Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features Messier 82, a starburst galaxy located in the constellation Ursa Major. This galaxy is actively forming new stars at a rate ten times that of the Milky Way.



In a study using the <a href="https://webb.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> (JWST), an international team of astronomers has taken an unprecedented look at Messier 82 (M82), revealing intricate details about its frenzied star formation.&nbsp;



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



The study, led by Alberto Bolatto, utilized Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) to penetrate the thick dust and gas covering the galaxy's core, a region critical to understanding <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>.&nbsp;



"M82 has garnered a variety of observations over the years because it can be considered as the prototypical starburst galaxy," noted Bolatto. “With Webb’s size and resolution, we can look at this star-forming galaxy and see all of this beautiful new detail.”



Webb's NIRCam has proven crucial for observing areas like M82’s center, where layers of dust typically obscure the view in other wavelengths. The camera's ability to capture infrared light allows it to reveal the galaxy's core and its dynamic processes.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-messier-82-image">Messier 82 image </h2>



“This image shows the power of Webb. Every single white dot in this image is either a star or a star cluster. We can start to distinguish all of these tiny point sources, which enables us to acquire an accurate count of all the star clusters in this galaxy,” noted study co-author Rebecca Levy from the University of Arizona.



One of the NIRCam's innovative features is its mode that prevents bright sources from overwhelming the detector, which was particularly useful in studying the intensely active center of Messier 82.&nbsp;



In the image, dark brown tendrils of dust weave through the galaxy's glowing white core, interspersed with small green specks that represent concentrated areas of iron from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a> remnants. Red patches highlight regions where molecular hydrogen is illuminated by the radiation from nearby young stars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-into-galactic-winds">Insights into galactic winds</h2>



The study also focused on understanding how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/spin-of-a-new-black-hole-is-unlocking-galactic-mysteries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galactic wind</a>, driven by the rapid rate of star formation and subsequent supernovae, influences M82’s environment. 



The NIRCam images showed clumpy streams of gas, appearing in red, which extend above and below the galaxy's plane, marking the path of this wind rushing out from the starburst's core.



A key revelation came from the NIRCam’s tracing of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), sooty chemical molecules that map out the structure of the galactic wind. To the surprise of researchers, the PAH emissions closely resembled the patterns of the hot, ionized gas, suggesting a more complex interaction within the wind than previously understood.&nbsp;



"It was unexpected to see the PAH emission resemble ionised gas," said Bolatto. "PAHs are not supposed to live very long when exposed to such a strong radiation field, so perhaps they are being replenished all the time. It challenges our theories and shows us that further investigation is required."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-observations-of-messier-82">Future observations of Messier 82</h2>



The findings from Webb are just the beginning. The team plans to further analyze Messier 82 with additional data, including spectroscopic observations, to determine the ages of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxy-collisions-hubble-spots-a-string-of-pearls-star-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star clusters</a> and the duration of each star formation phase within the starburst environment.&nbsp;



These observations will also assist in a broader understanding of similar processes in early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceers-2112-ancient-galaxy-looks-strikingly-similar-to-ours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a>, which were common in the young universe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-study">Broader implications of the study</h2>



Study co-author Torsten Böker of the <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> emphasized the broader implications of these findings.&nbsp;



“With these amazing Webb images, and our upcoming spectra, we can study how exactly the strong winds and shock fronts from young stars and supernovae can remove the very gas and dust from which new stars are forming,” explained Böker.&nbsp;



“A detailed understanding of this ‘feedback’ cycle is important for theories of how the early universe evolved, because compact starbursts such as the one in M82 were very common at high redshift.”



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



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Messier 82: Unlocking the mysteries of star formation

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



The Antennae Galaxies provide a glimpse into the future of our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uma3-u1-faintest-star-system-found-orbiting-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, which is expected to eventually merge with the Andromeda Galaxy - our closest spiral galaxy neighbor.



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA



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Violent clash of the Antennae Galaxies  

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features an astronaut photograph of Fayzabad, a culturally diverse city in the Kokcha River valley of Northern Afghanistan. The photo was captured as the International Space Station passed over central Asia.



Fayzabad is the capital of the Badakhshan Province. It is located in a mountainous part of northeastern Afghanistan at an elevation of about 4,000 feet.



“The city is situated along the Kokcha River, which flows northward within a deep river valley surrounded by the Hindu Kush Mountains and eventually discharges into the Amu Darya River,” noted NASA.



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



The climate of Fayzabad varies from cold semi-arid to Mediterranean-influenced warm-summer humid continental, according to <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



The summer months are warm, with average high temperatures ranging from 77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;



The winter months are cold, with average low temperatures often dropping below freezing - sometimes reaching as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit.&nbsp;



The region receives moderate precipitation, mostly during the spring and winter. Snowfall is common in winter, adding to the picturesque landscape. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fayzabad-culture">Fayzabad culture</h2>



Historically, Fayzabad has been a center of learning and culture, though its development has been hampered by years of conflict.&nbsp;



Despite these challenges, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-started-cumulative-culture-around-600000-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">culture</a> remains a vital component of the region, which is known for its traditional crafts including weaving and embroidery.



Cultural life in Fayzabad is influenced by its predominantly Tajik population, along with other ethnic groups such as Uzbeks and Hazaras. The local cuisine is a blend of traditional Afghan flavors, incorporating ingredients like rice, meat, and a variety of spices.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-land-use-changes-nbsp">Land use changes&nbsp;</h2>



“This territory has experienced notable changes in its land use in recent decades, especially with commercial and administrative growth near the airport,” noted NASA.



“Among the changes: a new airstrip built west of the Kokcha River. However, mountains hem in the city and limit how much development is possible.”



“Despite these topographical barriers, some development has spread into hilly areas south of Fayzabad. Green vegetation is mostly confined to mountain valleys, stream channels, and the Kokcha River floodplain.”&nbsp;



“The Kokcha River meanders through the valley, providing a vital water resource for the region. Fields of predominantly wheat and rice cover much of the floodplain, though these flat areas are mixed with residential, industrial, and commercial activity as well.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kokcha-river-nbsp">Kokcha River&nbsp;</h2>



The Kokcha River originates in the Hindu Kush mountains. It stretches approximately 360 kilometers before joining the Amu Darya, one of Central Asia's major <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/hypoxia-is-a-serious-problem-in-rivers-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a>.&nbsp;



The Kokcha River traverses rugged terrain, providing vital irrigation for agriculture in the region and supporting local communities' livelihoods.&nbsp;The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-amount-of-water-do-earths-rivers-hold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river</a> basin features diverse landscapes that include mountainous areas and fertile valleys.&nbsp;



Throughout history, the Kokcha River has played a crucial role in the region's cultural and economic development, serving as a natural resource for the inhabitants and influencing settlement patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northern-afghanistan">Northern Afghanistan </h2>



Northern Afghanistan is known for its diverse landscape, featuring fertile plains, rugged mountains, and strategic rivers such as the Amu Darya. 



Historically, northern Afghanistan has been an important cultural and trade center. The city of Balkh, often referred to as "the mother of cities," is a hub of early civilization and a major stop on the Silk Road.



Northern Afghanistan has experienced periods of relative stability compared to the rest of the country, though it has also seen conflict - particularly during the Soviet invasion, the civil war of the 1990s, and the more recent Taliban resurgence.



The region's economy traditionally revolves around agriculture. Wheat, cotton, and fruits are key crops. In addition, there are vast mineral resources, although instability has hindered their full exploitation. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-of-northern-afghanistan">Wildlife of Northern Afghanistan </h2>



In mountainous regions of Northern Afghanistan, such as the Hindu Kush, you can find species like the elusive snow leopard, which is well-adapted to the rugged terrain. 



Other mountain-dwelling animals include the Asiatic black bear and the Siberian ibex, both of which thrive in the high-altitude environments.



The plains and valleys are home to various species of antelope, such as the goitered gazelle, as well as foxes, wolves, and smaller mammals like hares. 



Birdlife is also abundant, with species ranging from eagles and vultures in the mountains to waterfowl along rivers and wetlands. The region’s rivers and lakes, though under environmental pressure, support fish species and amphibians.



However, many of these species are under threat. Decades of war and instability have impacted conservation efforts, with illegal hunting and habitat destruction taking a toll on populations. 



Some areas, such as the Wakhan Corridor in the northeast, remain relatively untouched and serve as crucial refuges for wildlife where rare species like the Marco Polo sheep still roam. These havens are increasingly important for conservation efforts in the region.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Fayzabad and the Kokcha River valley 

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA



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NGC 2566: A cosmic eye in the Puppis constellation

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

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features Tropical Cyclone Sean, which brought record-breaking rainfall to the Pilbara region of Western Australia.



“On January 17, 2025, a tropical low formed over the Indian Ocean off Western Australia. By January 19, the storm had strengthened into Tropical Cyclone Sean - the second tropical cyclone of Australia’s 2024–2025 season,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/153852/tropical-cyclone-sean-lashes-western-australia" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



“The MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Terra satellite acquired this image at about 10 a.m. local time (02:00 Universal Time) on January 20, 2025. Later that afternoon, the cyclone had reached its peak strength as a Category 4 storm.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-tropical-cyclone-sean-nbsp">Impacts of Tropical Cyclone Sean&nbsp;</h2>



Despite not making landfall, Sean's proximity to the coast brought record-breaking <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainfall-is-increasingly-unpredictable-due-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rainfall</a> and strong winds to the Pilbara region. Karratha experienced its heaviest recorded daily rainfall of 10.8 inches in a 24-hour period. 



According to NASA, the storm flooded roads and homes, damaged power infrastructure, and prompted the closure of several ports.&nbsp;



“However, the storm also brought some relief from hot and humid conditions, according to news reports. Looking ahead, the abundant water could aid cattle station managers, allowing them to return their animals to grazing," noted NASA.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-australia-s-tropical-cyclone-season">Australia's tropical cyclone season</h2>



Australia's tropical cyclone season typically peaks from November to April, coinciding with the warmer months in the Southern Hemisphere. This period is characterized by increased atmospheric instability and warm <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humans-are-substantially-changing-the-seasons-of-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea surface temperatures</a> - both of which are essential for cyclone formation. 



The region includes the waters surrounding northern Australia, encompassing the Indian Ocean, Coral Sea, and the Timor Sea.



Cyclones during this season can vary in intensity, ranging from low-category systems that bring heavy rainfall and minor winds to severe storms with destructive winds, storm surges, and extensive flooding.&nbsp;



The northern regions of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland are most affected, with the Pilbara Coast being particularly vulnerable.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cyclone-impacts-in-australia-nbsp">Cyclone impacts in Australia&nbsp;</h2>



The impacts of these cyclones are diverse. Coastal areas often face significant storm surges, where sea levels rise and flood low-lying areas.&nbsp;



Cyclones can lead to widespread <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flooding</a>, particularly when systems move slowly or interact with other weather patterns. Wind damage to infrastructure, homes, and vegetation is also a common concern. 



Cyclones provide much-needed rainfall to some areas, replenishing water supplies and sustaining ecosystems, but they can also cause severe disruptions to communities and industries, such as agriculture and mining.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monitoring-cyclone-activity">Monitoring cyclone activity</h2>



Australia uses advanced monitoring and forecasting systems to track cyclones, issuing timely warnings through the Bureau of Meteorology. These systems are vital for mitigating risks and aiding in disaster preparedness.&nbsp;



Community awareness campaigns and evacuation plans further help to minimize the loss of life and property during cyclone events.



Climate patterns such as La Niña and El Niño also influence cyclone activity. La Niña years typically bring more frequent and intense cyclones due to warmer waters around northern Australia, while El Niño years may suppress cyclone development.&nbsp;



Australia's preparedness for cyclones is supported by resilient building codes, emergency management practices, and community education. However, the increasing complexity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cities-experience-more-rainfall-than-surrounding-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urbanization</a> and environmental challenges requires ongoing adaptation to reduce the vulnerability of affected regions.



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



Recent research suggests that climate change could alter the dynamics of cyclone activity, potentially increasing the intensity of these storms even as their overall frequency may decline. This trend is primarily attributed to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pacific-ocean-temperatures-highest-in-650-years-greatly-harming-coral-reefs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming of ocean waters</a>, which provides more energy to fuel cyclones. 



Warmer sea surface temperatures can lead to more moisture in the atmosphere, intensifying the rainfall associated with these storms and amplifying their destructive potential. In addition, higher ocean heat content can result in stronger wind speeds, making cyclones more severe and capable of causing extensive damage to coastal and inland areas.



Furthermore, shifts in atmospheric circulation patterns driven by climate change could influence the regions where cyclones form and make landfall. 



For example, some studies predict that the tropics may see a slight contraction, pushing cyclone activity closer to subtropical regions. This shift could expose new areas to significant storm risks, particularly those less equipped to handle such events.&nbsp;



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Tropical Cyclone Sean brings record rainfall to Australia 

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features a Copernicus Sentinel-2 photograph of Lake Maracaibo, located in the northwestern part of Venezuela. The lake is a significant geographical and ecological feature of South America. 



Lake Maracaibo is often considered more of a tidal bay due to its direct connection to the Caribbean Sea through the Tablazo Strait. It is one of the oldest lakes on Earth, formed approximately 36 million years ago.



"With an area of over 13,000 sq km, Lake Maracaibo is generally considered the largest lake in South America, although by some estimates it should be considered an inlet of the Caribbean Sea since much of its water is brought in by its direct connection to the ocean," explained <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"As a result, the water in the northern part of the lake is rather brackish, while the southern waters are fresh, owing to the many rivers that flow into the lake. The biggest, the Catatumbo River, can be seen entering the lake from southwest, where a large amount of sediment carried by the river appears as a yellowish plume."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-catatumbo-lightning">The Catatumbo lightning</h2>



The lake is renowned for a unique weather phenomenon - the Catatumbo lightning. This natural spectacle occurs primarily where the Catatumbo River meets the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-has-affected-almost-every-lake-in-north-america/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a>.



Known as the most persistent lightning storm in the world, it produces frequent and dramatic flashes of lightning, illuminating the night sky for an average of 260 nights per year.



These storms generate thousands of lightning strikes in a single night, making the region one of the most electrified places on the planet. 



The phenomenon is so intense that it has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the place with the highest <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lightning-on-earth-can-influence-the-weather-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lightning</a> activity.



Scientists believe the lightning is influenced by the area's geography and climate, including the warm air rising from the lake and its surrounding mountains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economical-significance-of-lake-maracaibo">Economical significance of Lake Maracaibo </h2>



Home to one of the world's largest oil and gas reserves, Lake Maracaibo plays an important role in Venezuela’s economy.



The discovery of petroleum in the early 20th century transformed the region into a major oil-producing area, leading to the establishment of numerous oil rigs and platforms. 



However, this economic activity has come at a cost. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/half-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-losing-their-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pollution</a> from oil spills, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff has significantly degraded the lake's ecosystem.



The appearance of a green, slimy algae known as Lemna has further exacerbated environmental concerns, threatening marine life and the livelihoods of local communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cultural-ties-to-lake-maracaibo">Cultural ties to Lake Maracaibo </h2>



The cultural significance of Lake Maracaibo is deeply rooted in the traditions and lifestyle of the Indigenous Añu people, who have inhabited its shores for centuries. The Añu, also known as Paraujano, are known for their distinctive stilt houses, called palafitos.



These wooden structures are built directly over the water, connected by walkways or small boats, allowing the Añu to live harmoniously with their aquatic environment. The architectural style of these stilt houses inspired the early Spanish explorers to nickname the region "The Venice of the Americas."



The Añu's way of life is closely tied to the lake. They rely on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-fishing-must-be-redefined-to-halt-ocean-destruction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing</a> as a primary source of food and income, using traditional methods passed down through generations.



For the Añu, the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-smoke-significantly-impacts-lake-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lake</a> is more than a resource - it is the spiritual and cultural foundation of their identity and daily lives. However, modernization and environmental challenges have disrupted this traditional lifestyle. 



The oil industry’s expansion around Lake Maracaibo has led to significant environmental degradation, which threaten the lake's biodiversity and the Añu’s primary sources of sustenance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lake-maracaibo-and-venezuelan-history">Lake Maracaibo and Venezuelan history</h2>



Lake Maracaibo also played a pivotal role in Venezuelan history, particularly during the Battle of Lake Maracaibo in 1823. 



This naval battle was a decisive conflict in Venezuela’s war for independence from Spain and marked one of the final military engagements of the South American liberation movements led by figures like Simón Bolívar.



Today, the lake represents a remarkable blend of natural beauty, industrial significance, and cultural heritage. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-conservation-efforts">Ongoing conservation efforts </h2>



The need to protect the extraordinary environment of Lake Maracaibo is widely acknowledged. Ongoing efforts aim to harmonize ecological conservation with economic development.



Efforts to preserve the Añu culture and the lake's ecosystem have been initiated by local and international organizations. These initiatives focus on promoting sustainable development, preserving Indigenous languages and traditions, and mitigating the environmental damage caused by industrial activities. 



Despite these challenges, the Añu have shown remarkable resilience, maintaining their cultural identity and advocating for their rights and the health of their ancestral lands.



Image Credit: ESA



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Lake Maracaibo: The lightning capital of the world

Antarctic 2013 Flight Lines. Map of the flight lines flown by IceBridge during the 2013 Antarctic campaign.The Antarctic Flight Line Maps or Flight Indexes are a collection of 1:250,000 scale topographic maps over Antarctica from the U.S. Antarctic Resource Center (USARC). The Antarctic topographic maps have original hand-drawn flight lines for aerial photographic missions.

The collection includes over 300 maps and charts that encompass approximately 6,000 flight lines that have been flown over Antarctica by the U.S. Navy since 1946. Flight line maps in digital format allow users to identify flight and frame numbers over their area of interest to facilitate the search for single frame images.
The Antarctic maps and charts were produced by the <a href="http://www.earth.com/news/united-states-global-waste/">United States</a> and member nations of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR). The majority of the maps are USGS Antarctica 1:250,000 Reconnaissance Series topographic maps compiled from U.S. Navy aerial photographs. These maps were prepared, edited, and published by the USGS in cooperation with the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Science_Foundation">National Science Foundation</a>. The collection of maps covers 93 regions across Antarctica with multiple versions for areas that have extensive aerial coverage. Therefore the coverage is shown by aerial imaging and Antarctic 2013 Flight Lines.

Credit: <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/antarctic-2013-flight-lines#.XEq1z9IzbIU">NASA</a> / Michael Studinger

Antarctic 2013 Flight Lines

Around 45 million years ago, during the Eocene Epoch, the Geiseltal region of present-day Germany was a vast, humid swamp that teemed with life. Ancient horses, early tapirs, giant tortoises, large land crocodiles, and countless birds flourished in this tropical paradise. 



Among these creatures roamed Diatryma, a massive, flightless bird that stood 4.6 feet (1.40 meters) tall.



With its robust frame and enormous beak, this prehistoric giant was once thought to be a fearsome predator. However, modern research has revealed a different story - Diatryma was likely a gentle herbivore.



This bird's legacy remained shrouded in mystery for decades, but a recent discovery by an international team of researchers has brought it back into the spotlight. 



Led by scientists from the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) and the Senckenberg Research Institute, the research team has analyzed a fully preserved Diatryma skull, making it only the second such specimen known in the world.



The findings, published in the journal&nbsp;Palaeontologia Electronica, highlight how museum collections continue to yield remarkable scientific revelations.



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



The newly examined Diatryma skull was not freshly excavated. Instead, it had been sitting unnoticed in the extensive Geiseltal Collection at <a href="https://www.uni-halle.de/?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLU</a> for decades. It was originally unearthed in the 1950s in a lignite mining area in Geiseltal, a site known for its rich <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/where-did-dinosaurs-come-from-missing-fossils-hold-the-secret/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil deposits</a>.



However, due to a misclassification, the fossil led a shadowy existence for years. It was mistakenly identified as a crocodile skull, a forgivable mix-up given the variety of prehistoric reptilian remains found in the region.



For years, the skull sat in storage, unrecognized for what it truly was. It wasn’t until Michael Stache rediscovered the fossil that its true significance came to light.



"The find was initially misidentified as a crocodile skull," noted Stache, who is a geological preparator at MLU's Central Repository of Natural Science Collections.



Upon closer examination, he realized the error and undertook the painstaking process of restoring and analyzing the specimen.



As Stache worked on the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-fossil-fills-crucial-gap-in-pterosaur-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil</a>, he noticed that another fragment in the collection seemed to belong to the same skull. By combining the two pieces, he successfully reconstructed what is now recognized as an almost entire preserved Diatryma skull.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-rare-and-remarkable-find">A rare and remarkable find</h2>



The rediscovery of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/grand-canyon-fossils-reveal-secrets-of-the-cambrian-explosion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossil</a> attracted the attention of Dr. Gerald Mayr, a researcher at the <a href="https://www.senckenberg.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Senckenberg Research Institute</a>. He examined the specimen closely and confirmed what few paleontologists ever expected to find - a nearly complete Diatryma skull.



Until this discovery, only one other fully preserved skull of this species was known to exist. It is housed at the <a href="https://www.amnh.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Museum of Natural History</a> in the United States.



"This shows, once again, that many of the most interesting discoveries in paleontology occur in museum collections. Just a few years ago, nobody would have thought that the Geiseltal Collection would contain such surprises," said Dr. Mayr.



The skull’s excellent state of preservation offers scientists a rare opportunity to study the anatomy of this ancient bird in greater detail than ever before.



The fossil is now part of the Geiseltal Collection, which consists of approximately 50,000 specimens. These fossils, considered a national heritage asset, provide an invaluable window into the ancient ecosystems of the Eocene. 



Even though the mining operations in Geiseltal ceased in 1993 and fossil excavations ended long ago, new discoveries continue to emerge from the collection, reshaping our understanding of prehistoric life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-gentle-giant-not-a-predator">A gentle giant, not a predator</h2>



For decades, scientists debated Diatryma’s place in the prehistoric food chain.



Early theories suggested that this towering bird was a predator that hunted small horses and other mammals in the swamps of Geiseltal. Its size and formidable beak led researchers to compare it to later, more aggressive species of giant flightless birds.



However, recent studies, including those based on the newly examined skull, have painted a very different picture. Diatryma was most likely a herbivore that used its massive beak to process tough plant material rather than to tear flesh.



Its anatomy suggests it was built for foraging rather than hunting, much like modern, large, plant-eating birds such as ostriches and emus.



"This research expands our understanding of the Eocene Epoch in the Geiseltal even though the excavations were completed long ago," said Stache. Scientists now believe that Diatryma lived alongside early mammals that fed on vegetation rather than preying on animals.



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



The Geiseltal region has long been a treasure trove for paleontologists. Once a mining area rich in lignite deposits, it also preserved an astonishing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-capture-a-turning-point-in-the-evolution-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diversity of prehistoric life</a>. 



Fossils from this region include everything from tiny insects to massive reptiles, providing an unparalleled glimpse into an ecosystem that thrived 45 million years ago.



Even though large-scale excavations in the area ended decades ago, the work of researchers at MLU and other institutions continues to uncover new findings. The rediscovery of the Diatryma skull proves that museum collections hold many secrets that are waiting to be revealed by keen-eyed scientists.



The Geiseltal Collection remains a hub of international research. Scientists from around the world visit MLU regularly to study its fossils, eager to expand the knowledge of life in the Eocene. 



Each fossil offers a new puzzle piece in the story of evolution, shedding light on how prehistoric species adapted and thrived in their environments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-diatryma-fossil">insights from Diatryma fossil</h2>



With only about 40 known Diatryma fossils in the Geiseltal Collection, researchers believe the bird was a relatively rare sight in the region.



"Diatryma was probably a rare guest in the Geiseltal. Otherwise, there would probably be more <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossil-reveals-how-plants-use-winged-seeds-to-expand-their-habitats/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fossils</a>," concluded Stache.



The rediscovery of its skull is not just a victory for paleontology but also a proof of the enduring value of museum collections. 



While excavation sites may eventually close, the knowledge they yield continues to evolve, driven by curiosity and scientific advancement.



Diatryma, once lost in the depths of a misidentified fossil collection, now stands as a symbol of how history can be rewritten with patience, research, and a touch of serendipity.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://palaeo-electronica.org/content/2024/5393-review-of-gastornithiformes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Palaeontologia Electronica</a>.



Image Credit: Uni Halle / Markus Scholz



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Rediscovered 45-million-year-old skull turns out to be a large extinct bird species

Around 45 million years ago, during the Eocene Epoch, the...

The small near-Earth asteroid 2024 PT5 has been creating a buzz among researchers. Discovered last year with the help of a NASA-funded telescope, it is only about 33 feet across and does not pose any threat to Earth.



Its orbit around the Sun is nearly in step with our planet, so it stays surprisingly close without actually circling Earth. This unusual path hints that it may have formed in our neighborhood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-signs-of-a-familiar-origin">Signs of a familiar origin</h2>



Scientists studying 2024 PT5 have new data pointing to the Moon as the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/its-official-earth-now-has-two-moons-captured-asteroid-2024-pt5/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">source of this rock</a>. They suspect it was knocked off the lunar surface after a powerful impact several thousand years ago.



This ejection event hurled it into a path around the Sun that keeps it near Earth. If confirmed, 2024 PT5 could offer rare information about the processes that shape the Moon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2024-pt5-matches-moon-rock">2024 PT5 matches Moon rock</h2>



"We had a general idea that this asteroid may have come from the Moon, but the smoking gun was when we found out that it was rich in silicate minerals, not the kind seen on asteroids but found in lunar rock samples” said <a href="https://lowell.edu/people/dr-teddy-kareta/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Teddy Kareta</a>, an astronomer at <a href="https://lowell.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lowell Observatory</a> in Arizona, who led the study.



Observatories in Arizona and Hawaiʻi captured how the asteroid reflects sunlight. The spectral readings told researchers it closely resembles actual lunar material rather than the typical signatures seen on asteroids.



Further clues emerged when experts at NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies (<a href="https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNEOS</a>) analyzed its orbit. They measured <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/solar-radiation-pressure" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">solar radiation pressure</a>, which is the slight push from sunlight.



Human-made debris tends to be relatively light and more affected by the pressure of sunlight. However, 2024 PT5 showed little movement, suggesting it is much denser.



“That 2024 PT5 doesn’t move this way indicates it is much denser than space debris,” said <a href="https://scienceandtechnology.jpl.nasa.gov/oscar-fuentes-mu%C3%B1oz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oscar Fuentes-Muñoz</a>, a NASA postdoctoral fellow at the <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jet Propulsion Laboratory</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nasa-confirms-it-s-not-space-junk">NASA confirms it’s not space junk</h2>



Experts have long seen leftover rocket boosters slip into near-Earth paths. In 2020, <a href="https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/earth-may-have-captured-a-1960s-era-rocket-booster" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">astronomers</a> realized a small object captured by Earth’s gravity for a few months was actually a 1960s-era rocket booster.



Such human-made relics are far lighter. The new findings for 2024 PT5 rule out that possibility. Thanks to precise tracking, scientists are confident that this object is natural and that its composition sets it apart from typical asteroids.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rare-asteroid-from-the-moon">Rare asteroid from the Moon</h2>



The asteroid 2024 PT5 joins an exclusive club of space rocks believed to have originated from the Moon. The only other confirmed example in near-Earth space is <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-021-00303-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">469219 Kamoʻoalewa</a>, which was first identified in 2016.



Like 2024 PT5, it orbits the Sun near Earth and appears to be lunar material ejected by an ancient impact. If scientists can identify the specific crater linked to these objects, they can learn more about how impacts shape the Moon’s surface.



Fragments floating in space might also include buried material that hasn’t been exposed to sunlight or cosmic radiation for long periods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2024-pt5-and-future-exploration">2024 PT5 and future exploration</h2>



Lunar missions have provided precious samples for laboratory study, but <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-pt5-mini-moon-say-goodbye-to-earths-second-moon-we-barely-got-to-know-you/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">space rocks</a> chipped off the Moon could add another dimension to our understanding.



One day, researchers might compare asteroid fragments with known lunar samples to spot subtle differences in how ejected material responds to the vacuum and radiation of deep space.



This would shed light on the processes that shaped the Moon and influenced Earth’s early environment.



There is hope that discoveries like 2024 PT5 will encourage specialists in different fields to work together. Collecting more data about this <a href="https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/sk/ourwork/topics/neos/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">near-Earth object</a>, and other, similar ones, may reveal details about the Moon’s hidden layers.



These tiny wanderers could even prove valuable to scientists seeking to understand cratering events that hammered the early solar system.



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



New observatories are coming online every year, many of them designed with high sensitivity to spot <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asteroids-found-in-the-main-belt-are-the-smallest-ever-detected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">small asteroids</a>. As they track faint objects, the odds of identifying more lunar fragments improve.



Each find adds a piece to the puzzle of how these rocks end up in near-Earth space. For now, 2024 PT5 is another sign that the Moon’s story keeps unfolding.



Researchers believe the lessons learned from this asteroid discovery will inspire new questions about how battered our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-large-asteroids-will-pass-near-earth-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mo</a>o<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-large-asteroids-will-pass-near-earth-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">n</a> really is, and how fragments keep drifting our way.



The study is published in <a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/ad9ea8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astrophysical Journal Letters</a>.



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Earth's recent mini-moon seems to be a lost fragment of our real Moon

The small near-Earth asteroid 2024 PT5 has been creating a...

In a move that has reignited global debate, President Donald Trump announced that the United States will withdraw from the Paris Agreement for a second time.



This decision, which follows Trump's initial withdrawal in 2017, marks a strong rejection of international climate cooperation. The announcement comes as the world experiences record-breaking temperatures and increasingly severe climate-related disasters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-renewed-push-for-fossil-fuels">A renewed push for fossil fuels</h2>



Alongside the withdrawal, <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/donald-j-trump/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump</a> declared a&nbsp;"national energy emergency"&nbsp;aimed at bolstering domestic oil and gas production. His administration plans to ramp up drilling operations, roll back emissions regulations, and curb incentives for electric vehicles.



During his inauguration speech, Trump blamed the economic challenges facing the country on excessive government spending and rising energy prices. He insisted that his administration would prioritize energy dominance over <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-experts-predict-global-warming-will-far-exceed-paris-goals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">environmental regulations</a>.



"The inflation crisis was caused by massive overspending and escalating energy prices, and that is why today I will also declare a national energy emergency. We will 'Drill, baby, drill!'"&nbsp;Trump declared.



This announcement signals a direct reversal of the Biden administration’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-confirmed-as-earths-hottest-year-in-recorded-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> policies, particularly the <a href="https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/inflation-reduction-act" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Inflation Reduction Act</a>, which directed billions toward clean energy tax credits. By dismantling vehicle emissions standards, Trump is also rolling back efforts to encourage a transition to electric cars. 



He referred to these regulations as an "electric vehicle mandate," framing them as a government overreach that threatened the auto industry.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-impact-of-trump-s-climate-decision">Global impact of Trump's climate decision</h2>



Under the Paris Agreement’s guidelines, a country cannot exit the <a href="https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accord</a> immediately.



Instead, a formal notice must be submitted to the United Nations, after which withdrawal takes approximately a year. Despite this delay, climate advocates warn that even the announcement of an exit could weaken global efforts to reduce fossil fuel reliance.



The withdrawal raises concerns that other countries may follow suit. Argentina, under libertarian President Javier Milei, has already signaled that it is&nbsp;"re-evaluating"&nbsp;its commitment to the accord. 



If major polluters like China and India decide to scale back their climate commitments, it could significantly derail international progress in reducing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-warming-is-accelerating-beyond-control-as-co2-levels-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emissions</a>.



However, despite Trump’s decision, climate leaders remain hopeful that the Paris Agreement will endure. <a href="https://europeanclimate.org/member/tubiana-laurence/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laurence Tubiana</a>, a key architect of the accord, emphasized that global efforts will persist regardless of U.S. participation.



"The US withdrawing from the Paris Agreement is unfortunate, but multilateral climate action has proven resilient and is stronger than any single country's politics and policies,"&nbsp;Tubiana said.



UN Climate Chief <a href="https://unfccc.int/about-us/the-executive-secretary" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Simon Steill</a> also reiterated that the "door remains open" for the United States to rejoin, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed confidence that individual U.S. states, cities, and businesses would continue advancing climate initiatives despite the federal government’s stance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmentalists-warn-of-consequences">Environmentalists warn of consequences</h2>



Trump’s announcement has been met with applause from the oil and gas industry, which has long favored deregulation and increased fossil fuel production. 



Energy executives see this as a return to what they call "American energy dominance," which prioritizes domestic energy extraction and reduces reliance on foreign imports.



Mike Sommers, president and CEO of the <a href="https://www.api.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Petroleum Institute</a>, welcomed the decision and expressed support for Trump’s policies.



"The US oil and natural gas industry stands ready to work with the new administration to deliver the commonsense energy solutions Americans voted for," said Sommers.



However, environmental organizations and climate activists have condemned Trump's move. Many argue that it represents a step backward in the fight against climate change and ignores the overwhelming scientific consensus on the dangers of continued fossil fuel reliance.



Athan Manuel, director of the <a href="https://www.sierraclub.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sierra Club</a>’s land protection program, criticized Trump’s focus on oil and gas production.



"This declaration is more proof that Trump doesn't seem to recognize the real world," Manuel said. He noted that the U.S. is already producing more oil and gas than any country in history, making further expansion unnecessary and environmentally harmful.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-climate-warnings">Urgent climate warnings</h2>



The decision to withdraw from the Paris Accord comes at a time when scientific warnings about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-is-expected-to-exceed-the-1-5c-warming-limit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> are becoming more urgent. 



Over the past two years, global average temperatures have&nbsp;surpassed the critical 1.5°C warming threshold&nbsp;for the first time, a milestone that scientists have long warned could lead to irreversible climate damage.



The United States has already felt the consequences of a warming planet. In 2024, Hurricane Helene became the second-deadliest storm to strike the mainland in over 50 years, leaving devastation across multiple states. Wildfires, fueled by rising temperatures and prolonged droughts, have ravaged California, with Los Angeles suffering some of the worst destruction in recent history.



Despite the overwhelming evidence linking fossil fuel use to climate disasters, Trump’s administration remains committed to expanding oil and gas production. 



Critics argue that this approach ignores the growing economic risks of climate change, including infrastructure damage, supply chain disruptions, and increased disaster recovery costs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trump-s-climate-policies">Trump’s climate policies</h2>



While Trump’s policies will likely slow the pace of U.S. emissions reductions, experts believe that long-term climate progress will continue.



Many states and cities have already committed to ambitious climate goals, and major corporations are investing heavily in renewable energy. These localized efforts may mitigate some of the damage caused by federal policy rollbacks.



Even during Trump’s first term, U.S. emissions declined in some areas due to market forces and state-led initiatives. The expansion of wind and solar energy has continued despite federal opposition, driven by declining costs and growing public demand for clean energy solutions.



Nonetheless, Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and declare an energy emergency represents a significant shift in U.S. climate policy.



It sets the stage for intense political battles over the future of environmental regulations and raises questions about the country’s role in global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-extremes-in-2024-what-have-we-learned/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate</a> leadership.



As climate change accelerates, the world will be watching closely to see whether the United States re-engages with international efforts or continues down a path of fossil fuel expansion. The stakes have never been higher, and the consequences of inaction are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.



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U.S. withdraws from the Paris treaty as Trump declares 'energy emergency'

In a move that has reignited global debate, President Donald...

A new study has recently found that we could have an unexpected ally in the fight against per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals” for their persistence in the environment: bacteria.&nbsp;



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.buffalo.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University at Buffalo</a> have identified a bacterial strain capable of breaking down and transforming some of the most stubborn PFAS, offering hope for addressing these pervasive pollutants.



The study shows that the bacterial strain Labrys portucalensis F11 (F11) can metabolize over 90% of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), one of the most persistent PFAS, within 100 days. 



The research also highlights F11’s ability to degrade other PFAS types and even some of the toxic byproducts generated during the degradation process.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-pfas-a-persistent-problem">Tackling PFAS: A persistent problem</h2>



PFAS have been widely used since the 1950s in products such as nonstick cookware, firefighting foam, and water-resistant clothing. These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-source-water-exceeds-safe-drinking-limits-of-pfas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemicals</a> are notoriously resistant to breakdown due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which make them a challenge for most natural processes.



“The bond between carbon and fluorine atoms in PFAS is very strong, so most microbes cannot use it as an energy source,” said Diana Aga, the senior author of the study and director of the UB RENEW Institute. “The F11 bacterial strain developed the ability to chop away the fluorine and eat the carbon.”



PFOS, a hazardous PFAS recently designated as such by the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. Environmental Protection Agency</a>, was the primary target of the study. Over the 100-day test period, F11 degraded 90% of PFOS, as well as 58% of 5:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid and 21% of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bacteria-with-remarkable-abilities">Bacteria with remarkable abilities</h2>



F11 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/bacteria-microbes-discovered-destroys-pfas-forever-chemicals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bacteria</a> were originally isolated from contaminated industrial soil in Portugal. This strain had previously shown promise in stripping fluorine from pharmaceutical contaminants but had never been tested on PFAS.&nbsp;



Researchers placed the bacteria in sealed flasks with no carbon source except PFAS and incubated the samples for periods ranging from 100 to 194 days.



The results were promising. Not only did F11 break down significant portions of the PFAS, but elevated fluoride ion levels in the samples confirmed that the bacteria had cleaved the carbon-fluorine bonds.



“Crucially, F11 was not only chopping PFOS into smaller pieces, but also removing the fluorine from those smaller pieces,” said study co-author Mindula Wijayahena, a PhD student in Aga’s lab.



Unlike many prior studies, this research accounted for the metabolites - smaller byproducts left behind after PFAS degradation. F11 demonstrated the ability to further degrade some of these metabolites, removing fluorine atoms and even reducing certain byproducts to undetectable levels.&nbsp;



However, the researchers noted that undetectable trace metabolites might still be present in minuscule quantities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-bacteria-use-chemicals">How bacteria use chemicals </h2>



Bacteria like F11 have adapted to survive in harsh, polluted environments by using <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nearly-100-million-americans-exposed-to-contaminated-drinking-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contaminants</a> as energy sources.



“If bacteria survive in a harsh, polluted environment, it’s probably because they have adapted to use surrounding chemical pollutants as a food source so they don’t starve,” Aga explained. “Through evolution, some bacteria can develop effective mechanisms to use chemical contaminants to help them grow.”



By stripping fluorine atoms from PFAS, F11 metabolizes the carbon for energy. This process represents a crucial step in breaking down these chemicals that otherwise persist in soil and water for decades or longer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-future-directions">Challenges and future directions</h2>



Despite its promising abilities, F11 currently requires long exposure times - 100 days for significant PFAS degradation - and was tested in an environment with no competing carbon sources.&nbsp;



The team plans to explore ways to speed up the process while balancing the availability of alternative food sources to keep F11 focused on PFAS.



“We need to give the F11 colonies enough food to grow, but not enough food that they lose the incentive to convert PFAS into a usable energy source,” Aga said.



Potential applications for F11 include bioaugmentation - introducing the bacteria into contaminated soil or <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-is-a-keystone-ecosystem-vital-for-our-planets-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groundwater</a> - or incorporating it into wastewater treatment systems. For example, the bacteria could be grown in activated sludge at treatment plants to accelerate PFAS removal.



“Bioaugmentation is a promising method that has not yet been explored for PFAS remediation in the environment,” Aga added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-path-toward-environmental-solutions">A path toward environmental solutions</h2>



While challenges remain, the discovery of F11’s PFAS-degrading capabilities marks a significant step toward addressing the environmental and health concerns posed by these chemicals.&nbsp;



The research team hopes their work will inspire further exploration into microbial solutions for PFAS remediation.



With innovative approaches like bioaugmentation and advancements in understanding how to optimize bacterial activity, F11 and similar strains could play a critical role in removing “forever chemicals” from the environment.&nbsp;



As Aga noted, breaking down PFAS into less harmful components is a critical first step in taking the “forever” out of “forever chemicals.”



The research is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.178348" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of the Total Environment</a>.



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Bacteria identified that can eat and digest forever chemicals and their byproducts

A new study has recently found that we could have...

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

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

The northern plains of Mars, marked by thousands of mounds and hills, hold significant evidence of the planet's watery past.&nbsp;



According to a recent study, the formations represent remnants of an ancient, water-altered landscape that has been almost entirely eroded. 



This region, roughly the size of the United Kingdom, provides critical insights into Mars' geological and climatic history.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mapping-mars-northern-plains">Mapping Mars' northern plains</h2>



Dr. Joseph McNeil, a researcher at <a href="https://www.nhm.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">London’s Natural History Museum</a> (NHM), and collaborators at <a href="https://www.open.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Open University</a> conducted a detailed analysis using high-resolution imagery and compositional data gathered by Mars orbiters.&nbsp;



The research was focused on mounds up to half a kilometer tall, which the experts identified as eroded remnants of ancient highlands. 



Over billions of years, these highlands receded by hundreds of kilometers, profoundly shaping the Martian terrain. This erosion delineates the planet’s low-lying northern hemisphere from its elevated southern hemisphere.



“These mounds are incredibly exciting because they preserve the complete history of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wave-ripples-discovered-mars-surface-indicate-liquid-water-present-4-billion-years-ago/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> in this region within accessible, continuous rocky outcrops,” McNeil said.&nbsp;



“They are a prime location for future missions aimed at uncovering whether Mars ever had an ocean and whether life could have existed there.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-layers-of-martian-history">Layers of Martian history</h2>



The study revealed that the mounds are composed of stratified layers of clay minerals. These layers were formed through prolonged interactions between water and rock, suggesting Mars once had a stable, wet environment.



The mounds’ geology presents three distinct eras. Older non-clay layers lie beneath the clay deposits and represent a pre-aqueous period in Martian history.



Clay mineral layers were formed by water-rock interactions over millions of years. These layers capture the history of Mars' wet conditions.



Younger non-clay layers overlie the clay deposits, marking a shift to a drier climate.



The clay layers' positioning between older and younger deposits underscores Mars' complex geological history and its transition from a wet to a more arid planet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-links-to-future-mars-missions">Links to future Mars missions</h2>



The findings also connect these mounds to Oxia Planum, a region of great interest due to its geological similarity and proximity.&nbsp;



The <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a>’s Rosalind Franklin rover, set to launch in 2028, will explore Oxia Planum for signs of past or present life. The study reinforces the significance of this region as a potential record of Mars' capacity to support <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/expanding-the-search-for-extraterrestrial-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">life</a>.



This connection between the northern mounds and Oxia Planum strengthens the case for these areas as critical targets for exploration. Insights gleaned here could reveal whether Mars had an ancient ocean and provide context for the planet’s shift to the dry, desolate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-captured-in-true-color-like-youve-never-seen-the-red-planet-before/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">conditions</a> we see today.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-model-for-earth-s-ancient-past">A model for Earth's ancient past</h2>



Mars' preserved geological record offers parallels to early Earth, a time before plate tectonics reshaped our planet’s surface.



“Mars is a model for what the early Earth might have looked like, as its lack of plate tectonics means that much of its ancient geology is still in place,” McNeil noted. “As more missions visit the red planet, the more we’ll be able to dig into our own planet’s history to work out how life began.”



The study aligns with the NHM’s Planetary Origins and Evolution research theme, which aims to explore the processes shaping Earth and its neighboring <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/six-planet-system-hd110067-discovered-that-moves-in-perfect-mathematical-harmony/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planetary systems</a>.&nbsp;



This research not only sheds light on Mars’ past but also offers broader implications for understanding planetary evolution and the origins of life in the solar system.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unraveling-the-mysteries-of-mars">Unraveling the mysteries of Mars</h2>



The discovery of water-rich mounds on Mars provides a unique window into the planet’s wetter, potentially life-supporting past. With future missions like the Rosalind Franklin rover on the horizon, the study serves as a crucial stepping stone in the quest to unravel Mars’ mysteries.



From the clay layers holding the secrets of ancient water to their implications for understanding Earth’s early environment, these findings emphasize the interconnectedness of planetary research.&nbsp;



As McNeil and his team continue to investigate, the mounds stand as a testament to Mars' dynamic history and its potential to unlock answers about the evolution of life.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-024-01634-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Geoscience</a>.&nbsp;



Image Credit: ESA/TGO/CaSSIS, NASA/JPL/MSSS/The Murray Lab



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Clay mounds and hills found on Mars tell us more about water on the Red Planet

The northern plains of Mars, marked by thousands of mounds...

When it comes to self-awareness in the animal kingdom, not all primates pass the test. A recent study conducted in the harsh wilderness of Namibia reveals that wild baboons, despite their remarkable intelligence, don't recognize themselves in mirrors.



Conducted in Namibia’s Tsaobis Nature Park, this research is the first controlled laser mark test in a wild setting, offering fresh insights into how non-hominid primates perceive themselves.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-self-recognition-in-animals">Self-recognition in animals</h2>



For over 50 years, scientists have been attempting to measure self-awareness in animals. One of the most widely used methods is the mirror self-recognition test, which involves marking an animal with a visible spot and observing whether it recognizes the mark as being on its own body. 



Animals that show clear signs of self-awareness will investigate the mark on their own body, demonstrating an understanding that the reflection in the mirror is not another animal but themselves.



“We define self-awareness as ‘the capacity to become the object of your own attention’ and we test this capacity by assessing an individual's ability to identify an image of themselves,” noted study author Dr. Alecia Carter from <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/anthropology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL Anthropology</a>.



While some <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-animal-will-replace-humans-as-earths-dominant-species-this-scientist-has-an-idea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>, such as great apes and dolphins, have passed the mirror test, researchers have long questioned whether monkeys share the same ability. The results from this new study suggest that they do not.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-baboons-and-their-fascination-with-mirrors">Baboons and their fascination with mirrors</h2>



The researchers observed 120 wild Chacma baboons in Tsaobis Nature Park over a six-month period between May and October 2021. 



Before testing for self-recognition, the baboons were given time to interact with mirrors. This step was essential because reflective surfaces are uncommon in their natural habitat, unlike in captivity, where primates may have more exposure to their own reflection.



During this exposure period, the baboons displayed curiosity and engaged with the mirrors as if they were a novel object. 



Some played with their reflections, while others attempted to look behind the mirror or interact with the “other” baboon they believed was present. However, despite this engagement, they did not show any signs of recognizing the reflection as their own image.



“The Chacma baboons we observed in Tsaobis Nature Park certainly enjoyed using the mirrors as a new toy. But throughout our study, they didn’t quite understand that the mirror’s reflection represented their own bodies and that the laser mark in the mirror image was, indeed, on themselves,” Dr. Carter explained.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-baboons-with-lasers-and-mirrors">Testing baboons with lasers and mirrors</h2>



To assess whether the baboons could recognize themselves in the mirror, researchers used a controlled laser mark test. 



A red or green laser was first shone on a visible part of their body, such as their hand or foot. The baboons consistently noticed the mark, reacting by touching or scratching the area, which indicated that they found the mark visually compelling and were aware of its presence on their body.



However, when the laser was shone on a part of their body they could not see directly, such as their ear or cheek, their reaction was entirely different. 



When positioned in front of a mirror, the baboons did not attempt to touch or investigate the mark they could only see in their reflection. This suggests that they did not recognize the reflection as themselves and instead perceived it as another animal or an unrelated visual stimulus.



“As the baboons didn’t touch the marks when viewed indirectly, this research confirms that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-monitoring-will-help-protect-endangered-spider-monkeys/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monkeys</a> don’t spontaneously recognize themselves in a mirror. But, given the monkeys quickly familiarized themselves with their mirror image, it also suggests that they don’t consider their reflection to be a stranger,” noted corresponding author Esa A. Ahmad.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-age-gender-and-color-preferences">Age, gender, and color preferences</h2>



The study also revealed interesting patterns in how the baboons interacted with the laser marks.



Younger baboons were more curious and engaged with the marks more frequently than older individuals. Males showed a greater interest in the marks compared to females, suggesting potential behavioral or social differences in how they perceive and react to visual stimuli.



Another surprising finding was the baboons’ preference for the color green over red. They were significantly more responsive to the green laser marks, a pattern that could be influenced by how their vision processes different wavelengths of light. 



By analyzing 361 laser experiments across 120 baboons, the researchers were able to establish a strong dataset supporting these observations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-animals-that-have-passed-the-mirror-test">Animals that have passed the mirror test</h2>



While the Chacma baboons in this study did not show signs of self-recognition, several other animals have demonstrated the ability to recognize themselves in a mirror. 



The mirror test, originally developed by psychologist Gordon Gallup in the 1970s, remains one of the key measures of self-awareness in animals.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/great-apes-will-suffer-through-frequent-and-extreme-climate-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great apes</a>, including chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans, and some gorillas, have repeatedly passed the mirror test. They are known to investigate marks on their own bodies when looking in a mirror, demonstrating an understanding that the reflection represents themselves.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humpback-whale-travels-farther-than-any-mammal-ever-recorded/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cetaceans</a>, such as bottlenose dolphins and orcas, have also displayed self-recognition. Studies have shown that dolphins use mirrors to inspect themselves, and they often engage in self-directed behaviors, such as sticking out their tongues or blowing bubbles, to observe their reflections.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/asian-elephants-perform-a-special-burial-ritual-for-their-calves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asian elephants</a> are another species that has passed the test. They have been observed touching marks on their own faces after seeing them in a mirror, suggesting they recognize the image as their own.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rebellious-birds-use-anti-bird-spikes-to-build-their-nests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eurasian magpies</a> were the first non-mammalian species to pass the mirror test. These intelligent birds have been shown to use mirrors to inspect their bodies, a behavior that was previously thought to be unique to mammals.



Cleaner wrasse, a type of fish, have also demonstrated behaviors that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fish-sizes-itself-up-in-a-mirror-before-going-into-combat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">suggest self-recognition</a>, though there is ongoing debate about whether their reactions truly indicate self-awareness or are simply a response to perceived social cues.



These findings suggest that self-awareness may not be exclusive to primates and could be more widespread in the animal kingdom than previously believed.



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



This study provides a new framework for measuring self-awareness in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/international-animal-rights-day-2024-honoring-animals-with-justice/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>. Unlike previous research, which often relied on captive individuals, this experiment took place in the baboons' natural habitat, allowing for more ecologically relevant findings.



“Anthropologists have been trying to measure self-awareness in animals for 50 years, but studies have lacked control conditions and focused on small numbers of animals raised in captivity. Our study is the first controlled laser mark test to be conducted in a wild setting, and we hope it will act as a framework for future visual self-recognition studies,” noted Dr. Carter. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-the-mirror-test-in-baboons">Beyond the mirror test in baboons</h2>



This study reinforces the idea that self-recognition is a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/penguins-may-have-a-degree-of-self-awareness/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complex trait</a> that varies across species. 



While some animals appear to have a higher degree of self-awareness, others - like monkeys - may not perceive themselves in the same way.



With ethical approval from the Namibian National Commission on Research Science and Technology and the Zoological Society of London Ethics Committee, this research paves the way for more studies into how wild animals perceive themselves and their surroundings. 



Future research may explore whether different testing methods or prolonged exposure to mirrors could alter how non-hominid primates interact with their reflections.



By continuing to investigate self-awareness in a variety of species, scientists can deepen our understanding of animal cognition, the evolution of consciousness, and the boundaries of self-perception in the natural world.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2024.1933" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences</a>.



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Baboons fail to recognize themselves in mirrors, unlike some animals

When it comes to self-awareness in the animal kingdom, not...

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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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

The calving front of Greenland’s Jakobshavn Glacier seen during an IceBridge survey flight in 2012.
Credit:<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/content/calving-front-of-jakobshavn-glacier-in-greenland#.XEqJPNIzbIU"> NASA</a> / Jefferson Beck

Calving Front of Jakobshavn Glacier in Greenland

Panoramic view of Thule Air Base, Greenland, on Mar. 10, 2014. Thule Air Base, or Thule Air Base/Pituffik Airport (IATA: THU, ICAO: BGTL), is the United States Air Force's northernmost base, located 1,207 km (750 mi) north of the Arctic Circle and 1,524 km (947 mi) from the North Pole on the northwest coast of the island of Greenland.
Thule Air Base is the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thule_Air_Base">US Armed</a> Forces' northernmost installation. Thule's arctic environment includes icebergs in North Star Bay, two islands (Saunders Island and Wolstenholme Island), a polar ice sheet, and Wolstenholme Fjord – the only place on Earth where four active glaciers join together.
Thule Air Base is home to the 21st Space Wing's global network of sensors providing missile warning, space surveillance and space control to North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and Air Force Space Command (AFSPC).
Thule Air Base is also home to the 821st Air Base Group and is responsible for air base support within the Thule Defense Area for the multinational population of "Team Thule". The base hosts the 12th Space Warning Squadron (12 SWS) which operates a Ballistic Missile Early Warning System (BMEWS) designed to detect and track ICBMs launched against<a href="http://www.earth.com/news/people-getting-tattoos-2000-years-ago/"> North America</a>. Thule is also host to Detachment 1 of the 23rd Space Operations Squadron, part

Credit:<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/panoramic-view-of-thule-air-base-greenland#.XEqGJdIzbIU"> NASA</a> / Christy Hansen