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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



Image Credit: NASA



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NGC 2566: A cosmic eye in the Puppis constellation

Today's Image of the Day from NASA features the spiral galaxy NGC 2566, which is located 76 million light-years away in the constellation Puppis. The image was captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. “A prominent bar of stars stretches across the center of this galaxy, and spiral arms emerge from each end of the bar. Because NGC 2566 appears tilted from our perspective, its disk takes on an almond shape, giving the galaxy the appearance of a cosmic eye,” said NASA. “As...

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



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Cat's Eye Nebula in the constellation Draco

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

The Southeast Asian island of Borneo. Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Borneo, an island in the Malay Archipelago of Southeast Asia.

The false-color image covers part of the South Kalimantan province in Indonesia. The network of white lines represent human development, including houses and roads. 

The dark blue colors in the photo are freshwater swamp forests. Bright red indicates thick vegetation, while crops closer to the swamps are yellow and orange.

According to the ESA, Borneo is home to one of the world’s most diverse rainforests, and its natural resources have tremendous social and economic value at local, national and global levels. Southeast Asia or Southeastern Asia is the southeastern subregion of Asia, consisting of the regions that are geographically south of China, east of the Indian subcontinent and north-west of Australia.Southeast Asia is bordered to the north by East Asia, to the west by South Asia and the Bay of Bengal, to the east by Oceania and the Pacific Ocean, and to the south by Australia and the Indian Ocean. Apart from the British Indian Ocean Territory and two out of 26 atolls of Maldives in South Asia, Southeast Asia is the only other subregion of Asia that lies partly within the Southern Hemisphere. The majority of the subregion is still in the Northern Hemisphere. East Timor and the southern portion of Indonesia are the only part that is south of the Equator.

Image Credit: ESA 

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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

The Southeast Asian island of Borneo

The Southeast Asian island of Borneo. Today's Image of the...

Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features glaciers in the Himalayas that lack the fresh coat of snow that is typically observed in January each year. The false-color image captures the high glacier passes of Nanpa La and Nup La, located around 30 miles northwest of Mount Everest, on January 17, 2021. 

From October 2020 to January 2021, the average snow line on these glaciers increased by around 330 feet. According to NASA, this phenomenon is tied to unusual winter melting in recent months. 

“A substantial area of the glaciers are now probably experiencing melting year round,” said Mauri Pelto, a glaciologist at Nichols College. “In years past, most melting stopped during winter and the snow line didn’t move, but that’s not really the case now.”

The experts report thay the melting period in the region around Mount Everest has been extended by four months as a result of abnormally warm temperatures.

“We have been basically seeing spring and summer-like conditions in the middle of winter,” said Tom Matthews, a climate scientist at Loughborough University who helps manage weather stations at Mount Everest. 

Matthews explained that these melting events are associated with pulses of warm air carried in by prevailing winds from the west.

The researchers have also observed less snow accumulating during the summer monsoon in recent years, which is when the region receives about  75 percent of its annual snowfall.

By contrast, the team found that there was an increase of rain and melting during the summer monsoon in 2019 and 2020 that reduced the amount of snowfall near Everest. Furthermore, warmer temperatures are melting snow that was accumulated before the monsoon seasons. 

“I have seen snow-free situations last into January before, but usually the snow line isn’t this high to start with,” said Pelto.

“I don’t think the ablation (melting) season is near ending. Until you get new snowfall, you will continue to experience melting and sublimation. It is evident that the ablation season length and ablation area on these high elevation glaciers is expanding.”

The image was acquired by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8.

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Some glaciers near Mount Everest are melting year-round

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

Clouds trace mountain ridges in the Chinese province of Yunnan. Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features mountain ridges and deep river gorges in the Chinese province of Yunnan.

While the ridges exceed 5,000 meters, the lowest parts of the gorges are just a few hundred meters above sea level. Clouds trace mountain ridges in the Chinese province of Yunnan

The photograph captures long rows of parallel clouds that traced some of the mountain ridges on January 6, 2021. Clouds trace mountain ridges in the Chinese province of Yunnan. 

According to NASA, these orographic clouds form when the shape of the landscape forces moist air up to altitudes high enough and cold enough for the water vapor to condense. 

Orographic clouds often appear stationary because their formation is so dependent on the shape of the land below. Yunnan is a landlocked province in the southwest of the People's Republic of China. The province spans approximately 394,000 square kilometres and has a population of 48,3 million. The capital of the province is Kunming. The province borders the Chinese provinces of Guizhou, Sichuan, autonomous regions of Guangxi, and Tibet as well as Southeast Asian countries: Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar. Yunnan is China's fourth least developed province based on disposable income per capita in 2014. Yunnan (云南) is a landlocked province in the southwest of the People's Republic of China. The province spans approximately 394,000 square kilometres (152,000 sq mi) and has a population of 48.300 million (as of 2018).

The image was acquired by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite.

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Clouds trace mountain ridges in the Chinese province of Yunnan

Clouds trace mountain ridges in the Chinese province of Yunnan....

Hubble Captures the Supernova Remnant 1E 0102.2-7219

Supernova explosion lit up the sky 1,700 years ago. Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the remains of a supernova that exploded in the Small Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of our Milky Way that is located about 200,000 light-years away.

The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope captured this striking photograph of the supernova remnant, named E0102. Researchers are using this and other observations by Hubble of E0102 to gain a better understanding of the supernova event. 

For example, the scientists set out to accurately estimate the timing of the blast. The new estimates indicate that light from the blast arrived at Earth 1,700 years ago, during the decline of the Roman Empire. Supernova explosion lit up the sky 1,700 years ago

According to the ESA, the gaseous knots in this supernova remnant are moving at different speeds and directions from the explosion, with those moving toward Earth appearing blue and the ones moving away appearing red. 

The image shows the streams of gas speeding away from the explosion site at an average speed of 3.2 million kilometers per hour. If humans could travel at this rate of speed, we could travel to the Moon and back in 15 minutes.

Image Credit: ESA 

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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Supernova explosion lit up the sky 1,700 years ago

Supernova explosion lit up the sky 1,700 years ago. Today's...

Tropical Cyclone Eloise in the Mozambique Channel Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> shows Tropical Cyclone Eloise as it approached East Africa on January 22, 2021.

The storm made landfall at 2:30 a.m. on January 23 in the coastal city of Beira, Mozambique with wind speeds of up to 99 miles per hour. 

Some low-lying buildings collapsed and cars were submerged in water. At least nine people were killed, and most of the victims were struck by falling trees.

There is an ongoing threat of severe flooding in Mozambique that could affect more than 200,000 people. Tropical Cyclone Eloise in the Mozambique Channel

The region was devastated two years ago, when Cyclones Idai and Kenneth killed around 600 people in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. Severe Tropical Storm Eloise is a current tropical cyclone strengthening over the Mozambique Channel. It is likely to intensify as it heads towards Africa. The disturbance that spawned Eloise was first noted on 14 January, and it entered a region marginally favorable to development.Tropical Cyclone Eloise is a current tropical cyclone strengthening over the Mozambique Channel. It is likely to intensify as it heads towards Africa. The disturbance that spawned Eloise was first noted on 14 January, and it entered a region marginally favorable to development. The seventh tropical depression, fifth named storm, and third severe tropical storm of the 2020–21 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, it developed into a tropical depression on 16 January, 

The image was captured by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the Suomi NPP satellite.

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Tropical Cyclone Eloise in the Mozambique Channel

Tropical Cyclone Eloise in the Mozambique Channel Today's Image of...

City lights surround the Persian Gulf. Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a nighttime view of the coastal cities surrounding the Persian Gulf.

According to NASA, the lights represent the countries of Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Along the southern and western coastlines, the major cities of Doha, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait City, and Dubai stand out with the brightest lights. On the northern coast, smaller port cities are visible. 

The coastal areas of the Persian Gulf, a shallow marginal sea of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/indian-ocean-tsunami-reshaped-the-coast-of-sumatra/">Indian Ocean.</a>

are considered to be the largest source of crude oil in the world.

Millions of barrels of crude oil and petroleum are shipped on a daily basis through the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. City lights surround the Persian Gulf.

The Persian Gulf was a battlefield of the 1980–1988 <a title="Iran–Iraq War" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran%E2%80%93Iraq_War">Iran–Iraq War</a>, in which each side attacked the other's <a title="Oil tanker" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_tanker">oil tankers</a>. It is the namesake of the 1991 <a title="Gulf War" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_War">Gulf War</a>, the largely air- and land-based conflict that followed <a title="Iraq" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq">Iraq</a>'s invasion of <a title="Kuwait" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuwait">Kuwait</a>.

The Persian Gulf has many fishing grounds, extensive <a title="Reef" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reef">reefs</a> (mostly rocky, but also <a title="Coral reef" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_reef">coral</a>), and abundant <a class="mw-redirect" title="Pearl oyster" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl_oyster">pearl oysters</a>, but its ecology has been damaged by industrialization and <a title="Oil spill" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_spill">oil spills</a>.

The Persian Gulf is in the <a title="Persian Gulf Basin" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_Gulf_Basin">Persian Gulf Basin</a>, which is of <a title="Cenozoic" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cenozoic">Cenozoic</a> origin and related to the subduction of the <a title="Arabian Plate" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabian_Plate">Arabian Plate</a> under the <a title="Zagros Mountains" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zagros_Mountains">Zagros Mountains</a>. The current flooding of the basin started 15,000 years ago due to <a title="Sea level rise" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_level_rise">rising sea levels</a> of the <a title="Holocene glacial retreat" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holocene_glacial_retreat">Holocene glacial retreat</a>

The image was captured on August 31, 2020 by an astronaut onboard the International Space Station.

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory 

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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

City lights surround the Persian Gulf

City lights surround the Persian Gulf. Today's Image of the...

The northern highlands of Ecuador Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the northern highlands of Ecuador in South America. This region is part of the northern zone of the Andean Volcanic Belt.

The composite image was created by combining three Envisat radar passes from 2006 to 2010. According to the ESA, the vibrant colors across the highlands represent changes in the land’s surface over the years. 

The Antisana volcano is visible in the center of the right side of the photograph. From Antisana to the west, the area is generally colorful, which indicates ground movement. To the east, however, fewer colors indicate that the land is more stable.

The Andean Highlands or the Andes is a region in the central part of Ecuador. It extends from north to south. This region is Ecuador's most visited area. Home to the <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/lake-titicaca-in-the-andes-mountains/">Andes</a> Mountains , this region is known by locals as Sierra. Ecuador's Andes consist of two mountain ranges: Central and Western; separated by a narrow central valley. Welcome to Central Highlands. The rooftop of Ecuador offers up more adventure per square meter than most places on earth. This vast region cut from fire and ice inspires the imagination and offers a remarkable journey deep into the myth and beauty of the Andes. There are heavenly volcanoes, glacier-capped peaks, high-arching grassy plains, surprisingly quaint <a href="https://www.bing.com/search?q=colonial&amp;cvid=e82084f5997e4fb4bfbf72a77bd31292&amp;FORM=ANAB01&amp;PC=HCTS">colonial</a> cities

Image Credit: European Space Agency 

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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

The northern highlands of Ecuador

The northern highlands of Ecuador Today's Image of the Day...

A perfect example of a barred spiral galaxy. Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features NGC 613, a galaxy that is located 67 million light years away in the southern constellation of Sculptor. 

The galaxy was first discovered by German-English astronomer William Hershel in 1798. This new image from the Hubble Space Telescope reveals the defined central bar and long arms of NGC 613, which is known as a barred spiral galaxy. A perfect example of a barred spiral galaxy

According to the ESA, about two thirds of spiral galaxies, including our own Milky Way, contain a bar. 

Scientists have recently determined that bars are more common in galaxies now than they were in the past. This discovery provides new insight into the formation and evolution of galaxies.Spiral galaxies form a class of galaxy originally described by Edwin Hubble in his 1936 work The Realm of the Nebulae and, as such, form part of the Hubble sequence. Most spiral galaxies consist of a flat, rotating disk containing stars, gas and dust, and a central concentration of stars known as the bulge. These are often surrounded by a much fainter halo of stars, many of which reside in globular clusters.

Image Credit: European Space Agency 

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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

A perfect example of a barred spiral galaxy

A perfect example of a barred spiral galaxy. Today's Image...

For nearly 10 years, California’s offshore seafloors have been missing a once-abundant, vividly colored predator: the sunflower sea star. 



This large starfish - capable of stretching over 3 feet wide - cruises the ocean floor in hues of orange, yellow, or purple, gliding swiftly on thousands of tube feet. Its multiple arms, which can number up to 24, allow for remarkable mobility.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-restoring-sunflower-sea-stars">Restoring sunflower sea stars</h2>



When a mysterious disease almost wiped out sunflower sea stars in 2013, a domino effect ensued. A large number of purple sea urchins devoured nearly all of Northern California's iconic kelp forests. 



Now, however, scientists are hopeful that the sunflower sea star might soon reclaim its place in the region’s marine environment. 



Several pioneering labs, including ones in the Bay Area and Monterey County, are successfully growing these starfish with the goal of bolstering the species and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sunflower-sea-stars-could-help-save-kelp-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">restoring balance</a> to local ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sunflower-sea-stars-raised-in-tubs">Sunflower sea stars raised in tubs</h2>



At the <a href="https://www.calacademy.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Academy of Sciences</a> in San Francisco, behind a closed exhibit and through a locked door, biologist Riah Evin has been overseeing 137 sunflower sea stars raised in saltwater jars and tubs. In these containers, the starfish are fed bits of herring to sustain their growth.



These juvenile stars are among the remnants of 11 million embryos that Evin began working with in February. "These are the survivors,” said Evin. “That's way better than I had hoped for.”



Eventually, many of them will be displayed at the Academy of Sciences, giving the public a rare glimpse of a starfish that has all but disappeared from California’s coastal waters.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-value-and-conservation-goals">Scientific value and conservation goals</h2>



More importantly, these sunflower stars are crucial to research. By raising them from infancy, Evin and other scientists are contributing to an international conservation effort to better understand the species and protect it from future crises.&nbsp;



Named critically endangered in 2020, sunflower sea stars were the subject of a conservation roadmap in 2022 that called on labs to breed and study them.



If scientists manage to decode the genetics behind their resistance (or susceptibility) to the disease that nearly eradicated them, they may eventually release healthy individuals back into the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;



The hope is that reintroduced sunflower sea stars could help control the region’s exploding purple urchin populations, paving the way for devastated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-have-protected-california-kelp-forests-for-a-century/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">kelp forests</a> to regrow.



“There's a lot of promise in where the research will head,” said Andrew Kim, a research scientist at <a href="https://mlml.sjsu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moss Landing Marine Laboratories</a> on Monterey Bay, who is also growing sunflower sea stars. “I'm very hopeful.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-species-on-the-brink-of-extinction">A species on the brink of extinction</h2>



The statistics are sobering: since 2013, an estimated six billion sunflower sea stars have died from Baja California to Alaska because of an ailment known as sea star wasting disease.&nbsp;



With this critical predator absent, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gray-whales-struggle-as-purple-sea-urchins-destroy-kelp-forests/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">purple sea urchins</a> have proliferated, ravaging entire undersea forests of bull kelp. Scientists say 96% of Northern California’s kelp forests have disappeared over that period.



Kelp forests are essential habitats for numerous marine creatures - from fish and abalone to sea otters. Otters, found south of the Bay, play a protective role by feeding on urchins, but their range does not extend far enough to rescue Northern California’s compromised kelp.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reintroducing-natural-predators">Reintroducing natural predators </h2>



While volunteers have tried “seeding” kelp and removing urchins by hand in select coves, experts believe that reintroducing natural predators like sunflower sea stars (and possibly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-otters-use-tools-to-access-larger-prey-and-protect-their-teeth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea otters</a>) would be more sustainable and far-reaching. 



Sunflower sea stars are exceptionally effective hunters, moving quickly across the seabed to overtake urchins before extending their stomachs to digest the prey externally. Afterward, only a clean shell remains.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-maximizing-survival-and-preventing-cannabilism">Maximizing survival and preventing cannabilism </h2>



Yet researchers like Evin remain unsure of exactly how to keep these starfish flourishing. Scientists still do not fully understand the disease that decimated them, despite working on the puzzle for over a decade. In labs across the state, only six adult sunflower stars exist, and breeding techniques remain experimental.



“There's a little bit of a 'Thunderdome' going on,” Evin joked while describing the fiercely competitive environment in which younger stars can devour each other if food is scarce. One particularly aggressive individual managed to consume hundreds of its siblings.



Evin is also investigating what diet optimally sustains these stars, testing everything from urchins to prawns. This feeding research aims to maximize survival, preventing the cannibalism that can occur if the starfish lack adequate nutrition.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-with-sunflower-sea-star-larvae">Challenges with sunflower sea star larvae </h2>



Back in February, Evin traveled to <a href="https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birch Aquarium</a> in San Diego, where she helped spawn an adult male and female sunflower sea star using a hormone injection. The pair produced billions of eggs and sperm, which fused into embryos. 



Those offspring, divvied up among institutions like the Academy of Sciences and Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, are the foundation for current breeding trials.



Maintaining healthy conditions for tiny sea star larvae proved challenging - until Evin discovered they thrived in jars of saltwater spun by automated stirrers purchased from kitchen supply stores. 



The larvae eventually sprouted five arms, but many soon turned on each other, forcing Evin to fine-tune her feeding strategies.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-mysterious-wasting-disease">Understanding the mysterious wasting disease </h2>



Scientists are also eager to analyze the starfish’s DNA to gain insights into the genetics behind the wasting disease. 



Before any reintroduction to the wild can happen, they must ensure they are not inadvertently reintroducing the pathogen into marine environments. Regulatory agencies want a clearer picture of the disease’s causes and transmission pathways.



“What we don’t want to do is reintroduce (the disease) to recovered sea star populations,” said Ian Kelmartin, an environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. “To get a handle on that, we need to understand what the disease is.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-glimpse-of-hope-in-the-lab">A glimpse of hope in the lab</h2>



Until more is known, the starfish remain confined to facilities like Evin’s. Ashley Kidd, a project manager with the Sunflower Star Lab in Moss Landing, sees these labs as living arks - safe havens for a species on the brink.&nbsp;



“Zoos and aquariums are living arks,” she said. “It is tragic in a way, but very useful if you can use it in time.”



By nurturing sunflower sea stars in captivity, researchers aim to one day restore a key predator to the Pacific Ocean, where it can help rein in purple urchins and nurture the revival of kelp forests.&nbsp;



Whether that vision comes to fruition depends on cracking the mystery of sea star wasting disease and ensuring enough of these starfish can survive - and thrive - back in their underwater realm.



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Sunflower sea stars are nearly extinct, but scientists are growing them

For nearly 10 years, California’s offshore seafloors have been missing...

Geoffroy’s spider monkeys live high in the rainforest canopy, and are difficult to observe. Their shy behavior makes it challenging for scientists to track and protect them effectively. To address this, biologist Jenna Lawson implemented an innovative solution in 2021.



Lawson strategically placed 350 audio monitors across the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. 



The devices captured the sounds of the forest, allowing her to study the monkeys without disturbing them. This approach provided valuable insights into their movements and behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-era-of-conservation-technology">New era of conservation technology</h2>



The devices recorded forest sounds for a week, amassing vast data. By feeding this data into artificial intelligence (AI) systems trained to identify spider monkey calls, researchers gained insights that would otherwise take years to uncover.



This AI-driven initiative became one of the largest acoustic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deforestation-changes-social-behavior-in-monkeys/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wildlife studies</a> globally, and revealed troubling signs about the health of the habitats in which these animals live.



"They're the most sensitive of the primates that we have here," said Lawson. "The spider monkey would be the first animal to leave when there's signs of trouble. They would be the last animal to come back once forests are restored because they need mature, secondary and primary forest to be able to survive."



The monkeys avoid human-altered areas and rely on mature forests, making them sensitive indicators of environmental health.



The findings revealed that the monkeys avoid paved roads and plantations, which indicates that there are flaws in the government wildlife corridors which were designed to expand their range.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-monitoring-and-spider-monkey-conservation">AI monitoring and spider monkey conservation</h2>



Lawson’s work exemplifies how AI can support biodiversity efforts. Previous research has emphasized the potential of machine-learning techniques to manage vast datasets, which would enable faster, cheaper, and more precise ecological studies.



However, technical hurdles like humidity-damaged devices and accidental destruction by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fossils-reveal-the-lifestyle-of-an-extinct-caribbean-monkey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animals</a> remain.



To tackle these challenges, Microsoft’s <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/group/ai-for-good-research-lab/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI for Good Lab</a> introduced “Sparrow” - Solar-Powered Acoustic and Remote Recording Observation Watch. This energy-efficient device, designed to function autonomously for years, transmits data via low-Earth orbit satellites.



“Those remote places are also the most important places on the Earth from a biodiversity perspective,” said Juan Lavista Ferres, Microsoft’s chief data scientist.



Sparrow’s first test will monitor jaguars, birds, and spider monkeys along Colombia’s Magdalena River. 



By 2025, the project aims to deploy these devices on all continents and make the data accessible to researchers while protecting sensitive location information in order to avoid alerting potential poachers and animal traders.



“What we don’t want is these devices to ever be used for poachers to understand where the animals are,” Lavista Ferres said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-implications-for-conservation">Global implications for conservation</h2>



AI-powered acoustic monitoring has applications beyond studying rainforests. For instance, it could help sailors detect whale sounds in shipping lanes, thus reducing the risk of collisions.



This technology is transformative because it allows scientists to study wildlife without physically intruding on their habitats, which minimizes human influence on animal behavior. 



"We’re reducing our influence on their behavior. And also - they don’t want us here," Lawson explained.



However, challenges remain. Deploying such systems requires overcoming technical issues like equipment durability and environmental conditions. 



Equally important is collaboration with local communities. Lawson’s work around Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park highlights this need. Landowner support was critical for placing audio monitors outside protected areas to enable a broader understanding of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marmosets-call-each-other-by-names-with-distinct-vocalizations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">animal</a> behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-conservation-efforts-for-spider-monkeys">Future conservation efforts for spider monkeys</h2>



Projects like Jenna Lawson’s and Microsoft’s Sparrow demonstrate how AI can revolutionize conservation efforts. 



These initiatives show that AI-powered tools can collect and analyze vast quantities of data, offering insights into animal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-wildlife-conservation-day-2024-saving-species-from-extinction/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">behavior</a> and habitat health that would be difficult to obtain otherwise.



However, realizing their full potential requires overcoming technical challenges, such as maintaining equipment in harsh environments, securing adequate funding, and addressing ethical concerns - including the safe and responsible use of collected data.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-assisted-wildlife-monitoring">AI-assisted wildlife monitoring</h2>



With 28% of plant and animal species currently at risk of extinction, AI-assisted wildlife monitoring offers a promising way to tackle biodiversity loss. 



By combining advanced technology with community-driven conservation efforts, scientists can gain a deeper understanding of ecosystems and implement effective protection strategies.



Endangered species like Geoffrey’s spider monkeys highlight the urgency of these efforts. Their unique role in the ecosystem and their vulnerability to habitat changes emphasize both the challenges of conservation and the hope that innovative solutions can bring. 



These remarkable creatures remind us of the biodiversity we stand to lose - and inspire action to preserve what can still be saved.



The study is published in the <a href="https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rspb.2022.2473">Proceedings of the Royal Society B</a>. 



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AI will monitor, track, and protect endangered species around the world

Geoffroy’s spider monkeys live high in the rainforest canopy, and...

Picture the majestic Angel Falls or the thundering Niagara Falls -- waterfalls so powerful they draw millions of admirers each year.



Yet, there exists another overflow so vast and awe-inspiring that it renders these iconic cascades almost insignificant by comparison. 



This hidden titan is not a waterfall that plunges down a mountainside or roars over a cliff edge.



Instead, it plunges slowly and invisibly, deep beneath the icy waters of the Arctic, claiming the prestigious title of Earth's largest waterfall.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-waterfalls-the-basics">Understanding waterfalls -- the basics</h2>



Most waterfalls are found on land and form when a river or stream flows over a sudden drop in the landscape. Essentially, the water takes a dive off a cliff or steep ledge, creating that classic cascading effect. 



Over time, the constant rush of water erodes the rock beneath, which can cause the drop to become even steeper. 



In some places, softer rock wears away faster than harder rock, which is why waterfalls can develop interesting shapes or even recede upstream.



Besides looking spectacular, waterfalls also impact their surroundings in noticeable ways. The turbulent water at the base can carve out deep pools, and the constant spray fosters lush plant growth around the area. 



Many waterfalls also support unique ecosystems because of the cooler temperatures and higher humidity near their misty spray. 



Then, you have underwater waterfalls. Although they’re not quite the same as the roaring, above-ground versions you see all around the world, they are equally spectacular in their own way.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-marvel-of-the-largest-waterfall">The marvel of the largest waterfall</h2>



Somewhere between Iceland and Greenland, concealed beneath the chilly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-and-arctic-mixing-is-crucial-for-earths-climate-stability/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arctic waters</a>, the Denmark Strait cataract lies submerged.



Standing tall with a vertical drop of an astonishing 11,500 feet (3,500 meters), it's over three times the height of the tallest land waterfall -- the Angel Falls in Venezuela.



With an extraordinary width of around 300 miles (480 kilometers), this unseen giant is a critical player in our planet's ocean circulation.



This gigantic waterfall only exists due to the convergence of icy water from the Nordic Seas and warmer water from the Atlantic Ocean. 



Here, the stark contrast in temperature and salinity (saltiness) fuels a cascade powerful enough to move colossal volumes of water across the ocean floor.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-from-human-sight">Hidden from human sight</h2>



And yet, despite this massive scale, the waterfall stays hidden from human sight, and is only detectable using advanced oceanographic tools.



"If you were down there, you probably wouldn't notice a whole heap going on," said Mike Clare, who leads marine geosystems at the <a href="https://noc.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UK's National Oceanography Centre</a>.



However, beneath the calm surface, powerful natural processes are at work, driving global ocean currents and regulating the planet's climate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-creation-of-the-largest-waterfall">Creation of the largest waterfall</h2>



The Denmark Strait cataract didn't just appear out of nowhere. It's an ancient relic, formed between 17,500 and 11,500 years ago during the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/disastrous-climate-changes-of-the-last-ice-age-could-happen-again/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">last Ice Age</a>.



As immense glaciers reshaped the landscape, the unique structure of this immense waterfall was sculpted.



Unlike its land-based counterparts, this hidden marvel exists in a dynamic environment, shaped and preserved by a thousand-year-old combination of shifting <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-ocean-currents-slowing-as-water-temperature-rises/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean currents</a>, temperature fluctuations, and geological processes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-water-movement">Global water movement </h2>



This awe-inspiring underwater waterfall does more than just defy our sense of size and power. It has a critical role in regulating some of the Earth's most crucial processes.



As part of a global system, the Denmark Strait cataract helps distribute heat, nutrients, and energy across the globe.



The colossal cascade is a key driver of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/atlantic-current-system-may-collapse-by-2037/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean's conveyor belt</a>, which is a crucial part of the thermohaline circulation. This global water movement pattern significantly impacts weather, sea levels, and the livelihood of marine ecosystems.



"What happens here is felt everywhere. The flow creates a ripple effect that connects ecosystems and climates around the globe," explained marine scientist Anna Sanchez Vidal, 



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



Compared to popular land-based attractions like Niagara Falls and Angel Falls, the Denmark Strait cataract surpasses them in size. 



Around 3.2 million cubic meters of water flow over the cataract each second, which is far more than the Amazon River discharges into the Atlantic Ocean. Yet, its flow doesn't roar or bubble with the same visual spectacle.



Despite its serene demeanor and invisibility to the naked eye, its influence reaches far beyond its location, proving that nature's power often operates in the most subtle ways. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-extraordinary-denmark-strait-cataract">The extraordinary Denmark Strait cataract </h2>



The Denmark Strait cataract stands alone in its scale and significance, but it also represents a broader category of rare natural phenomena: submarine waterfalls.



These underwater cascades are distinct from the more familiar terrestrial waterfalls, as they rely on oceanographic conditions such as differences in temperature, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-induced-changes-in-ocean-salinity-threaten-biodiversity-and-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">salinity</a>, and water density.



What makes the Denmark Strait cataract truly extraordinary is the stark contrast between the icy Nordic Seas and the warmer Atlantic waters. These conditions create a gravity-driven flow that surpasses any similar processes found in the deep ocean.



While smaller density flows occur in other regions, such as near ocean ridges or in certain straits, none match the width or vertical drop of the Denmark Strait overflow.



It’s a reminder that even in the largely unexplored depths of the ocean, natural wonders abound, and shape the world in unseen ways.



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Earth’s largest waterfall is hidden in the ocean

Picture the majestic Angel Falls or the thundering Niagara Falls...

You’ve likely heard of the Great Wall of China, that stone and brick marvel of fortifications that stretches vast distances across the historical border of northern China. But have you heard of the Great Green Wall of China?



Unlike its ancient counterpart, this is a living, breathing wall of greenery -- a massive tree-planting initiative aimed at combating desertification on the edge of the Gobi Desert.



Recently, the Great Green Wall reached a pivotal milestone, marking over four decades of relentless effort to transform arid landscapes into thriving ecosystems.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-great-green-wall-encircles-the-desert">Great Green Wall encircles the desert</h2>



Late last year, dedicated workers in the northwest autonomous region of Xinjiang triumphantly finished a roughly 2,000-mile "green belt" that encircles the infamous Taklimakan Desert.



Often referred to as the "Sea of Death," the Taklimakan is the nation's largest desert, and this initiative is a component of the bigger Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program -- also known as the Great Green Wall of China.



Since its inception in 1978, this effort symbolizes one of the globe's most comprehensive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/planting-trees-is-important-but-reforestation-can-help-too/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planting</a> missions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-the-taklimakan-desert-the-basics">Understanding the Taklimakan Desert -- the basics</h2>



The Taklimakan Desert sits in the Tarim Basin in northwest China, and it’s often called one of the largest shifting-sand deserts in the world. This place is enormous, covering over 130,000 square miles. 



Most of its surface is made up of constantly moving sand dunes, which can sometimes reach heights of several hundred feet. 



The region gets very little rain, so it’s incredibly dry, but it can still experience temperature swings with scorching summers and chilly winters.



You’ll find a handful of oases around the desert’s edges. These oases historically served as crucial pit stops for traders passing through on the ancient Silk Road. Because the desert’s interior is so harsh, people stuck to the perimeter. 



As a result, communities sprang up where water was more accessible and trade routes were established. Those settlements often became hubs of cultural exchange, bringing in traders from distant lands.



Wind plays a big role in shaping the Taklimakan’s sand dunes. Strong gusts blow the sand from one place to another, which means the dunes are constantly rearranging themselves. 



On top of that, the overall dryness makes it tough for vegetation to grow, so there isn’t much stopping the sand’s movement... until the Great Green Wall was built.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-china-s-great-green-wall-expansion">China's Great Green Wall expansion</h2>



China's verdant endeavor is on track to span 13 provinces, covering a whopping 1.5 million square miles (3.9 million square kilometers) and a hefty 42% of the country's land area by mid-century, according to government resources.



The program's aspirations include protecting China from the northern sandstorms and halting the encroachment of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/floods-are-becoming-more-deadly-in-the-desert/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deserts</a> such as the one in Xinjiang.



Upon completion of the Taklimakan section, an impressive 116,000 square miles (300,000 square kilometers) of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-struggling-to-breathe-store-co2-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> had been planted, significantly boosting China's forest coverage from a mere 10% in 1949 to an expected 25% by 2023. Particularly in Xinjiang, forest coverage has leaped from 1% to 5% in 40 years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-economic-stability">Improving economic stability </h2>



Distinct from the similarly ambitious <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/africas-great-green-wall-is-economically-worthwhile/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Green Wall in Africa</a>, China's program has already gained considerable success, with government sources stating that it is "improving ecological stability and supporting the local communities."



Farmers in the dry northern regions have reaped visible benefits. Wang Yinji, a farmer in the northwest Gansu province, has seen significant improvements since 1999 when the tree-planting efforts escalated.



"Our corn grew taller. The sand that used to blow in from the east and northeast was stopped," said Wang.



Through the years, the campaign has skilfully rallied workers and volunteers. The project has also explored the plant species best suited to desert conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-of-the-great-green-wall">Challenges of the Great Green Wall</h2>



However, the initiative isn't without its critics. Some have argued that the program hasn't curtailed sandstorms in Beijing, and others have scrutinized the low survival rates of the planted trees.



Critics have also argued that the planted trees compete with agricultural activities for the use of water and land. Yet, many believe in the value of tree-planting amidst increasing global warming and erratic weather patterns.



"The completion of the Taklimakan Desert control project is not an end to desert control but a new beginning," said Jiang Donghui, an official in Xinjiang. "We will continue to expand the green belt … to ensure sustainable development through desert control."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-blueprint-for-global-reforestation-efforts">A blueprint for global reforestation efforts</h2>



The success and challenges of the Great Green Wall of China offer valuable insights for other nations grappling with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/oases-grow-by-human-effort-but-face-threats-from-desertification/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">desertification</a>. 



Similar initiatives, such as Africa’s Great Green Wall project, have drawn inspiration from China's approach, emphasizing the importance of tailored strategies for local ecosystems.



China’s program demonstrates the significance of combining scientific research with community involvement to achieve long-term environmental sustainability. 



The use of drought-resistant tree species, soil stabilization techniques, and advanced irrigation systems have been key to transforming barren landscapes into fertile ecosystems.



As global climate change continues to exacerbate desertification and land degradation, the Great Green Wall serves as a reminder of the transformative power of reforestation - when backed by innovation, collaboration, and persistence.



The information for this article was published in <a href="https://english.news.cn/20241213/0073ff86fa9a4412860504c0c74f7b23/c.html">Xinhua</a>, the official news agency of the People's Republic of China



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China’s Great Green Wall has reached a new milestone

You’ve likely heard of the Great Wall of China, that...

More than one-third of all animals on Earth, from beetles to cows to elephants, subsist on plant-based diets. Since plants are typically low in calories, herbivorous creatures can already find it challenging to get the energy they need.&nbsp;



Now, as climate change affects growing conditions, some of the plant-based foods that animals rely on are losing some of their nutritional value.



Human activities continue to increase atmospheric <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">carbon dioxide</a> levels and raise global temperatures. In response, many plants in ecosystems around the world are growing faster.&nbsp;



Some researchers refer to this phenomenon as the “greening of the Earth,” and it can potentially offset some greenhouse gas emissions by locking more carbon into plant matter. 



However, there is a trade-off: these rapidly growing plants often pack fewer nutrients into each bite.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-quality-and-animal-population-declines">Plant quality and animal population declines</h2>



Together with her colleagues at the <a href="https://www.si.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Smithsonian Institution</a>, Ellen Welti studies how this type of nutrient dilution influences species across the food web - from tiny grasshoppers to giant pandas. 



They suspect that long-term declines in plant quality may be a largely unnoticed factor in falling animal populations. 



These changes in plant nutrition aren’t as visually obvious as rising sea levels, nor are they sudden like hurricanes or extreme heatwaves. Nonetheless, they can have significant impacts over time.



If plants become less nutritious, herbivores may need more time to find and consume enough food, making them more vulnerable to predators and other hazards. 



Inadequate nutrient intake can also reduce animals’ fitness, affecting their growth, reproduction, and survival.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rising-carbon-and-declining-nutrients">Rising carbon and declining nutrients</h2>



Scientists have already shown that climate change is causing <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/soil-nutrient-loss-due-to-heavy-rainfall-threatens-agriculture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrient</a> dilution in human food crops. 



Decreases in important micronutrients, such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and copper, are a particular concern. Records of crop nutrient content reveal that these elements have declined over time.



For humans, the loss of iron, zinc, and protein in staple foods is expected to worsen in the coming decades as CO₂ concentrations climb. 



Such deficiencies could significantly affect global health and survival, especially in regions that heavily depend on crops like rice and wheat, including parts of East and Central Asia.



The quality of livestock feed is also declining. Cattle, which already spend substantial time grazing, are finding it increasingly difficult to consume enough protein.&nbsp;



Protein concentrations in grasses are dropping across rangelands, diminishing animals’ weight gains and costing producers money. Moreover, wild species aren’t immune to nutrient dilution either.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bamboo-quality-and-panda-health">Bamboo quality and panda health</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancestors-of-giant-pandas-had-a-completely-different-diet/">Giant pandas</a>, a culturally significant threatened species, rely entirely on bamboo. 



Because pandas breed slowly and need extensive, uninterrupted bamboo forests for habitat, their existence is jeopardized by the conversion of land for agriculture and development. 



Pandas may also become an emblem of the risks posed by nutrient dilution.



The giant panda is considered an “umbrella species,” so preserving its habitat benefits many other organisms sharing its environment.&nbsp;



Notably, giant pandas consume large quantities of bamboo daily. Now, rising temperatures are reducing bamboo’s nutritional value and making it harder for the plant to survive.



Because bamboo is such an essential resource for pandas, any decline in its nutrients could affect panda health and population numbers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mixed-outcomes-for-insects">Mixed outcomes for insects</h2>



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-insect-decline-what-are-the-causes-and-consequences/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Insects</a> play vital roles in pollination, serve as food sources for birds and animals, and fulfill other ecological functions. 



Yet many insect species worldwide are in decline, including in places less affected by direct human activities. Shifts in plant chemistry may be influencing these declines.



Numerous insects are plant feeders and thus likely to be influenced by reduced plant nutritional quality. 



Experiments have shown that when carbon dioxide levels go up, certain insect populations decrease, at least partly due to lower food quality.



However, not all insects respond similarly. Leaf-chewing insects, such as grasshoppers and caterpillars, appear most vulnerable, experiencing smaller body sizes and diminished reproduction.&nbsp;



Conversely, locusts thrive on plants rich in carbon and might flourish under elevated CO₂ conditions. Insects like aphids and cicadas, which feed on phloem rather than leaves, could also benefit from carbon-rich plant structures.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plant-quality-and-struggling-animals">Plant quality and struggling animals</h2>



Communities that are already nutrient-poor - like the ancient soils of Australia and the Amazon and Congo tropical basins - stand to be the most affected, since the animals in those areas already struggle to get enough nutrition.&nbsp;



Rapidly warming waters are likewise reducing the nutritional content of giant sea kelp, which serves as a crucial food source in the open ocean.



Certain herbivores may be hit harder, particularly those needing higher-quality diets. Hind-gut fermenters - such as rodents, rabbits, koalas, horses, rhinoceroses, and elephants - rely on microbes in their intestines to extract nutrients from fibrous plant materials, so they need nutrient-rich forage.&nbsp;



Smaller animals, with faster metabolisms, also depend on more nutrient-dense food and may struggle if plant quality falls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-research-is-needed">Further research is needed</h2>



To grasp the role of nutrient dilution in population declines, more evidence is needed. This includes artificial experiments that raise CO₂ levels to mimic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-how-plants-adapt-to-changing-climates/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>, along with field studies that track changing plant chemistry and its impact on wild animal populations.



Over the long term, scientists aim to uncover how decreasing plant nutritional value might reshape food webs. Changes to plant species, traits, and interactions could alter relationships among predators, prey, and ecosystems at large.&nbsp;



At a time when climate change is already straining the planet, nutrient dilution adds another subtle yet far-reaching challenge that may reshape life on Earth.



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Plants and fruits are starting to lose their nutritional value

More than one-third of all animals on Earth, from beetles...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

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

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



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



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



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



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

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