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



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planetary-nebulae-nbsp">Planetary nebulae&nbsp;</h2>



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope



-----



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.



-----

Cat's Eye Nebula in the constellation Draco

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543), located about 3,300 light-years from Earth in the constellation Draco.&nbsp; The nebula's name comes from its eye-like appearance when viewed through a telescope. This particular image, which reveals the nebula in stunning detail, was captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. Planetary nebulae&nbsp; According to ESA, the Cat's Eye Nebula is one of the most complex planetary nebulae that has ever been discovered. “A planetary nebula...

Today's Image of the Day from the European Space Agency features the barred spiral galaxy NGC 3783, which is located about 130 million light-years away in the constellation Centaurus. NGC 3783 is also the most prominent of a galaxy group (by the same name) that contains 47 galaxies. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-galaxy-groups">Galaxy groups</h2>



“Like galaxy clusters, galaxy groups are aggregates of gravitationally bound galaxies. Galaxy groups, however, are less massive and contain fewer members than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/titanic-galaxy-cluster-collision-defies-all-current-understanding-of-the-universe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy clusters</a> do: where galaxy clusters can contain hundreds or even thousands of constituent galaxies, galaxy groups do not typically include more than 50,” noted <a href="https://www.esa.int/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ESA</a>.



“The Milky Way is actually part of a galaxy group, known as the Local Group, which contains two other large galaxies (Andromeda and the Triangulum galaxy), as well as several dozen satellite and dwarf galaxies.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hd-101274-a-blue-giant-star">HD 101274: A blue giant star</h2>



The bright object that appears to the right of the galaxy is the star HD 101274. “The perspective in this image makes the star and the galaxy look like close companions, but this is an illusion. HD 101274 lies only about 1,530 light-years from Earth, meaning it is about 85 thousand times closer than NGC 3783,” explained ESA.&nbsp;



The star is part of the NGC 3766 cluster, which is sometimes referred to as the Pearl Cluster, an open cluster known for its richness in bright stars and its relatively young age.



HD 101274 is categorized as a blue giant star, characterized by its high temperature and luminosity. 



Blue giants are massive stars that have left the main sequence phase of stellar evolution and are burning helium or heavier elements in their cores. These stars are known for their short lifespans relative to smaller stars due to their rapid consumption of nuclear fuel.



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



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dark-stars-scientists-discover-a-new-type-of-star-powered-by-dark-matter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stars</a> like HD 101274 are important for astronomers because they help in studying the properties of stellar populations in clusters and the dynamics of stellar evolution in different environments. 



The spectral and photometric observations of such stars can provide valuable insights into the characteristics of their atmospheres, internal structures, and the processes occurring within and around them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bright-central-region-of-ngc-3783">Bright central region of NGC 3783</h2>



One of the most interesting aspects of NGC 3783 is that it harbors an active galactic nucleus, meaning its central region is exceptionally luminous, likely due to the presence of a supermassive black hole. This black hole is actively accreting material, which emits a substantial amount of radiation as it spirals inward and heats up.



The galaxy is particularly known for its bright central region and has been studied extensively in the ultraviolet and X-ray light spectra to understand better the properties of the accretion disk around the black hole and the complex dynamics of the material surrounding it. These studies are crucial for understanding the physics of active galactic nuclei and the role they play in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/galaxies-like-our-own-milky-way-are-not-unique/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxy evolution</a>.



According to ESA, NGC 3783 is a&nbsp;Type I Seyfert galaxy. “In this image it is recorded by Hubble in incredible detail, from its glowing central bar to its narrow, winding arms and the dust threaded through them, thanks to five separate images taken in different wavelengths of light," noted ESA.



“In fact, the galactic center is bright enough to Hubble that it exhibits diffraction spikes, normally only seen on stars such as HD 101274.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-ngc-3783-galaxy-group">More about the NGC 3783 galaxy group</h2>



The NGC 3783 group is part of the larger Hydra-Centaurus Supercluster, which itself is a massive collection of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shapes-of-one-million-galaxies-hint-at-the-universes-origins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> and galaxy clusters located primarily in the constellations of Hydra and Centaurus.



The NGC 3783 group consists of several galaxies that are gravitationally bound and interact with each other. These interactions can influence the galaxies' evolution through mechanisms like tidal forces and merger events, which can trigger star formation, fuel central black holes, and reshape the galaxies' structures.



Studying groups like the NGC 3783 group helps astronomers understand how <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ceers-2112-ancient-galaxy-looks-strikingly-similar-to-ours/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">galaxies</a> evolve together in a common gravitational environment, offering insights into the dynamics and evolution of structures on cosmic scales. 



Image Credit: ESA/Hubble &amp; NASA



-----



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.



-----

Luminous galaxy NGC 3783 and a blue giant star

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> shows algae blooms in Lake Burrinjuck and the Murrumbidgee River in New South Wales.

Lake Burrinjuck attracts people for fishing and water skiing this time of year in Australia, but authorities have issued warnings to stay out of the water since late January 2021.

Blue-green algae, which is also known as cyanobacteria, appear as greenish clumps on the surface of the water.

Algae blooms can be fatal for pets, and can cause illness such as vomiting and stomach issues in humans. The algae also poses a threat to the lake's fish, such as the golden perch, Murray cod, and rainbow trout.

According to NASA, if the concentrations of algae and bacteria are high enough, the process can deplete oxygen concentrations in the water and cause fish to suffocate.

State-owned water supplier WaterNSW said the algae blooms are somewhat unusual since the lake is located in a cooler part of the state and the Burrinjuck Dam recently received a large inflow of water. However, the inflows may have carried in nutrients from other areas.

The image was captured on February 10,2021 by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8 

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

---

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Lake Burrinjuck in New South Wales covered with algae

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

Two continents meet along the Mediterranean coastline Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the intersection of two continents captured from the International Space Station (ISS) through a fisheye lens.

Astronaut Andrew Morgan shot this wide-angle photograph of the Mediterranean coastline, which includes the Nile Delta in <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=africa&amp;cvid=1f2478b553ab466ab4666089eb229902&amp;aqs=edge.0.0l7.1031j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">Africa</a>, the Sinai Peninsula, and the Levant in southwest Asia.

The Nile Delta is one of the largest river deltas in the world and is characterized by rich, agricultural land that contrasts with the surrounding desert. The Mediterranean Sea is a <a title="Sea" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea">sea</a> connected to the <a title="Atlantic Ocean" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_Ocean">Atlantic Ocean</a>, surrounded by the <a title="Mediterranean Basin" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean_Basin">Mediterranean Basin</a> and almost completely enclosed by land: on the north by <a title="Western Europe" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Europe">Western</a> and <a title="Southern Europe" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Europe">Southern Europe</a> and <a title="Anatolia" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anatolia">Anatolia</a>, on the south by North Africa, and on the east by the <a title="Levant" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levant">Levant</a>. The Sea has played a central role in the history of Western civilization. Although the Mediterranean is sometimes considered a part of the Atlantic Ocean, it is usually referred to as a separate body of water. Geological evidence indicates that around 5.9 million years ago, the Mediterranean was cut off from the Atlantic and was partly or completely <a class="mw-redirect" title="Desiccated" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desiccated">desiccated</a> over a period of some 600,000 years during the <a title="Messinian salinity crisis" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messinian_salinity_crisis">Messinian salinity crisis</a> before being refilled by the <a title="Zanclean flood" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zanclean_flood">Zanclean flood</a> about 5.3 million years ago.

According to NASA, the Nile Delta has been the center of agriculture in the region for thousands of years. 

The Levant region consists of present-day Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, and Palestine. Overall, the Mediterranean coastline includes 21 countries with a cumulative length of about 29,000 miles.

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

---

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Two continents meet along the Mediterranean coastline

Two continents meet along the Mediterranean coastline Today's Image of...

ISS030 star trails created with iss030e271644 thru iss030e271714

Star trails over Earth Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a compilation of photographs taken by astronaut Don Pettit while he was onboard the International Space Station (ISS) in April of 2012. 

According to <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=nasa&amp;cvid=1b58b4dec2e84188a4911f2119bb0e32&amp;aqs=edge.0.69i59j0l4j69i60l2.799j0j9&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">NASA</a>, the composite was created from more than 72 long-exposure photographs taken over several minutes as the ISS. traveled over the Caribbean Sea, across South America, and over the South Atlantic Ocean. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government responsi

Star trails over Earth In a blog post, Pettit explained that long-exposure picturble for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research.es from the ISS show star trails as circular arcs, with the center of rotation being the poles of the station.

“My star trail images are made by taking a time exposure of about 10 to 15 minutes,” wrote Pettit. “However, with modern digital cameras, 30 seconds is about the longest exposure possible, due to electronic detector noise effectively snowing out the image. To achieve the longer exposures, I do what many amateur astronomers do. I take multiple 30-second exposures, then stack them using imaging software, thus producing the longer exposure.”

The image captures both natural and artificial lights that appear to astronauts as they pass over the night side of Earth. For example, cities appear as pale yellow-white streaks.

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

---

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Star trails over Earth

Star trails over Earth Today's Image of the Day from...

The Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. The photograph was taken by astronaut Don Pettit from the International Space Station in May of 2012.

The Tibetan Plateau is visible just beyond the 600-mile stretch of mountains, including numerous lakes and mountain glaciers.

Meanwhile, the flat, treeless plains of the Indo-Gangetic belt can be seen in the foreground. 

Over millions of years, the Ganges, Ghaghara, and Gandak rivers transported massive amounts of sediment from the Himalayas. This has covered the plains with alluvial soil that is fertile and agriculturally productive. The Tibetan Plateau, also known in China as the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau or the Qing–Zang Plateau or as the Himalayan Plateau in India, is a vast elevated plateau in South Asia, Central Asia and East Asia, covering most of the Tibet Autonomous Region, most of Qinghai, Northwestern Yunnan, Western half of Sichuan, Southern Gansu provinces in Western China, the Indian regions of Ladakh and Lahaul and Spiti as well as Bhutan. It stretches approximately 1,000 kilometres north to south and 2,500 kilometres east to west. It is the world's highest and largest plateau above sea level, with an area of 2,500,000 square kilometres. With an average elevation exceeding 4,500 metres and being surrounded by imposing mountain ranges that harbor the world's two highest summits, Mount Everest and K2, the Tibetan Plateau is often referred to as "the Roof of the World".

The Himalayas and the Tibetan plateau were formed as the Indian tectonic plate collided into the Eurasian plate about 50 million years ago. This process is still ongoing, and the mountain range still rises a bit every year. Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth, is also visible in the photograph.

According to NASA, the curve of Earth’s limb defines the horizon due to the oblique viewing angle from the ISS.

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

---

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

The Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau

The Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau Today's Image of the...

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a large iceberg that has broken away from Antarctica’s Brunt Ice Shelf. The rift that spawned the calving event, known as Chasm 1, was first observed in satellite images in September of 2019.

The break was detected on February 26, 2021, and then confirmed the next day with radar images from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1A satellite. The giant iceberg, A-74, spans 490 square miles, which is about twice the size of Chicago. 

According to NASA, A-74 broke from the ice shelf northeast of the McDonald Ice Rumple - an area where the flow of ice is impeded by an underwater formation that causes pressure waves, crevasses, and rifts to form at the surface. 

The rift that produced the iceberg rapidly advanced across the ice shelf during the summer of 2020 to 2021.

“I would not have thought that this rift could go zipping across the northeast side of the Brunt Ice Shelf and cause a significant calving - all in a tiny fraction of the time it has taken Chasm 1 to extend toward the ice rumples from the south,” said Christopher Shuman, a glaciologist based at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.

The image was captured on March 1, 2021 by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8.

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

---

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Large iceberg breaks away from Antarctica’s Brunt Ice Shelf

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> maps the colors of large rivers across the United States. A new study has found that the dominant color has changed in about one-third of these rivers over the past 35 years.

“Changes in river color serve as a first pass that tell us something is going on nearby. There are a lot of details to parse out on what is causing those changes, though," explained study lead author John Gardner, who is a hydrologist at the University of Pittsburgh.

The scientists used 234,727 images collected by Landsat satellites between 1984 and 2018 to construct the first map of river color in the United States. The colors are similar to how they would appear to the naked eye.

During the study period, 56 percent of rivers were dominantly yellow and 38 percent were dominantly green. 

According to Gardner, it is not unusual for rivers to change colors. These changes occur as a result of fluctuations in flow, concentrations of sediments, and the amount of dissolved organic matter or algae in the water. 

“We are seeing an increase in the frequency of color changes,” said Gardner. The analysis revealed that around 21 percent of rivers became greener, most commonly in the western United States, while around 12 percent of the rivers shifted toward yellow, primarily in the eastern United States.

The most extreme examples were often found to be located near man-made reservoirs. Gardner also noticed that algal blooms have become more frequent in rivers. 

“Our findings do not indicate if the color changes are good or bad in terms of water quality, but we showed that we can detect some trends,” said Gardner. “The next step is to investigate what humans are doing to cause those changes and whether it’s an improvement or degradation.”

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

---

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

River colors are changing across the United States

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

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> illustrates how warm weather caused Alaska to jump from the middle of winter straight into spring.

March of 2019 was part of an ongoing warming trend across the state in recent years. According to the Alaska Climate Research Center, a high-pressure ridge developed in the middle of the month and stayed in place.

The hotter air temperatures combined with warm sea surface temperatures have significantly lowered the amount of sea ice coverage west of Alaska in the Bering Sea.

This image was captured over Anchorage on March 30, 2019 by MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite.

Alaska is a U.S. state in the northwest extremity of the west coast of the United States just across the Bering Strait from Asia. The Canadian province of British Columbia, as well as the territory of Yukon, border the state to the east and southeast. Its most extreme western part is Attu Island, and it has a maritime border with Russia (Chukotka Autonomous Okrug) to the west across the Bering Strait. 

To the north are the Chukchi and Beaufort seas - southern parts of the Arctic Ocean. The Pacific Ocean lies to the south and southwest. Alaska is the largest U.S. state by area and the seventh largest subnational division in the world. In addition, it is the 3rd least populous and the most sparsely populated of the 50 United States. On the other hand, it is by far the most populous territory located mostly north of the 60th parallel in North America: its population - estimated at 738,432 by the United States Census Bureau in 2015 - is more than quadruple the combined populations of Northern Canada and Greenland. 

Approximately half of Alaska's residents live within the Anchorage metropolitan area. Alaska's economy is dominated by the fishing, natural gas, and oil industries, resources which it has in abundance. United States armed forces bases and tourism are also a significant part of the economy. 
--

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory

&nbsp;

An early spring in Alaska

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

Lake Balaton in western Hungary Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features a Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite view of Lake Balaton, the largest freshwater lake in central Europe.

Located in Hungary, Lake Balaton is about 48 miles in length. The lake is primarily fed by the Zala River to the west, and its water flows out to the east through an artificial channel called the Sió, ultimately feeding into the Danube River.Lake Balaton in western Hungary

Balaton was once five separate water bodies, but the barriers gradually eroded away to create a single lake. The remains of the ridges that divided the lake can be seen in Balaton’s shape. Lake Balaton is a freshwater lake in the Transdanubian region of Hungary. It is the largest lake in Central <a href="https://www.earth.com/image/sahara-dust-plume-moves-toward-europe/">Europe,</a> and one of the region's foremost tourist destinations. The Zala River provides the largest inflow of water to the lake, and the canalised Sió is the only outflow. But it's especially appealing in the summer, when you can cool off from the Hungarian heat at one of the many lakeside resorts that dot the shoreline. Lake Balaton is almost 50 miles long and 10 miles wide at its widest point. It's a freshwater lake, but it's a striking milky green color because of the algae that grows in the shallow waters.

The emerald color of the water that was captured in this image is most likely due to its chemical composition. According to the ESA, the water is heavy in carbonates and sulphates, and there are also around 2, 000 species of algae that grow in its waters.

Balaton provides habitats for a large population of wildlife, including 41 native fish species living in the lake and its tributaries. This is also an important staging area for thousands of ducks and geese during migration season. 

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

Lake Balaton in western Hungary

Lake Balaton in western Hungary Today's Image of the Day...

Starting early Tuesday morning, the Southern Taurids meteor shower - fondly known as the "fireball champion" - is ready to light up our night sky. 



Unlike many meteor showers that produce a higher quantity of faint meteors, the Southern Taurids are renowned for generating a smaller number of very bright, slow-moving fireballs that can be easily spotted across the night sky.



Not to mention, their sister event, the Northern Taurids, will follow closely behind. This <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dart-mission-debris-will-create-a-human-made-meteor-shower/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meteor shower</a> will reach its peak on November 12, giving us not one but two fiery performances.



"While&nbsp;the two showers&nbsp;only produce around five visible meteors per hour under ideal viewing conditions, they are often very bright fireballs," said Sally Brummel, planetarium manager at the University of Minnesota’s <a href="https://www.bellmuseum.umn.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bell Museum</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brighter-and-longer-lasting-meteors">Brighter and longer lasting meteors </h2>



Despite producing fewer visible meteors, their luminosity makes each one a sight to behold. Think of the Taurids as the shooting star quality controllers of the universe, selecting only the brightest and the best for your <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-meteor-showers-delta-aquarids-alpha-capricornids-light-up-night-skies-august-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stargazing experience</a>.



“What’s notable is that they’re likely to produce brighter and longer-lasting meteors than some other showers, even if there aren’t as many,” said Brummel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-of-the-taurids-meteor-showers">Timing of the Taurids meteor showers </h2>



For the Southern Taurids, the peak viewing moment coincides with a rather convenient time when the moon will be only about 11% full.



Meanwhile, the Northern Taurids may face some moonlight interference with the moon being 79% full.



The grandeur of these shows is not a one-time affair. In fact, you can relish the sight until December. 



The showers are most active between midnight and the early morning hours. For optimal viewing, pick a spot away from city lights with a clear overhead view.



Keep in mind, the less light around you, the better the show. Also, avoid the glow of your cell phone as your eyes adapt better to meteor spotting without it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-science-behind-the-showers">Science behind the showers</h2>



So, how do these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/two-meteor-showers-delta-aquarids-alpha-capricornids-combine-this-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">showers</a> happen? Most meteor showers, including the Taurids, stem from the debris left behind by comets. In this case, both the Northern and Southern Taurids originate from the debris of Comet Encke. 



When the cosmic bits of debris collide with our planet's atmosphere, the air resistance heats them up significantly. This causes the air surrounding them to illuminate and form a spectacular fiery tail.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-myths-and-folklore-of-meteors">Myths and folklore of meteors</h2>



Meteors have inspired myths and folklore across cultures, and are often regarded as mysterious and powerful omens.



In many Western cultures, meteors or "shooting stars" are seen as good luck, and people are encouraged to make a wish upon seeing one. This belief stems from ancient Greece, where philosopher Ptolemy suggested that stars falling from the heavens meant that the gods were watching - providing a moment when wishes would be heard.



In many ancient societies, meteors were seen as omens of war, disaster, or the death of a prominent person. For example, in ancient Rome, meteors were often interpreted as signs from the gods warning of an upcoming battle or tragedy. 



Similarly, in medieval Europe, meteor showers were sometimes thought to foretell famine, plague, or other significant disasters.



These tales reflect humanity's enduring fascination with the celestial drama above, where scientific phenomena merge with cultural narratives, enriching our understanding of both the physical and metaphysical worlds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embracing-taurids-meteor-showers">Embracing Taurids meteor showers</h2>



Engaging with the Taurids and other meteor showers is more than just an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dart-mission-debris-will-create-a-human-made-meteor-shower/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">astronomical event</a>; it's a call to embrace the natural world's beauty and complexity. 



These occurrences offer a profound opportunity to reconnect with the night sky in an increasingly light-polluted world. By venturing out to witness this celestial display, one can find solace and inspiration under the vast canopy of stars, reigniting a sense of wonder and curiosity. 



Moreover, by understanding and appreciating the science behind these events, we can cultivate a deeper respect for the cosmos and our unique place within it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leonids-meteor-shower">Leonids meteor shower</h2>



Following closely on the heels of the Taurids, the next big meteor shower - the Leonids - will peak early in the morning of November 17.



The Leonids are one of the most famous annual meteor showers, known for their intensity and occasional "meteor storms" where thousands of meteors can be seen per hour.



This cosmic theater, ultimately running from September 23 through December 8, is turning November into an astronomical extravaganza.



Together, these back-to-back events offer a more comprehensive and varied night-sky experience that’s hard to replicate with a single meteor shower.



-----



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.



-----

Taurids meteor shower is about to peak with brilliant fireballs

Starting early Tuesday morning, the Southern Taurids meteor shower -...

As cities face rising temperatures amplified by urban structures like concrete and asphalt, initiatives to plant trees have gained momentum. Yet, while the benefits of city greening are well-recognized, many such efforts have been based on approximations. 



A recent study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2401210121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a> provides a refined tool to help urban planners set specific and scientifically sound city-wide greening targets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cooling-effects-of-city-greening">Cooling effects of city greening</h2>



Led by researchers Jia Wang, Weiqi Zhou, and Yuguo Qian from the <a href="https://english.cas.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese Academy of Sciences</a>, and co-authored by Steward Pickett, an urban ecologist at <a href="https://www.caryinstitute.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies</a>, the study examines the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cloud-engineering-can-temporarily-cool-our-planet/">cooling</a> effects of urban trees at different scales.



“Trees offer many benefits to cities, and cooling is one of them,” said Pickett. “Trees are good at cooling because they pump a lot of water from the ground into the air, and when that water evaporates at the leaf surface, it absorbs a vast amount of heat. That's just the physics of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/light-can-vaporize-water-cause-evaporation-without-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evaporation</a>. The shade provided by trees also helps with cooling.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-many-trees-are-needed">How many trees are needed?</h2>



Most research on the cooling effect of trees has historically focused on specific neighborhoods or streets. For instance, studies have shown that a 1% increase in tree canopy can lower nearby temperatures by 0.04 to 0.57 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;



“That’s valuable, but planners and decision makers are thinking about the whole city. They’re asking, ‘How much tree canopy do we need for the whole city? What happens when we scale it up?’ And that information hasn’t been available,” Pickett said.



The goal of the study was to assess if findings from smaller areas could be applied at a city-wide level.&nbsp;



The researchers analyzed satellite imagery and temperature data from four cities with varying climates: Beijing and Shenzhen in China, and Baltimore and Sacramento in the United States. These cities represented different climate zones: temperate, subtropical, and Mediterranean.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-measuring-the-cooling-effects-of-urban-trees">Measuring the cooling effects of urban trees</h2>



The team divided each city into pixelated sections approximately the size of a city block. For each pixel, they assessed land surface temperatures and tree coverage.&nbsp;



The researchers then expanded their analysis to larger areas, such as neighborhoods and entire cities, to measure how the cooling efficiency - temperature reduction associated with a 1% increase in tree canopy - shifted with scale.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-city-greening-to-enhance-cooling">City greening to enhance cooling</h2>



The results revealed that the cooling effect of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urban-trees-surrounded-by-less-asphalt-grow-taller-and-stronger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urban trees</a> increased as the scale expanded, but the rate of increase was slower at larger scales. 



In Beijing, for instance, a 1% increase in tree canopy at the block level led to a temperature drop of 0.06 degrees.&nbsp;



However, at the city-wide level, the same increase resulted in a reduction of about 0.18 degrees. The added benefit at larger scales likely comes from larger groups of trees, which collectively enhance cooling.



“We found that cooling efficiency follows a power law across scales - from as small as 120 by 120 meters to as large as regions covering the entire city,” said co-author Weiqi Zhou.&nbsp;



“The relationship holds across all four of the studied cities, which are in very different climates. This suggests that it could be used to predict the amount of additional tree cover needed to achieve specific <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/unbearable-heat-could-make-some-parts-of-the-world-uninhabitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heat</a> mitigation and climate adaptation goals in cities worldwide.”



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



The study’s findings offer urban planners a powerful tool to establish city-wide tree canopy targets aimed at combating extreme heat.&nbsp;



For instance, the researchers estimated that Baltimore could lower land surface temperatures by 0.23°C by increasing its tree canopy by 1%. To achieve a reduction of 1.5°C, the city would need to increase tree coverage by 6.39%.



While this information is invaluable for high-level decision-making, Pickett cautioned that it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.&nbsp;



“This paper doesn’t tell you where to put the trees,” he said. “That's another sort of analysis, which would have to involve a lot more social information and engagement with communities or with individual property owners.”&nbsp;



Ensuring equitable distribution of trees across cities and involving communities in planning are essential for maximizing the benefits.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategic-planning-for-city-greening-nbsp">Strategic planning for city greening&nbsp;</h2>



Pickett suggested expanding the research to include cities with different climate types to better understand the broader applicability of these findings.&nbsp;



Additionally, studying how effective <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-too-many-trees-could-spoil-the-planet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tree planting</a> will be in future conditions as climate change drives higher temperatures and more frequent droughts is a crucial next step.



The study reinforces the idea that tree-planting, while an effective nature-based solution, requires strategic planning to yield the best results.&nbsp;



With these new insights, cities can move beyond trial and error to make more informed decisions that address the urban heat crisis.



-----



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.



-----

City greening: Predicting the cooling effects of trees

As cities face rising temperatures amplified by urban structures like...

An international team of scientists, from the eastern shores of United States to the southern tip of Italy, has stumbled upon an exciting discovery - a new strain of cyanobacteria called Chonkus that thrives on carbon dioxide (CO2) and effortlessly settles in water.



This unique alga, affectionately called Chonkus, has been discovered off the Sicilian island of Vulcano, where marine <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-absorb-31-more-co2-than-previously-estimated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a> is plentiful thanks to shallow volcanic vents.



The team was intrigued by the idea of what happens when regular CO2 limitations are removed, an environment in which organisms might have the potential to amplify their growth. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-algae-thriving-in-carbon-rich-environments">Algae thriving in carbon-rich environments</h2>



Dr. Max Schubert was a staff scientist at the <a href="https://wyss.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wyss Institute at Harvard University</a> when the research was conducted and is now lead project scientist at Align to Innovate.



"Dissolved carbon is relatively dilute compared to all the other molecules in the ocean, and that limits the growth of photosynthetic organisms that live there," noted Dr. Schubert. 



"We decided to investigate what happens when you alleviate that limiting factor by going to a place with plenty of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-diverse-crops-traps-carbon-and-boosts-soil-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a>, where some organisms could have evolved the ability to use it to galvanize their growth." 



However, the team uncovered an organism that defied this limitation. Dr. Schubert believes that Chonkus has exciting features that could be beneficial to humans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bringing-the-ocean-to-the-lab">Bringing the ocean to the lab</h2>



The story began nine years ago when Dr. Schubert and Dr. Braden Tierney shared a lab at Harvard Medical School (<a href="https://hms.harvard.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HMS</a>) under the guidance of Dr. George Church. 



Focused on creating tools for directed evolution of bacteria, Dr. Schubert expanded his research. In 2019, he won a proposal at the HMS Consortium for Space Genetics' Symposium on Climate Change, allowing him to explore cyanobacteria.



Meanwhile, Dr. Tierney had his sights set on exploring microbes living in shallow seeps. He partnered with scientists at the University of Palermo in Sicily and drew upon Dr. Schubert's expertise to understand the cyanobacteria.



What followed was an expedition that brought together a motley crew of scientists from institutions ranging from the Wyss Institute, HMS, and MIT to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado, along with multiple Italian establishments.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-sea-of-possibilities">A sea of possibilities</h2>



Venturing into the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/capturing-carbon-directly-from-the-air-is-now-much-more-efficient-thanks-to-new-material/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2</a>-rich waters off the coast of Vulcano, the team collected water samples that were then shipped to Boston. Here, Dr. Schubert and his team isolated and studied the microorganisms living within.



The journey started by recreating an environment that would allow cyanobacteria to flourish – plenty of light, warmth, and CO2. 



The outcome? Two strains of fast-growing cyanobacteria: UTEX 3221 and UTEX 3222. Chonkus, formally known as UTEX 3222, was selected due to its single-celled growth, making it easier to compare with existing strains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-algae-to-sequester-carbon">Using algae to sequester carbon </h2>



Chonkus possesses several interesting traits, including carbon-rich storage granules within its cells, large colonies, higher carbon content, and - most notably - a natural tendency to sink fast in water.



"Many of the traits that we observed in Chonkus aren't inherently useful in their natural environment, but are very useful to humans," said Dr. Tierney.



"Aquatic organisms naturally grow at very low density, but being able to grow to a high density at higher temperatures is very helpful in the industrial environments that we use to manufacture many goods and products, and can help sequester more carbon."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-potential-beyond-carbon-sequestration">Potential beyond carbon sequestration </h2>



The team is excited about the potential applications of the algae beyond carbon sequestration. Due to its rapid and dense growth pattern, Chonkus could be used to more efficiently produce commodities like omega-3 fatty acids, the antioxidant astaxanthin, and spirulina.



By harnessing the ability of cyanobacteria to absorb <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/warming-soils-release-more-carbon-than-plants-can-replace/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon</a> from their surroundings, the processes of carbon sequestration and biomanufacturing could be seamlessly linked.



The research has led to the founding of a non-profit organization called The Two Frontiers Project, which aims to study how life thrives in extreme environments and to explore potential applications in carbon capture, CO2 upcycling for sustainable products, and coral ecosystem restoration.



Dr. Church commends the potential of such naturally evolved cyanobacteria strains and stresses the importance of maintaining control over these experiments.



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



Taking a cue from nature seems to be at the heart of remarkable innovation. Dr. Don Ingber, the founding director of the Wyss Institute, underlines this sentiment.



"I'm proud of this team for getting out of the lab and seeking nature's best ideas where they've already developed," said Dr. Ingber.



"This is a wonderful example of how our new Sustainable Futures Initiative is pursuing out-of-the-box approaches to confront climate change - the biggest challenge of our generation." 



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/aem.00841-24" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Applied and Environmental Microbiology</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.



-----

Can algae soak up loads of carbon to help save the planet?

An international team of scientists, from the eastern shores of...

Did you think only adults factor in possibilities and probabilities in their daily lives? Think again. According to recent findings, toddlers as young as two and three years old have an innate understanding of how possibilities work, enabling them to learn from surprising events.



Toddlers can distinguish between events that are impossible, those that are possible but not probable, and their excitement for the impossible is profound.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toddlers-learning-possibilities">Toddlers learning possibilities</h2>



As adults, we consider possibilities and probabilities every single day. Ever thought about your chances of winning the lottery after buying a ticket? Or packed an umbrella because there might be a chance of rain? 



A recent study suggests that toddlers might also be part of the possibility gang, even before they have the language to describe these mental states. The findings are the first to demonstrate this phenomenon.



“Even young toddlers already think about the world in terms of possibilities,” said co-author&nbsp;<a href="https://pbs.jhu.edu/directory/lisa-feigenson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lisa Feigenson</a>, co-director of the Johns Hopkins University <a href="https://labforchilddevelopment.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Laboratory for Child Development</a>. 



“Adults do this all the time and here we wanted to know whether even <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toddlers-get-half-their-calories-from-ultra-processed-foods/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toddlers</a> think about possible states of the world before they’ve had years of experience and before they have the language to describe these mental states.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-the-unexpected-happens">When the unexpected happens</h2>



A group of two- and three-year-olds were shown a gumball-type machine filled with toys. Some kids saw a blend of pink and purple toys, while others saw that the machine was filled only with purple toys. Each <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/children-under-two-should-not-be-exposed-to-tv-or-screen-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">child</a> then got a coin to drop into the machine to draw a toy.



Some children who saw the machine filled with only purple toys drew out a pink toy. This, of course, defies logic, because how could they possibly draw a pink toy from a machine offering solely purple ones?



Now, after they received their toys, all the kids were taught the name of the toy - a made-up word - and asked to recall the name later.



The results were astonishing. Kids who experienced this "impossible" scenario learned the name significantly better than the rest.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-toddler-learning-patterns">Toddler learning patterns</h2>



The researchers believe that encountering impossible events spurs toddlers to seek explanations, boosting their learning.



“One possibility was that they would learn well from the improbable events, but even better from the impossible events,” said <a href="https://hss.tcnj.edu/hss-faculty/aimee-stahl/">Aimee Stahl</a>, a former doctoral student in Feigenson’s lab who is now an associate professor of psychology at <a href="https://tcnj.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The College of New Jersey</a>.



“But what we found was that they actually don’t learn from the unlikely, improbable events. They only learn if they experienced the impossible event.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-approach-to-education">New approach to education</h2>



This discovery opens up incredible possibilities for educators and parents, enabling them to create learning strategies centered around these "heightened moments."



Feigenson suggests that parents and teachers should design opportunities for children to ponder over intriguing concepts, thereby creating powerful learning moments.



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



The implications of these findings on cognitive development are profound. They challenge the existing perception of early childhood learning, suggesting that even preverbal children are capable of engaging with complex <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/toddler-screen-time-linked-to-atypical-sensory-behaviors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cognitive processes</a>. 



The fact that toddlers can comprehend and respond to improbable events implies that their minds are ripe for a more advanced learning than previously appreciated. 



This challenges educators and developmental psychologists to reconsider the scope of educational materials suitable for young learners. 



By integrating scenarios that defy expectations, educational content can harness this innate curiosity, potentially accelerating cognitive growth during formative years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-developing-through-surprises">Developing through surprises</h2>



Going deeper into the science, this phenomenon can be tied to broader theories of cognitive development. The work of Jean Piaget, long regarded as foundational, suggested that children's mental models evolve through interaction with the world, constantly being tested against new experiences. 



The discovery by Feigenson and Stahl hints at a burgeoning field of study focusing on 'possibility thinking' - a concept where children learn by assessing the bounds of reality through trial and error.



This challenges scientists to further investigate how early exposure to "impossible" events might not just spur learning but may also shape the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that underpin inventive and adaptive intelligence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learning-in-a-toddler-s-world">Learning in a toddler's world</h2>



As surprising as it may seem, this study demonstrates that the world of toddlers is far from simplistic. Their minds are constantly dissecting possibilities and impossibilities, enabling them to better understand their surroundings. 



Can you imagine the impact on education if we could harness this natural curiosity? We must reconsider how we approach early education and create possibilities around the concept of the "impossible."



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2411297121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</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.



-----

Toddlers learn faster after witnessing 'impossible' events

Did you think only adults factor in possibilities and probabilities...

Picture a world 160 million years ago, with prehistoric landscapes teeming with life. Recently, scientists have uncovered a treasure trove of paleontological evidence from this time period in Argentina, including the stunning discovery of the oldest fossil of a giant tadpole.



This remarkable find not only shifts the current understanding of our planet's ecological memory but also beats the previous record holder of antiquity by 20 million years.



The specimen was not just a tooth or a bone fragment, but a fossil that was almost perfectly preserved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-the-tadpole-fossil">Insights from the tadpole fossil</h2>



Partially encased in a slab of sandstone, the fossil presents a detailed makeup of the tadpole's skull and backbone. Imprints of its eyes and nerves offer scientists a unique view into this ancient being's life.



"It's not only the oldest tadpole known, but also the most exquisitely preserved," said Mariana Chuliver, a biologist at <a href="https://www.maimonides.edu/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maimonides University</a> in Buenos Aires.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/frogs-have-a-third-eye-for-direct-light-sensing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frogs</a> have a history that spans up to 217 million years ago. However, the specifics surrounding their <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wood-frogs-achieved-significant-biological-evolution-25-years-salt-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evolution</a>, particularly from the point of being tadpoles, have been shrouded in obscurity. The tadpole fossil could be the key to unlocking these mysteries.



"This finding has dual importance because it represents the oldest-known tadpole and, to our knowledge, the first stem-anuran larva. Its exquisite preservation, including soft tissues, shows features associated with the filter-feeding mechanism characteristic of extant tadpoles," wrote the study authors. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-frog-evolution">Understanding frog evolution</h2>



Standing at half a foot long, this ancient tadpole represents a youthful stage of a now-extinct <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/limnonectes-cassiopeia-new-fanged-fighting-frog-species-discovered-philippines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">giant frog</a> species. 



The discovery is an exciting step toward understanding the intricate process of a frog's transformation.



Ben Kligman, a paleontologist at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History said the fossil is "starting to help narrow the timeframe in which a frog becomes a frog."



The implications of these findings are monumental for the field of paleontology and our comprehension of life's evolution.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-characteristics-of-tadpole-fossil">Characteristics of tadpole fossil</h2>



In an article published recently in the journal&nbsp;Nature, the experts noted that there is a striking similarity between this fossil and the tadpoles we see today.



Even the remnants of a gill scaffold system, a tool that today's tadpoles use to sift food particles from water, were found.



The understanding that the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amphibians-threatened-by-mercury-with-unknown-health-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amphibians' survival</a> strategy has remained unchanged for millions of years, enabling them to survive several mass extinctions, highlights the astonishing resilience of nature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extending-the-boundaries-of-knowledge">Extending the boundaries of knowledge</h2>



This discovery provides an invaluable glimpse into the distant past and sheds light on a creature that played a significant part in the Earth's ecological history.



 It's an exciting reminder of the myriad questions that still surround the path of life on our planet. 



Unearthing these secrets of the past provides us with a deeper understanding of the complexities of life today and the challenges of the future.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tadpole-s-journey-through-time">Tadpole’s journey through time</h2>



With its remarkable preservation, the giant tadpole fossil offers an opportunity to glimpse into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ecosystem-behavior-earth-first-sea-creatures-stirring-water-drove-evolution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ancient ecosystems</a> that thrived over a hundred million years ago.



The sandstone slab hints at the environment in which the tadpole lived - a world rich with water bodies teeming with early amphibians, insects, and aquatic plants.



By studying the fossil’s surroundings, researchers gain insights into the ecological dynamics that supported early amphibian life, painting a vivid picture of the predator-prey relationships, food chains, and habitat structures of that era. 



This contextual understanding can shed light on the adaptive strategies that amphibians, like this tadpole, developed to survive.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-paleontological-exploration">Further paleontological exploration</h2>



The tadpole fossil found in Argentina could very well be the catalyst for a renewed focus on South American fossil beds.



While paleontological research has traditionally concentrated on other regions, this study highlights the continent's potential for offering new insights into the evolution of ancient species.



As researchers prepare to conduct further excavations, they anticipate unearthing other fossils that might clarify the evolutionary journey of amphibians and potentially reveal new species altogether. 



Such discoveries could add depth to the global fossil record, helping to refine the timelines and connections within the evolutionary tree, particularly for amphibians and their descendants.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08055-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</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.



-----

World's oldest tadpole fossil reveals secrets of ancient amphibians

Picture a world 160 million years ago, with prehistoric landscapes...

<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...