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



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Luminous galaxy NGC 3783 and a blue giant star

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.  Galaxy groups “Like galaxy clusters, galaxy groups are aggregates of gravitationally bound galaxies. Galaxy groups, however, are less massive and contain fewer members than galaxy clusters do: where galaxy clusters can contain hundreds or even...

Today's Image of the Day from NASA Earth Observatory features a 9.5-mile section of Pangong Lake on the western end of the Tibetan Plateau. The image was captured on by a crew member onboard the International Space Station.&nbsp;



“In this winter scene, a sheet of cracked ice tops part of the lake,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>. “On the left side, open water appears blue. Shallow water offshore of a delta, formed by a small, winding river, appears green."



"Parallel lines along the coastlines of bays are visible in the high-resolution version of this image. These lines indicate raised beaches, which formed in the past when lake levels were higher.”



NASA pointed out that several roads cut across the landscape, including one with switchbacks that ascends a steep slope. "These roads facilitate tourist travel from both India and China.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-migratory-birds-at-pangong-lake-nbsp">Migratory birds at Pangong Lake&nbsp;</h2>



Pangong Lake and its surroundings are home to numerous bird species, particularly <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/migratory-birds-burn-unexpected-amounts-of-protein/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">migratory birds</a>. Visitors can spot various waterfowl and waders that are rarely seen elsewhere.



“During the summer, species such as bar-headed geese and Brahminy ducks attract bird watchers to the lake, which is a major breeding ground for migrating birds,” said NASA.



Pangong Lake is one of the few places in India where the endangered black-necked crane is found during its breeding season. 



Ruddy shelduck and brown-headed <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gulls-are-shifting-their-habitats-to-urban-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gulls</a> are also frequently spotted around the lake. The ruddy shelduck is known for its striking orange-brown body and creamy white head, while the brown-headed gulls are often seen flying or swimming in the lake.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pangong-lake-nbsp">Pangong Lake&nbsp;</h2>



Pangong Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake situated in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/temperatures-are-rising-unexpectedly-fast-on-the-tibetan-plateau/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himalayas</a>, extending from India to the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. It is renowned for its mesmerizing beauty and dramatic setting, with the lake lying at an elevation of about 4,350 meters.



One of the most distinctive features of Pangong Lake is its changing colors, ranging from shades of blue to green and even red, influenced by the sky's reflection and the lake's mineral content.



This saline water lake is approximately 134 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide at its broadest point. Despite its considerable size, Pangong Lake is relatively shallow. 



The lake gained additional popularity after being featured in several Indian films - most notably the Bollywood hit "3 Idiots." Its remote location requires a permit for visitors, especially due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control between India and China.



Despite the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding its location, Pangong Lake remains a favorite among tourists for its unparalleled natural beauty and serene environment.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-altitude-lakes">High-altitude lakes</h2>



High-altitude lakes are unique bodies of water found at elevations typically above 3,000 meters (about 10,000 feet) in mountain ranges like the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/himalayan-glaciers-retreating-threat-is-much-worse-than-previously-believed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himalayas</a>, Andes, and Rockies. 



These lakes are formed either by glacial activity, where glaciers erode the earth to create depressions that fill with melted snow and rainwater, or when natural dams created by landslides or moraines trap water in valleys.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-extreme-environments">Extreme environments</h3>



The conditions at high altitudes make these lakes distinct in several ways. The climate is typically colder and harsher, with significant temperature variations between day and night. 



This extreme environment affects both the physical characteristics of the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/alarming-study-most-of-the-worlds-largest-lakes-are-quickly-losing-water/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lakes</a> and the types of ecosystems they support. For example, due to lower atmospheric pressure, the boiling point of water is reduced, which can affect the type of life that can survive in these regions.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-critical-habitats">Critical habitats</h3>



Biologically, high-altitude lakes often have limited biodiversity because only certain types of plants and animals can tolerate the cold temperatures and lower oxygen levels in the water. 



Despite this, these lakes are crucial habitats for some unique species of fish, birds, and other wildlife. They also serve as important indicators of climate change, as variations in their water levels and temperatures can reflect environmental shifts.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-significance-of-high-altitude-lakes">Significance of high-altitude lakes </h3>



Lakes at high altitudes are often clear and pristine, due to the low density of human populations in these areas and minimal industrial activity, making them significant for ecological studies and attractive for tourism. 



However, they are sensitive ecosystems, and increased tourist activity brings challenges like pollution and habitat disruption.



High-altitude lakes are not only beautiful and scientifically significant but also hold cultural importance for local communities, often considered sacred and associated with historical and spiritual significance.



Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory&nbsp;



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Pangong Lake on the Tibetan Plateau

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

Rare view of Patagonia in South America. Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a rare, cloud-free view of Patagonia in winter. 

Due to year-round storms, the region is usually cloudy in satellite imagery. Rare view of Patagonia in South America as shown in the picture above shows the beautiful snow.

Professor René Darío Garreaud of the University of Chile noted that it is unusual to see such a widespread cloud-free area over Patagonia. In this case, a high pressure system had ushered in clear skies.

Patagonia covers more than one million square kilometers in the southern portion of South America.

The image was captured on June 26, 2020 by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Aqua satellite. It is bordered on the west by the <a title="Pacific Ocean" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Ocean">Pacific Ocean</a> and on the north and east by the Atlantic Ocean; North America and the Caribbean Sea lie to the northwest. It includes twelve sovereign states: Argentina, <a title="Bolivia" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolivia">Bolivia</a>, <a title="Brazil" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil">Brazil</a>, <a title="Chile" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chile">Chile</a>, Colombia, <a title="Ecuador" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecuador">Ecuador</a>, Guyana, <a title="Paraguay" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraguay">Paraguay</a>, <a title="Peru" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peru">Peru</a>, Suriname, <a title="Uruguay" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uruguay">Uruguay</a>, and Venezuela; one overseas department and region of <a title="French Fifth Republic" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Fifth_Republic">France</a>: French Guiana; and one British Overseas Territory: the Falkland Islands. In addition, the ABC islands of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Ascension Island (dependency of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, a British Overseas Territory), <a title="Bouvet Island" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bouvet_Island">Bouvet Island</a> (dependency of <a title="Norway" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norway">Norway</a>), Panama, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (a British Overseas Territory), and Trinidad and Tobago may also be considered parts of South America.

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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

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory

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Rare view of Patagonia in South America

Rare view of Patagonia in South America. Today's Image of...

Clouds swirl around the Canary Islands. Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features unique  cloud patterns, known as von Kármán vortices, off the west coast of Africa.

According to NASA, the vortices can develop almost anywhere that fluid flow is disturbed by a solid object. 

In this photo, winds blowing across the ocean are disturbed by the Canary Islands, a chain of volcanic islands. The air mass is blowing around the mountains to create unique swirling patterns.

The image was captured on July 9, 2020 by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite.

The Canary Islands : Islas Canarias, pronounced <a title="Help:IPA/Spanish" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Spanish">[ˈislas kaˈnaɾjas]</a>), also known informally as the Canaries, are a Spanish <a title="Archipelago" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archipelago">archipelago</a> and the southernmost <a title="Autonomous communities of Spain" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autonomous_communities_of_Spain">autonomous community</a> of <a title="Spain" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain">Spain</a> located in the <a title="Atlantic Ocean" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_Ocean">Atlantic Ocean</a>, in a region known as <a title="Macaronesia" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macaronesia">Macaronesia</a>, 100 kilometres (62 miles) west of <a title="Morocco" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morocco">Morocco</a> at the closest point.

The Canary Islands are geographically located in the <a title="African Plate" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Plate">African Tectonic Plate</a>, even though the archipielago is economically and politically European, as it is part of the <a class="mw-redirect" title="Special Member State territories and the European Union" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_Member_State_territories_and_the_European_Union#Outermost_regions">European Union</a>

In ancient times, the island chain was often referred to as "the Fortunate Isles".The Canary Islands are the most southerly region of <a title="Spain" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain">Spain</a> and the largest and most populated archipelago of Macaronesia. Historically, the Canary Islands have been considered a bridge between four.

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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

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory

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Clouds swirl around the Canary Islands

Clouds swirl around the Canary Islands. Today's Image of the...

The COVID-19 Earth Observing Dashboard. Today's <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/iotd.html">Image of the Day</a> features a view of the Earth from the COVID-19 <a href="https://eodashboard.org/">Earth Observing Dashboard</a>. 

NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency have collaborated to develop the dashboard with data from Earth-observing satellites.

The agencies are documenting environmental changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The dashboard can be used to track changes in air quality, water quality, climate, and agricultural activities. 

To learn how to use the Earth Observing Dashboard, you can watch this <a href="https://youtu.be/3jjaJcSl9GI">tutorial video</a>.

Earth is the third <a title="Planet" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planet">planet</a> from the <a title="Sun" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun">Sun</a> and the only <a title="Astronomical object" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astronomical_object">astronomical object</a> known to harbor <a title="Life" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life">life</a>. According to <a title="Radiometric dating" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiometric_dating">radiometric dating</a> estimation and other evidence, Earth formed <a title="Age of Earth" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Age_of_Earth">over 4.5 billion years ago</a>. <a title="Gravity of Earth" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravity_of_Earth">Earth's gravity</a> interacts with other objects in space, especially the Sun and the <a title="Moon" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon">Moon</a>, which is Earth's only <a title="Natural satellite" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_satellite">natural satellite</a>. Earth <a title="Earth's orbit" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth%27s_orbit">orbits around the Sun</a> in about 365.25 <a title="Solar time" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_time">days</a>.

<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth#Axial_tilt_and_seasons">Earth's axis of rotation</a> is tilted with respect to its orbital plane, producing <a title="Season" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Season">seasons</a> on Earth. The <a title="Gravity" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravity">gravitational</a> interaction between Earth and the Moon causes <a title="Tide" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tide">tides</a>, stabilizes Earth's orientation on its axis, and <a title="Tidal acceleration" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tidal_acceleration">gradually slows its rotation</a>. Earth is the densest planet in the <a title="Solar System" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_System">Solar System</a> and the largest and most massive of the four <a title="Terrestrial planet" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrestrial_planet">rocky planets</a>. Also The COVID-19 Earth Observing Dashboard is shown in the images.

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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

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The COVID-19 Earth Observing Dashboard

The COVID-19 Earth Observing Dashboard. Today's Image of the Day...

The hottest desert on the planet. Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Dasht-e Lut salt desert in southeastern Iran. 

The Lut Desert is often referred to as the hottest place on the planet. Satellites recorded extreme surface temperatures in the region over several different years. 

The highest-ever land surface temperature was recorded in 2005 by NASA’s Aqua satellite in the Lut Desert at more than 70 degrees Celsius, or 199 degrees Fahrenheit.

Iran is climatically part of the Afro-Asian belt of deserts, which stretches from the <a title="Cape Verde" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Verde">Cape Verde</a> islands off <a title="West Africa" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Africa">West Africa</a> all the way to <a title="Mongolia" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongolia">Mongolia</a>. The patchy, elongated, light-colored feature in the foreground (parallel to the mountain range) is the northernmost of the Dasht dry lakes that stretch southward 300 kilometers (190 mi).

<a title="Geography of Iran" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Iran">Iran's geography</a> consists of a <a title="Plateau" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plateau">plateau</a> surrounded by mountains and divided into drainage basins. Dasht-e Lut is one of the largest of these desert basins, 480 kilometers (300 mi) long and 320 kilometers (200 mi) wide,and is considered to be one of the driest places on Earth.

The area of the desert is about 51,800 square kilometres (20,000 sq mi), the largest in Iran except for the <a title="Dasht-e Kavir" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dasht-e_Kavir">Dasht-e Kavir</a>. During the spring wet season, water briefly flows down from the <a title="Hazaran" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hazaran">Kerman mountains</a>, but it soon dries up, leaving behind only rocks, sand, and salt.

The eastern part of Dasht-e Lut is a low plateau covered with <a title="Salt pan (geology)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_pan_(geology)">salt flats</a>. In contrast, the center has been sculpted by the wind into a series of parallel ridges and furrows, extending over 150 km (93 mi) and reaching 75 metres (246 ft) in height. This area is also riddled with <a title="Ravine" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravine">ravines</a> and <a title="Sinkhole" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinkhole">sinkholes</a>. The southeast is a vast expanse of sand, like a Saharan <a title="Erg (landform)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erg_(landform)">erg</a>, with <a title="Dune" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dune">dunes</a> 300 metres (980 ft) high, among the tallest in the world.

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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

Image Credit: ESA

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The hottest desert on the planet

The hottest desert on the planet. Today's Image of the...

The Richat Structure in Mauritania. Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features a mysterious looking feature of the Saharn Desert known as the Richat Structure.

Measuring about 40 kilometers in diameter, the Richat Structure is located in the African country of Mauritania.

The landmark is much easier to observe from space, and astronauts have recognized it since the earliest missions.

Experts theorize that the Richat was formed by a large dome of molten rock that was upliftes to the surface.

Exposed within the interior of the Richat Structure are a variety of <a title="Intrusive rock" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intrusive_rock">intrusive</a> and <a title="Extrusive rock" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extrusive_rock">extrusive</a> <a title="Igneous rock" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igneous_rock">igneous rocks</a>. They include <a title="Rhyolite" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhyolite">rhyolitic</a> volcanic rocks, <a title="Gabbro" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabbro">gabbros</a>, <a title="Carbonatite" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbonatite">carbonatites</a> and <a title="Kimberlite" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimberlite">kimberlites</a>. The rhyolitic rocks consist of <a title="Lava" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lava">lava</a> flows and <a class="mw-redirect" title="Hydrothermal alteration" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrothermal_alteration">hydrothermally</a> altered <a title="" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuff">tuffaceous</a> rocks that are part of two distinct eruptive centers, which are interpreted to be the eroded remains of two <a title="Maar" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maar">maars</a>. According to field mapping and <a title="Aeromagnetic survey" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeromagnetic_survey">aeromagnetic</a> data, the gabbroic rocks form two concentric ring <a title="Dike (geology)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dike_(geology)">dikes</a>. The inner ring dike is about 20 m in width and lies about 3 km from the center of the Richat Structure. The outer ring dike is about 50 m in width and lies about 7 to 8 km from the center of this structure. Thirty-two carbonatite dikes and <a title="Sill (geology)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sill_(geology)">sills</a> have been mapped within the Richat Structure. The dikes are generally about 300 m long and typically 1 to 4 m wide. They consist of massive carbonatites that are mostly devoid of <a title="Vesicular texture" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vesicular_texture">vesicles</a>. The carbonatite rocks have been dated as having cooled between 94 and 104 million years ago. A kimberlitic plug and several sills have been found within the northern part of the Richat Structure. The kimberlite plug has been dated to around 99 million years old. These intrusive igneous rocks are interpreted as indicating the presence of a large alkaline igneous intrusion that currently underlies the Richat Structure and created it by uplifting the overlying rock

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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

Image Credit: ESA

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The Richat Structure in Mauritania

The Richat Structure in Mauritania. Today's Image of the Day...

Saint George Basin in Australia. Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features a captivating view of Saint George Basin along the northwestern coast of Australia. 

Located in the Kimberley region, the basin is surrounded by steep cliffs, tidal mud flats, and mangroves.

The Prince Regent River flows in a northwesterly direction into the basin, and just north of the river is the Prince Regent National Park.

The image was captured in June of 2009 by the Japanese Advanced Land Observation Satellite.

St Georges Basin is a town in the <a title="South Coast (New South Wales)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Coast_(New_South_Wales)">South Coast</a> region of <a title="New South Wales" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_South_Wales">New South Wales</a>, <a title="Australia" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia">Australia</a>. St George Basin is located on the shores of <a title="St Georges Basin (New South Wales)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Georges_Basin_(New_South_Wales)">St Georges Basin</a>, within the <a title="City of Shoalhaven" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_Shoalhaven">City of Shoalhaven</a>. It is roughly 25 kilometres (16 mi) south of <a title="Nowra, New South Wales" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nowra,_New_South_Wales">Nowra</a>, and approximately 200 kilometres (120 mi) south of Sydney.

As at the <a title="Census in Australia" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Census_in_Australia#2016">2016 census</a>, the population of St Georges Basin was 2,913. James Cook in the Endeavour sailed north past our part of the NSW coast in April of 1770. On the 21st he saw and named Mount and Cape Dromedary, and Batemans Bay, on the 22nd Point Upright and Pigeon House. On the 23rd (St Georges Day) he saw and named Cape St George although he doesn’t mention it in his journal until the 24th. On the 25th he noted a bay (later to be called Jervis Bay) “sheltered from NE winds” but did not enter it and did not name it. However, he did name Long Nose (at the northern side of the entrance to the Bay) on this day. By the 29th the Endeavour was at Kurnell at the entrance to Botany Bay.

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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

Image Credit: ESA

Saint George Basin in Australia

Saint George Basin in Australia. Today's Image of the Day...

The city of Ankara at night.  Today's Image of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> features a nighttime view of Ankara, the capital city of Turkey.

Ankara is the center of the Turkish Government, and a diverse tourist attraction. 

A sophisticated network of highways and railways encompasses the city center, where the unique shape of the Atatürk Mausoleum stands out. 

In the photo, the white light of industrial areas contrasts with the bright orange lights of residential areas. 

The image was captured on March 25, 2020 by an astronaut onboard the International Space Station

On 23 April 1920 the <a title="Grand National Assembly of Turkey" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_National_Assembly_of_Turkey">Grand National Assembly of Turkey</a> was established in Ankara, which became the headquarters of the <a title="Turkish National Movement" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish_National_Movement">Turkish National Movement</a> during the <a title="Turkish War of Independence" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish_War_of_Independence">Turkish War of Independence</a>. Ankara became the new Turkish capital upon the establishment of the Republic on 29 October 1923, succeeding in this role the former Turkish capital Istanbul (<a title="Constantinople" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantinople">Constantinople</a>) following the <a class="mw-redirect" title="Defeat and dissolution of the Ottoman Empire" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defeat_and_dissolution_of_the_Ottoman_Empire">fall of the Ottoman Empire</a>. The <a title="Government of Turkey" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_of_Turkey">government</a> is a prominent employer, but Ankara is also an important commercial and industrial city, located at the centre of Turkey's road and railway networks. The city gave its name to the <a title="Angora wool" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angora_wool">Angora wool</a> shorn from <a title="Angora rabbit" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angora_rabbit">Angora rabbits</a>, the long-haired <a title="Angora goat" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angora_goat">Angora goat</a> (the source of <a title="Mohair" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohair">mohair</a>), and the <a title="Turkish Angora" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish_Angora">Angora cat</a>. The area is also known for its pears, honey and <a class="mw-redirect" title="Muscat (grape and wine)" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscat_(grape_and_wine)">muscat</a> grapes. Although situated in one of the driest regions of Turkey and surrounded mostly by <a title="Steppe" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steppe">steppe</a> vegetation (except for the forested areas on the southern periphery), Ankara can be considered a <a class="mw-redirect" title="Green city" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_city">green city</a> in terms of green areas per inhabitant, at 72 square metres (775 square feet) per head.

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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

Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory

&nbsp;

 

&nbsp;

The city of Ankara at night

The city of Ankara at night.  Today's Image of the...

The French island of Corsica. Today's Image of the Day from the <a href="http://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Corsica, which is the most mountainous island in the Mediterranean Sea.

Corsica is a strikingly beautiful place to visit and a popular destination for hiking. Beyond the coastline, the island has spectacular mixed forests with oak, pine, beech, chestnut, olive and fig trees.

Nearly half of the island is dedicated to nature reserves, including the Etang de Biguglia, Corsica's largest coastal lagoon. This particular reserve supports a variety of wintering and breeding waterbirds.

The image was captured by the Landsat-8 satellite.

Corsica in <a title="Corsican language" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corsican_language">Corsican</a> and <a title="Italian language" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_language">Italian</a>, pronounced <a title="Help:IPA/Corsican" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Corsican">[ˈkorsiɡa]</a> and <a title="Help:IPA/Italian" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Italian">[ˈkɔrsika]</a> respectively) is an island in the <a title="Mediterranean Sea" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean_Sea">Mediterranean Sea</a> and politically one of the 18 <a title="Regions of France" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_France">regions of France</a>. It lies southeast of the French <a title="Mainland" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mainland">mainland</a>, west of the <a title="Italian Peninsula" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_Peninsula">Italian Peninsula</a>, and immediately north of the <a title="Italy" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy">Italian</a> island of <a title="Sardinia" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sardinia">Sardinia</a>, the land mass nearest to it. A single chain of mountains makes up two-thirds of the island.

The island is a <a title="Single territorial collectivity" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_territorial_collectivity">territorial collectivity of France</a>. The regional capital is <a title="Ajaccio" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajaccio">Ajaccio</a>. Although the region is divided into two administrative departments, <a title="Haute-Corse" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haute-Corse">Haute-Corse</a> and <a title="Corse-du-Sud" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corse-du-Sud">Corse-du-Sud</a>, their respective regional and departmental <a title="Territorial collectivity" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Territorial_collectivity">territorial collectivities</a> were merged on 1 January 2018 to form the <a title="Single territorial collectivity" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_territorial_collectivity">single territorial collectivity</a> of Corsica. As such, Corsica enjoys a greater degree of autonomy than other French regional collectivities, for example the <a title="Corsican Assembly" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corsican_Assembly">Corsican Assembly</a> is permitted to exercise limited executive powers. Corsica’s second-largest town is <a title="Bastia" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bastia">Bastia</a>, the prefecture city of Haute-Corse.

--

By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Image Credit: ESA

&nbsp;

The French island of Corsica

The French island of Corsica. Today's Image of the Day...

A comprehensive review study has recently investigated the vital connections between marine biodiversity conservation, human health, and well-being. According to the experts, marine protected areas (MPAs) not only support ecological balance but also provide tangible benefits for people, underscoring their dual importance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-protected-areas-nbsp">Marine protected areas&nbsp;</h2>



Marine protected areas are legally designated sections of the ocean recognized for their conservation value. These areas are protected by laws that restrict human activities, aiming to allow ecosystems to thrive without significant interference. 



Depending on the specific regulations of an <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-protected-areas-fall-short-on-2030-biodiversity-targets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MPA</a>, activities like fishing, building, or oil drilling may be prohibited or limited. The overarching goal is to create a space where marine life can flourish and, in turn, contribute to ecological and human welfare.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expanding-ocean-protection">Expanding ocean protection</h2>



With global plans to extend MPAs as part of the UN's “30x30” initiative - seeking to protect 30% of the world's oceans and land by 2030 - understanding the impact of these areas on both people and nature has become increasingly important.&nbsp;



The new study, conducted by the <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Wide Fund for Nature</a>, <a href="https://www.harvard.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harvard University</a>’s School of Public Health, and <a href="https://duke.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duke University</a>’s marine laboratory, led by Daniel Viana, reviewed data from over 200 scientific articles published since 1973.



The team discovered that in 234 MPAs worldwide, more than 60% reported improvements in both conservation outcomes and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-environment-day-the-critical-role-of-nature-in-human-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human well-being</a>. This finding suggests that well-managed MPAs can simultaneously support nature and the communities that depend on marine resources.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-protected-areas-and-local-communities-nbsp">Protected areas and local communities&nbsp;</h2>



The study also included MPAs that permit sustainable use through controlled <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sustainable-fishing-gets-a-boost-from-genomics-roadmap/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing</a> practices that avoid harming delicate ecosystems. These measures, such as using hook-and-line methods or fish traps, minimize damage to coral reefs and other sensitive habitats. 



The research suggests that investing in MPAs often results in benefits for local communities, particularly in terms of fishing yields and food access.



MPAs play an essential role in small island nations like Bonaire, Palau, and the Cook Islands. These regions, where over 95% of fish catches are tied to area-based conservation, illustrate how marine protection can drive both ecological and economic gains.&nbsp;



However, the study noted that despite the evident link between MPAs and improved food access, few studies have measured the direct nutritional impact on local communities.&nbsp;



Only one research project in the Philippines established a connection between enhanced fish access and better health outcomes, finding reduced rates of childhood stunting.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nutrient-contributions-of-protected-areas-nbsp">Nutrient contributions of protected areas&nbsp;</h2>



The world’s waters - rivers, seas, lakes, and floodplains - are rich in edible plants and animals that offer essential vitamins, minerals, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/insects-provide-essential-fatty-acids-to-other-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fatty acids</a>. These nutrients, particularly when harvested sustainably, can significantly bolster the diets of coastal populations. 



The study quantified the nutrient contributions from foods within MPAs, revealing that even with just 8% of the oceans under protection, these areas contribute 14% of the global supply of six key micronutrients from marine sources.



By fostering healthy marine environments, MPAs enhance fish populations that can spill over into adjacent areas, leading to more robust catches, increased income from fishing, and better access to nutritious food.



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



While MPAs offer considerable benefits, implementing them effectively is not without challenges. The study found that many MPAs lack effective management, which can limit their success.&nbsp;



Additionally, while MPAs help support marine life and nearby human communities, they do not directly address significant threats like <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/marine-protected-areas-were-not-designed-for-climate-resilience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a> and pollution that require broader action.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/aquaculture-impacts-wild-fish-much-more-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aquaculture</a>, or the farming of aquatic organisms, is growing as a supplement to wild harvests to meet the increasing demand for aquatic food. Although it provides more than half of the aquatic food consumed globally, aquaculture must continue to advance in sustainability practices. 



The study also emphasized that in many developing coastal nations, wild-harvested food remains a critical source of nutrition for millions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marine-protected-areas-and-global-health">Marine protected areas and global health</h2>



Linking marine conservation to human health presents promising opportunities but also reveals research gaps. While MPAs can contribute to better health outcomes by boosting fish availability and nutrient intake, questions remain about the equitable distribution of these benefits.&nbsp;



For instance, in the Maldives, the majority of fish caught from reefs are consumed by tourists rather than local residents, illustrating potential disparities.



Despite these challenges, the study underscores the potential of MPAs to promote a regenerative relationship between people and the environment.&nbsp;



By managing fisheries to support nutritional health rather than merely maximizing profits, a “nutrition-sensitive” approach to marine conservation could help address global food security.



In conclusion, while MPAs cannot tackle all threats alone, their role in sustaining both marine ecosystems and human communities represents a promising path toward a balanced, health-focused future.



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How marine protected areas boost human health

A comprehensive review study has recently investigated the vital connections...

Recent studies on the Thwaites Glacier, infamously known as the “Doomsday Glacier,” have fueled discussions on potential solutions to mitigate climate change impacts, including controversial geoengineering approaches.&nbsp;



The glacier’s stability is pivotal because its collapse could lead to catastrophic sea level rise, threatening millions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accelerated-melting-of-doomsday-glacier">Accelerated melting of Doomsday Glacier </h2>



One key <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2404766121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a>, led by researchers from the <a href="https://uci.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California Irvine</a> and <a href="https://uwaterloo.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Waterloo</a> and published in May, highlighted how warming <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-warming-is-subtly-changing-the-tides/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tidal currents</a> are accelerating Thwaites' melting faster than many models anticipated. 



Situated along the marine edge of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS), the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/doomsday-glacier-may-collapse-sooner-than-we-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thwaites Glacier</a> acts as a critical barrier. The glacier's retreat, fueled by climate change, already contributes to 4% of global sea level rise, losing about 50 billion tons of ice annually.



The WAIS itself, a vast ice sheet sitting below sea level, could raise sea levels by nearly 11 feet if it collapses. This would have dire implications for major coastal cities and vulnerable island nations.&nbsp;



The potential breaching of Thwaites represents a tipping point - a situation where crossing a critical climate threshold leads to rapid, potentially irreversible changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-doomsday-glacier-stability">Doomsday Glacier stability</h2>



Amid these concerning findings, a more recent <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.ado7794" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">study</a> led by <a href="https://home.dartmouth.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dartmouth College</a> and the <a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Edinburgh</a> offered a glimmer of hope. This study suggests that Thwaites may be less prone to a process known as marine ice cliff instability (MICI) than previously believed. 



The MICI theory proposes that tall, retreating ice cliffs are inherently unstable and likely to collapse, leading to accelerated glacier loss.&nbsp;



However, the researchers found that thinning ice may, in fact, slow the calving process, potentially stabilizing ice cliffs. This discovery underscores the need for refined models to improve predictions about WAIS behavior.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-solutions-to-slow-glacial-retreat">Solutions to slow glacial retreat</h2>



The potential risks associated with Thwaites’ rapid melting have pushed scientists to consider geoengineering as a possible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/should-we-risk-geoengineering-to-reverse-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">intervention</a>. 



Geoengineering involves altering the environment through technological and structural means to slow down or stop glacial retreat, even in the face of rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-temperatures-increase-scientists-plan-slow-down-rising-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global temperatures</a>.



A <a href="https://climateengineering.uchicago.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Glacial-Climate-Intervention_A-Research-Vision.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> from the <a href="https://www.uchicago.edu/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Chicago</a>’s Climate Systems Engineering Initiative, published in July, called for further research into glacier geoengineering as a response to the severe threats posed by rapidly receding glaciers. 



John Moore, an Arctic Center professor and co-author of the report, stressed the challenges faced by such approaches: “it will take 15 to 30 years for us to understand enough to recommend or rule out any [glacier geoengineering] interventions.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-radical-geoengineering-proposals">Radical geoengineering proposals</h2>



Among the proposed geoengineering strategies are large-scale interventions, such as constructing submarine curtains to block warm tidal currents from reaching glacier ice.&nbsp;



These curtains could be crafted from durable fabrics or created through a network of pipes releasing air bubbles to act as a barrier.



Gernot Wagner, a climate economist at the Columbia Climate School, highlighted the potential of such interventions when executed correctly.&nbsp;



“For some polar <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-still-prevent-critical-climate-tipping-points/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tipping points</a> like Arctic sea ice and the WAIS, glacial geoengineering seems to be the only way for us to more or less guarantee that we can address these tipping points,” he said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-concerns-about-geoengineering-solutions">Concerns about geoengineering solutions</h2>



Despite the potential benefits, geoengineering has drawn criticism from glaciologists and climate experts who question its feasibility and warn that it may divert attention from critical emission-reduction efforts.&nbsp;



Concerns are that reliance on geoengineering could foster complacency, overshadowing the immediate need to reduce carbon emissions.



Wagner himself expressed mixed feelings, acknowledging that while the idea of using submarine curtains initially seemed "crazy," it could also serve as a wake-up call.&nbsp;



“You can use it as a push to say, ‘wait, if serious people are talking about [using curtains] as a solution, maybe we should be taking it more seriously and cutting emissions much more.’”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-for-emission-reductions">Urgent need for emission reductions</h2>



Geoengineering, as Wagner succinctly put it, is not a cure-all. “When we talk about glacial geoengineering, we need to tell the truth, which is that it’s not a solution to climate change - at best, it’s a painkiller.”&nbsp;



This approach, while potentially buying time to stave off the most severe impacts, must be paired with aggressive measures to curb <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-carbon-dioxide-emissions-hit-a-record-high-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global emissions</a>.



As research continues and new studies emerge, the fate of the Thwaites Glacier serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance needed in addressing climate challenges.&nbsp;



While innovative solutions may offer temporary relief, the ultimate focus must remain on long-term strategies that promote sustainability and prevent reaching critical climate tipping points.



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Can geoengineering save the Doomsday Glacier?

Recent studies on the Thwaites Glacier, infamously known as the...

As plastic pollution reaches alarming levels in ecosystems worldwide, a new study traces this crisis back to decades of industrial growth.



The research, led by an interdisciplinary team of Penn State researchers, explores the rise of microplastics in freshwater environments and links it to a global increase in plastic production since the 1950s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-freshwater-microplastics">Tracking freshwater microplastics </h2>



The exports tracked microplastic levels in freshwater sediment back to the mid-20th century. They uncovered a clear link between rising microplastic concentrations and the global surge in plastic manufacturing.



“Ours is one of the first to track microplastic levels in freshwater sediment from before the 1950s to today, showing that concentrations rise in line with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-production-increases-create-identical-plastic-pollution-increase/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic production</a>," said Nathaniel Warner, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Penn State.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-focus-of-the-research">Focus of the research </h2>



Microplastics are minute particles of plastic that range from one hundredth the width of a human hair to roughly the size of a pencil eraser.



The study was primarily focused on sediment cores from four watersheds in Pennsylvania: Kiskiminetas River, Blacklick Creek, Raystown Lake, and Darby Creek. 



Interestingly, the team discovered that regardless of the population density or land use, high levels of microplastics could be found.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-recycling-landscape-and-plastic-build-up">The recycling landscape and plastic build-up</h2>



Lisa Emili, associate professor of physical geography and environmental studies at Penn State Altoona, explained how the findings differed from previous studies.



“Based on other findings in the literature, what we thought would be important turned out not to be driving forces in microplastic variation across sites, notably the percentage of microplastics related to developed area and population density," said Emili.



The researchers found a decrease in microplastic accumulation from 2010 to 2020, a timeline that seems to align with increased <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/u-s-plastic-recycling-dropped-under-six-percent-in-2021/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recycling</a> efforts. 



Observations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency support this finding. The agency reported substantial expansion in plastic recycling efforts from 1980 to 2010.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mystery-of-missing-plastic">The mystery of missing plastic </h2>



Raymond Najjar, professor of oceanography at Penn State, believes this study can clarify the "<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-interior-has-accumulated-missing-plastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">missing plastics</a>" paradox. This refers to the disparity between the estimated amounts of plastic waste entering the ocean annually and the visible amount that can be found floating on the ocean's surface.



Professor Najjar suggested that estuaries, particularly tidal marshes, could be trapping river-borne plastics preventing them from reaching the ocean. 



"This could explain why there is far less plastic floating around in the surface ocean compared to how much is expected to be there given the input to the ocean from rivers," said Professor Najjar.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-need-to-reduce-plastic-consumption">Need to reduce plastic consumption </h2>



The research team predicts continued growth of microplastic concentrations in both water and sediment.



"<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/contamination-crisis-microplastics-found-in-88-of-protein-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humans are ingesting plastic when they eat</a> and drink and inhaling it when they breathe, and the long-term impacts are just beginning to be studied," said Warner. 



"However, we need to figure out how to release less plastic into the environment and how to reduce consumption and exposure.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-study-implications-and-future-research-directions">Study implications and future research directions</h2>



Bringing together an interdisciplinary team from three campuses, five colleges, and five disciplines, Emili highlighted the significance of this collaboration. 



“We brought together complementary skillsets from our fields of chemistry, engineering, hydrology, oceanography and soil science."



Emili also mentioned that the research project was initially funded with an Institute of Energy and the Environment seed grant, which "served as an ‘incubator’ for a continuation and expansion of our work exploring the fate and transport of microplastics in freshwater environments, with a particular focus on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coastal-lagoons-have-high-loads-of-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal locations</a>.”



Going forward, Professor Warner hopes to investigate how the composition and types of microplastics have evolved over time. He also wants to assess how the associated health risks have unfolded.



The research was supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation, Penn State’s Commonwealth Campus Center Nodes (C3N) Program, and the Institute of Energy and the Environment.



Ultimately, the study aims to expand our understanding of the land-to-sea pathway of microplastics and inspire long-term solutions to reduce pollution and its associated health risks.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0048969724067755" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science of The Total Environment</a>.



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Microplastics are steadily increasing in freshwater environments

As plastic pollution reaches alarming levels in ecosystems worldwide, a...

Not long ago, the common belief was that only a subset of media consumers - often less educated and highly biased - would let their political allegiance override the truth. They would believe the news that favors their political inclinations, even if it wasn't authentic.



Then some intriguing studies emerged which indicated quite the opposite. The research suggested that media consumers across the spectrum value truth over partisanship.



The studies proclaimed that the authenticity of news was more influential than its alignment with a consumer's political views by more than four times.



However, as we stand on the brink of a national election fraught with misinformation, a fresh study shakes this understanding to its core.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-news-and-political-views">News and political views</h2>



The research, led by top psychology scholars at Stanford University, suggests that the masses tend to prioritize partisanship over truth when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/political-views-change-our-perception-of-the-past-and-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consuming news</a>.



Quite unexpectedly, this behavioral pattern spans across all political orientations, educational backgrounds, and reasoning capabilities.



Study lead author Michael Schwalbe is a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Psychology at the School of Humanities and Sciences at <a href="http://www.stanford.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanford University</a>.



"We saw an effect of people being more influenced by political alignment than truth," said Schwalbe. 



"We saw it on both political sides and even among people who scored well on a reasoning test. We were a bit surprised to see how widespread this tendency was. People were engaging in a lot of resistance to inconvenient truths."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pervasive-problem-across-political-parties">Pervasive problem across political parties</h2>



The researchers unearthed intriguing ways in which political views and partisanship can impact the analysis of news. 



In one measure of bias, people's beliefs about the impartiality of their political side compared to their rivals were assessed. Ironically, those who were most confident in their side's neutrality were the most biased.



Furthermore, partisanship seemed to have a more robust effect on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-opinions-swing-voting-and-elections-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">processing real news</a> than fake news. People demonstrated a higher propensity to reject true information that challenged their political views and accept false information that supported their ideological stances.



"Everyone thinks it's the other person who is the problem," said Geoffrey L. Cohen, the James G. March Professor of Organizational Studies in Education and Business, professor of psychology in H&amp;S, and senior author of the study. 



"People say, 'Not me!' But it turns out, like with a lot of social psychological research, it's actually a pretty pervasive problem across political parties and up and down the educational ladder. The problem isn't just misinformation but the filters of our own mind - perhaps more so."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-news-sources-and-political-beliefs">News sources and political beliefs</h2>



The study is based on research conducted on a sample of the voting-age U.S. population, matched to the demographics of the census. This group included supporters and opponents of former President Donald Trump.



A distinctive aspect of this research is its deviation in methodology from previous studies. According to Cohen, this could be why the findings contradict them. While the other studies used existing news headlines, this research involved fabricated ones.



Also, in prior investigations, subjects could see the news sources, which may have influenced their acceptance or rejection of the information, whereas this study focused on the headlines alone.



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



The research team conjured fake headlines like "Trump Beats Grandmaster Chess Champion" and "Trump Attended Private Halloween Gala with Sex Orgies Dressed as the Pope." 



Surprisingly, the experts discovered that Trump's supporters and opponents were more likely to believe headlines that aligned with their views than to accept <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/cities-are-largely-unprepared-for-the-effects-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">true headlines</a> that opposed their beliefs.



The researchers suggest that one contributing factor for this situation is the increased consumption of partisan media. 



"We found that the strongest predictors of bias include extreme views of Trump, a one-sided media diet, and belief in the objectivity and lack of bias of a person's own political side relative to the other side," Schwalbe said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-growing-concern-about-news-consumption">Growing concern about news consumption </h2>



The findings of this study underscore concerns about news consumption in the 21st century, especially with the advent of social media and the constant availability of political news. 



Gaining access to one-sided information has become easier, which can reinforce beliefs in personal objectivity and lead to deepened polarization over time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-possible-paths-to-improvement">Possible paths to improvement</h2>



Having identified the problem, the next logical step is to propose interventions. A measure suggested by Cohen, known as "pre-bunking," involves proactive fact-checking where media sources warn of potential misinformation, or people independently learn to recognize manipulation tactics.



However, Cohen and Schwalbe emphasized that the solution doesn't solely lie in policy changes focused on fake news; people are also biased in their disbelief of true news.



Accordingly, they highlight the significance of promoting intellectual humility, wherein media consumers acknowledge the fallibility of their minds and learn to question their perceptions.



"There's still much more to do to understand the problem," said Schwalbe. So, while this study forms a solid foundation for further exploration, there's no denying that we're only at the beginning of this investigative journey.



The study is published in the <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2025-33892-004.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Experimental Psychology: General</a>. 



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People trust news that matches their political views, even when it's fake

Not long ago, the common belief was that only a...

The cooperative behavior of bees, resembling a singular "superorganism," is something uniquely remarkable in the world of nature.



It is not uncommon for thousands of worker bees to function collectively to protect the colony, feed it, and look after the offspring. This intricate social conduct unifies their individual actions into a concerted effort.



But how is this complex behavior encoded and inherited among generations of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bees-spread-viruses-to-bumblebees-in-the-spring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">honey bees</a>? The answer lies in a special gene, as unveiled by a team of scientists.



The research was led by experts at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (<a href="https://www.hhu.de/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HHU</a>), along with colleagues from Frankfurt/Main, Oxford, and Würzburg. The study has uncovered the genetic underpinnings of honey bee cooperation.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genes-behind-cooperative-bee-behavior">Genes behind cooperative bee behavior</h2>



The principal investigator and the head of the Institute of Evolutionary Genetics at Heinrich-Heine University, Dr. Martin Beye, and his team have made this breakthrough discovery. The research was focused on a gene called "doublesex" or "dsx."



"The behavioral repertoire of the individual bees and their function in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/honey-bee-colonies-are-collapsing-as-climate-change-progresses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">colony</a> are not learned, but rather inherited. Until now, it was not known how such complex behaviors were genetically encoded," said Dr. Beye.



The key discovery is that the dsx gene influences worker bee-specific behavior, noted study first author Dr. Vivien Sommer.



"The gene programs whether a worker bee takes up a task in the colony and for how long. This includes collective tasks such as caring for the larvae or foraging for food and social exchanges on food sources, for example," said Dr. Sommer. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gene-editing-in-bees">Gene editing in bees</h2>



The team used the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technique to modify the dsx gene in select bees, attaching a QR code to the manipulated bees.



Cameras inside the hive monitored the bees' behavior, and with the assistance of artificial intelligence, video sequences were analyzed to determine individual behavioral patterns.



"Our central question was whether and how the inherited behavioral patterns changed as a result of the gene modification. Such changes must be reflected in the nervous system of the worker bees where the specific behaviour is controlled," said Dr. Sommer.



Adding a twist, the researchers introduced a green fluorescent protein (GFP) into the dsx sequence to visualize the neuronal circuits. 



They found that the dsx gene plays a crucial role in creating specific neural pathways in the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-explores-the-basis-of-social-behavior-in-the-insect-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bee’s brain</a>, according to doctoral researcher Jana Seiler, who is also a co-author of the study.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-chapter-in-bee-behavior">New chapter in bee behavior </h2>



"Our findings indicate a fundamental genetic program that determines the neuronal circuitry and behavior of worker bees," said Dr. Wolfgang Rössler, an expert in the Department of Behavioural Physiology and Sociobiology at the University of Würzburg.



The next challenge is to move from the individual honeybee to the whole bee colony and understand how the gene influences the “superorganism.” 



"We hope to find the link between individual programming and the coordinated behaviour of many individuals," said Alina Sturm, a doctoral researcher at HHU.



Revealing the genetic secret behind the collective behavior of honey bees is more than just a scientific breakthrough. It’s a tribute to the remarkable complexity of nature and its infinite capacity for surprise. 



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



The discovery of a gene that influences honey bee behavior has implications beyond the study of bees.



Understanding how a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/a-single-gene-allows-cape-honey-bees-to-reproduce-asexually/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">single gene</a> can shape complex social dynamics could inspire innovations in fields such as robotics and artificial intelligence.



For example, roboticists often look to nature for insights into building more efficient, cooperative systems. The hive’s "superorganism" structure could serve as a model for developing autonomous swarm robots designed to work together toward a shared goal.



Additionally, the study of bee cooperation offers valuable insights for ecology and conservation. 



Honey bees play a critical role in pollination. Identifying the genetic foundations of their social behavior could lead to better strategies for supporting bee populations amid environmental threats.



By shedding light on the inner workings of the hive, this research adds a new dimension to preserving biodiversity and maintaining the stability of ecosystems that rely heavily on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/world-honey-bee-day-protecting-our-vital-pollinators/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollinators</a>.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adp3953?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D91765132952246405812279585398434020131%7CMCORGID%3D242B6472541199F70A4C98A6%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1730680771" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Science Advances</a>.



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Bees do not learn to be cooperative - it is in their genes

The cooperative behavior of bees, resembling a singular "superorganism," is...

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

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

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



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



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



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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



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

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