.



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI



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The ice giant Uranus in stunning detail

Today's Image of the Day from NASA features an extraordinary...

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features NGC 1792, a spiral galaxy located in the constellation Columba about 43 million light-years away from Earth.&nbsp;



This galaxy, discovered by British astronomer James Dunlop in 1826, is part of the larger NGC 1808 group of galaxies.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-intimate-view-of-ngc-1792">Intimate view of NGC 1792</h2>



“An orange glow radiates from the center of NGC 1792, the heart of this stellar forge. Captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, this intimate view of NGC 1792 gives us some insight into this galactic powerhouse,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“The vast swathes of tell-tale blue seen throughout the galaxy indicate areas that are full of young, hot stars, and it is in the shades of orange, seen nearer the center, that the older, cooler stars reside.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vigorous-star-formation-nbsp">Vigorous star formation&nbsp;</h2>



NGC 1792 is notable for its vigorous star formation, classifying it as a starburst galaxy. This high rate of star formation is thought to be triggered by gravitational interactions with neighboring galaxies, though the exact cause is still under study.



“Nestled in the constellation of Columba (The Dove), NGC 1792 is both a spiral galaxy, and a starburst galaxy,” said ESA. 



“Within starburst galaxies, stars are forming at comparatively exorbitant rates. The rate of star formation can be more than 10 times faster in a starburst galaxy than in the Milky Way.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fierce-bursts-of-star-formation">Fierce bursts of star formation</h2>



ESA noted that when galaxies have a large reservoir of gas, like NGC 1792, these short-lived starburst phases can be sparked by galactic events such as mergers and tidal interactions.&nbsp;



“One might think that these starburst galaxies would easily consume all of their gas in a large forming event. However, supernova explosions and intense stellar winds produced in these powerful starbursts can inject energy into the gas and disperse it.”&nbsp;



“This halts the star formation before it can completely deplete the galaxy of all its fuel. Scientists are actively working to understand this complex interplay between the dynamics that drive and quench these fierce bursts of star formation.”



Due to its distance and brightness, NGC 1792 can be observed with medium-sized telescopes under favorable conditions.



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



Galaxy evolution refers to the process by which galaxies form and change over time. It begins in the early universe, shortly after the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-observations-disprove-big-bang-theory-universe-began-tired-light-theory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Big Bang</a>, when small density fluctuations in the primordial gas led to the collapse of matter into the first galaxies.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-mergers">Galaxy mergers</h3>



Early galaxies were small and irregular, and were composed mostly of gas and dark matter. Over billions of years, galaxies grew larger by merging with one another and by accreting gas from the surrounding space. 



These interactions often triggered bursts of star formation, and collisions between galaxies sometimes led to the creation of new, more massive galaxies.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-structural-changes">Structural changes</h3>



As galaxies evolve, their morphology - shape and structure - can change. Early galaxies were often irregular or disk-shaped, but over time, many galaxies formed into the elliptical or spiral shapes we see today. 



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



Star formation is a key driver of galaxy evolution, but it gradually slows down as galaxies age. 



The gas that fuels <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-is-starving-its-host-galaxy-of-star-forming-fuel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> can be used up, or it can be heated and pushed out of galaxies by supernovae or black holes, reducing the galaxy's ability to form new stars.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-environment-nbsp">Galaxy environment&nbsp;</h3>



The environment in which a galaxy resides also plays a role in its evolution. Galaxies in dense clusters are more likely to interact with their neighbors, which can alter their shape or trigger bursts of star formation.&nbsp;



In contrast, galaxies in more isolated regions of space evolve more slowly and without as many dramatic interactions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-matter">Dark matter</h3>



Dark matter also plays a crucial role in galaxy evolution. It provides the gravitational framework that holds galaxies together and influences their interactions with one another.&nbsp;



Supermassive <a href="https://www.earth.com/search-results/?search=Galaxies%20merge&amp;start=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black holes</a>, found at the centers of most large galaxies, can also affect their evolution by releasing energy that impacts star formation and the movement of gas within the galaxy.



Overall, galaxy evolution is a complex and ongoing process driven by interactions between stars, gas, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-dark-matter-does-not-exist-and-the-universe-is-27-billion-years-old/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dark matter</a>, and black holes, and shaped by both internal processes and external influences.



Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA, J. Lee



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Starburst galaxy in the constellation Columba

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features NGC 1333, a reflection nebula located in the Perseus molecular cloud about 960 light-years away from Earth. The photo is a mosaic of images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.



“Webb’s superb sensitivity allows astronomers to investigate young objects with extremely low masses. Some of the faintest ‘stars’ in the picture are in fact newly born free-floating brown dwarfs with masses comparable to those of giant planets,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



The same cluster was featured in the 33rd anniversary image of the Hubble Space Telescope in April 2023. 



According to ESA, Hubble’s image just scratched the surface of this region, because clouds of dust obscure much of the star formation process. 



"Observing with larger aperture and in the infrared part of the spectrum, Webb is capable of peering through the dusty veil to reveal newborn stars, brown dwarfs and planetary mass objects."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-s-view-of-ngc-1333">Webb’s view of NGC 1333</h2>



ESA noted that the center of the image presents a deep peek into the heart of the NGC 1333 cloud.&nbsp;



“Across the image we see large patches of orange, which represent gas glowing in the infrared. These so-called Herbig-Haro objects form when ionized material ejected from young stars collides with the surrounding cloud. They are hallmarks of a very active site of star formation."



The disks of gas and dust that surround the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stars</a> in this image may eventually produce planetary systems.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stars-in-the-sun-s-birth-cluster">Stars in the Sun's birth cluster</h2>



“Similar to the young stars in this mosaic, our own Sun and planets formed inside a dusty molecular cloud, 4.6 billion years ago. Our Sun did not form in isolation but as part of a cluster, which was perhaps even more massive than NGC 1333,” explained ESA.



Over time, the stars in the Sun's birth cluster would have drifted apart due to gravitational interactions and the dispersion of gas in the region.



Astronomers have been studying certain clues, such as isotopic signatures in meteorites, that hint the Sun may have formed near massive stars. These stars likely produced supernovae, which could have influenced the early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mysterious-objects-spotted-in-the-outer-solar-system-beyond-pluto/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar system</a> by injecting heavy elements like iron-60.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-1333">Star formation in NGC 1333</h2>



NGC 1333 is a vibrant example of a stellar nursery, where active <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a> is ongoing. It is known for its chaotic appearance, shaped by the interactions between newborn stars and the surrounding material.



Within NGC 1333, astronomers have observed a high level of turbulence, which makes the region dynamic and complex. 



These disturbances are caused by the outflows of young stars as they eject material into their surroundings, creating shock waves and influencing further star formation.&nbsp;



These outflows are often seen as jets, which are visible in multiple wavelengths of light, especially infrared, as the surrounding dust absorbs visible light.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-stages-of-planet-formation">Early stages of planet formation </h2>



NGC 1333 is also an area of interest for studying the early stages of star and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-formation-new-insights-mechanics-physics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planet formation</a>, as many of the stars within the cluster are in their infancy.



These stars are still in the process of gathering material and developing protoplanetary disks. 



In images, NGC 1333 is marked by bright patches of blue and red, representing reflection <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-rogue-worlds-discovered-inside-a-young-star-forming-nebula/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebulae</a> and the ionized gas created by energetic young stars.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-perseus-molecular-cloud-nbsp">The Perseus molecular cloud&nbsp;</h2>



The Perseus molecular cloud is a vast region of cold gas and dust located about 600 light-years away from Earth in the constellation <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/1500-billion-orphan-stars-discovered-in-the-perseus-galaxy-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perseus</a>.&nbsp;



It is one of the most studied star-forming regions in our galaxy due to its relative proximity and the diversity of its young stellar objects. This cloud spans several hundred light-years and contains dense pockets of gas where new stars are actively forming.&nbsp;



These areas are often enshrouded in thick dust, which obscures them in visible light but allows astronomers to study them using infrared and radio wavelengths.



The Perseus molecular cloud is particularly interesting because of the chemistry taking place within it, including the formation of complex organic molecules that could be precursors to life.&nbsp;



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



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Stellar nursery shines in the Perseus cloud

Assateague Island is a 37-mile (60 km) long barrier island located off the eastern coast of the Delmarva Peninsula facing the Atlantic Ocean. The northern two-thirds of the island is in Maryland while the southern third is in Virginia. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/assateague-island-national-seashore-maryland-2/">Maryland</a> section contains the majority of Assateague Island National Seashore and Assateague State Park. The Virginia section contains Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and a one-mile stretch of land containing the lifeguarded recreational beach and interpretive facilities managed by the National Park Service (or NPS). It is best known for its herds of feral horses, pristine beaches and the Assateague Lighthouse. The island also contains numerous marshes, bays, and coves, including Toms Cove.



Camping is available only in the Maryland district of Assateague Island. Reservations are required from March 15 through November 15. Campsite reservations are available six months in advance.&nbsp; Oceanside Drive-in:&nbsp;Tents, trailers and recreational vehicles (no hookups). Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring.&nbsp;Oceanside Walk-in:&nbsp;Tent-only sites, located 100-200 feet from centralized parking areas. Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Walk-in sites are closed from November 16 through March 14. Bayside Drive-in:&nbsp;Tents, trailers and recreational vehicles (no hookups). Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. A Drive-In "Generator-Free Zone" is located in Bayside B Loop. Horse Camp:&nbsp;There are 2 campsites for horse camping available October 16 through April 14. Each site accommodates up to 6 people and 6 horses.&nbsp;Assateague has two oceanside and four bayside camping areas in Maryland for visitors who wish to backpack or paddle the island.

Assateague Island

NASA is preparing to send a quantum sensor into orbit to measure subtle shifts in Earth’s gravity. The implications of this effort reach far beyond academic curiosity because these measurements could reveal hidden phenomena, from changes in global water availability to pockets of oil and gas beneath the surface.



After two decades of planning, a group of researchers is set to integrate this sensor with a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/desi-gravity-study-new-discovery-proves-einstein-right-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">satellite</a> and launch it by the end of the decade. 



The team includes private companies, academic partners, and NASA’s <a href="https://www.jpl.jobs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a>, where Jason Hyon serves as chief technologist for Earth Science and also directs the <a href="https://www.dlr.de/en/rb/research-operation/research-projects/quantum-technology/qsoc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum Space Innovation Center</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-hidden-gravity-shifts">Detecting hidden gravity shifts</h2>



A <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/gravity-gradiometers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravity gradiometer</a> is a tool that picks up tiny variations in how hard gravity pulls on objects. These changes are often invisible to everyday perception, yet they help paint a detailed picture of what lies under land or ocean.



Experts who track <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/radical-theory-unites-gravity-spacetime-and-the-quantum-realm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>’s shifting mass rely on high-precision satellites for data on water supplies, ice sheets, and other large systems. 



This mission, called Quantum Gravity Gradiometer Pathfinder (<a href="https://esto.nasa.gov/files/quantum/Chiow.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">QGGPf</a>), could be a major step toward refining those measurements and making them more accurate. A more precise view of our planet’s gravity may benefit efforts to manage natural resources on a global scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-earth-s-gravity-with-frozen-atoms">Measuring Earth’s gravity with frozen atoms</h2>



The heart of the mission relies on <a href="https://www.princeton.edu/~maelabs/mae324/glos324/rubidium.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rubidium atoms</a> that are chilled to extremely low temperatures. They are placed in free fall within the instrument, creating test masses that respond to gravity’s pull in ways that the device can measure with fine precision.&nbsp;



By monitoring the difference in how two atomic clouds accelerate, the team gains insights into subtle <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1140/epjqt/s40507-025-00338-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravity shifts</a>.



Chilling atoms to near absolute zero is tricky to do on Earth because they need sustained free fall conditions. In space, these atoms remain in microgravity, offering a longer window to track tiny shifts in their movements.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-atoms-to-track-earth-s-gravity">Using atoms to track Earth's gravity</h2>



Today’s space-based <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unraveling-gravity-quantum-nature-entanglement-mechanics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravity</a> missions rely on multiple satellites that track their positions relative to each other. The QGGPf mission proposes a compact, single-satellite approach.



The sensor takes up about 0.3 cubic yards (0.2 cubic meters) and weighs roughly 275 pounds (125 kilograms). That size is manageable for launch yet still big enough to house complex laser and vacuum systems.



The ability to see variations at smaller scales may assist with identifying underground aquifers or regions where geological shifts threaten infrastructure. This is especially significant for communities that need to track freshwater availability.



“We could determine the mass of the Himalayas using atoms,” noted Hyon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-the-instrument-s-sensitivity">Testing the instrument's sensitivity </h2>



NASA’s Earth Science Technology Office supports QGGPf, which highlights how agencies sometimes partner with smaller businesses and laboratories to advance the development of cutting-edge instruments.



Key roles in this project come from companies that develop the compact laser systems for cooling and trapping atoms. The synergy between government and private enterprise speeds up <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-gravity-pulls-earth-closer-to-the-sun-warming-our-climate-scientists-say/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">innovation</a>.



“We need to fly it so that we can figure out how well it will operate,” said Ben Stray, a postdoctoral researcher at JPL. He and others anticipate that the data collected will confirm whether the instrument truly achieves the sensitivity required for future missions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-atoms-reveal-secrets-of-earth-s-gravity">Atoms reveal secrets of Earth's gravity </h2>



Gravity is stronger where there is more mass. A system able to detect even minor mass differences could deliver maps of rock density or water distribution beneath the surface. By comparing local gravity over time, scientists can also spot changes linked to <a href="https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20210025840/downloads/2021JB023024_Loomis.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melting glaciers</a> or draining groundwater basins.



Much of this detail is absent from current measurements, which are already beneficial for climate scientists and geologists. QGGPf aims to build on that success and produce data at a higher resolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keeping-the-data-accurate">Keeping the data accurate</h2>



The sensor depends on lasers that cool atoms until they behave like overlapping waves. If any vibration or misalignment disrupts this setup, the data may lose accuracy. 



The team has focused on stabilizing <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-018-0605-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">optical components</a> and ensuring that the vacuum system holding the atoms remains in the best possible condition.



A robust spacecraft attitude control system will keep the device oriented so that random movements in orbit don’t blur the results. Plans also include methods to guard against minor temperature fluctuations that could shift laser alignment or disturb the sensor’s vacuum chamber.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gravitational-fields-of-other-planets">Gravitational fields of other planets</h2>



Knowing exactly how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/invisible-electric-field-discovered-surrounding-earth-nasa-says-its-as-crucial-as-gravity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravity</a> changes can help with more than resource management. These measurements could enhance the understanding of fault lines and the structure of Earth’s crust.



The approach could also be applied to studies of gravitational fields on other planets, where future missions might carry versions of the same sensor to help map the inner layers.



“The QGGPf instrument will lead to planetary science applications and fundamental physics applications,” said Hyon. Teams worldwide are <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00325375" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watching</a> to see if QGGPf’s technology can move quantum sensing from laboratory floors into reliable, orbit-based instruments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-generation-of-quantum-sensors">New generation of quantum sensors </h2>



If this project meets its goals, it will open the door to more sensitive tools that may someday detect subtle gravitational signals from even smaller hidden features. 



There is growing hope that a new generation of quantum sensors will transform how we explore everything from mining and energy reserves to the biggest questions about planetary formation.



Scientists from many disciplines are eager to see how a single craft can gather detailed insight into Earth’s gravitational puzzle. That data could indicate both risks and resources that might otherwise be missed.



The study was published in <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1140/epjqt/s40507-025-00338-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPJ Quantum Technology</a>.



Image Credit: NASA



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Scientists can map subtle shifts in Earth's gravity using atoms

NASA is preparing to send a quantum sensor into orbit...

A narrow slice of starlight has raised suspense about the possibility of company in the cosmos. While the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) watched the exoplanet K2-18b glide across its parent star, sulfur‑bearing gases appeared in the planet’s airborne haze.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planet-k2-18-b-studied-again-confirm-presence-dms-gas-only-produced-by-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dimethyl sulfide</a> and dimethyl disulfide - molecules tied to biological activity on Earth - leave unmistakable fingerprints in the data.



No telescope had ever hinted at these compounds beyond our neighborhood, so the finding instantly climbed toward the top of every astrobiologist’s wish list.



The signal meets the three‑sigma bar, which means there is only a&nbsp;0.3&nbsp;percent chance it popped out of random noise. 



Scientists need five&nbsp;sigma - less than&nbsp;0.00006&nbsp;percent probability - to declare a discovery. Yet getting this close with a planet&nbsp;124&nbsp;light‑years, or roughly&nbsp;730&nbsp;trillion&nbsp;miles, away stands out as today’s sharpest clue that life might thrive elsewhere. 



Those numbers alone for K2-18b promise a lively debate in laboratories around the globe for months to come. They also focus attention on the interplay between ocean chemistry and atmospheric circulation on watery worlds that orbit small, dim suns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-k2-18b-has-room-for-an-ocean">K2‑18b has room for an ocean</h2>



Discovered in&nbsp;2015,&nbsp;K2‑18b weighs about&nbsp;8.6&nbsp;times as much as Earth and spans&nbsp;2.6&nbsp;times our planet’s diameter - big enough to keep a thick hydrogen atmosphere yet small enough to support a surface ocean. 



The world sits inside the habitable zone of a cool red dwarf, where sunshine could keep water liquid and the hydrogen atmosphere could retain heat.



“We didn’t know for sure whether the signal we saw last time was due to DMS, but just the hint of it was exciting enough for us to have another look with JWST using a different instrument,” said Professor Nikku Madhusudhan of Cambridge’s <a href="https://www.ast.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Institute of Astronomy</a>, who led the research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sulfur-signals-in-stardust">Sulfur signals in stardust</h2>



Astronomers tease out atmospheric chemistry by watching a planet dim its star during transit. As K2‑18b moves across the stellar face, a sliver of light filters through the gas envelope, and <a href="https://webbtelescope.org/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JWST</a> shows which wavelengths are absorbed. 



Earlier passes with its <a href="https://webbtelescope.org/contents/media/images/01FA0T0WM3X65FFXM0JBR4C5ZB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIRISS</a> and <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/nirspec/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIRSpec</a> cameras suggested sulfur compounds; the fresh visit used the Mid‑Infrared Instrument, which covers longer wavelengths and overlaps with neither camera.



“This is an independent line of evidence, using a different instrument than we did before and a different wavelength range of light, where there is no overlap with the previous observations,” said Madhusudhan. “The signal came through strong and clear.”



“It was an incredible realization seeing the results emerge and remain consistent throughout the extensive independent analyses and robustness tests,” added co‑author Måns Holmberg of the <a href="https://www.stsci.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Space Telescope Science Institute</a> in Baltimore, USA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-dimethyl-sulfide-matters">Why dimethyl sulfide matters</h2>



On Earth, marine phytoplankton exhale <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/expanding-the-search-for-extraterrestrial-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dimethyl sulfide</a>, giving seaside air its faint whiff of cabbage. Levels rarely rise above one part per billion here, yet the telescope sees more than ten parts per million on K2‑18b - thousands of times stronger. 



At that concentration, even a thin soup of microbes churning beneath global clouds could recharge the atmosphere in short order.



“Earlier theoretical work had predicted that high levels of sulfur‑based gases like DMS and DMDS are possible on Hycean worlds,” Madhusudhan said. 



“And now we’ve observed it, exactly as predicted. Given everything we know about this planet, a Hycean world with an ocean that is teeming with life is the scenario that best fits the data we have.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-k2-18b-and-the-five-sigma-milestone">K2-18b and the five‑sigma milestone</h2>



The team’s analysis already meets the community’s three‑sigma standard, but only five sigma counts as confirmation. 



Simulations show that between 16 and 24 hours of additional JWST time should push the statistics over the line, provided the telescope secures enough clear transits in the months ahead.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/exoplanet_K2-18b_life-evidence_spectrum-graph_credit-UCambridge_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/exoplanet_K2-18b_life-evidence_spectrum-graph_credit-UCambridge_1s.webp" alt="The graph shows the observed transmission spectrum of the habitable zone exoplanet K2-18 b using the JWST MIRI spectrograph. The vertical shows the fraction of star light absorbed in the planet's atmosphere due to molecules in the planet's atmosphere. The data are shown in the yellow circles with the 1-sigma uncertainties. The curves show the model fits to the data, with the black curve showing the median fit and the cyan curves outlining the 1-sigma intervals of the model fits. The absorption features attributed to dimethyl sulphide and dimethyl disulphide are indicated by the horizontal lines and text. The image behind the graph is an illustration of a hycean planet orbiting a red dwarf star. Credit: A. Smith, N. Madhusudhan (University of Cambridge)" class="wp-image-1965978"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The graph shows the observed transmission spectrum of the habitable zone exoplanet K2-18 b using the JWST MIRI spectrograph. The vertical shows the fraction of star light absorbed in the planet's atmosphere due to molecules in the planet's atmosphere. The data are shown in the yellow circles with the 1-sigma uncertainties. The curves show the model fits to the data, with the black curve showing the median fit and the cyan curves outlining the 1-sigma intervals of the model fits. The absorption features attributed to dimethyl sulphide and dimethyl disulphide are indicated by the horizontal lines and text. The image behind the graph is an illustration of a hycean planet orbiting a red dwarf star. Click image to enlarge. Credit: A. Smith, N. Madhusudhan (University of Cambridge)</figcaption></figure>



“The inference of these biosignature molecules poses profound questions concerning the processes that might be producing them,” said co‑author Subhajit Sarkar of <a href="https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cardiff University</a>. 



“Our work is the starting point for all the investigations now needed to confirm and understand the implications of these exciting findings,” added co‑author Savvas Constantinou, also of Cambridge’s Institute of Astronomy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overcoming-skepticism">Overcoming skepticism</h2>



Researchers remain cautious because exotic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-rely-on-quantum-mechanics-to-transfer-energy-from-sunlight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">photochemistry</a> or interior geologic vents could, in principle, forge the same molecules without biology. 



Laboratory experiments, improved climate simulations, and careful comparisons with other exoplanets will probe those alternative pathways while new telescope time gathers stronger data.



“It’s important that we’re deeply skeptical of our own results, because it’s only by testing and testing again that we’ll reach the point where we’re confident in them,” Madhusudhan said. “That’s how science has to work.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-next-for-k2-18b">What happens next for K2-18b?</h2>



Webb’s sensitive eye was built for this kind of measurement, yet even sharper tools lie on the horizon. 



Planned observatories such as the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/habitable-worlds-observatory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Habitable Worlds Telescope</a> and the European Extremely Large Telescope will study smaller, cooler planets with richer spectra, expanding the growing catalog of possible biospheres and giving scientists the ability to cross‑check signs of life across many worlds.



“Decades from now, we may look back at this point in time and recognize it was when the living universe came within reach,” Madhusudhan said. 



“This could be the tipping point, where suddenly the fundamental question of whether we’re alone in the universe is one we’re capable of answering.”



These sulfur‑scented hints from K2‑18b remind us how quickly the search for life is moving from speculation to evidence.



If the signal holds, K2‑18b will stand as the first concrete clue that life can bloom under unfamiliar skies, turning a distant red dwarf’s faint light into a global ocean’s worth of metabolism.



The full study was published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0004-637X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal Letters</a>.



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"Signature of life" detected on another world by the Webb telescope, study suggests

A narrow slice of starlight has raised suspense about the...

Hotel,Relaxation,On,Lazy,Day,With,Asian,Woman,Waking,Up

It can be hard to feel energized when alarm clocks jolt us awake from deep sleep each day. Many people struggle with morning grogginess, sometimes turning to naps or extra caffeine to push through the early hours. 



New research has revealed that simply letting in a bit of natural light before <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overall-people-feel-better-about-life-in-the-morning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">getting out of bed</a> can make a big difference. The research was led by Professor Matsushita from <a href="https://www.omu.ac.jp/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Osaka Metropolitan University</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-preventing-groggy-mornings-with-light">Preventing groggy mornings with light</h2>



Poor sleep has become a modern problem that affects workers, students, and practically anyone with a packed schedule. A 2023 poll by the <a href="https://aasm.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sleep-prioritization-survey-2023-sleep-aids.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Academy of Sleep Medicine</a> found that a majority of adults are not hitting the recommended rest hours.



Several experts <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17936041/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> that bright light early in the day can help the body reset its internal clock. This reduces a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pets-increase-life-satisfaction-as-much-as-marriage-or-close-friendships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phenomenon</a> called sleep inertia, which is a heavy feeling some people experience right after they open their eyes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-light-works-better-than-lamps">Natural light works better than lamps</h2>



Some past <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/13/6/1482" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> used artificial lamps, but this new approach focused on sunlight as a more realistic option. Researchers pointed out that busy homeowners and apartment dwellers need something simple, like window adjustments, to welcome early-morning rays.



A group of volunteers tried different ways of letting sunlight filter into their bedrooms. Some had the bedroom remain dark until they <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-increases-feelings-of-hope-happiness-and-gratitude/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">woke up</a>, while others allowed the curtains to open at varying times.



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



One subset of the volunteers let in moderate light shortly before the alarm went off. They reported feeling more rested and alert right after rising.



Those exposed to brighter natural light for a longer duration sometimes reported feeling disrupted if it began too early. This suggests more light is not always better if it cuts into the final stretch of sleep.



Motorized curtains and smart home devices can automate morning light exposure. This minimizes the need to fumble with blinds or lamps upon waking.



Advanced gadgets can still help, but this study emphasizes the power of sunlight itself. It highlights how careful timing, rather than the strongest possible brightness, can support a smoother start to the day.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eliminating-groggy-mornings">Eliminating groggy mornings</h2>



Researchers note that people’s sleep cycles shift through the year. Different seasons bring unique sunrise times, so future setups may use sensors that adjust exposure based on day length or weather changes.



“In the future, we hope to control natural light in the sleep environment as it changes with the seasons and time of day, and to clarify how to introduce natural light that is suitable for a more comfortable awakening,” stated Professor Matsushita.



Simple bedroom changes may help folks who dread mornings. Drawing curtains back at just the right time can reduce that initial <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/happiness-influences-online-shopping-habits/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fog</a>.



<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6751071/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Studies</a> also show that early light can gently nudge the body’s internal rhythm. This could be especially useful for shift workers or anyone who wants to improve their morning energy and general mood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-practical-steps-to-fight-grogginess">Practical steps to fight grogginess</h2>



Experts recommend noticing how different wakeup styles affect your mental clarity. That could involve trying a short trial of partial morning light, then gauging whether you still feel drained.



People who share a bedroom might have different preferences. One person may like a quick burst of brightness, while another prefers a gradual approach. A little experimentation can help reach a middle ground.



One option is a slow-opening curtain system that begins letting light in about 20 minutes before your set alarm. That interval appeared beneficial for easing away from deep rest in this recent <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S036013232500215X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a>.



Some may prefer a slightly different schedule. If earlier rays interrupt you, setting the motorized curtains to remain shut for a bit longer could work better.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-the-morning-count">Making the morning count</h2>



Small changes can be surprisingly helpful. Opening a window shade or adjusting a timer requires little money or effort, but could pay off for less groggy mornings.



Those interested in testing more advanced solutions might look into combined light and temperature regulation systems. There’s always room to refine how we greet the day, but the principle stays the same: the right balance of natural light is key.



Shifting away from pitch-dark bedrooms at dawn can feel strange at first. But once you wake with a hint of sunrise in the background, that mental cloud often lifts more smoothly.



This approach does not replace consistent bedtime habits. Maintaining a steady schedule and avoiding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caffeine-has-a-protective-effect-on-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caffeine</a> or screens near bedtime can further support better sleep quality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sunlight-can-improve-mornings-naturally">Sunlight can improve mornings naturally</h2>



This study highlights the importance of placing sunlight front and center in the conversation about better rest and less daytime grogginess. Moderation turns out to be the sweet spot for a more peaceful start to the day.



Over time, such insights may prompt architects and homeowners to design spaces that let in just enough light in the early hours. The prospect of simple, natural solutions is a promising step toward feeling less groggy and more productive in the mornings.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S036013232500215X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Building and Environment</a>.



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Feeling groggy? A simple trick can transform your mornings

It can be hard to feel energized when alarm clocks...

Ancient,Cavemen,People,Sit,Near,A,Campfire,Render,3d,Illustration

Around 41,000 years ago, Earth’s magnetic field underwent a chaotic shift that temporarily weakened the planet’s natural protection from harmful solar radiation.



A new study suggests that early Homo sapiens may have survived - and even thrived - through this period thanks to innovations including tailored <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/when-did-early-humans-first-start-wearing-clothes-and-why-parasites-lice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clothing</a>, increased use of sun-protective ochre, and strategic sheltering in caves.



Meanwhile, their relatives the Neanderthals, who lacked these adaptations, vanished shortly thereafter.



The experts used advanced 3D modeling and archaeological evidence to offer a fresh perspective on how one of Earth’s past geomagnetic upheavals - known as the Laschamps excursion - may have influenced <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-evolution-was-shaped-by-competition-not-just-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human evolution</a> and migration.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-sky-lit-up-over-europe">The sky lit up over Europe</h2>



The Laschamps excursion was a geomagnetic event that occurred about 41,000 years ago, during which Earth’s magnetic field temporarily weakened to about 10% of its current strength. 



While the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-magnetic-field-is-shifting-and-putting-navigation-at-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnetic poles</a> didn’t fully flip, they did wander significantly - especially over Europe - bringing intense auroras and letting in greater amounts of harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.



“In the study, we combined all of the regions where the magnetic field would not have been connected, allowing cosmic radiation, or any kind of energetic particles from the sun, to seep all the way in to the ground,” said lead author Agnit Mukhopadhyay, a research affiliate in climate and space sciences and engineering at <a href="https://umich.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Michigan</a>.



“We found that many of those regions actually match pretty closely with early human activity from 41,000 years ago, specifically an increase in the use of caves and an increase in the use of prehistoric sunscreen.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnetism-and-wandering-poles">Magnetism and wandering poles</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s magnetic field</a> is generated by the rotation of its molten iron core, creating electrical currents that produce a magnetic shield around the planet. 



This field deflects most of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/silent-storms-experts-identify-the-mysterious-source-of-solar-wind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar wind</a> and cosmic rays that would otherwise reach Earth’s surface and deplete its ozone layer.



When the field weakens, as it did during the Laschamps event, it exposes much more of the planet to radiation. 



To explore this ancient episode, the researchers used the Space Weather Modeling Framework - a tool developed at UM’s <a href="https://clasp.engin.umich.edu/research/theory-computational-methods/center-for-space-environment-modeling/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Space Environment Modeling</a> - to simulate how the Earth’s magnetic field and space plasma system interacted during the Laschamps event.



The experts then reconstructed the global space environment in 3D by combining models of the geomagnetic field, the surrounding plasma, and auroral activity at the time. 



The resulting simulations revealed a planet dramatically different from what we know today: auroras visible across Europe and northern Africa, and large swaths of the Earth exposed to solar and cosmic radiation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-did-neanderthals-vanish">Why did Neanderthals vanish?</h2>



This intense solar exposure, researchers suggest, could have pushed early humans to adopt protective strategies. By around 41,000 years ago, Homo sapiens were becoming increasingly common in Europe, while <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/isolation-played-a-key-role-in-neanderthal-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neanderthals</a> were nearing extinction and soon vanished.



“What some of the differences are between these species, between Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans, that might account for that disappearance has been a major anthropological question for decades,” said Raven Garvey, a U-M associate professor of anthropology.



One possibility? Tailored clothing. Archaeological sites associated with Homo sapiens from this period show evidence of sewing tools - scrapers, awls, and needles - that allowed for the creation of fitted garments. 



Such clothing would have helped protect against cold climates but also may have shielded skin from increased UV exposure. 



According to the scientists, tailored clothing has a two-fold benefit: it is significantly warmer and this added warmth meant that early humans could travel farther from their hearths and shelters in their search of food.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-adaptation-and-innovation">Human adaptation and innovation</h2>



Clothing wasn’t the only adaptation. Homo sapiens also began using ochre more frequently during this period. 



Ochre, a naturally occurring red or yellow pigment composed of iron oxide, has long been used by human ancestors for decorative and symbolic purposes. But it also has practical benefits.



“There have been some experimental tests that show it has sunscreen-like properties. It’s a pretty effective sunscreen, and there are also ethnographic populations that have used it primarily for that purpose,” Garvey said.



“Its increased production and its association primarily with anatomically modern humans (during the Laschamps) is also suggestive of people’s having used it for this purpose as well.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-response-to-an-invisible-threat">Response to an invisible threat</h2>



Another clue lies in early humans’ use of caves. Archaeological data show a marked increase in cave habitation around the same time as the Laschamps event. 



These natural shelters would have provided physical protection from the radiation pouring in through the weakened magnetic field.



As Mukhopadhyay and Garvey note, these behaviors - hiding in caves, making more use of ochre, and sewing fitted clothes - are all found in archaeological records. 



The records date back to the Laschamps event, hinting at a collective response to an invisible but potentially deadly threat.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-magnetic-field-stability-and-human-survival">Magnetic field stability and human survival</h2>



Garvey is careful to emphasize that the study’s findings. “I think it’s important to note that these findings are correlational and (ours is a) meta analysis, if you will,” she said. “But I think it is a fresh perspective on these data in light of the Laschamps excursion.”



While not proof of causation, the overlap between increased human technological behavior and periods of magnetic field instability offers new insight into how Homo sapiens may have gained a survival advantage over Neanderthals.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-magnetic-field-reversal">Future magnetic field reversal </h2>



Beyond its relevance to human prehistory, the study also raises questions about how a future magnetic reversal might affect modern life. 



With Earth’s magnetic field currently weakening and the North Pole slowly drifting, Mukhopadhyay says it’s worth considering what would happen if a similar event occurred today.



“If such an event were to happen today, we would see a complete blackout in several different sectors,” he warned. 



“Our communication satellites would not work. Many of our telecommunication arrays, which are on the ground, would be severely affected by the smallest of space weather events, not to mention the human impacts which would also play a pretty massive role in our day-to-day lives.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-could-humans-vanish-like-neanderthals">Could humans vanish like Neanderthals?</h2>



The research also carries implications for astrobiology. “Many people say that a planet cannot sustain life without a strong magnetic field,” Mukhopadhyay said. 



“Looking at prehistoric Earth, and especially at events like this, helps us study exoplanetary physics from a very different vantage point. Life did exist back then. But it was a little bit different than it is today.”



In the end, the Laschamps excursion offers more than just an explanation for why Neanderthals may have vanished. It’s a reminder that Earth’s magnetic shield, often taken for granted, plays a crucial role in protecting life on our planet. And when it falters, survival may depend on how quickly life can adapt.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adq7275" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Lack of "prehistoric sunscreen" may have killed the Neanderthals

Around 41,000 years ago, Earth’s magnetic field underwent a chaotic...

In cities around the world, empty lots and old industrial sites are being transformed into patches of color and life through the planting of wildflowers. These green spaces are meant to help pollinators such as bees and butterflies, providing much-needed food sources from urban wildflowers.



But new research suggests that the soil in which these flowers are planted might be doing more harm than good for the plants and their pollinators.



A team of scientists discovered that wildflowers growing on previously developed land - including sites where buildings and factories once stood - can take up harmful metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium.



These metals don’t just stay in the plants. They end up in the nectar that pollinators feed on, introducing toxic substances directly into their diets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polluted-roots-of-urban-wildflowers">Polluted roots of urban wildflowers</h2>



Many cities, particularly older ones, have soil that’s been exposed to decades of industrial activity. Sources including cement dust, mining runoff, and vehicle emissions leave behind long-lasting contaminants which can affect urban wildflowers.



In the post-industrial city of Cleveland, Ohio - where the study took place - over 33,000 vacant lots remain from years of population decline and industrial use. Researchers tested <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sipping-on-nectar-hummingbirds-consume-a-surprising-amount-of-alcohol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nectar</a> from common self-seeding wildflowers growing in these urban spaces.



The wildflowers included white clover, wild carrot, bindweed, and chicory - plants known to attract <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-bees-choose-the-same-flowers-again-and-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bees</a> and provide nectar throughout the growing season. Every plant tested contained at least one toxic metal.



Lead was the most common and found in the highest concentrations. The amount and type of metal varied by plant species. 



Chicory had the highest total metal levels, followed by white clover, wild carrot, and bindweed. These are not rare or exotic flowers - they grow widely across cities in both the U.S. and the UK, often planted intentionally as part of pollinator-friendly initiatives.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-wildflowers-affect-bee-health">Urban wildflowers affect bee health</h2>



Even small amounts of metal in nectar can affect <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/habitat-quality-and-biodiversity-impact-bee-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bee health</a>. Previous studies have shown that these contaminants damage pollinators’ ability to learn and remember, which directly affects how well they can forage for food. 



In extreme cases, the toxins can lead to population decline and even death. Reducing the risk of metal exposure is critical for the success of urban pollinator conservation schemes, according to the researchers.



They also noted that certain plants are more likely to absorb these contaminants than others - a fact that should inform future planting strategies. 



One solution is to test soil quality before sowing wildflowers. Polluted areas might need to be cleaned up first.



In places where harmful metals are already present, managing wildflowers through regular mowing may help. Limiting their bloom time can reduce the amount of contaminated nectar available to bees.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bees-can-benefit-from-wildflower-soil">Bees can benefit from wildflower soil</h2>



Dr. Sarah Scott is an expert in the University of Cambridge’s <a href="https://www.zoo.cam.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Department of Zoology</a> and the study’s lead author.



“It’s really important to have wildflowers as a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dancing-bees-reveal-that-urban-gardens-are-a-good-source-of-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food source for the bees</a>, and our results should not discourage people from planting wildflowers in towns and cities,” Dr. Scott explained.



“We hope this study will raise awareness that soil health is also important for bee health. Before planting wildflowers in urban areas to attract bees and other pollinators, it’s important to consider the history of the land and what might be in the soil - and if necessary - find out whether there’s a local soil testing and cleanup service available first.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-practical-way-to-support-pollinators">A practical way to support pollinators</h2>



Pollinators are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pollinators-are-disappearing-and-its-bad-news-for-plants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vital</a> to the world’s food supply. They help plants - including fruits and vegetables such as apples and tomatoes - develop and reproduce.



Natural pollination is estimated to contribute billions of dollars to global crop production each year. But wild pollinator populations have plummeted by over 50% in the past 50 years, largely due to habitat loss, land use changes, pesticides, and climate change.



“Climate change feels so overwhelming, but simply planting flowers in certain areas can help towards conserving pollinators, which is a realistic way for people to make a positive impact on the environment,” said Dr. Scott.



This new research serves as a reminder that while planting wildflowers is a step in the right direction, the quality of the land they’re planted on matters just as much. 



A colorful patch of blooms may look like a haven for bees - but if the soil beneath holds a toxic past, it could turn into a hidden hazard.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.71238" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ecology and Evolution</a>.



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Urban wildflowers may be harming bees

In cities around the world, empty lots and old industrial...

In a finding that reshapes what we thought we knew about how planets move, astronomers have discovered a planet that orbits at a perfect right angle - 90 degrees - around two stars.



This type of orbit, called a polar orbit, has been suggested in theory and hinted at through indirect observations. But until now, there was no solid evidence that such a planet existed.



The discovery comes from scientists at the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham</a>, who made the observation using the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile. 



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sulfur-dioxide-found-on-distant-exoplanet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">exoplanet</a>, named 2M1510 (AB) b, circles a rare pair of brown dwarfs - objects larger than gas-giant planets like Jupiter but not massive enough to qualify as full-fledged stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strange-planet-in-a-unique-system">Strange planet in a unique system</h2>



Planets that orbit two stars - like Tatooine from Star Wars - are not unheard of. Several of them have been identified in recent years. But they tend to orbit in the same flat plane that the two stars share as they revolve around each other. What sets this new planet apart is its highly tilted, perpendicular path.



“I am particularly excited to be involved in detecting credible evidence that this configuration exists,” said Thomas Baycroft, a PhD student at the University of Birmingham, who led the study.



The host system, known as 2M1510, is no ordinary binary. It’s only the second known pair of brown dwarfs that eclipse each other from Earth’s viewpoint. 



Because of these eclipses, the system provided ideal conditions for astronomers to closely track shifts in motion. This made it possible to detect the tug of a hidden planet with a surprising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exoplanet-discovered-with-bizarre-cucumber-shaped-orbit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">orbit</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tilted-orbit-around-two-brown-dwarfs">Tilted orbit around two brown dwarfs</h2>



The planet’s configuration is a triple rarity. It orbits not just any binary, but a binary brown dwarf, and does so in a polar orbit. 



These orbits were previously thought to be possible based on computer models and evidence of tilted planet-forming discs. But this is the first time astronomers have found a planet that actually moves in such a way.



“A planet orbiting not just a binary, but a binary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brown-dwarfs-detected-outside-the-milky-way-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brown dwarf</a>, as well as being on a polar orbit is rather incredible and exciting,” said Amaury Triaud, a professor at the University of Birmingham.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-accidental-discovery">An accidental discovery</h2>



The researchers did not originally set out to find this type of planet. They were studying the brown dwarfs themselves, collecting data using the Ultraviolet and Visual Echelle Spectrograph (UVES) on the VLT.



The brown dwarf system had been discovered in 2018 by Triaud and colleagues using another instrument called SPECULOOS, also located at ESO’s Paranal Observatory.



While refining the physical and orbital characteristics of the binary, the experts noticed irregular movements - small wobbles and shifts that didn’t match predictions.



Those unexplained changes led the team to suspect a hidden third object was influencing the system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-surprising-turn-of-events">A surprising turn of events</h2>



“We reviewed all possible scenarios, and the only one consistent with the data is if a planet is on a polar orbit about this binary,” said Baycroft.



Triaud noted that the discovery was serendipitous, as the observations were not collected to seek such a planet, or its unusual orbital configuration. "As such, it is a big surprise."



“Overall, I think this shows to us astronomers, but also to the public at large, what is possible in the fascinating Universe we inhabit," said Triaud.



The rare planet opens up new possibilities in our understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-planets-form-its-much-more-complicated-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how planets form</a> and behave, especially in unusual systems. It’s a reminder that space doesn’t always follow the rules we expect. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mystery-of-the-new-planet-s-orbit">Mystery of the new planet's orbit</h2>



The discovery also raises new questions about how planets form and settle into their orbits. Most known planets - especially those in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/binary-systems-with-living-and-dead-stars-reveal-stellar-secrets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">binary systems</a> - tend to follow predictable, flat paths. So how did 2M1510 (AB) b end up in such an unusual position?



Scientists suspect that gravitational interactions during the system’s early years may have tilted the planet’s orbit, but the exact mechanism remains unclear.



Finding a planet on a polar orbit challenges long-held assumptions about how orderly and consistent planetary systems are supposed to be. It suggests that nature may allow for a much greater variety of planetary arrangements than we’ve seen so far. 



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adu0627" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



Image Credit: ESO/L. Calçada



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Unusual planet discovered in an orbit that has never been seen before

In a finding that reshapes what we thought we knew...

High blood pressure touches the lives of millions and remains a top trigger for heart problems. It’s often labeled the number one contributor to coronary heart disease and stroke, causing many to search for practical ways to keep it under control.



Experts frequently warn us to curb sodium consumption. Yet a recent <a href="https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajprenal.00222.2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">investigation</a> highlights that a better ratio of potassium to sodium may have a greater effect on blood <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/relaxation-techniques-can-lower-high-blood-pressure-at-least-temporarily/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pressure</a> than dropping salt alone. 



Anita Layton from the <a href="https://uwaterloo.ca" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Waterloo</a> emphasizes the need to think beyond the usual advice.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potassium-helps-control-blood-pressure">Potassium helps control blood pressure</h2>



Potassium is a vital electrolyte that helps the body maintain balance. It cooperates with sodium to regulate fluid volume and supports normal nerve function.



When people consume more processed meals, they often ignore this important nutrient. This disrupts the potassium-sodium balance, which can add to rising blood <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-from-plastic-bottles-linked-to-high-blood-pressure-and-heart-problems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pressure</a> levels.



A new mathematical tool demonstrates how shifting the focus toward potassium intake offers clear advantages. The model points to higher potassium intake as a method that may help steady blood <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-gold-the-vitamin-packed-fruit-that-regulates-blood-sugar-and-blood-pressure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pressure</a> when sodium is also in the mix.



“Usually, when we have high blood pressure, we are advised to eat less salt. Our research suggests that adding more potassium-rich foods to your diet, such as bananas or broccoli, might have a greater positive impact on your blood pressure than just cutting sodium,” said Layton. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-diets-lack-potassium">Modern diets lack potassium</h2>



Populations in past generations took in a high level of fruits and vegetables. These foods naturally supplied more potassium relative to sodium.



Modern eating patterns favor salt-packed items and sugary snacks. That change in routine can lead to constant high sodium intake, low potassium consumption, and heightened chances of developing elevated blood <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleeping-less-than-seven-hours-high-blood-pressure-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pressure</a>.



The study reveals that pre-menopausal women have a naturally lower tendency toward high blood pressure. It suggests that men usually face a higher risk, although men may also respond well to a potassium boost in their meals.



Variation in hormone levels and kidney function might account for these differences. The research links these findings to biological processes in which women excrete sodium more effectively before menopause.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-balancing-blood-pressure">Balancing blood pressure</h2>



Health advice often focuses on slashing salt, and that approach helps in many cases. Still, data from the University of Waterloo suggests that potassium is a key ally for balancing sodium.



Melissa Stadt is a PhD candidate in Waterloo's Department of Applied Mathematics and the study's lead author.



“Early humans ate lots of fruits and vegetables, and as a result, our body's regulatory systems may have evolved to work best with a high potassium, low sodium diet,” said Stadt. She noted that modern societies, by prioritizing convenience foods, might have steered away from this natural ratio.



Bananas are an accessible source of potassium and can be incorporated into snacks or breakfasts. Legumes, leafy greens, avocados, and certain fish varieties deliver a helpful potassium lift too.



Broccoli is another candidate that can fit into balanced meals. Adding these items in place of heavily processed foods takes you closer to a healthier ratio of potassium to sodium.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potassium-linked-to-fewer-heart-problems">Potassium linked to fewer heart problems</h2>



Scientific <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1311889" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reviews</a> show that a balanced dietary pattern with ample potassium is associated with improved cardiovascular health. One large <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK109565/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> found that a shift toward higher potassium intake lowered the odds of strokes and cardiac events in many participants.



Public health campaigns keep pushing for sodium reduction. Researchers hope the new focus on the potassium-sodium relationship gains the same amount of attention.



Sticking to a better potassium-to-sodium proportion may do more than protect the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-smell-control-your-blood-pressure-new-research-says-yes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart</a>. Kidneys also rely on healthy sodium and potassium levels for normal function.



Individuals with persistently high blood pressure risk complications like chronic kidney disease or irregular heartbeat. Increasing potassium-rich produce could ease that threat while providing vitamins and fiber.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-awareness-may-prevent-high-blood-pressure">Awareness may prevent high blood pressure</h2>



Many strategies exist for controlling high blood pressure, but the potassium conversation is less common. Greater awareness might encourage those with mild hypertension to shift their meal plans in a simple, budget-friendly way.



Researchers remain optimistic that this knowledge can spark interest in broader nutritional guidelines. They also anticipate deeper investigation into how body systems manage electrolytes across genders and various life stages.



This modeling work clarifies how biological factors respond to dietary changes. Clinicians may lean on such findings to create guidelines that highlight both cutting sodium and adding potassium.



While more in-depth clinical studies could confirm best practices, the message seems consistent. More bananas and vegetables on the plate could help make high blood pressure less of a threat for many.



The study is published in the <a href="https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajprenal.00222.2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology</a>.



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Trying to lower your blood pressure? This common nutrient can help

High blood pressure touches the lives of millions and remains...

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



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



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Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. 



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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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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Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland

Arches National Park&nbsp;is a&nbsp;national park&nbsp;in eastern&nbsp;Utah, United States. The park is adjacent to the&nbsp;Colorado River, 4 miles (6&nbsp;km) north of&nbsp;Moab, Utah. More than 2,000&nbsp;natural sandstone arches&nbsp;are located in the park, including the well-known&nbsp;Delicate Arch, as well as a variety of unique geological resources and formations. The park contains the highest density of natural arches in the world.



Devils Garden Campground is the only campground at Arches National Park. You can reserve campsites for nights between March 1 and October 31.&nbsp;During this busy season, the campground is usually full every night.&nbsp;If you're arriving at Arches without a reservation, you'll probably have to&nbsp;look for a campsite outside the park. Between November and February, campsites are first-come, first-served. You can backpack at Arches in a small number of designated sites and zones. Backpacking at Arches is more challenging than other places. It requires off-trail travel and route finding. Get a permit at the visitor center.

Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland

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