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.&nbsp;



<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. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-types-of-spiral-galaxies">Types of 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;



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Young stars illuminate a spiral galaxy in the constellation Pavo

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Dwarf galaxy provides a window into the early universe

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the barred spiral galaxy NGC 1559, located around 35 million light-years away in the southern constellation Reticulum. The image was captured by the James Webb Space Telescope. 



"The data featured in this portrait make use of two of Webb’s instruments: the Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI) and Near-InfraRed Camera (NIRCam)," noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



"Here MIRI captures the glow of interstellar dust grains, which trace out the interstellar medium, the fuel for future star formation. NIRCam shows the light from stars, even young stars hidden behind prodigious amounts of dust. NIRCam also captures emission from ionized nebulae around young stars."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-webb-reveals-galaxies-in-new-light">Webb reveals galaxies in new light</h2>



According to ESA, the data was collected by the <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/phangs/home">PHANGS team</a> as part of a program in which Webb will observe 55 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/james-webb-captures-galaxies-that-are-too-old-to-exist/">galaxies</a> that have also been mapped by the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) radio telescope, the Hubble Space Telescope, and more.&nbsp;



"By combining Webb’s unprecedented view of the dust and stars with data from these other facilities, the team aims to obtain a new, highly detailed view of how stars are born, live, and die in galaxies across the Universe."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ngc-1559-a-loner-in-space">NGC 1559: A loner in space</h2>



Although NGC 1559 appears to sit close to one of our nearest neighbors in the sky - the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) - this is just a trick of perspective, noted ESA.



While it is part of the Reticulum constellation, NGC 1559 is not part of the Local Group of galaxies but instead resides in a more distant region of space.



"In reality, NGC 1559 is physically nowhere near the LMC in space; in fact it truly is a loner, lacking the company of any nearby galaxies or membership of any galaxy cluster."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-formation-in-ngc-1559">Star formation in NGC 1559</h2>



NGC 1559 is notable for its active star formation and strong magnetic fields. It has also been the site of several <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/supernova-explosions-could-damage-distant-planets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supernovae</a>, making it of particular interest to astronomers who study stellar evolution and the life cycle of stars.



The structure of NGC 1559 includes well-defined spiral arms that contain young, hot stars and regions of ionized gas, indicative of ongoing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/black-hole-is-starving-its-host-galaxy-of-star-forming-fuel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">star formation</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-extragalactic-wonder">An extragalactic wonder</h2>



Despite being relatively small compared to larger galaxies like the Milky Way, NGC 1559 is an important object for understanding how barred spiral galaxies evolve and the processes that trigger supernovae.



The galaxy’s remote location and active nature make it a fascinating subject of study in the field of extragalactic astronomy. 



The isolation of NGC 1559 allows for a clearer view of its structure without much interference from neighboring galaxies.



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



Barred spiral galaxies are a type of spiral galaxy characterized by a central bar-shaped structure composed of stars. This bar extends out from the core and connects to the galaxy's spiral arms, which swirl outward in a graceful pattern.



Scientists believe that the bar plays a crucial role in the evolution of the galaxy, funneling gas towards the core and potentially triggering star formation or feeding a central black hole. 



The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/newly-discovered-stars-milky-way-are-old-as-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milky Way</a>, our own galaxy, is an example of a barred spiral. These galaxies are quite common in the universe, making up about two-thirds of all observed spiral galaxies.



The bar itself is thought to be a temporary feature, developing as the galaxy matures and possibly disappearing over time as the dynamics of the stars change. 



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



The Reticulum constellation is a small, faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name means "the reticle" in Latin, which refers to the crosshairs in an eyepiece of a telescope. 



The constellation was named in the 18th century by the French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille to honor the reticle he used in his scientific instruments. It is one of the 88 modern constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union.



Image Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA &amp; CSA, A. Leroy, J. Lee and the PHANGS Team



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Spiral galaxy NGC 1559 is a loner in outer space

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features smoke from wildfires across the southeastern region of South Korea.



NASA noted that dozens of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/experts-have-identified-the-key-driver-of-severe-wildfires-in-canada/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildland fires</a> broke out as dry winds swept across the country.



“Blazes began igniting on March 21, prompting evacuations as well as the deployment of thousands of personnel and more than 100 helicopters to combat the fires.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smoke-from-wildfires-in-south-korea">Smoke from wildfires in South Korea </h2>



“Smoke from some of the larger fires is visible in this image, acquired by the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Aqua satellite on March 22,” said <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/154083/outbreak-of-fire-across-south-korea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.



One of the plumes is streaming from a wildfire near Andong in Uiseong County, where hundreds of people were evacuated.&nbsp;



“To the south, another large smoke plume originated from rural Sancheong County,” noted NASA.



‘A large, fast-moving fire had burned over 500 hectares (2 square miles) by the evening of March 22, the Associated Press reported, and caused multiple injuries and deaths.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impacts-of-the-fires">Impacts of the fires</h2>



The devastating wildfires in South Korea have caused significant loss of life and property. The fires have claimed at least 24 lives, including four firefighters and a helicopter pilot who crashed while assisting in the efforts. 



Approximately 27,000 residents have been forced to evacuate as the flames have burned more than 17,000 hectares of land.&nbsp;



The fires have caused extensive damage to infrastructure and cultural heritage sites. More than 200 structures, including historical structures such as a seventh century Buddhist temple, have been destroyed.



The wildfires have spread rapidly. Lee Byung-doo, a forest disaster expert at the National Institute of Forest Science, told The Guardian that the Uiseong fire spread with “unimaginable” <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fast-wildfires-are-gaining-even-more-speed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">speed</a>.&nbsp;



Dry, windy conditions and record-high temperatures have made the fires difficult to contain.&nbsp;



The government has elevated the crisis alert to its highest level, deploying thousands of firefighters and over 130 helicopters to combat the blazes.



The hardest hit regions have been designated as disaster areas to expedite recovery efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-wildfire-dynamics-nbsp">Climate change and wildfire dynamics&nbsp;</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-fire-risk-has-grown-exponentially-in-a-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate change</a> is significantly influencing wildfire intensity by creating conditions that make fires more frequent, larger, and more severe.&nbsp;



Rising global temperatures lead to prolonged <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-now-the-driving-force-behind-droughts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">droughts</a>, drier vegetation, and higher evaporation rates, all of which contribute to an increased likelihood of wildfires.&nbsp;



As heat waves become more extreme and prolonged, forests and grasslands become more susceptible to ignition, whether from natural sources like lightning or human activity.



Shifting precipitation patterns also play a role in wildfire dynamics. Some regions experience less frequent but more intense rainfall, leading to rapid vegetation growth that, once dried out, becomes highly flammable fuel for fires.&nbsp;



In other areas, persistent droughts reduce soil moisture and weaken plant health, making ecosystems more vulnerable to burning.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rapid-and-unpredictable-fires-nbsp">Rapid and unpredictable fires&nbsp;</h2>



The warming climate is also altering wind patterns, which can spread fires more rapidly and unpredictably. Stronger winds carry embers over long distances, igniting new fires far from the original source.&nbsp;



Additionally, changes in seasonal patterns, such as earlier snowmelt and delayed autumn rains, extend the wildfire season, allowing fires to burn longer and with greater intensity.



These intensifying wildfires have cascading effects on ecosystems and human communities. Increased fire severity can lead to soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and long-term changes in forest composition.&nbsp;



In populated areas, wildfires pose serious threats to human life, property, and air quality, with smoke from large fires contributing to respiratory health issues and worsening climate change by releasing massive amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-escalating-cycle-nbsp">An escalating cycle&nbsp;</h2>



Ultimately, climate change and wildfires form a dangerous feedback loop. As wildfires become more intense and widespread, they release more carbon, accelerating climate change and increasing future fire risks.&nbsp;



This escalating cycle highlights the urgent need for strategies to mitigate climate change and improve wildfire management through policies that address both emissions reductions and adaptive land-use practices.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Smoke and destruction: South Korea’s wildfire crisis

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

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Ksudach: A volcano shaped by explosive forces

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



There are two main types of supernovae, classified based on their causes. Type I supernovae occur when a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/white-dwarf-stars-may-be-billions-of-years-older-than-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white dwarf</a> in a binary system accretes material from its companion star, eventually reaching a critical mass and triggering a runaway nuclear reaction.&nbsp;



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-ralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and Earth.com.



-----

Hubble spots a supernova in the constellation Gemini 

The peacock spider is a species of jumping spiders. They are native to certain areas of Australia and have bright colors on their bodies that males use to attract females.

Peacock Spider

Aerial,View,Of,Sossusvlei,Sometimes,Written,Sossus,Vlei,Is,A

Sand dunes shape some of the most fascinating scenery on Earth, particularly in arid regions. Among them, star dunes - sometimes called pyramid dunes - stand out for their towering height and eye-catching form. 



Sand seas, located in places like Africa, Arabia, China, and North America, are home to these beautiful, star-like formations.



Star dunes form in areas where wind arrives from multiple directions and where sand accumulates in large quantities.



They have a tall, pyramid-like center with several arms spreading out, creating a star shape when seen from above. 



Some reach extraordinary heights, including one in China’s Badain Jaran Desert that measures about 984 feet, placing it on par with a famous landmark in Paris. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-dunes-and-the-geological-record">Star dunes and the geological record</h2>



Despite being common in modern deserts and even appearing on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-had-ancient-beaches-shorelines-similar-to-earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a> and Saturn’s <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturns-moon-titan-has-shorelines-shaped-by-waves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">moon Titan</a>, they have been unusually difficult to find in the geological record. 



Researchers have often wondered why these dunes leave so little trace in old sandstone layers.



Professor Geoff Duller, from the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences at <a href="https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aberystwyth University</a>, has been at the forefront of investigating these hidden giants. 



His latest study, undertaken alongside collaborators at <a href="https://www.bbk.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birkbeck</a> and University College London (<a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL</a>), offers new insights into the internal structure and speed of formation of a star dune in Morocco. 



This research helps explain why geologists have had trouble identifying these dunes in ancient deposits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-patterns-in-the-sahara">Hidden patterns in the Sahara</h2>



Until now, star dunes received limited attention compared to other well-known dune varieties. The recent study in the Erg Chebbi region of southeastern Morocco reveals a star dune named Lala Lallia, meaning “highest sacred point” in the Berber language. 



It rises about 328 feet and stretches about 2,297 feet across its base. Scientists found that its oldest layers date back roughly 13,000 years, around the time of the Younger Dryas, a sudden cooling phase in Earth’s past.



Ground-penetrating radar scans show that the dune remained mostly dormant for about 8,000 years. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/star-dune_Lala-Lallia_Erg-Chebbi_Morocco_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/star-dune_Lala-Lallia_Erg-Chebbi_Morocco_1s.webp" alt="Lala Lallia star dune in Erg Chebbi, the largest sand Dune in Morocco at sunset. Merzouga has become a popular destination for tourists because of this feature." class="wp-image-1963690"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lala Lallia star dune in Erg Chebbi, the largest sand Dune in Morocco at sunset. Merzouga has become a popular destination for tourists because of this feature. Click to enlarge.</figcaption></figure>



Pottery discovered nearby suggests wetter conditions, possibly driven by an expanded monsoon, that kept sand from piling up. Once drier weather arrived, sand began accumulating at a much faster pace. 



The results, published in the journal Scientific Reports, indicate that the dune gained most of its size in the last thousand years and is currently shifting westward at about 1.6 feet each year.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-radar-and-luminescence-offer-clues">Radar and luminescence offer clues</h2>



“Using ground-penetrating radar to look inside this star dune has allowed us to show how these immense dunes form, and to develop a new model so geologists know better what to look for in the rock record to identify these amazing desert features," explained Professor Charlie Bristow of Birkbeck and UCL.



Researchers also used optically <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/golds-glow-luminescence-caused-quantum-realm-effects/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stimulated luminescence</a> (OSL) dating to determine when minerals in the sand were last exposed to sunlight. 



This approach made it possible to figure out precisely when the dune began building after the African Humid Period had ended. 



The study concludes that large star dunes may form far more rapidly than many geologists once assumed.



“This research is really the case of the missing sand dune - it had been a mystery why we could not see them in the geological record. It’s only because of new technology that we can now start to uncover their secrets," noted Professor Duller.



"These findings will probably surprise a lot of people as we can see how quickly this enormous dune formed, and that it is moving across the desert at about 50 cm a year. These fantastic star dunes are one of the natural wonders of the world.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-star-dunes-and-ancient-deserts">Star dunes and ancient deserts</h2>



The discovery sheds light on why star dunes appear absent in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/living-microbes-discovered-in-2-billion-year-old-rocks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">older rocks</a>. Their internal layers can mimic those of other dune types, making them hard to recognize once they have turned to stone. 



This new model, drawn from the Moroccan site, gives geologists a better guide for identifying similar formations preserved deep underground.



“It’s quite a privilege to think that the luminescence dating techniques developed here in Aberystwyth are unlocking some of the secrets of the most challenging climates in the world," Professor Duller added.



"They are giving us insight into geology that could have wider implications including geological deposits that are used for water resources and storing carbon.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-the-shifting-winds-across-eons">Tracking the shifting winds across eons</h2>



Experts note that changes in wind direction contributed to the dune’s star-like shape. As the desert climate became drier, gusts from different angles helped shape the steep pyramid center and radiating arms. 



The speed with which it gained height shows that dramatic environmental shifts can build a towering dune in a geologically short window. 



Researchers also point out that similar wind shifts might have influenced dunes in other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saudi-arabia-is-turning-degraded-desert-sand-into-blooming-soil/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deserts worldwide</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-star-dunes-matter">Why star dunes matter</h2>



To sum it all up, star dunes hold importance for the study of past environments. The tools and findings from Morocco offer a chance to spot these features in buried <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gale-crater-reveals-secrets-of-water-on-mars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sandstone layers</a>. 



That means geologists can learn more about the behavior of ancient winds, as well as periods of relative stability or intense dryness. 



Understanding these long-past climatic patterns might help in present-day attempts to manage <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-storms-create-temporary-lakes-in-the-sahara-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water in desert regions</a>.



Studying how star dunes grow in modern deserts could open new avenues for interpreting desert rocks of the past. 



By pinpointing signs of varied wind directions, geologists gain a clearer picture of what conditions shaped Earth’s surface thousands of years ago.



With fresh ways to identify these pyramidal giants in ancient layers, scientists are better equipped to find the missing chapters of desert history.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-53485-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

Star dunes: Shrouded in beauty and wonder, they are now a bit less mysterious

Sand dunes shape some of the most fascinating scenery on...

Life on our planet has been shaped over an immense span of time. About 4 billion years ago, Earth began to show signs of the conditions that allowed the first cells, and eventually living organisms, to take hold and populate the planet.



Many researchers have tried to figure out how early chemical structures came together to create the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/did-the-building-blocks-of-life-replicate-on-their-own/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building blocks of life</a>. Some suggest that tiny, spherical assemblies of fats, known as protocells, got the ball rolling.



These protocells might have sparked a cascade of changes that turned basic building blocks into more complex materials. After countless generations, those materials gave rise to fully functional cells. 



Questions remain about how these first <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rainwater-may-have-played-a-key-role-in-the-origin-of-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">protocells</a> picked up the pieces they needed to diversify in such a dramatic way. 



Now, Ramanarayanan Krishnamurthy, PhD, professor in the Department of Chemistry at <a href="https://www.scripps.edu/science-and-medicine/research-departments/chemistry/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scripps Research</a>, along with a team of scientists, have uncovered new clues that may finally provide answers to this ancient mystery.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-early-earth-chemistry-and-protocells">Early Earth chemistry and protocells</h2>



Early studies have suggested that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/omega-3-and-omega-6-fatty-acids-may-reduce-cancer-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fatty acids</a> and other simple molecules existed in the planet’s primeval soup. 



Researchers have worked hard to figure out how these molecules might have assembled into containers able to grow and split. 



During this recent investigation, teams paid special attention to phosphates. These groups of atoms are vital to many functions in modern cells, but their presence in ancient structures was puzzling.



Scientists reported that phosphorylation, the process of adding phosphate groups, may have occurred at an earlier stage than once believed. That step likely led to more complex double-chained protocells. 



“At some point, we all wonder where we came from. We’ve now discovered a plausible way that phosphates could have been incorporated into cell-like structures earlier than previously thought, which lays the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-building-blocks-of-life-zinc-arrived-on-early-earth-planetesimals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">building blocks for life</a>,” says Krishnamurthy. 



“This finding helps us better understand the chemical environments of early Earth so we can uncover the origins of life and how life can evolve on early Earth.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-first-cells-shifted-to-double-chains">First cells shifted to double-chains</h2>



Researchers point to phospholipids - molecules with two fatty acid tails - as being crucial in modern cell membranes. 



Early protocells probably had only one chain of fatty acids, making them less stable than the membranes of contemporary cells. 



The new study posits that a blend of simpler fats and early <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/phospholipids-tiny-bubbles-that-may-have-been-earths-first-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phospholipids</a> might have provided the shift toward a more robust double-chain structure.



This two-tailed arrangement made those protocells better at handling environmental challenges. Lab experiments used various chemical mixtures, including glycerol and short-chain fatty acids. 



In some conditions, the vesicles gained stability, suggesting that an ancient environment could have offered the perfect setting for these changes to take hold.



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



Part of the excitement around this work comes from the possibility of creating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/creating-mirror-life-forms-could-pose-extraordinary-dangers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">synthetic cells</a>. 



Lab-built cells that behave like living ones could someday allow scientists to design new methods for making important materials or finding sustainable sources of energy. 



The researchers examined how temperature, metal ions, and fluctuating pH might have influenced the sturdiness of protocells. 



Their observations hint at several routes for protocells to split, fuse, or combine components.



“The vesicles were able to transition from a fatty acid environment to a phospholipid environment during our experiments, suggesting a similar chemical environment could have existed 4 billion years ago,” says first author Sunil Pulletikurti, postdoctoral researcher in Krishnamurthy’s lab. 



This fresh perspective adds weight to the notion that evolving <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/artificial-building-block-of-life-called-tna-created-in-the-lab/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cell-like structures</a> might have undergone a stepwise assembly that drew from naturally occurring materials.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-the-first-cells-to-complex-life">From the first cells to complex life</h2>



Krishnamurthy’s group joined forces with the lab of soft matter biophysicist Ashok Deniz, PhD, professor in the Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology at <a href="https://www.scripps.edu/science-and-medicine/research-departments/integrative-structural-and-computational-biology/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scripps Research</a>. 



By combining chemical expertise with biophysical approaches, the teams pinpointed conditions where phosphorylated molecules emerged and interacted with fatty acids to form sturdier compartments. 



Published in the journal Chem, these findings highlight how subtle environmental shifts could have nudged protocells toward more lifelike behavior.



“It’s exciting to uncover how early chemistries may have transitioned to allow for life on Earth. Our findings also hint at a wealth of intriguing physics that may have played key functional roles along the way to modern cells,” says Deniz. 



Each insight gained is a small step toward explaining how simple vesicles might have paved the way for more dynamic elements of biology.



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



With these observations in hand, the team plans to investigate why <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/origin-of-life-on-earth-may-have-been-found-in-ancient-hot-springs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">some protocells</a> merge while others split or flourish under certain chemical pressures. 



Such investigations could clarify how flexibility in membrane structures contributed to swift adaptation in various environments. 



Understanding these features may open doors to engineered systems that harness ancient chemical reactions for modern applications.



Though many pieces of the puzzle remain scattered, each study brings us closer to answering profound questions about our beginnings. 



Researchers hope that continued collaboration among chemists, biologists, and engineers will pinpoint the mechanisms that gave rise to functional cells. 



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/chem/abstract/S2451-9294(24)00069-X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chem</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

How did the first cells form on Earth? Scientists think they finally figured it out

Life on our planet has been shaped over an immense...

Wind and Earth’s spin keep the ocean’s surface currents constantly moving, and those currents are the main reason floating plastic and other debris travel so far. A prime example of this phenomenon is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.



Two types of currents do most of the work: geostrophic currents, which form from the balance between gravity and Earth’s rotation, and Ekman currents, which wind drives directly. Together, they carry debris across vast stretches of the ocean.



As these currents swirl, they naturally pull trash toward the centers of the world’s five subtropical gyres - massive, slow-moving whirlpools in the ocean. Over time, these zones turn into plastic hotspots, where all kinds of floating junk gathers.



The North Pacific subtropical gyre is the most infamous of the bunch. That’s home to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the biggest and most studied plastic pile-up in the ocean. 



It’s drawn the attention of scientists, environmentalists, and the public alike. And not surprisingly, many of the first large-scale ocean cleanup projects have started right there.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-great-pacific-garbage-patch">Understanding the Great Pacific Garbage Patch</h2>



The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a massive collection of plastic debris, abandoned fishing gear, and other trash that accumulates in the North Pacific Ocean. 



These plastics can take hundreds of years to break down, and even when they do, they become tiny microplastics that enter marine food chains. 



This swirling soup of litter poses a big threat to marine life, seabirds, and even human health when contaminated seafood ends up on our plates.



You might picture the patch as a giant floating island of trash, but in reality, it’s more like a massive zone of scattered debris. 



This makes it difficult to clean up, as much of the garbage is tiny bits of plastic dispersed throughout the water. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smarter-alternative-hiding-in-plain-sight">Smarter alternative hiding in plain sight</h2>



Instead of chasing the trash, scientists now suggest using the ocean’s own natural flow to do the work. A new study has mapped out zones where water tends to converge and pull debris into tight pockets.



“Instead of boats slowly trawling and burning fuel, they can hold their position and keep the nets steady at a location where currents funnel and aggregate drifting objects,” said <a href="https://www.psi.edu/staff/profile/rodrigo-duran/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rodrigo Duran</a>, a research scientist at the <a href="https://www.psi.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Planetary Science Institute</a>, and co-author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ocean-patterns-pull-trash-into-zones">Ocean patterns pull trash into zones</h2>



The team, led by <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Luca_Kunz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Luca Kunz</a> from the University of Hamburg, used over 20 years of satellite and drifter data to spot high-traffic areas for floating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-currents-may-soon-clean-up-waste-thanks-to-space-tech/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">debris</a>. 



These zones, called Transient Attracting Profiles (<a href="https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2024OcSci..20.1611K/abstract" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TRAPs</a>), are temporary regions where swirling currents push trash together.



TRAPs form when four eddies - circular currents - spin in just the right pattern. About 60% of the time, this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/critical-ocean-current-may-be-more-stable-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pattern</a> pulls debris into a stable zone roughly 60 miles (96 kilometers) wide. Most of these zones stick around for about six days.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-this-changes-cleanup-strategy">Why this changes cleanup strategy</h2>



Instead of moving across hundreds of miles, crews could now wait at known TRAP locations. When positioned right, nets could skim off trash that is funneled in by the current.



That saves fuel, time, and effort - and reduces the environmental cost of sweeping up the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-oceans-are-rapidly-changing-colors-matching-climate-predictions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-than-just-ocean-trash">More than just ocean trash</h2>



While TRAPs are useful for plastic cleanup, Duran says they could also be used for search and rescue, cargo loss, oil spill containment, or tracking volcanic ash and wildfire smoke as it drifts across the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-is-draining-nutrients-from-the-oceans-surface/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean</a> and air.



“This can even be used for atmospheric data,” Duran said, pointing to how the technique can predict movement across multiple systems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-past-predictions-fell-short">Why past predictions fell short</h2>



Previous models tried to guess where trash was heading based on <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/030193229090034G" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lagrangian simulations</a>, which track particles drifting on oceans over time. But at the smaller scale - about 1 to 10 miles (1.6 to 16 kilometers) - those methods break down.



TRAPs flip the question. Instead of asking where an object will go, they ask: where will things gather? That shift makes all the difference.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-the-patterns">Testing the patterns</h2>



To verify these zones, the team analyzed how drifters (floating sensors that move with surface currents) behaved around TRAPs. Most stayed near a TRAP for an average of six days. A few stuck around for over a month.



Researchers also noticed that drifters weren’t just spinning in circles. They were pulled straight into a TRAP, then funneled along its length - like getting sucked into a current and pushed out the other side.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-this-can-change-everything">How this can change everything</h2>



The most effective TRAPs form in clusters of four eddies with alternating spin directions. These structures appear often in areas of high turbulence, like near <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/science-data/oceanography-northern-california-current-study-area" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California’s upwelling zone</a> or around the <a href="https://hilo.hawaii.edu/~kenhon/GEOL205/Chain/default.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hawaiian Ridge</a>.



Tracking them in real time could help cleanup crews navigate better and use far fewer resources. Long-lasting TRAPs, in particular, offer a clear target: the longer they exist, the more plastic they tend to gather.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-coming-for-ocean-trash-cleanup">What’s coming for ocean trash cleanup</h2>



This technique isn’t just theory. It’s backed by decades of observations and tested with real ocean data. Cleanup crews could start using TRAP tracking to guide where and when they deploy nets.



As satellite monitoring improves and new missions deliver higher-resolution data, smaller TRAPs near coastlines may also be tracked more easily.



“It’s a very exciting time,” Duran remarked. The scale of the garbage patch is overwhelming, but knowing where and when debris gathers gives crews a fighting chance.&nbsp;



If cleanup systems can act more like filters than drag nets, sitting still while the ocean delivers the trash, then this could mark a shift in how we tackle plastic pollution at sea.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-22939-w" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ocean Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

New ideas on how to cleanup the 'Great Pacific Garbage Patch'

Wind and Earth’s spin keep the ocean’s surface currents constantly...

Mars holds many curious features, and one of the most intriguing is the Medusae Fossae Formation (MFF). This enormous stretch of terrain sits near the planet’s equator, exactly where smooth northern plains meet rugged southern highlands. 



Scientists have puzzled over this place for years because it seems to hide something that might change our understanding of the Red Planet’s past.



A radar tool called the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionospheric Sounding (MARSIS) has provided new clues by bouncing signals beneath the MFF. 



The echoes reveal underground layers that hint at an astounding discovery, and one that is of particular importance to future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/astronauts-can-survive-mars-space-journey-but-their-kidneys-will-be-permanently-damaged/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human settlers on Mars</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deep-water-on-mars-mff">Deep water on Mars' MFF</h2>



Thomas Watters, from the <a href="https://www.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Institution</a>, and lead author of both the original and recent studies, sheds light on these recent findings.



“We’ve explored the MFF again using newer data from <a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Mars_Express/Mars_Express_orbiter_instruments" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars Express’s MARSIS radar</a>, and found the deposits to be even thicker than we thought: up to 2.2 miles (3.7 km) thick,” says Watters.



“Excitingly, the radar signals match what we’d expect to see from layered ice, and are similar to the signals we see from Mars’s polar caps, which we know to be very ice rich.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-enough-water-to-cover-mars-9-feet-deep">Enough water to cover Mars 9 feet deep</h2>



The implications of this discovery are profound. The ice within the Medusae Fossae Formation, if melted, could envelop the entire planet of Mars in a water layer measuring between 5 and 9 feet deep (1.5 to 2.7 meters).



This represents the largest water reservoir discovered in this region of Mars, holding enough <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasas-curiosity-rover-explores-mars-ridge-with-intriguing-watery-past/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">water</a> to rival the volume of Earth's Red Sea.



The MFF is a geological marvel, covering hundreds of miles and can tower over a mile high. It sits at the intersection of Mars's highlands and lowlands, a potential major source of Martian dust and one of the planet's most expansive deposits.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Medusae-Fossae-Formation-location_Mars-global-map_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Medusae-Fossae-Formation-location_Mars-global-map_ESA_1s.webp" alt="This image shows a height map of the Martian surface, with lowest land in blue and highest in white. Standing at an impressive 14 miles high, Olympus Mons is the tallest volcano in the entire Solar System. Credit: ESA" class="wp-image-1963683"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This image shows a height map of the Martian surface, with lowest land in blue and highest in white. Standing at an impressive 14 miles high, Olympus Mons is the tallest volcano in the entire Solar System. Click to enlarge. Credit: ESA</figcaption></figure>



Wind-sculpted ridges, along with a blanket of dust or ash, appear to protect layers of ice from the harsh conditions on modern Mars. 



Experts believe these vast dust deposits might be the biggest single source of Martian dust, which could mean they shaped the planet’s atmosphere over long periods.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-earlier-studies-of-the-mff">Earlier studies of the MFF</h2>



The initial observations by Mars Express hinted at the icy nature of the Medusae Fossae Formation due to its radar transparency and low density. 



However, alternative theories proposed that the formation could be a colossal accumulation of windblown dust, volcanic ash, or sediment. 



“Here’s where the new radar data comes in! Given how deep it is, if the MFF was simply a giant pile of dust, we’d expect it to become compacted under its own weight,” says co-author Andrea Cicchetti of the <a href="https://www.inaf.it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Institute for Astrophysics, Italy</a>. 



“This would create something far denser than what we actually see with MARSIS. And when we modelled how different ice-free materials would behave, nothing reproduced the properties of the MFF - we need ice," Cicchetti concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rewriting-martian-history">Rewriting Martian history</h2>



The current understanding of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Mars_water-reservoir_Medusae-Fossae-Formation_perspective-view_Mars-Express_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MFF region</a> suggests a composition of dust and ice layers, topped by a protective layer of dry dust or ash, hundreds of meters thick. 



Mars, though appearing arid now, shows signs of a water-rich past, including remnants of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-evidence-found-for-life-on-mars-where-ancient-rivers-once-flowed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">river channels</a>, ancient ocean beds, and water-carved valleys. 



This discovery of significant ice near Mars's equator, like that suspected beneath the MFF's surface, points to a radically different climatic era in the planet's history.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Mars_ice-thickness-map_MFF-region_ESA_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Mars_ice-thickness-map_MFF-region_ESA_1s.webp" alt="This map shows the ice thickness at Mars’s Medusae Fossae Formation (MFF) if we assume that the dust is 1000 feet thick. In this case, the total volume of water ice contained within the MFF deposits, if it melted, would be enough to cover Mars in an ocean of water 9 feet deep. Credit: ESA" class="wp-image-1963680"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This map shows the ice thickness at Mars’s Medusae Fossae Formation (MFF) if we assume that the dust is 1000 feet thick. In this case, the total volume of water ice contained within the MFF deposits, if it melted, would be enough to cover Mars in an ocean of water 9 feet deep. Click image to enlarge. Credit: ESA</figcaption></figure>



“This latest analysis challenges our understanding of the Medusae Fossae Formation, and raises as many questions as answers,” says Colin Wilson, ESA project scientist for Mars Express and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Exploration/ExoMars" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO)</a>. 



“How long ago did these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-korolev-crater-holds-a-50-mile-wide-sheet-of-solid-ice-that-is-one-mile-thick/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ice deposits</a> form, and what was Mars like at that time? If confirmed to be water ice, these massive deposits would change our understanding of Mars climate history. Any reservoir of ancient water would be a fascinating target for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human or robotic exploration</a>.”



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



For future <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moxie-has-successfully-extracted-oxygen-from-mars-atmosphere/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars missions</a>, the discovery of ice at equatorial locations like the Medusae Fossae Formation is invaluable. 



Missions require landing near the equator, away from the polar caps or high-latitude glaciers, and water is a critical resource. 



However, Wilson cautions, "The MFF deposits, buried under extensive dust layers, remain out of reach for the time being. 



Yet, each discovery of Martian ice enriches our understanding of the planet's hydrological history and current water distribution."



While MARSIS looks deep underground, the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) offers a shallower view. TGO’s FREND instrument tracks hydrogen in the topmost three feet of soil. 



Not long ago, FREND discovered a hydrogen-rich patch the size of the Netherlands inside Mars’s Valles Marineris. 



Such findings show how valuable orbiters can be when searching for water in places that may support future landings.



Colin Wilson concludes, "Our collective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/elon-musks-spacex-plans-to-land-a-spacecraft-on-mars-in-3-to-4-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars exploration</a> efforts are progressively unveiling the mysteries of our planetary neighbor, offering glimpses into its past and potential for future exploration."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mars-continues-to-surprise">Mars continues to surprise</h2>



To sum it all up, the Mars Express' exploration of the Medusae Fossae Formation (MFF) mark a significant milestone in our understanding of Mars and its <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/the-history-of-mars-is-much-more-complex-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climatic history</a>.



Mars researchers say there are still many questions about how and when these mysterious formations accumulated their icy layers.



The significance is clear, though: abundant ice so far from the poles could reflect a period in Mars’s past when the climate supported large-scale water deposits at different latitudes. 



Detecting and mapping these resources will be helpful for both science and practical planning.



“Together, our Mars explorers are revealing more and more about our planetary neighbor,” adds Colin.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2023GL105490" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



-----



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by <a href="https://www.earth.com/author/eralls/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eric Ralls</a> and <a href="https://www.earth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth.com</a>. -----

Water reservoir on Mars is two miles deep, would cover planet with nine feet of water

Mars holds many curious features, and one of the most...

Space journeys that stretch far beyond home are on the horizon. Crews heading for Mars will face conditions quite different from those on Earth, and researchers have been working to figure out what might happen to the human body during these extended voyages. 



Kidneys have been a big question mark. Recent work reveals that these important organs could face more trouble than previously assumed, including a higher risk of stones and lasting damage.



Several studies have hinted at health concerns for astronauts ever since humans first ventured outside Earth’s protective zone, but the new findings shed light on why such problems arise in the kidneys. 



Dr. Keith Siew from the <a href="https://www.londontubularcentre.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">London Tubular Centre</a>, based at the UCL Department of Renal Medicine, and his colleagues have pieced together a detailed picture of what happens when living beings - human and otherwise - experience space-like conditions for weeks to years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-space-missions-and-human-kidneys">Space missions and human kidneys</h2>



The latest study was conducted under a UCL-led initiative involving over 40 institutions on five continents.



The team considered data from 20 different research cohorts and samples linked to over 40 Low Earth orbit missions to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nasa-says-the-international-space-station-is-too-clean-add-microbes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Space Station</a>, plus 11 simulations with mice and rats. 



The work is described as the largest analysis of kidney health in spaceflight so far and includes the first health dataset for commercial astronauts. 



It also involved seven simulations in which mice were exposed to radiation that mimicked up to 2.5 years of cosmic travel beyond <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/earths-magnetic-field-origin-structure-and-impact-on-humanity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth’s magnetic field</a>. 



Findings revealed that the structure and function of the kidneys are altered by spaceflight, with galactic radiation causing permanent damage that would jeopardize any long-distance mission.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kidneys-and-deep-space-radiation">Kidneys and deep space radiation</h2>



Astronauts in Low Earth orbit still benefit from partial shielding by our planet’s magnetic field. 



Only 24 people - the ones who went to the moon - have been exposed to the full brunt of Galactic Cosmic Radiation for short trips of about 6-12 days. 



Nobody has ventured on a years-long mission beyond the Earth’s magnetic boundary, so it was unclear how organs might hold up under <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/voyager-spacecraft-fighting-survival-cosmic-threats-outside-our-solar-system/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more extreme conditions</a>.



As part of the new study, researchers found that certain kidney tubules, which control delicate balances of salts and calcium, shrink after just a month in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microgravity-causes-big-problems-with-human-gene-expression/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microgravity</a>. 



The kidneys also process salts in a way that increases the likelihood of kidney stone formation. 



This new insight shifts the focus away from an older assumption that stones in space result mainly from bone loss causing elevated calcium in urine.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-longer-distance-more-radiation">Longer distance, more radiation</h2>



The research highlighted that cosmic radiation cannot be fully blocked by typical shielding. When mice were given doses of simulated <a href="https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/phenomena/galactic-cosmic-rays" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Galactic Cosmic Radiation</a> equal to a mission length of up to 2.5 years, the animals showed irreversible kidney damage. 



Some of the key observations point to changes in how the kidneys manage vital minerals, which impacts long-term health during space travel.



“We know what has happened to astronauts on the relatively short space missions conducted so far, in terms of an increase in health issues such as kidney stones,” explained Dr. Siew. 



“What we don’t know is why these issues occur, nor what is going to happen to astronauts on longer flights such as the proposed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mars-curiosity-rover-finds-sulfur-crystals-martian-rock-hints-at-possible-life/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mission to Mars</a>.”



If scientists don’t develop new ways to protect the kidneys, any astronaut that makes it to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/largest-organic-molecules-ever-found-on-mars-confirm-life-forming-chemistry-is-possible/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mars</a> will likely need dialysis on the way home or upon arrival.



"We know that the kidneys are late to show signs of radiation damage; by the time this becomes apparent it’s probably too late to prevent failure, which would be catastrophic for the mission’s chances of success," Dr. Siew concluded.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-human-kidneys-and-future-space-travel">Human kidneys and future space travel</h2>



Space agencies have been aware since the 1970s that journeys outside our planet’s natural defenses lead to health concerns involving bones, eyes, and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-century-of-progress-in-the-fight-against-cardiovascular-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular system</a>. 



This new work puts fresh focus on the kidneys. It also highlights the importance of managing both microgravity and radiation, especially with more ambitious missions on the table.



“Our study highlights the fact that if you’re planning a space mission, kidneys really matter. You can’t protect them from galactic radiation using shielding," noted Professor Stephen B. Walsh from the London Tubular Centre, UCL Department of Renal Medicine.



"But as we learn more about renal biology it may be possible to develop technological or pharmaceutical measures to facilitate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/space-travel-has-unexpected-effects-on-gut-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extended space travel</a>."



Any drugs developed for astronauts may also be beneficial here on Earth. For instance, by enabling cancer patients’ kidneys to tolerate higher doses of radiotherapy, which is currently an impediment to that form of treatment.



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



Though this work only outlines organ changes up to two and a half years, it stands as the most comprehensive data currently available for that timescale. 



Researchers say that pinpointing these risks is a vital first step before reliable solutions can be introduced. 



The study’s international collaboration suggests momentum is building to safeguard astronauts’ kidneys, and future innovations could reach beyond space missions to help patients on Earth.



Experts note that learning how to handle the combined effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation will be key to making ambitious missions safer. 



With evidence pointing to serious kidney challenges, careful planning will be needed to keep crews healthy on journeys that last far longer than any undertaken before.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-49212-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.



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



-----

Astronauts can survive a trip to Mars, but one critical internal organ will likely fail

Space journeys that stretch far beyond home are on the...

The forests and fields of North America hold secrets that even motion-sensitive cameras can't always reveal. Among those secrets are weasels - small, swift, and almost invisible to modern wildlife monitoring.



These elusive predators have slipped through digital traps for decades, making scientists wonder whether their silence signals absence or simply stealth.



It’s not just curiosity that drives this concern. Weasels, as small mustelids, play vital roles in ecosystems. They control rodent populations and serve as prey for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-day-2025-a-global-call-to-protect-nature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">larger animals</a>. 



Understanding where they thrive or vanish can reveal larger patterns of ecological change. But until recently, researchers lacked a clear method to study their population numbers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenge-of-monitoring-weasels">Challenge of monitoring weasels</h2>



Camera traps work well for large mammals. Deer, bears, and even coyotes often stroll past, triggering a flurry of images. But weasels are a different story. 



Their bodies are small and they move fast. They often live in habitats with thick cover, making them almost invisible, even when present.



Roland Kays is a research professor at <a href="https://www.ncsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Carolina State University</a> and scientist at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences.



“We’re a little worried about the weasels,” said Kays. "We don’t see them very often, but it’s difficult to tell if they’re actually gone or if they’re just so sneaky that we can’t find them."



"We decided that we needed to better understand the best method to detect them. There wasn’t a great consensus on that.”



The lack of consensus led Kays and a group of researchers to try something new. Instead of relying on luck, they decided to identify the best <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-conservation-day-2024-saving-species-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bait</a> - and the best method - for attracting weasels to camera traps.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-designing-a-massive-survey">Designing a massive survey</h2>



Between January 2022 and April 2023, the scientists launched one of the largest camera-trap bait studies ever done for mustelids.



The team placed 486 cameras across 122 clusters in 14 U.S. states, focusing on areas where weasels were previously recorded or where habitat conditions seemed ideal.



Each site hosted a set of four trail cameras, positioned close enough to give weasels a full choice of lures while minimizing overlap between camera zones.



The researchers tested various bait types. These included red meat, raw chicken, cat food, and scent-based lures like anise oil, salmon oil, and a commercial product called Weasel Super All Call. 



In 2023, they switched fully to meat baits after finding weak results from scent lures alone the year before.



The bait wasn't just thrown on the ground. It was secured in cages to prevent theft by other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-era-in-wildlife-conservation-how-ai-will-help-protect-elephants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a>. One new method, a cage-within-a-cage system, eventually proved highly successful in stopping bait robbers like raccoons and coyotes.



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



“There is a huge variety of scent lures available, and trappers often make their own from all kinds of ingredients,” noted Kays. “As it turns out, however, just having a chunk of meat works the best.”



Red meat emerged as the top performer. It tripled the chance of weasel detection compared to scent lures alone. 



Short-tailed weasels especially loved red meat, showing up twice as often at those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/animals-secretly-reshape-landscapes-in-powerful-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bait</a> stations than at sites with chicken or cat food. When salmon oil was added to the red meat, results improved even further - especially for short-tailed weasels.



In the southern U.S., long-tailed weasels appeared more frequently at chicken-baited sites. They also arrived faster. On average, it took just 14.5 days for a chicken-baited camera to record a long-tailed weasel, compared to nearly 40 days with red meat.



Cat food, by contrast, was the least effective. It took over 27 days to attract weasels - if it attracted them at all.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-least-weasel-may-be-in-trouble">The least weasel may be in trouble</h2>



Of all the weasel species in North America, the least weasel remains the most mysterious. The study detected only four individuals in total - one in 2022 and three in 2023.



Their scarcity raises conservation alarms. Researchers have suggested that the least weasel may be the most endangered of the group, with one study estimating a 54% decline in this species' habitat over the past century.



Even in targeted areas, where previous records or ideal habitats existed, least weasels barely registered. This highlights the need for specialized monitoring tools, such as enclosed camera traps like the Mostela, which have had some success in limited trials.



“Now that we have an understanding of the best ways to lure the weasels, we can be more confident in the findings of our surveys,” Kays said. 



“When we have sites where we don’t detect them, we can be much more assured that they aren’t just in hiding, they’re really just not there at all.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-activity-patterns-and-behavioral-clues">Activity patterns and behavioral clues</h2>



The study also revealed new insights into how different weasel species behave. Short-tailed weasels were active both day and night - an unusual pattern that differs from past observations in Europe and Canada.



In contrast, long-tailed weasels were mostly nocturnal or crepuscular, showing peak activity at dawn and dusk.



These activity patterns have practical implications. If researchers know when weasels are likely to appear, they can time camera placements and checks more effectively. 



It also offers clues about predator-prey dynamics, as prey animals may adjust their own schedules to avoid these hunters.



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



Getting the bait right was only half the battle. The researchers quickly learned that non-target species - especially raccoons and opossums - loved the bait too. Red meat and chicken were often stolen, reducing the time that bait remained in front of cameras.



In southern sites, bait theft was particularly high. This lowered detection rates. When cameras lost their bait early, they became less attractive to passing weasels. 



In contrast, northern sites experienced less bait theft. That could explain why red meat worked so well in the north, where short-tailed weasels live.



The addition of salmon oil helped keep sites attractive even after the meat disappeared. Its strong scent lingered, possibly drawing in curious weasels until the bait was replenished. Cameras baited with salmon oil recorded detections in just 6.5 days, compared to 22 days without the oil.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-a-better-monitoring-system">Building a better monitoring system</h2>



This study provides a crucial step toward standardizing how we monitor small carnivores like weasels. With clear bait preferences identified, wildlife agencies can now deploy cost-effective, reliable surveys over large areas.



The best approach? Use red meat or chicken, depending on the region. Add salmon oil for stronger scent cues. Protect the bait using a cage-within-a-cage system. Place cameras in areas with prior weasel activity or suitable habitat. And check the traps monthly during winter, when meat lasts longer and bear activity is low.



Large-scale, standardized surveys like this can finally reveal what decades of anecdotal data couldn’t - the locations where weasels still thrive, and those where they don’t, and how their numbers change over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-new-way-to-track-weasels">A new way to track weasels</h2>



Despite their size, weasels carry ecological weight. They matter. This study, which was published in <a href="https://wildlife.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/wsb.1580" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wildlife Society Bulletin</a>, helps bring these predators out of the shadows.



The research team included experts from over 20 universities and wildlife agencies, and was led by corresponding author Scott M. Bergeson of <a href="https://www.pfw.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Purdue University Fort Wayne</a>. Funding came from the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937, a cornerstone of American conservation.



Thanks to their work, weasels are no longer invisible. We can now track their paths, confirm their presence, and protect what remains - one camera trap at a time.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Weasels are vanishing - or are they just too sneaky to spot?

The forests and fields of North America hold secrets that...

When you sit down to work, your to-do list waits, but so does your phone. One buzz, one glance at your phone, and suddenly you’re distracted, and start scrolling through a feed, not a spreadsheet.



This cycle repeats daily, quietly slicing your attention into fragments. It feels innocent and normal, but the effects run deep.



We often blame the phone itself. It’s a small, glowing thing we can’t resist. Productivity hacks suggest hiding it, muting it, or moving it away. But do these tricks actually help? 



A recent study, published in Frontiers in Computer Science, challenges this approach. It asks a deceptively simple question: If you put the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/phone-bans-dont-help-children-learn-to-navigate-the-digital-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phone</a> just a little farther away, does your mind come back to focus? The answer turns out to be more complicated than expected.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-subtle-changes-and-behavioral-shifts">Subtle changes and behavioral shifts</h2>



“The study shows that putting the smartphone away may not be sufficient to reduce disruption and procrastination, or increase focus,” stated Dr. Maxi Heitmayer, a researcher at the London School of Economics (<a href="https://www.lse.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LSE</a>) and author of the study.



“The problem is not rooted within the device itself, but in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/taking-a-smartphone-break-can-improve-your-life-in-surprising-ways/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habits and routines</a> that we have developed with our devices.”



To explore this, the researchers invited 22 participants into a controlled setting. For two days, each participant worked alone in a soundproof room. They brought the devices they usually used at work - laptops and phones.



The researchers did not change notification settings. All incoming alerts came naturally, as they would on any other workday.



The only variable that shifted was the phone’s location. On one day, it stayed right on the participant’s desk. On the other, it was placed 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) away, on a separate surface. This small shift created a subtle yet revealing change in behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phones-aren-t-the-only-distraction">Phones aren't the only distraction </h2>



When the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/childrens-screen-time-shapes-their-mental-health-as-teens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phone</a> sat within arm’s reach, people used it often. When it was farther away, phone use decreased. But rather than becoming more focused, participants simply diverted their attention elsewhere - primarily to their laptops.



This redirection didn’t affect how much time people spent on actual work versus leisure. The total amount of distraction remained consistent across both setups. 



So, even when the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/social-media-pressure-is-straining-teen-friendships/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phone</a> was harder to reach, the impulse to break concentration didn’t vanish - it just found a new outlet. Phones still drew more attention than laptops.



“It’s your connection with loved ones and with work. It’s your navigation system, alarm clock, music player, and source of information. Unsurprisingly, people turn to the tool that does everything,” said Heitmayer.



“Even if you have no clear purpose, you know it has your socials and can provide entertainment.”



Though laptops could provide similar access, they lacked the same appeal. Phones felt more distracting to use. They were more portable, more personal, and more instantly rewarding.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-phone-itself-is-not-the-issue">The phone itself is not the issue</h2>



“In my research I want to shift the discourse beyond device-centric debates,” Heitmayer said. “The smartphone itself is not the problem. It’s what we do with it and, frankly, the apps that generate and reinforce these habits." 



"The key issue lies in the rituals we’ve built around these devices. Picking up a phone doesn’t require intent anymore. It’s automatic. A second of silence, a moment of rest, and we reach our hand out toward it, without thinking."



This reflex isn’t just about checking the time or answering a call. It's about filling tiny gaps in the day - gaps where our brain used to wander, pause, or recharge. Those gaps are now filled with feeds, images, updates, and loops that rarely end with one swipe.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-phone-apps-designed-for-distraction">Phone apps designed for distraction</h2>



To reduce distractions, people often try turning off phone notifications or setting strict rules. Some set alarms to limit scrolling. Others use apps to block other apps. These strategies may offer brief relief, but they rarely change behavior for long.



“Whenever there is a small break, people check their phone, regardless of whatever system they have in place. And then there’s the socials, which is an entirely different beast,” said Heitmayer.



“There is a very unequal battle fought out every single day by each and every one of us when we use our phones."



“The things inside phones that are the biggest attention sinks are developed by large corporations who greatly profit from our failure to resist the temptation to use them; all of this is literally by design.”



The most engaging parts of your phone are not random. They are engineered. Social media apps, messaging platforms, news updates - they all compete for your time. Such apps reward small clicks with large dopamine hits. And they rely on repeated use, even if you feel worse afterward.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-for-responsibility-and-protection">A call for responsibility and protection</h2>



For most adults, managing their relationship with phones and their constant distraction takes daily effort.



It’s hard, even when we understand what’s happening. But for younger users, who have grown up with this digital environment as a norm, the risks may be even greater.



“These devices are incredibly useful and can facilitate learning and creativity, but they come at a cost that most adults struggle to manage, so we simply cannot ignore this,” noted Heitmayer.



This caution points to a future where digital responsibility must expand. It’s not enough to educate users on balance in their lives. Platforms and apps must be designed with user well-being in mind.



Children, in particular, need tools that support - rather than erode - their ability to focus, reflect, and grow.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-not-the-phone-it-s-the-habit">It’s not the phone, it’s the habit</h2>



At the center of this issue lies a simple truth: distraction is a habit that is alive and well. In order to make a significant change, we must recognize the loop and disrupt it - not just with tools or rules, but with awareness and intention.



When we stop seeing the phone as the sole culprit, we can start reshaping the way we think, work, and live in its presence.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/computer-science/articles/10.3389/fcomp.2025.1422244/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Computer Science</a>.



-----



Like what you read? <a href="https://www.earth.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Subscribe to our newsletter</a> for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.&nbsp;



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



-----

Digital distraction: The real culprit isn’t your phone

When you sit down to work, your to-do list waits,...

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



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



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"]</div>



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



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="iuA5mpp3jv-1641775-12187" type="single"]</div>



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;



---



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



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

Kainji Lake in north central Nigeria

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

Found in lowland forests of regions such as India and Southeast Asia, this small kingfisher glows with vivid yellow, red, pink, orange, and midnight blue.

Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher

The peacock mantis is a wildly colored crustacean that has the most powerful color detecting eyes of any animal with 16 color-receptive cones, ( humans only have 3). It is native to the seabed of the Indo-Pacific ocean.

Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher

News coming your way