Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the spiral galaxy IC 5332, which is located over 29 million light-years away from Earth.



The galaxy spans approximately 66,000 light-years in diameter. This makes it notably smaller than our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-amount-of-dark-matter-may-be-missing-from-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, which is just over 100,000 light-years in diameter. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unprecedented-look-at-ic-5332">Unprecedented look at IC 5332</h2>



In a stunning photo release by NASA and ESA in 2022, the spiral galaxy IC 5332 was presented in an unprecedented level of detail. The images were captured by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-incredible-new-image-of-uranus/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a>.



This feat was made possible through the use of the Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI), which captures images in the mid-infrared spectrum.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unique-perspective-from-earth">Unique perspective from Earth</h2>



One of the most striking features of IC 5332, as revealed by these observations, is its almost perfect face-on orientation relative to Earth.&nbsp;



This unique perspective allows astronomers to clearly observe and admire the symmetrical arrangement of its spiral arms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-unveils-ic-5332-in-new-light">Webb unveils IC 5332 in new light</h2>



The clarity of these images represents a significant advancement over previous observations made by the Hubble Space Telescope, which imaged IC 5332 in ultraviolet and visible light.&nbsp;



While Hubble’s images revealed the galaxy’s symmetrical spiral arms, James Webb’s MIRI has unveiled these structures as a complex web of gas that emits infrared light at various temperatures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-miri-instrument-on-james-webb-nbsp">The MIRI instrument on James Webb&nbsp;</h2>



Capturing this range of infrared light is no simple task. It requires highly specialized instruments that must be maintained at extremely cold temperatures.&nbsp;



The MIRI instrument on the James Webb Space Telescope is specifically designed for this purpose and performs exceptionally well. Its capabilities allow astronomers to see aspects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-galaxies-that-are-too-old-to-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> that are otherwise hidden in other wavelengths.



The detailed images provided by MIRI offer more than just a visual spectacle; they provide valuable data about the composition and temperature of the gases that make up the spiral arms of IC 5332. 



This can help scientists understand the processes of star formation within the galaxy and how these processes compare to those in our own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stars-at-the-edge-of-our-milky-way-galaxy-travel-more-slowly/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-finds-hidden-features-of-the-universe-nbsp">Webb finds hidden features of the universe&nbsp;</h2>



The images of IC 5332 served as a critical test of the James Webb Space Telescope’s capabilities in observing the universe in infrared light. 



As astronomers continue to explore with Webb’s full suite of instruments, many more hidden features of the universe will be revealed.



The information provided by the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/webb-telescope-discovers-second-most-distant-galaxy-in-pandoras-cluster/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Webb Space Telescope</a> not only expands our understanding of the cosmos but also enhances our appreciation for the complex and beautiful structures that exist in our universe.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spiral-galaxies-like-ic-5332">Spiral galaxies like IC 5332</h2>



Spiral galaxies are some of the most visually striking objects in the universe, characterized by their rotating arms that extend from a central nucleus, giving them a distinct spiral appearance.&nbsp;



These galaxies are primarily made up of a flat, rotating disk containing stars, gas, and dust, and a central concentration of stars known as the bulge. These are often surrounded by a much fainter halo of stars, many of which reside in globular clusters.



Spiral galaxies differ from other galaxy types, such as elliptical and irregular galaxies, in their structure and content. 



The spiral arms are sites of ongoing star formation and are brighter than the rest of the disk because of the young, hot stars that are typically found there. The arms appear distinct because of their density waves, which compress the gas and dust, leading to star formation.



The rotation of the spiral arms also contributes to the galaxy's flat shape due to the centrifugal forces acting on the disk. The central bulge can vary in size and often contains older, red stars.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barred-spiral-galaxies-nbsp">Barred spiral galaxies&nbsp;</h2>



Some spiral galaxies have a bar-shaped structure that extends from the central bulge, making them barred spirals. This bar affects the motion of stars and gas within the galaxy and can influence star formation activity.



Spiral galaxies are an important focus of study because they contain a significant amount of visible matter and play a crucial role in understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies.&nbsp;



Their distinct features also make them particularly useful for studying the laws of physics under extreme conditions, such as high densities and velocities.



Image Credit: <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA, J. Lee and the PHANGS-JWST and PHANGS-HST Teams



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Spiral galaxy IC 5332: A complex web of gas and light

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

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the star-forming region NGC 604, which is located 2.73 million light-years away from Earth in the Triangulum Galaxy (M33). The image was captured by the James Webb Space Telescope.



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



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



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



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



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



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



NGC 604 is one of the largest known regions of ionized hydrogen, also known as an H II region. This nebula is significantly larger than the Orion Nebula, which is one of the most well-known H II regions in our own <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-amount-of-dark-matter-may-be-missing-from-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way galaxy</a>.&nbsp;



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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Young, massive stars in the Triangulum Galaxy

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features the Ruki River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It is a tributary of the Congo River, one of the largest rivers in the world by discharge and depth.&nbsp;



The Ruki River, previously known as the Busira, merges with the Momboyo River near the town of Basankusu to become the Lulonga River, which eventually flows into the Congo River at the town of Lisala.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dark-waters-of-the-ruki-river">Dark waters of the Ruki River</h2>



"If the appearance of the muddy Amazon River evokes a coffee cut with cream, the Ruki River, coursing gently through the Congo Basin, is like a dark tea," said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



"On its slow path through mostly untouched lowland rainforest in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the water leaches organic material from vegetation, prompting some researchers to think it is one of the darkest blackwater rivers on Earth."



According to NASA, scientists are finding that the dissolved material in this distinctive water offers clues about the carbon cycle of tropical forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-organic-compounds-in-the-ruki-river">Organic compounds in the Ruki River</h2>



In a recent study, researchers measured the chemical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warmer-rivers-keep-antimicrobial-resistant-genes-at-bay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">composition</a> and flow of the Ruki for the first time.&nbsp;



"The study reported that, as the water color suggests, the Ruki is rich in dissolved organic carbon compounds," said NASA.



"It contains four times as much organic carbon as the Congo River and 1.5 times as much as the Rio Negro, the world’s largest blackwater river and a major tributary of the Amazon."



Due to this heavy carbon load, the researchers concluded that tropical forests like those around the Ruki might not accumulate quite as much carbon as we once thought.



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



The river is vital for the livelihoods of local communities. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fishing-communities-cooperate-to-survive-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fishing</a> is a crucial activity, with many people depending on it for sustenance and income. The river also supports agriculture along its banks, where communities grow crops.



In many parts of the DRC, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rivers-are-warming-up-and-losing-oxygen-faster-than-oceans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rivers</a> like the Ruki are crucial transportation corridors due to the challenging and often nonexistent road infrastructure. 



The river enables the movement of people and goods, facilitating trade and access to markets, health care, and education.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildlife-of-the-ruki-river">Wildlife of the Ruki River </h2>



The region around the Ruki River is home to diverse wildlife. It is part of the Congo Basin, the second-largest tropical rainforest area in the world, which is a critical habitat for endangered species.



Among the most notable species are elephants and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-mean-chimpanzees-fare-better-in-life-than-nice-ones/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chimpanzees</a>, whose populations thrive in the surrounding forests. Other primates such as bonobos also live in this region, making it a critical area for primate conservation.



The river itself is home to various species of fish that are crucial to local livelihoods. Hippopotamuses and crocodiles are often found in the water.



Birds like kingfishers, herons, and egrets frequent the riverbanks - making it a haven for birdwatchers.



The Ruki River also supports several species of reptiles and amphibians - some of which are unique to the region.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-managing-the-river-s-resources">Managing the river's resources </h2>



The region faces several challenges, including <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-deforestation-directly-linked-to-atmospheric-mercury-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deforestation</a>, overfishing, and environmental degradation, which threaten its ecological balance and the livelihoods of people who depend on it. 



Efforts to manage and conserve the river's resources are vital for sustainable development.



Understanding and protecting the Ruki River and its surroundings are crucial for the DRC's environmental sustainability, economic development, and the well-being of its communities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-landscapes-of-the-drc">Landscapes of the DRC</h2>



The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) boasts some of the most diverse and breathtaking landscapes in Africa, reflecting its vast size and ecological richness. Dominated by the Congo Basin, the country is a haven for biodiversity.



Beyond its rainforests, the DRC's landscapes shift dramatically. In the east, the terrain rises into rugged mountains, including the Virunga and Rwenzori ranges, where snow-capped peaks like Mount Stanley pierce the sky. 



This region is also marked by active volcanoes such as Mount Nyiragongo, which harbors one of the world’s largest lava lakes, creating a dramatic and otherworldly spectacle.



To the south and west, the country transitions to expansive savannas with rolling grasslands and scattered trees. These areas contrast sharply with the lushness of the forests, providing vital habitats for species like lions and antelope. 



Rivers like the Ruki are a dominant feature, with the mighty Congo River coursing through the heart of the country. Its tributaries shape the lives of millions.



The image was captured by the OLI (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 8.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Ruki River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and STScI



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Hubble captures a stunning stellar nursery

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



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



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



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



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dragons-egg-nebula-is-a-truly-stunning-sight-to-behold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nebula</a> is powered by two central stars in a binary system. The brighter star is actually a less massive companion. The fainter, dimmer star is the dying, hot central star that has shed its outer layers to form the nebula. 



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



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



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



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



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-characteristics-of-the-southern-ring-nebula-nbsp">Key characteristics of the Southern Ring Nebula&nbsp;</h2>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI



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Southern Ring Nebula in the constellation Vela 

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features NGC 6744 - a large, barred spiral galaxy located approximately 30 million light-years away in the constellation Pavo.&nbsp;



The galaxy is often considered a close analog to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/uma3-u1-faintest-star-system-found-orbiting-milky-way-galaxy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a> due to its similar structure and size, spanning about 175,000 light-years across.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-euclid-space-mission-nbsp">Euclid space mission&nbsp;</h2>



The image was captured by the <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Euclid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Euclid</a> space telescope. NGC 6744 stands out as a prime example of the galaxies currently forming the majority of stars in the nearby universe, making it an ideal subject for study with the Euclid mission.&nbsp;



Euclid’s extensive field-of-view allows it to capture the entire galaxy, showcasing not only its large-scale spiral structure but also revealing intricate details on smaller scales across various wavelengths. These details include feather-like dust lanes, known as “spurs,” emerging from the spiral arms.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-6744">Star formation in NGC 6744</h2>



Euclid's observations enable scientists to count individual stars within NGC 6744, trace the distribution of stars and dust throughout the galaxy, and map the dust associated with the gas that fuels the development of new stars. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/baby-stars-release-sneezes-of-gas-and-dust-as-they-develop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Star formation</a> is a key process in the growth of galaxies, making these studies crucial for understanding galaxy evolution.



Researchers are utilizing Euclid’s data to explore the relationship between dust, gas, and star formation; to map the distribution of different stellar populations and identify regions of active star formation; and to investigate the underlying physics of spiral galaxy structures.&nbsp;



Spiral arms play a significant role in star formation by compressing gas, yet the precise mechanisms behind this process are still unclear. The presence of “spurs” along NGC 6744’s spiral arms offers valuable insights into the dynamics of star formation within these structures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-new-dwarf-galaxies-nbsp">Discovering new dwarf galaxies&nbsp;</h2>



Additionally, Euclid's dataset will help scientists identify clusters of old stars (globular clusters) and discover new dwarf galaxies around NGC 6744. Remarkably, Euclid has already identified a new dwarf satellite galaxy of NGC 6744 - a surprising discovery given that the galaxy has been studied extensively.



With Euclid’s detailed observations, scientists are gaining a deeper understanding of the processes shaping galaxies, providing essential clues to the evolution and appearance of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/universes-expansion-rate-hubble-tension-puzzles-astronomers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">universe</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-ngc-6744">More about NGC 6744</h2>



NGC 6744's disk is rich in star-forming regions and contains numerous young, bright blue stars. The galaxy's nucleus is slightly elongated and has a bar structure, which influences the motion of the stars and gas within it.&nbsp;



The spiral arms of NGC 6744 are well-defined and extend outward, wrapping around the central bar. Additionally, NGC 6744 has a smaller companion galaxy, NGC 6744A, which is interacting with it, adding to the complexity and interest of this distant system.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spiral-galaxies">Spiral galaxies</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-mesmerizing-beauty-of-spiral-galaxies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spiral galaxies</a> are one of the most common types of galaxies in the universe, characterized by their distinct, spiral-shaped structure.&nbsp;



The galaxies typically consist of a flat, rotating disk containing stars, gas, and dust, along with a central concentration of stars known as the bulge. This bulge is often surrounded by a halo of older stars.&nbsp;



The spiral arms, which extend from the central bulge, are regions of active star formation and are rich in young, hot stars, giving them a bright, bluish appearance.&nbsp;



These arms are also sites where interstellar gas and dust are concentrated, leading to the formation of new stars.&nbsp;



Spiral galaxies are classified into different types based on the tightness of their spirals and the size of their central bulge, with classifications ranging from tightly wound arms in Sa galaxies to more loosely wound arms in Sc galaxies. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/large-amount-of-dark-matter-may-be-missing-from-the-milky-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, our home galaxy, is a prime example of a spiral galaxy.



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



Pavo, which means "peacock" in Latin, is a constellation in the southern sky. It was named by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius in the late 16th century, based on observations made during the Dutch explorations of the southern hemisphere. 



Pavo is one of the 12 constellations created by Plancius from the records of explorers Pieter Dirkszoon Keyser and Frederick de Houtman. 



The constellation is known for its distinctive shape, resembling a peacock with a long, curved tail. Pavo is not visible from most of the northern hemisphere, but it can be seen from the southern hemisphere, particularly during the winter months.



The constellation contains several interesting celestial objects, including the star Peacock, also known as Alpha Pavonis, which is the brightest star in the constellation. This star is a blue-white subgiant located about 179 light-years from Earth.



Image Credit: <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA&nbsp;



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Spiral galaxy NGC 6744 in the constellation Pavo

Today’s Image of the Day comes thanks to the <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> and features a look at Great Exuma Island in the Bahamas.

Great Exuma Island measures roughly 37 miles in length, ending in a string of cays that stretch out roughly 9 miles west of the island.

This image was captured by an astronaut on board the International Space Station.

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Exuma is a district of the Bahamas, consisting of over 365 islands, also called cays.

The largest of the cays is Great Exuma, which is 37 mi (60 km) in length and joined to another island, Little Exuma, by a small bridge. The capital and largest town in the district is George Town (population 1,437). It was founded 1793 and located on Great Exuma.

Near the town, but on Little Exuma, the Tropic of Cancer runs across Pelican Beach lending it another name: Tropic of Cancer Beach. Its white sand and turquoise waters make it a world-famous destination. The entire island chain is 130 mi (209 km) long and 72 sq mi (187 km²) in area. Great Exuma island has an area of 61 sq mi (158 km²) while Little Exuma has an area of 11 sq mi (29 km²).

Between 2000 and 2010, the population of Exuma more than doubled, reflecting the construction of large and small resort properties and the related direct air traffic to Great Exuma from locations as distant as Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The population in 2010 was 6,928

-

By <a href="mailto:rarnold@earth.com">Rory Arnold</a>, <a href="http://earth.com/staff">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Source: <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=86651">NASA Earth Observatory</a>

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Great Exuma Island in the Bahamas

Black holes lie at the heart of an extraordinary cosmic event that is currently unfolding. With the help of NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, scientists have detected a peculiar phenomenon involving a pair of what they refer to as "monster" black holes.



"It’s a very weird event, called AT 2021hdr, that keeps recurring every few months," explained Lorena Hernández-García, an astrophysicist at the Millennium Institute of Astrophysics, the Millennium Nucleus on Transversal Research and Technology to Explore Supermassive Black Holes, and the University of Valparaíso in Chile.



This cosmic spectacle is believed to involve the two monstrous black holes engulfing an unsuspecting gas cloud. As these massive bodies orbit each other, their gravitational forces interact with the cloud, stirring and consuming its gas.



This process creates an oscillating pattern of light emissions that scientists have been observing for months during the dramatic and recurring cosmic performances.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dance-of-the-monster-black-holes">The dance of the monster black holes</h2>



The monster black holes reside deep within a galaxy known as 2MASX J21240027+3409114. This celestial neighborhood is nestled about 1 billion light-years away in the northern constellation Cygnus.



Trapped in their eternal celestial dance, the black holes are separated by around 16 billion miles, a distance close enough for light to travel between them within a day. 



These <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/monster-black-hole-is-spinning-in-the-nearby-galaxy-m87-study-confurms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cosmic giants</a> together have a mass 40 million times that of our own sun. The researchers have determined that these black holes complete a single orbit every 130 days.



Looking into the far future, by about 70,000 years to be precise, the scientists predict a grand finale when these twin behemoths finally collide and merge.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mysterious-recurring-outbursts">Mysterious recurring outbursts</h2>



The journey to uncovering AT 2021hdr began in March 2021, when the Caltech-led ZTF (Zwicky Transient Facility) at the Palomar Observatory in California identified it as an unusual source. 



The event was quickly flagged by ALeRCE (Automatic Learning for the Rapid Classification of Events), a collaborative team that integrates artificial intelligence with human analysis to sift through extensive survey data and highlight significant night sky phenomena for the astronomical community.



With initial ideas attributing the flare to a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernova</a>, the recurring nature of the outbursts prompted a shift in hypotheses. Since the first flare, the event has consistently produced outbursts, roughly every 60 to 90 days.



Study co-author Alejandra Muñoz-Arancibia is an ALeRCE team member and astrophysicist at the Millennium Institute of Astrophysics and the Center for Mathematical Modeling at the <a href="https://uchile.cl/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chile</a>.



“Although this flare was originally thought to be a supernova, outbursts in 2022 made us think of other explanations,” said Muñoz-Arancibia. “Each subsequent event has helped us refine our model of what’s going on in the system.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-monster-black-holes-devour-a-gas-cloud">Monster black holes devour a gas cloud</h2>



The researchers left no stone unturned in their quest to unravel this cosmic mystery. Their efforts rewarded them with a revelation: the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supermassive-binary-black-holes-secrets-revealed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">binary system</a> produces oscillations in ultraviolet and X-ray light on the same time scales as ZTF observes in the visible range.



Through a process of elimination, the experts first dismissed the possibility of regular activity in the galactic center being the cause. Next, they eliminated the chance of a star wandering too close to the black holes and being ripped apart. 



Eventually, the scientists settled on the theory of a gas cloud, much larger than the binary itself, meeting its fate at the hands of the twin black holes. As the cloud approached the black holes, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/theory-gravity-exists-without-mass-so-dark-matter-does-not-exist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gravity</a> tore it apart, forming filaments around the pair, and the ensuing friction started to heat it.



As the gas cloud got denser and hotter near the black holes, the complex interplay of forces spewed out some of the gas with each rotation - causing the fluctuations in light that Swift and ZTF have been observing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unveiling-the-grandeur-of-the-universe">Unveiling the grandeur of the universe </h2>



Looking ahead, the scientists plan to continue their observations of AT 2021hdr. They anticipate further insights into the system and aim to hone their models. 



In particular, the scientists are interested in studying the host galaxy of AT 2021hdr, which is currently merging with another nearby galaxy – a phenomenon that they were the first to report.



Reflecting on the mission, S. Bradley Cenko, Swift’s principal investigator at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, expresses his pride and awe at the discoveries that Swift continues to enable as it approaches its 20th anniversary. 



"There’s still so much it has left to teach us about our ever-changing cosmos," said Cenko.



Through this venture, NASA continues its commitment to unveiling the grandeur of our universe and deciphering its many mysteries. 



Its missions are an integral part of an expanding, global network that observes the sky unceasingly to unravel <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-dark-matter-does-not-exist-and-the-universe-is-27-billion-years-old/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">how the universe works</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202451305">Astronomy and Astrophysics.</a>



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Monster black holes are trapped in an eternal dance

Black holes lie at the heart of an extraordinary cosmic...

In our united struggle against the threat of global warming, progress appears stagnant. While Britain boldly abandons the era of fossil fuels, the world faces the relentless surge of CO2 emissions.



Indeed, Britain's closure of its last coal-burning power station marks a victory, but can it counterbalance the alarming prediction of 41.2 billion tons of CO2 that our atmosphere is expected to house by 2024?



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-co2-emissions">Global CO2 emissions</h2>



The recently held Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, allowed prominent leaders such as PM Keir Starmer to declare their commitment towards reducing greenhouse gases.



Concurrently, the conference highlighted the ominous worldwide forecast of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/met-office-2024-co2-levels-will-surpass-the-point-of-no-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a> emissions resultant of fossil fuel combustion.



Discussions at COP29 highlighted the urgency for countries to adopt stronger climate policies and phase out fossil fuels. However, global dependence on these energy sources persists, despite a growing transition to cleaner alternatives. 



The conference revealed a critical gap between current actions and the scale of changes needed to avoid the most severe impacts of climate change​​​​.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fossil-fuels-and-their-dirty-side">Fossil fuels and their "dirty" side</h2>



The trifecta of fossil fuels - coal, oil, and gas - take center stage in the carbon emissions debacle. 



Despite these fuels' role in quenching our insatiable energy appetite, the environmental repercussions are distressing. According to recent research, coal ranks as the main culprit, accounting for a 41% share, followed by oil (32%) and gas (21%).



The research study, lead by Pierre Friedlingstein alongside a 120-scientist team from Exeter's <a href="https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/institutes/gsi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Systems Institute</a>, yet again spotlights the "increasingly dramatic" <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-absorb-31-more-co2-than-previously-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects of global warming</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bird-s-eye-view-of-co2-emissions">Bird's eye view of CO2 emissions</h2>



The geographic distribution of carbon emissions is also concerning. China tops the emissions chart with 12 billion tonnes (13.2 billion U.S. tons) of CO2, which equals a hefty 32% of the global total.



The United States and India trail with contributions of 13% and 8%, respectively, and the EU contributes an additional 7%. This leaves about 38% of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atmospheric-co2-could-push-temperatures-much-higher-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emission</a> shares spread across various other nations.



While fossil fuels remain under scrutiny, another significant contributor to CO2 emissions is land use change, such as deforestation.



Predictions for 2024 suggest an added 4.2 billion tonnes (4.6 billion U.S. tons) of CO2 to our atmosphere from land use changes alone. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-renewable-energy-revolution">Renewable energy revolution</h2>



Despite the gloomy picture painted by these numbers, a ray of hope breaks through the clouds. An increasing shift towards renewable energy sources like solar, biomass, and geothermal, signals a potential for change. 



Britain's successful transition from coal sets a precedent, but will the world follow this lead?



With global CO2 emissions on the rise, innovation and technology offer critical weapons in our climate change battle. 



Carbon capture and storage (CCS) techniques, for example, could potentially cut industrial emissions by up to 90%.



Additionally, breakthroughs in smart grids and energy efficiency could aid in reducing global emissions further. These developments underscore the need for continued research and innovation in clean energy solutions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-education-and-policy-reform">Education and policy reform</h2>



The transition journey to a low-carbon future is multifaceted, demanding an equally diverse response. 



Education and policy reforms, combined with technological advancements, are the thrust propelling us towards a sustainable future. 



Knowledge dissemination can generate global awareness and help to create a new generation committed to sustainable living. Likewise, effective policy can trigger tangible changes in our energy consumption habits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-cuts-to-fossil-fuels">Rapid cuts to fossil fuels</h2>



Our progress to date is noteworthy, but we've got a long road ahead in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-co2-will-cause-rapid-climate-change-in-the-tropical-andes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon emissions</a> fight. A global embrace of renewable energy technologies is crucial to achieve the Paris Agreement goals. 



A plateau in emissions growth over the past decade shows modest progress compared to previous trends, but it is far from the deep reductions needed to meet the Paris Agreement goals. 



We need sharp, immediate reductions in fossil fuel usage to keep the global average temperature rise under 2°C, and ideally 1.5°C. With every passing second, the urgency to combat the dangers of CO2 emissions escalates.



Current projections indicate that warming will exceed the 1.5°C target within six years unless emissions are drastically reduced.



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Global CO2 emissions rise as nations tackle fossil fuel dependence

In our united struggle against the threat of global warming,...

Imagine Manhattan, chest-deep in plastic waste that reaches ten times the height of the Empire State Building. Seems like a harrowing depiction from a dystopian film, doesn't it? Well, without significant intervention, our world may bear witness to a similar scenario by 2050.



However, there's a glimmer of hope: a recent study details a four-fold policy that could help us avoid this catastrophe.



This study is the result of tireless efforts by researchers from two distinguished institutions: the <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Berkeley</a> and the <a href="https://www.ucsb.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Santa Barbara</a>.



The researchers explored potential approaches to combating the mounting plastic waste crisis, with a focus on limiting plastic-related greenhouse gases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tackling-the-plastic-pollution-crisis">Tackling the plastic pollution crisis</h2>



The study, titled “Pathways to reduce global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coca-cola-pepsi-among-top-contributors-to-plastic-waste/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic waste</a> mismanagement and greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” suggests that four policies can cut down mismanaged plastic waste by 91% and plastic-related greenhouse gases by a third.



This policy package includes mandates for new products to be made with 40% post-consumer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-resolutions-misconceptions-about-recycling-plastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recycled plastic</a>, caps on new plastic production at the 2020 level, substantial investments in plastic waste management, and the implementation of a small fee on plastic packaging. 



The findings suggest that, by implementing these proposed policies, the emissions cut would be equivalent to taking 300 million gasoline-powered vehicles off the road for a year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-agreement-to-end-plastic-pollution">Global agreement to end plastic pollution </h2>



The research comes on the eve of a global agreement to end plastic pollution that will be negotiated in Busan, Republic of Korea. 



“This is it. These upcoming negotiations in Busan are our one chance to come together as a planet and fix this problem,” said study co-author Dr. Douglas McCauley.



“One of the most exciting discoveries in this research is that it is actually possible to nearly end plastic pollution with this Treaty. I'm cautiously optimistic, but we can’t squander this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-solutions-to-end-the-plastic-crisis">Potential solutions to end the plastic crisis</h2>



Without intervention, annual <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-disease-found-in-seabirds-is-caused-by-plastic-consumption/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic consumption</a> could rise by 37% between 2020 and 2050, while plastic pollution could nearly double. 



This alarming forecast highlights the urgent need for collective, global action.



According to study co-author Dr. Roland Geyer, the research highlights the extent of the plastic problem, and identifies potential solutions.



“This study demonstrates how far we have come not just in quantifying the manifold problems surrounding plastics, but also in identifying and evaluating potential solutions. I am very proud of what our team was able to achieve in time for the final round of negotiations for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-plastics-treaty-tackles-the-pollution-problem-directly-at-the-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Global Plastics Treaty,</a>” said Dr. Geyer.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ambitious-negotiations-are-needed">Ambitious negotiations are needed</h2>



Study lead author Sam Pottinger invites negotiators to be ambitious, emphasizing the importance of data-informed decision making for the treaty.



Pottinger insists that negotiators should understand the progress they have made according to the best available science.



A major concern in the fight against plastic pollution is the disproportionate burden it places on countries in the Global South, making it a significant global environmental justice issue. 



The treaty could potentially establish financing mechanisms that drive necessary investment into waste management and recycling infrastructure in these regions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forecasting-future-plastic-production">Forecasting future plastic production </h2>



The team's research was enhanced by an AI-generated tool developed at the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory and Bren School of Environmental Science &amp; Management at UC Santa Barbara, and the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Center for Data Science &amp; Environment at UC Berkeley. 



The tool uses machine learning to forecast the future of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-production-increases-create-identical-plastic-pollution-increase/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic production</a>, pollution, and trade by combining information about population growth and economic trends.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-joining-together-to-take-action">Joining together to take action</h2>



Dr. Nivedita Biyani, a researcher at UC Santa Barbara, voices optimism for a sustainable future.



“This policy work shows that we can reach minimal mismanaged plastic waste if we can come together in action. This provides policymakers with a novel tool that isn’t prescriptive - they can combine various policies as they see fit," said Dr. Biyani.



"Going forward, I think a mechanism to gather data on plastic production and trade will be a key factor. We need supply chain transparency here."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adr3837" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science</a>.



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How can we combat the escalating plastic crisis?

Imagine Manhattan, chest-deep in plastic waste that reaches ten times...

In the face of a rapidly globalizing world, the ever-increasing numbers around one of the most prevalent metabolic disorders are alarming. By 2022, the rate of adults worldwide living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes had shockingly doubled compared to cases in 1990 - reaching a daunting 800 million.



An analysis from The Lancet reveals that about 445 million adults are currently living with diabetes that has not been adequately treated. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-increasing-rate-of-diabetes">Increasing rate of diabetes</h2>



The data presents a startling revelation - India bears the brunt of this health crisis, hosting over a fourth of the world’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/type-2-diabetes-heightens-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diabetic adults</a>.



A total of 212 million individuals, trailed by China's 148 million, are combating diabetes across India. This escalating issue is also prevalent in the United States, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Brazil.



Although this study did not distinguish between type 1 and type 2 diabetes in adults, it's widely accepted that the majority of these cases are attributed to type 2 diabetes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inequalities-in-healthcare">Inequalities in healthcare</h2>



Professor Majid Ezzati of Imperial College London expressed serious concerns about global inequalities in diabetes treatment.



"Our study highlights widening global inequalities in diabetes, with treatment rates stagnating in many low- and middle-income countries where numbers of adults with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/diabetes-drugs-may-protect-against-dementia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diabetes</a> are drastically increasing," noted Ezzati.



"This is especially concerning as people with diabetes tend to be younger in low-income countries and, in the absence of effective treatment, are at risk of life-long complications - including amputation, heart disease, kidney damage or vision loss - or in some cases, premature death."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diabetes-rates-an-upward-spiral">Diabetes rates: An upward spiral</h2>



Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration and the World Health Organization, we now have a comprehensive analysis of global diabetes rates and treatment. 



This study, which included data from over 140 million individuals aged 18 years and older from various countries, has revealed deeply unsettling truths.



The numbers are a bitter pill to swallow. Since 1990, diabetes rates have doubled for both men and women (rising from 6.8% to 14.3% and from 6.9% to 13.9%, respectively). 



This translates to around 828 million adults living with diabetes in 2022 - a drastic increase from nearly 198 million in 1990.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disparities-across-the-globe">Disparities across the globe</h2>



Not all nations are equal when it comes to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deadly-snail-venom-possible-key-to-improving-diabetes-medicine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diabetes</a> rates. Between 1990 and 2022, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) saw the biggest increases. 



In contrast, several high-income countries, such as Japan, Canada, and parts of Western Europe, observed no change or only minor decreases in diabetes rates.



In 2022, the prevalence of diabetes was particularly high in the Pacific island nations, the Caribbean, Middle East and North Africa, Pakistan, and Malaysia. On a brighter note, Western Europe, East Africa, Japan, and Canada reported the lowest rates.



Obesity and poor diets have largely fueled the surge in Type 2 diabetes. Areas where obesity is prevalent, or has dramatically increased, faced higher diabetes rates between 1990 to 2022.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-global-diabetes-rate">Addressing the global diabetes rate</h2>



Dr. Ranjit Mohan Anjana, an expert at the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation in India, emphasized the need for diabetes prevention through healthier diets, exercise, and strong health policies, specifically in economically disadvantaged regions.



As of 2022, three out of five adults aged 30 years and older with diabetes - and total of 445 million individuals - did not receive adequate medication. The discrepancy in treatment coverage among nations is striking, with Belgium maintaining the highest rates.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coverage-for-diabetes-treatment">Coverage for diabetes treatment </h2>



Despite the swelling diabetic populations, the coverage for diabetes treatment in many LMICs remains low. It’s troubling to note that over 90% of people were untreated in 1990, a figure that has not changed substantially even in 2022.



“Our findings suggest there is an increasing share of people with diabetes, especially with untreated diabetes, living in low- and middle-income countries," said Professor Jean Claude Mbanya, <a href="https://uy1.uninet.cm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Yaoundé 1</a>, Cameroon. 



"In 2022, only 5-10% of adults with diabetes in some sub-Saharan Africa countries received treatment for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insufficient-sleep-increases-diabetes-risk-in-women/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diabetes</a>, leaving a huge number at risk of the serious health complications.” 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)02317-1/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lancet</a>.



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Global diabetes rate has doubled, reaching over 800 million

In the face of a rapidly globalizing world, the ever-increasing...

Researchers recently provided the first experimental evidence that hints at a trigger for social learning in the wild, particularly in birds.



Their study of great tits (Parus major) led to the discovery that immigration can make birds pay close attention to their peers' activities, which leads to the swift adoption of useful behaviors. 



Interestingly, it is a long-assumed theory that immigration is a fundamental factor that boosts strategic social learning in birds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pioneers-of-social-learning">Pioneers of social learning</h2>



A lot of animals learn from one another, especially in the wild. A new study has now focused on social learning in a specific bird species, the great tit.



These birds gained fame in the 1920s when they began to open foil milk bottle lids to feed on the cream inside them.



People across Europe started to find their milk bottles raided by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-birds-commit-to-caring-for-young-males-abandon-family-life/">bird</a><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/female-birds-commit-to-caring-for-young-males-abandon-family-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">s</a>, a behavior that spread rapidly and led scientists to speculate that these birds were learning from each other.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-secret-of-bird-learning">Secret of bird learning</h2>



Research in 2015 by Lucy Aplin, then at the <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oxford</a>, addressed this speculation in an experiment on a population of great tits in an English forest.



The results revealed that these birds learned how to free food from a puzzle box by mimicking others. This supported the theory that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/birds-have-regional-accents-just-like-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">birds</a> were probably passing on this thieving behavior to the rest of their flock.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-logic-behind-social-learning-in-birds">Logic behind social learning in birds</h2>



"Paying attention to what others are doing gives you the chance to see whether a new behavior is beneficial, or potentially dangerous. Copying it means that you too can reap the reward," explained study lead author and postdoctoral researcher Michael Chimento, who worked with Aplin's team.



This notion fits well into the framework of survival instincts present in wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/translocated-birds-can-learn-the-local-songs-to-survive/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>, where learning and adopting advantageous behaviors could spell the difference between life and death.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-catalyst-of-learning-in-the-wild">Catalyst of learning in the wild</h2>



Chimento and Aplin wanted to identify a specific trigger or component that could propel social learning. Theoretical models suggested that animals should change their social learning strategy when faced with new environments. 



Essentially, an animal in a new habitat may be more inclined to learn from others. However, this theory had not been experimentally tested in non-human animals until the current study.



The team formulated an experiment, using an automated puzzle box system, to test this hypothesis. They first created experimental social groups of wild-caught great tits.



Each group had a tutor bird that was trained to access food from a puzzle box by pushing the door either left or right.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immigrant-birds-adapt-to-new-methods">Immigrant birds adapt to new methods</h2>



The scientists also simulated an immigration event. Birds trained to push right were transferred to aviaries where resident birds were using the left-hand solution, and vice versa. 



Most "immigrant" birds switched their method immediately. They adopted the resident solution on their first try, suggesting social learning was at play.



Interestingly, these immigrant birds were not only moved to a location where residents were getting better food; their visual environment was also dramatically altered. 



The scientists changed the foliage in the experimental aviaries, which proved to be a game-changer for learning. Immigrant birds moved to locations where the vegetation was not changed were much slower to learn the behaviors of the local birds. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-survival-strategy">Critical survival strategy</h2>



This fascinating study provides the first experimental evidence showing the powerful impact of immigration on how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tiny-bird-sheds-light-on-the-evolution-of-vocal-learning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals learn</a> from one another.



In nature, animals are frequently moving from one environment to another, so it is advantageous to have a strategy for discerning useful and maladaptive behaviors in new places.



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



The implications of this research extend beyond avian social learning and touch upon ecosystem dynamics as a whole. 



When animals, such as great tits, migrate and adapt quickly to new surroundings by learning from resident species, it affects the composition and interaction patterns within ecosystems.



This behavior supports biodiversity and enhances the resilience of ecosystems by enabling a variety of species to coexist, despite changes in environmental conditions or the introduction of new species.



Understanding these dynamics can inform conservation strategies, and highlight the role of social learning in ecosystems that are facing climate change and habitat destruction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social-learning-and-human-parallels">Social learning and human parallels</h2>



Remarkably, the patterns of social learning observed in birds find parallels in human behavior, particularly in how knowledge and cultural practices are spread across communities. 



Like the great tits, humans often adapt to new environments by observing and mimicking the behaviors of others. This capability has been crucial in our evolution, allowing communities to adapt rapidly and thrive in diverse and changing environments.



The study of social learning in birds, therefore, offers valuable insights into the evolutionary mechanisms that have shaped not only avian species but also human society. Such studies illustrate the interconnectedness of all life and the shared strategies that underpin survival and adaptation.



Our understanding of social learning in animals can contribute significantly to preserving biodiversity and ensuring species survival. 



With such experimental evidence, we can better understand the coping mechanisms and adaptive behaviors animals employ in their constantly changing environments.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.3002699" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PLOS Biology</a>.



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Immigrant birds learn useful behaviors from their neighbors

Researchers recently provided the first experimental evidence that hints at...

If you found the weather last month to be unusually mild, you were not alone in your observation. Climate scientists have warned that the globe is on track to overturn a big climate record due to the temperature of the second-hottest October ever recorded.



The excessive heat affected ecosystems, intensified weather events, and highlighted the urgency for climate action at international forums like COP29



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-october-tipping-the-temperature-scales">October tipping the temperature scales</h2>



The worldwide mean temperature for October was a toasty 59.58°F (15.32°C), as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).



This temperature puts October 2024 just a fraction cooler, at 0.09°F (0.05°C), than the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/2024-is-likely-the-hottest-year-in-recorded-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">record-breaking</a> October of the previous year.



Shockingly, last month's temperature was an unsettling 2.38°F (1.32°C) above the 20th-century average of 57.2°F (14.0°C).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-driving-this-change">What's driving this change?</h2>



Taking a deep dive into the factors behind this temperature "anomaly," experts point towards human-caused greenhouse gas emissions as the prime suspect.



The UK Met office has voiced that British <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/september-2024-was-the-second-hottest-month-ever-recorded/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a> last month were notably above average, although this newly released data addresses the global average.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-headed-for-a-new-record">Headed for a new record</h2>



NOAA is predicting that 2024 will almost certainly become Earth's warmest year on record, surpassing the title currently held by 2023.



The U.S. agency leans on temperature sensors stationed around the world, fixed on floating buoys and satellites, to gather its data. <a href="https://www.noaa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NOAA'</a>s findings resonate with those published by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), the EU's weather and climate program.



Although C3S's global average was slightly lower at 59.45°F (15.25°C), the agency has echoed the prediction that 2024 is on track to set a new record as the planet's hottest year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-highs-in-october">Temperature highs in October</h2>



NOAA recently announced that an astonishing 12% of the world's surface experienced a record-high temperature during October.



This widespread heat anomaly highlights the intensifying effects of global warming, exacerbated by El Niño and ongoing human-driven climate changes.



Global temperatures were mostly above average, barring a few regions like Greenland, parts of Africa and central Asia, and much of eastern Antarctica.



North America recorded its warmest October, while South America and Oceania claimed the second warmest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smallest-sea-ice-extent-on-record">Smallest sea ice extent on record</h2>



A troubling record set in October concerns the extent of sea ice (frozen seawater) covering the globe. Its disappearance is associated with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-records-shatter-2024-set-to-be-hottest-year-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a> and could potentially threaten habitats for penguins, seals, and other Antarctic life.



A decrease in sea ice also boosts the rise in global sea levels, a growing worry for coastal cities prone to flooding.



October's global sea ice extent was the smallest in a 46-year record, coming in 1.25 million square miles below the average for the period from 1991 to 2020.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-disasters-an-unintended-side-effect">Natural disasters: An unintended side effect?</h2>



NOAA connects rising October temperatures to severe weather events globally, exemplified by Hurricane Milton, which tragically took 35 lives across the US and Mexico. 



As the climate warms, air can hold more water vapor, leading to intensified rainfall during storms. This increased moisture results in more severe damage, affecting communities and infrastructure alike. 



The interplay between higher temperatures and extreme weather highlights the urgent need for climate action to mitigate these impacts. Understanding this relationship is crucial for preparedness and resilience in facing future natural disasters caused by climate change.



The Atlantic basin experienced five tropical cyclones throughout October, including Hurricane Milton, which peaked at Category 5 and made landfall just south of Tampa Bay.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-human-caused-climate-change">Impacts of human-caused climate change </h2>



In 2016, the Paris Agreement was signed by 195 countries, pledging to keep global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scorching-summer-of-2024-could-make-it-the-hottest-year-on-record/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature</a> increases below 1.5°C. The goal is to mitigate the impacts of human-caused climate change and prevent irreparable environmental damage.



However, C3S now forecasts that 2024 is almost certain to hit a fever pitch of 1.55°C above the pre-industrial average.



Given these reports, it's clear we are on a precipice. Are we doing enough? Are we too late? 



Mike Childs, head of science, policy, and research at Friends of the Earth, noted that "the time for world leaders to dither and delay is long gone."



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October 2024 recorded the second-highest global temperature ever

If you found the weather last month to be unusually...

Every day, we share our cities with an array of wildlife. From birds and insects to squirrels and raccoons, these creatures navigate the concrete jungles alongside us. 



But in Los Angeles, a global city of over 18 million people, there's another species sharing the living space - the elusive mountain lion. 



A recent study from the University of California (UC), Davis, Cal Poly Pomona, and the National Park Service highlights an intriguing aspect of urban wildlife. 



The researchers found that mountain lions of Los Angeles are shifting their activities, avoiding typically human-frequented spaces to maintain a safe distance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changing-habits-of-mountain-lions">Changing habits of mountain lions</h2>



As urban centers grow, wildlife is increasingly adapting to human proximity. The study revealed that mountain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honoring-the-king-of-the-jungle-on-world-lion-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lions</a> in areas with higher levels of human recreation were more nocturnal than their counterparts in secluded regions.



The cats in more remote places preferred being more active during dawn and dusk, showing a stark contrast in their activity patterns.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-flexibility-in-mountain-lion-activity">Flexibility in mountain lion activity</h2>



Ellie Bolas is Ph.D. candidate in the <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ucdavis.edu%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Davis</a> Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology and the study's lead author.



"This flexibility we see in mountain lion activity is what allows us to share these natural areas together. Mountain lions are doing the work so that coexistence can happen," said Bolas.



From 2011 to 2018, the research team monitored 22 mountain lions living in the Santa Monica Mountains and the surrounding region. 



These mountain lions, captured and fitted with GPS and accelerometer collars, provided crucial data that was analyzed alongside a global database of GPS-tracked human activities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-impact-on-mountain-lions">Human impact on mountain lions</h2>



"The study shows how humans may be affecting wildlife in less obvious ways than killing them with vehicles," noted Seth Riley, branch chief for wildlife at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.



According to Riley, it is remarkable that a large felid predator still persists in one of the world's largest urban areas.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mountain-lions-responding-to-humans">Mountain lions responding to humans</h2>



In the most active recreational area, Griffith Park, mountain lions acted differently compared to those in the lesser active Santa Susana Mountains and Los Padres National Forest. 



Generally, female lions were more active closer to sunrise and during daylight hours, likely to strategically avoid male lions who posed threats to them and their kittens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nocturnal-mountain-lions">Nocturnal mountain lions</h2>



Two male mountain lions living in small, isolated natural areas with many trails and high levels of human recreation were found to be the most nocturnal. 



Both of these cats occupied two of the smallest home ranges ever recorded for male adult lions. P41, the study's most nocturnal lion, lived in the Verdugo Mountains, a small range spanning several cities.



P22, known as the "Hollywood Cat," preferred to keep a low profile despite the fame he earned after crossing two busy freeways to find a home in active Griffith Park. He was the second most nocturnal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/steller-sea-lions-threatened-by-rising-mercury-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lion</a> in the study.



P22's story demonstrates how, when faced with increased human activity, mountain lions actively avoid human contact.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-humans-can-help-these-big-cats">How humans can help these big cats</h2>



While mountain lions show remarkable adaptability, coexistence isn't a one-way street. We can contribute by understanding that dawn or dusk is prime time for mountain lion activity, and by being extra cautious when driving at night.



Urban areas pose various challenges for mountain lions, including busy roadways, wildfires, rodenticide exposure, low genetic diversity, and fragmented habitats.



"Even something as innocuous as recreation can add to these other stressors, potentially altering the amount of energy they have to expend for hunting and other needs," said Bolas.



"Coexistence is happening, and it’s in large part because of what mountain lions are doing."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-peaceful-human-wildlife-coexistence">Peaceful human-wildlife coexistence </h2>



In the quest for peaceful human-wildlife <a href="https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.earth.com%2Fnews%2Fhuman-wildlife-overlap-is-rapidly-rising-across-the-globe%2F&amp;utm_campaign=aga&amp;utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coexistence</a>, this research offers a ray of hope. It's impressive how mountain lions, magnificent creatures who are integral to the ecosystem, are making changes to their behavior for a shared existence with humans.



Their adaptation serves as a gentle reminder of the resilience of nature and the potential for coexistence if both humans and wildlife are willing to adjust.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320724003744?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biological Conservation</a>.



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Mountain lions cleverly change their habits to avoid humans

Every day, we share our cities with an array of...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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

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



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



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



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: European Space Agency&nbsp;



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



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Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois



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



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

Designing crops that can beat the heat

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

Today’s Image of the Day comes thanks to the <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> and features a look at the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea.
Hispaniola is home to two separate nations: the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It is the 2nd largest island in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/tropical-storm-earl-forms-in-caribbean-sea/">Caribbean</a> and 22nd largest island in the world, spanning 29,418 square miles. It is located just 50 miles southeast of Cuba.<ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display: block; text-align: center;" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-client="ca-pub-2900029420000674" data-ad-slot="3505321548"></ins>
The island also marks the very first permanent European seement in the Americas after Christopher Columbus landed in 1492.
Hispaniola Española; <a class="mw-redirect" title="Latin language" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin_language">Latin</a> and <a title="French language" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_language">French</a>: Hispaniola; <a class="mw-redirect" title="Haitian Creole language" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haitian_Creole_language">Haitian Creole</a>: Ispayola; <a class="mw-redirect" title="Taino language" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taino_language">Taino</a>: Ayiti)  is an island in the <a title="Caribbean" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caribbean">Caribbean</a> <a title="Archipelago" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archipelago">archipelago</a> which is known as the <a title="Greater Antilles" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Antilles">Greater Antilles</a>. It is the most populous island in the West Indies and the region&#8217;s second largest after <a title="Cuba" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba">Cuba</a>.
The 76,192-square-kilometre (29,418 sq mi) island is <a title="Dominican Republic–Haiti border" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominican_Republic%E2%80%93Haiti_border">divided</a> into two separate, sovereign nations: the Spanish-speaking <a title="Dominican Republic" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominican_Republic">Dominican Republic</a> (48,445 km2, 18,705 sq mi) to the east and French / Haitian <a title="Creole language" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creole_language">Creole</a>-speaking <a title="Haiti" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haiti">Haiti</a> (27,750 km2, 10,710 sq mi) to the west. The only other shared island in the Caribbean is <a title="Saint Martin (island)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Martin_(island)">Saint Martin</a>, which is shared between France (<a title="Collectivity of Saint Martin" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collectivity_of_Saint_Martin">Saint Martin</a>) and the Netherlands (<a title="Sint Maarten" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sint_Maarten">Sint Maarten</a>).
Hispaniola is the site of the first European settlement in the Americas, <a title="La Navidad" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Navidad">La Navidad</a> (1492–1493), as well as the first proper town, <a title="La Isabela" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Isabela">La Isabela</a> (1493–1500), and the first permanent settlement and current capital of the Dominican Republic, <a title="Santo Domingo" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santo_Domingo">Santo Domingo</a> (est. 1498). These settlements were founded successively in each of <a title="Christopher Columbus" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Columbus">Christopher Columbus</a>&#8216; <a title="Voyages of Christopher Columbus" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voyages_of_Christopher_Columbus">first three voyages</a>.
This image was captured by an astronaut on board the International Space Station.
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By <a href="mailto:rarnold@earth.com">Rory Arnold</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer
Source: <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=84165">NASA Earth Observatory</a>
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Hispaniola and the Caribbean Sea

Today’s Image of the Day comes thanks to the <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> and features a look at the Rocky Mountain Trench.

The Rocky Mountain Trench, also known as The Valley of a Thousand Peaks, stretches from Flathead Lake in Montana to the Liard River just south of British Columbia, Canada, spanning a total of 1,000 miles.<ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display: block; text-align: center;" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-client="ca-pub-2900029420000674" data-ad-slot="3505321548"></ins>

The trench separates the <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/the-canadian-rockies/">Canadian Rockies</a> on the east and the Columbia Mountains on the west. It has a width that varies from 2 to 10 miles.

The Rocky Mountain Trench, also known as the Valley of a Thousand Peaks or simply the Trench, is a large <a title="Valley" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valley">valley</a> on the western side of the northern part of North America's <a title="Rocky Mountains" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Mountains">Rocky Mountains</a>. The Trench is both visually and <a title="Cartography" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartography">cartographically</a> a striking physiographic feature extending approximately 1,600 km (1,000 mi) from Flathead Lake, Montana to the <a title="Liard River" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liard_River">Liard River</a>, just south of the <a title="British Columbia" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Columbia">British Columbia</a>–<a title="Yukon" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yukon">Yukon</a> border near Watson Lake, Yukon. The trench bottom is 3–16 km (1.9–9.9 mi) wide and is 600–900 m (2,000–3,000 ft) above sea level. The general orientation of the Trench is an almost straight 150/330° geographic north vector and has become convenient as a visual guide for <a class="mw-redirect" title="Aviators" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aviators">aviators</a> heading north or south.

Although some of its <a title="Topography" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topography">topography</a> has been carved into U-shaped glacial valleys, it is primarily a byproduct of <a class="mw-redirect" title="Geologic faulting" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geologic_faulting">geologic faulting</a>. The Trench separates the <a title="Rocky Mountains" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Mountains">Rocky Mountains</a> on its east from the <a title="Columbia Mountains" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia_Mountains">Columbia Mountains</a> and the Cassiar Mountains on its west. It also skirts part of the McGregor Plateau area of the <a title="Nechako Plateau" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nechako_Plateau">Nechako Plateau</a> sub-area of the Interior Plateau of <a title="British Columbia" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Columbia">British Columbia</a>. It is up to 25 km (16 mi) wide, if measured peak-to-peak, and varies in valley relief, but is clearly visible by air and satellite/remote sensing and is easily discernible to those ascending any of the mountains or ridges lining it.

This image was captured by an astronaut on board the International Space Station.

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By <a href="mailto:rarnold@earth.com">Rory Arnold</a>, <a href="http://earth.com/staff">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Source: <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=84165">NASA Earth Observatory</a>
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